Lawh-i-maqsud (tablet Of Maqsud)

Sources: Tablets Of Baha'u'llah Revealed After The Kitab-i-aqdas

_Out of respect, the Baha'is, rather than addressing Baha'u'llah

directly, would write to His amanuensis, Mirza Aqa Jan, surnamed

'Servant of God' and 'Servant-in-Attendance'. The reply would be

in the form of a letter from Mirza Aqa Jan quoting words of

Baha'u'llah, but would, in fact, be dictated in its entirety by

Baha'u'llah. Thus all parts of the Tablet, even those which

ostensibly are the ords of Mirza Aqa Jan himself, are Sacred

Scripture revealed by Baha'u'llah. The Tablet of Maqsud is in this

form. It was addressed to Mirza Maqsud, one of the early believers

living at that time in Damascus and Jerusalem._





He is God, exalted is He, the Lord of Majesty and Power



A PRAISE which is exalted above every mention or description beseemeth the

Adored One, the Possessor of all things visible and invisible, Who hath

enabled the Primal Point to reveal countless Books and Epistles and Who,

through the potency of His sublime Word, hath called into being the entire

creation, whether of the former or more recent generations. Moreover He

hath in every age and cycle, in conformity with His transcendent wisdom,

sent forth a divine Messenger to revive the dispirited and despondent

souls with the living waters of His utterance, One Who is indeed the

Expounder, the true Interpreter, inasmuch as man is unable to comprehend

that which hath streamed forth from the Pen of Glory and is recorded in

His heavenly Books. Men at all times and under all conditions stand in

need of one to exhort them, guide them and to instruct and teach them.

Therefore He hath sent forth His Messengers, His Prophets and chosen ones

that they might acquaint the people with the divine purpose underlying the

revelation of Books and the raising up of Messengers, and that everyone

may become aware of the trust of God which is latent in the reality of

every soul.



Man is the supreme Talisman. Lack of a proper education hath, however,

deprived him of that which he doth inherently possess. Through a word

proceeding out of the mouth of God he was called into being; by one word

more he was guided to recognize the Source of his education; by yet

another word his station and destiny were safeguarded. The Great Being

saith: Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education

can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to

benefit therefrom. If any man were to meditate on that which the

Scriptures, sent down from the heaven of God's holy Will, have revealed,

he would readily recognize that their purpose is that all men shall be

regarded as one soul, so that the seal bearing the words 'The Kingdom

shall be God's' may be stamped on every heart, and the light of Divine

bounty, of grace, and mercy may envelop all mankind. The One true God,

exalted be His glory, hath wished nothing for Himself. The allegiance of

mankind profiteth Him not, neither doth its perversity harm Him. The Bird

of the Realm of Utterance voiceth continually this call: 'All things have

I willed for thee, and thee, too, for thine own sake.' If the learned and

worldly-wise men of this age were to allow mankind to inhale the fragrance

of fellowship and love, every understanding heart would apprehend the

meaning of true liberty, and discover the secret of undisturbed peace and

absolute composure. Were the earth to attain this station and be illumined

with its light it could then be truly said of it: 'Thou shall see in it no

hollows or rising hills.'(55)



Blessing and peace be upon Him(56) through Whose advent Batha(57) is

wreathed in smiles, and the sweet savours of Whose raiment have shed

fragrance upon all mankind--He Who came to protect men from that which

would harm them in the world below. Exalted, immensely exalted is His

station above the glorification of all beings and sanctified from the

praise of the entire creation. Through His advent the tabernacle of

stability and order was raised throughout the world and the ensign of

knowledge hoisted among the nations. May blessings rest also upon His

kindred and His companions through whom the standard of the unity of God

and of His singleness was uplifted and the banners of celestial triumph

were unfurled. Through them the religion of God was firmly established

among His creatures and His Name magnified amidst His servants. I entreat

Him--exalted is He--to shield His Faith from the mischief of His enemies who

tore away the veils, rent them asunder and finally caused the banner of

Islam to be reversed amongst all peoples.



Thy letter from which the fragrance of reunion was inhaled hath been

received. Praised be God that following the firm decree of separation, the

breeze of nearness and communion hath been stirred and the soil of the

heart is refreshed with the waters of joy and gladness. We offer

thanksgiving unto God in all circumstances and cherish the hope that

He--exalted be His glory--may through His gracious providence guide all who

dwell on earth towards that which is acceptable and pleasing unto Him.



Behold the disturbances which, for many a long year, have afflicted the

earth, and the perturbation that hath seized its peoples. It hath either

been ravaged by war, or tormented by sudden and unforeseen calamities.

Though the world is encompassed with misery and distress, yet no man hath

paused to reflect what the cause or source of that may be. Whenever the

True Counsellor uttered a word in admonishment, lo, they all denounced Him

as a mover of mischief and rejected His claim. How bewildering, how

confusing is such behaviour! No two men can be found who may be said to be

outwardly and inwardly united. The evidences of discord and malice are

apparent everywhere, though all were made for harmony and union. The Great

Being saith: O well-beloved ones! The tabernacle of unity hath been

raised; regard ye not one another as strangers. Ye are the fruits of one

tree, and the leaves of one branch. We cherish the hope that the light of

justice may shine upon the world and sanctify it from tyranny. If the

rulers and kings of the earth, the symbols of the power of God, exalted be

His glory, arise and resolve to dedicate themselves to whatever will

promote the highest interests of the whole of humanity, the reign of

justice will assuredly be established amongst the children of men, and the

effulgence of its light will envelop the whole earth. The Great Being

saith: The structure of world stability and order hath been reared upon,

and will continue to be sustained by, the twin pillars of reward and

punishment. And in another connection He hath uttered the following in the

eloquent tongue:(58) Justice hath a mighty force at its command. It is

none other than reward and punishment for the deeds of men. By the power

of this force the tabernacle of order is established throughout the world,

causing the wicked to restrain their natures for fear of punishment.



In another passage He hath written: Take heed, O concourse of the rulers

of the world! There is no force on earth that can equal in its conquering

power the force of justice and wisdom. I, verily, affirm that there is

not, and hath never been, a host more mighty than that of justice and

wisdom. Blessed is the king who marcheth with the ensign of wisdom

unfurled before him, and the battalions of justice massed in his rear. He

verily is the ornament that adorneth the brow of peace and the countenance

of security. There can be no doubt whatever that if the day-star of

justice, which the clouds of tyranny have obscured, were to shed its light

upon men, the face of the earth would be completely transformed.



The Great Being, wishing to reveal the prerequisites of the peace and

tranquillity of the world and the advancement of its peoples, hath

written: The time must come when the imperative necessity for the holding

of a vast, an all-embracing assemblage of men will be universally

realized. The rulers and kings of the earth must needs attend it, and,

participating in its deliberations, must consider such ways and means as

will lay the foundations of the world's Great Peace amongst men. Such a

peace demandeth that the Great Powers should resolve, for the sake of the

tranquillity of the peoples of the earth, to be fully reconciled among

themselves. Should any king take up arms against another, all should

unitedly arise and prevent him. If this be done, the nations of the world

will no longer require any armaments, except for the purpose of preserving

the security of their realms and of maintaining internal order within

their territories. This will ensure the peace and composure of every

people, government and nation. We fain would hope that the kings and

rulers of the earth, the mirrors of the gracious and almighty name of God,

may attain unto this station, and shield mankind from the onslaught of

tyranny.



Likewise He saith: Among the things which are conducive to unity and

concord and will cause the whole earth to be regarded as one country is

that the divers languages be reduced to one language and in like manner

the scripts used in the world be confined to a single script. It is

incumbent upon all nations to appoint some men of understanding and

erudition to convene a gathering and through joint consultation choose one

language from among the varied existing languages, or create a new one, to

be taught to the children in all the schools of the world.



The day is approaching when all the peoples of the world will have adopted

one universal language and one common script. When this is achieved, to

whatsoever city a man may journey, it shall be as if he were entering his

own home. These things are obligatory and absolutely essential. It is

incumbent upon every man of insight and understanding to strive to

translate that which hath been written into reality and action.



In these days the tabernacle of justice hath fallen into the clutches of

tyranny and oppression. Beseech ye the One true God--exalted be His

glory--not to deprive mankind of the ocean of true understanding, for were

men but to take heed they would readily appreciate that whatever hath

streamed from and is set down by the Pen of Glory is even as the sun for

the whole world and that therein lie the welfare, security and true

interests of all men; otherwise the earth will be tormented by a fresh

calamity every day and unprecedented commotions will break out. God grant

that the people of the world may be graciously aided to preserve the light

of His loving counsels within the globe of wisdom. We cherish the hope

that everyone may be adorned with the vesture of true wisdom, the basis of

the government of the world.



The Great Being saith: The heaven of statesmanship is made luminous and

resplendent by the brightness of the light of these blessed words which

hath dawned from the dayspring of the Will of God: It behoveth every ruler

to weigh his own being every day in the balance of equity and justice and

then to judge between men and counsel them to do that which would direct

their steps unto the path of wisdom and understanding. This is the

cornerstone of statesmanship and the essence thereof. From these words

every enlightened man of wisdom will readily perceive that which will

foster such aims as the welfare, security and protection of mankind and

the safety of human lives. Were men of insight to quaff their fill from

the ocean of inner meanings which lie enshrined in these words and become

acquainted therewith, they would bear witness to the sublimity and the

excellence of this utterance. If this lowly one were to set forth that

which he perceiveth, all would testify unto God's consummate wisdom. The

secrets of statesmanship and that of which the people are in need lie

enfolded within these words. This lowly servant earnestly entreateth the

One true God--exalted be His glory--to illumine the eyes of the people of

the world with the splendour of the light of wisdom that they, one and

all, may recognize that which is indispensable in this day.



That one indeed is a man who, today, dedicateth himself to the service of

the entire human race. The Great Being saith: Blessed and happy is he that

ariseth to promote the best interests of the peoples and kindreds of the

earth. In another passage He hath proclaimed: It is not for him to pride

himself who loveth his own country, but rather for him who loveth the

whole world. The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.



Such exhortations to union and concord as are inscribed in the Books of

the Prophets by the Pen of the Most High bear reference unto specific

matters; not a union that would lead to disunity or a concord which would

create discord. This is the station where measures are set unto

everything, a station where every deserving soul shall be given his due.

Well is it with them that appreciate the meaning and grasp the intent of

these words, and woe betide the heedless. Unto this all the evidences of

nature, in their very essences, bear ample testimony. Every discerning man

of wisdom is well acquainted with that which We have mentioned, but not

those who have strayed far from the living fountain of fairmindedness and

are roving distraught in the wilderness of ignorance and blind fanaticism.



The Great Being saith: O ye children of men! The fundamental purpose

animating the Faith of God and His Religion is to safeguard the interests

and promote the unity of the human race, and to foster the spirit of love

and fellowship amongst men. Suffer it not to become a source of dissension

and discord, of hate and enmity. This is the straight Path, the fixed and

immovable foundation. Whatsoever is raised on this foundation, the changes

and chances of the world can never impair its strength, nor will the

revolution of countless centuries undermine its structure. Our hope is

that the world's religious leaders and the rulers thereof will unitedly

arise for the reformation of this age and the rehabilitation of its

fortunes. Let them, after meditating on its needs, take counsel together

and, through anxious and full deliberation, administer to a diseased and

sorely-afflicted world the remedy it requireth.



The Great Being saith: The heaven of divine wisdom is illumined with the

two luminaries of consultation and compassion. Take ye counsel together in

all matters, inasmuch as consultation is the lamp of guidance which

leadeth the way, and is the bestower of understanding.



At the outset of every endeavour, it is incumbent to look to the end of

it. Of all the arts and sciences, set the children to studying those which

will result in advantage to man, will ensure his progress and elevate his

rank. Thus the noisome odours of lawlessness will be dispelled, and thus

through the high endeavours of the nation's leaders, all will live

cradled, secure and in peace.



The Great Being saith: The learned of the day must direct the people to

acquire those branches of knowledge which are of use, that both the

learned themselves and the generality of mankind may derive benefits

therefrom. Such academic pursuits as begin and end in words alone have

never been and will never be of any worth. The majority of Persia's

learned doctors devote all their lives to the study of a philosophy the

ultimate yield of which is nothing but words.



It is incumbent upon them who are in authority to exercise moderation in

all things. Whatsoever passeth beyond the limits of moderation will cease

to exert a beneficial influence. Consider for instance such things as

liberty, civilization and the like. However much men of understanding may

favourably regard them, they will, if carried to excess, exercise a

pernicious influence upon men.



If this point were to be expounded an elaborate explanation would be

required which, it is feared, might become tedious. It is the ardent hope

of this lowly one that God--exalted be His glory--may grant all men that

which is good. For he who is endowed therewith is the possessor of all

things. The Great Being saith: The Tongue of Wisdom proclaimeth: He that

hath Me not is bereft of all things. Turn ye away from all that is on

earth and seek none else but Me. I am the Sun of Wisdom and the Ocean of

Knowledge. I cheer the faint and revive the dead. I am the guiding Light

that illumineth the way. I am the royal Falcon on the arm of the Almighty.

I unfold the drooping wings of every broken bird and start it on its

flight.



And likewise He saith: The heaven of true understanding shineth

resplendent with the light of two luminaries: tolerance and righteousness.



O my friend! Vast oceans lie enshrined within this brief saying. Blessed

are they who appreciate its value, drink deep therefrom and grasp its

meaning, and woe betide the heedless. This lowly one entreateth the people

of the world to observe fairness, that their tender, their delicate and

precious hearing which hath been created to hearken unto the words of

wisdom may be freed from impediments and from such allusions, idle fancies

or vain imaginings as 'cannot fatten nor appease the hunger', so that the

true Counsellor may be graciously inclined to set forth that which is the

source of blessing for mankind and of the highest good for all nations.



At present the light of reconciliation is dimmed in most countries and its

radiance extinguished while the fire of strife and disorder hath been

kindled and is blazing fiercely. Two great powers who regard themselves as

the founders and leaders of civilization and the framers of constitutions

have risen up against the followers of the Faith associated with Him Who

conversed with God.(59) Be ye warned, O men of understanding. It ill

beseemeth the station of man to commit tyranny; rather it behoveth him to

observe equity and be attired with the raiment of justice under all

conditions. Beseech ye the One true God that He may, through the power of

the hand of loving-kindness and spiritual education, purge and purify

certain souls from the defilement of evil passions and corrupt desires,

that they may arise and unloose their tongues for the sake of God, that

perchance the evidences of injustice may be blotted out and the splendour

of the light of justice may shed its radiance upon the whole world. The

people are ignorant, and they stand in need of those who will expound the

truth.



The Great Being saith: The man of consummate learning and the sage endowed

with penetrating wisdom are the two eyes to the body of mankind. God

willing, the earth shall never be deprived of these two greatest gifts.

That which hath been set forth and will be revealed in the future is but a

token of this Servant's ardent desire to dedicate Himself to the service

of all the kindreds of the earth.



O my friend! In all circumstances one should seize upon every means which

will promote security and tranquillity among the peoples of the world. The

Great Being saith: In this glorious Day whatever will purge you from

corruption and will lead you towards peace and composure, is indeed the

Straight Path.



Please God, the peoples of the world may be led, as the result of the high

endeavours exerted by their rulers and the wise and learned amongst men,

to recognize their best interests. How long will humanity persist in its

waywardness? How long will injustice continue? How long is chaos and

confusion to reign amongst men? How long will discord agitate the face of

society?



This humble servant is filled with wonder, inasmuch as all men are endowed

with the capacity to see and hear, yet we find them deprived of the

privilege of using these faculties. This servant hath been prompted to pen

these lines by virtue of the tender love he cherisheth for thee. The winds

of despair are, alas, blowing from every direction, and the strife that

divideth and afflicteth the human race is daily increasing. The signs of

impending convulsions and chaos can now be discerned, inasmuch as the

prevailing order appeareth to be lamentably defective. I beseech God,

exalted be His glory, that He may graciously awaken the peoples of the

earth, may grant that the end of their conduct may be profitable unto

them, and aid them to accomplish that which beseemeth their station.





Were man to appreciate the greatness of his station and the loftiness of

his destiny he would manifest naught save goodly character, pure deeds,

and a seemly and praiseworthy conduct. If the learned and wise men of

goodwill were to impart guidance unto the people, the whole earth would be

regarded as one country. Verily this is the undoubted truth. This servant

appealeth to every diligent and enterprising soul to exert his utmost

endeavour and arise to rehabilitate the conditions in all regions and to

quicken the dead with the living waters of wisdom and utterance, by virtue

of the love he cherisheth for God, the One, the Peerless, the Almighty,

the Beneficent.



No man of wisdom can demonstrate his knowledge save by means of words.

This showeth the significance of the Word as is affirmed in all the

Scriptures, whether of former times or more recently. For it is through

its potency and animating spirit that the people of the world have

attained so eminent a position. Moreover words and utterances should be

both impressive and penetrating. However, no word will be infused with

these two qualities unless it be uttered wholly for the sake of God and

with due regard unto the exigencies of the occasion and the people.



The Great Being saith: Human utterance is an essence which aspireth to

exert its influence and needeth moderation. As to its influence, this is

conditional upon refinement which in turn is dependent upon hearts which

are detached and pure. As to its moderation, this hath to be combined with

tact and wisdom as prescribed in the Holy Scriptures and Tablets.



Every word is endowed with a spirit, therefore the speaker or expounder

should carefully deliver his words at the appropriate time and place, for

the impression which each word maketh is clearly evident and perceptible.

The Great Being saith: One word may be likened unto fire, another unto

light, and the influence which both exert is manifest in the world.

Therefore an enlightened man of wisdom should primarily speak with words

as mild as milk, that the children of men may be nurtured and edified

thereby and may attain the ultimate goal of human existence which is the

station of true understanding and nobility. And likewise He saith: One

word is like unto springtime causing the tender saplings of the

rose-garden of knowledge to become verdant and flourishing, while another

word is even as a deadly poison. It behoveth a prudent man of wisdom to

speak with utmost leniency and forbearance so that the sweetness of his

words may induce everyone to attain that which befitteth man's station.



O friend of mine! The Word of God is the king of words and its pervasive

influence is incalculable. It hath ever dominated and will continue to

dominate the realm of being. The Great Being saith: The Word is the master

key for the whole world, inasmuch as through its potency the doors of the

hearts of men, which in reality are the doors of heaven, are unlocked. No

sooner had but a glimmer of its effulgent splendour shone forth upon the

mirror of love than the blessed word 'I am the Best-Beloved' was reflected

therein. It is an ocean inexhaustible in riches, comprehending all things.

Every thing which can be perceived is but an emanation therefrom. High,

immeasurably high is this sublime station, in whose shadow moveth the

essence of loftiness and splendour, wrapt in praise and adoration.



Methinks people's sense of taste hath, alas, been sorely affected by the

fever of negligence and folly, for they are found to be wholly unconscious

and deprived of the sweetness of His utterance. How regrettable indeed

that man should debar himself from the fruits of the tree of wisdom while

his days and hours pass swiftly away. Please God, the hand of divine power

may safeguard all mankind and direct their steps towards the horizon of

true understanding.



Verily our Lord of Mercy is the Helper, the Knowing, the Wise.



I would like to add that thy second letter which had been sent from

Jerusalem hath been received and that which thou hadst written and set

forth therein was perused and read in His presence. He bade me write as

follows:



O Maqsud! We have heard thy voice and perceived the sighing and

lamentation thou didst raise in thy longing and eagerness. Praised be God!

The sweet savours of love could be inhaled from every word thereof. Please

God, this bounty may last for ever. The Servant-in-Attendance recited the

verses thou hast composed. Thy name is often mentioned in the presence of

this Wronged One and the glances of Our loving-kindness and compassion are

directed towards thee.



Great is the station of man. Great must also be his endeavours for the

rehabilitation of the world and the well-being of nations. I beseech the

One true God to graciously confirm thee in that which beseemeth man's

station.



Be thou guided by wisdom under all conditions, inasmuch as persons who

harbour evil motives have been and are still diligently engaged in

intriguing. Gracious God! Unto that immeasurably exalted Being Who seeketh

naught but to foster the spirit of love and fellowship amongst men, and to

revive the world and ennoble its life, they have imputed such charges as

the tongue and the pen are ashamed to recount.



We have remembered thee and make mention of thee now. We entreat

Him--exalted is His glory--to protect thee with the hands of might and power

and enable thee to recognize that which will serve thy best interests both

in this world and in the next. He is the Lord of Mankind, the Possessor of

the Throne on High and of the world below. No God is there besides Him,

the Omnipotent, the Powerful. God grant that this Wronged One may observe

fidelity. He hath not forgotten nor will He ever forget thee.



Thou hast mentioned thine intention to stay in Damascus until spring, then

to proceed to Mosul, should the means be forthcoming. This lowly servant

entreateth God--exalted is His glory--to provide such means as is deemed

expedient, and to aid thee. He is Potent and Powerful.



Although all the inhabitants of this region have been treated with the

utmost kindness, yet no evidence of fellowship can be discerned from them.

Thou shouldst observe much tact and wisdom, for they seek at all times to

cavil at and deny the Cause. May the One true God grant them equity.



Concerning thine own affairs, if thou wouldst content thyself with

whatever might come to pass it would be praiseworthy. To engage in some

profession is highly commendable, for when occupied with work one is less

likely to dwell on the unpleasant aspects of life. God willing thou mayest

experience joy and radiance, gladness and exultation in any city or land

where thou mayest happen to sojourn. This lowly servant will never forget

that distinguished and kind friend. He hath remembered and will continue

to remember thee. The decree lieth with God, the Lord of all worlds. I

fain would hope He may vouchsafe divine assistance and grant confirmation

in that which is pleasing and acceptable unto Him.



Every word of thy poetry is indeed like unto a mirror in which the

evidences of the devotion and love thou cherishest for God and His chosen

ones are reflected. Well is it with thee who hast quaffed the choice wine

of utterance and partaken of the soft flowing stream of true knowledge.

Happy is he who hath drunk his fill and attained unto Him and woe betide

the heedless. Its perusal hath truly proved highly impressive, for it was

indicative of both the light of reunion and the fire of separation.



Far be it from us to despair at any time of the incalculable favours of

God, for if it were His wish He could cause a mere atom to be transformed

into a sun and a single drop into an ocean. He unlocketh thousands of

doors, while man is incapable of conceiving even a single one.



So heedless is this servant that with words such as these he seeketh to

vindicate the supreme power of God--exalted be His glory. I implore pardon

of God, the Most Great, for these assertions and affirm that this servant

at all times recognizeth his grievous trespasses and misdeeds. He

entreateth remission of his sins from the ocean of the forgiveness of his

Lord, the Most Exalted, and beggeth for that which will make him wholly

devoted to God and enable him to utter His praise, turn himself toward Him

and to put his whole trust in Him. Verily He is the Potent, the Forgiving,

the Merciful. Praised be God, the Almighty, the All-Knowing.



This lowly one hath read the descriptions of the dialogue with the

traveller which thou hast recounted in thy letter to my Lord, may my life

be offered up for His sake. The explanations which were set forth awaken

the people from the slumber of heedlessness. Indeed the actions of man

himself breed a profusion of satanic power. For were men to abide by and

observe the divine teachings, every trace of evil would be banished from

the face of the earth. However, the widespread differences that exist

among mankind and the prevalence of sedition, contention, conflict and the

like are the primary factors which provoke the appearance of the satanic

spirit. Yet the Holy Spirit hath ever shunned such matters. A world in

which naught can be perceived save strife, quarrels and corruption is

bound to become the seat of the throne, the very metropolis, of Satan.



How vast the number of the loved and chosen ones of God who have lamented

and moaned by day and by night that haply a sweet and fragrant breeze

might blow from the court of His good-pleasure and dispel altogether the

loathsome and foul-smelling odours from the world. However, this ultimate

goal could not be attained, and men were deprived thereof by virtue of

their evil deeds, which brought upon them the retribution of God, in

accordance with the basic principles of His divine rule. Ours is the duty

to remain patient in these circumstances until relief be forthcoming from

God, the Forgiving, the Bountiful.



Magnified be Thy Name, O Lord of all beings and Desire of all created

things! I beseech Thee, by the Word which hath caused the Burning Bush to

lift up its Voice and the Rock to cry out, whereby the well-favoured have

hastened to attain the court of Thy presence and the pure in heart the

dayspring of the light of Thy countenance, and by the sighing of Thy true

lovers in their separation from Thy chosen ones and by the lamentation of

them that long to behold Thy face before the dawning splendour of the

light of Thy Revelation, to graciously enable Thy servants to recognize

what Thou hast ordained for them by Thy bounty and Thy grace. Prescribe

for them then through Thy Pen of Glory that which will direct their steps

to the ocean of Thy generosity and will lead them unto the living waters

of Thy heavenly reunion.



O Lord! Look not at the things they have wrought, rather look unto the

loftiness of Thy celestial bounty which hath preceded all created things,

visible and invisible. O Lord! Illumine their hearts with the effulgent

light of Thy knowledge and brighten their eyes with the shining splendour

of the day-star of Thy favours.



I entreat Thee, O Lord of Names and Creator of the heavens, by the blood

spilt in Thy Path, and by the heads carried aloft on spears for the sake

of Thy love, and by the souls that have melted in their separation from

Thy loved ones, and by the hearts broken for the exaltation of Thy Word,

to grant that the dwellers of Thy realm may unite together in their

allegiance to Thine incomparable Word so that they may all acknowledge Thy

unity and Thy oneness. There is no God but Thee, the Omnipotent, the Most

Exalted, the Knowing, the Wise.



I fain would hope that He Who is the All-Sufficing, the Inaccessible, may

heed the solicitation of this lowly servant, may attire the people of the

world with the raiment of goodly deeds and purge them from evil

inclinations. He is the Mighty, the Powerful, the All-Wise, the

All-Perceiving. He heareth and seeth; He is the All-Hearing, the

All-Seeing.