Selections from the Writings of His Holiness 'Abdu'l-Bahá'

Abdu'l-Bahá

Khazeh Fananapazir, translator

2002

originally written or published as

Muntakhabát Makátib-i-Hadrat-i-‘Abdu'l-Bahá' al Mujallad ath-Thání volume 2

Chapter 2 On the Radiance of the Innermost Reality of Man
Núrániyyat-i-Haqíqat Insániyyah

O ye friends of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’!^[1]

Although some time is gone since, with pen and ink, I have corresponded with you, yet, in the world of spirit and the heart, at all times I am in communion with those friends of the Abhá Beauty. I have not forgotten them for a moment and I have not rested for the duration of a single breath. With the utmost supplication and imploring, I have prayed that those friends of the All Merciful God may be protected from the ailment of body and soul in all conditions and circumstances, and that they may be confirmed to demonstrate by their deeds and words that these wronged ones are enamoured of the Abhá Beauty and attracted to the fragrances of holiness wafting from the Concourse on High, proving thereby that their utterance, their expositions, their characteristics and conduct, their virtues and perfections are all emanations of the Light of Immortality and the effulgences of the Most Great Name. My point is that the inner reality of man must, like unto a mirror, radiate light shone upon it by the rays of the Sun of Truth. Otherwise, the human reality is as a black stone and is darkness upon darkness. Now the rays of the Sun of Truth are divine recognition, belief, certitude, assurance, attraction, attraction, enkindlement, and persistence in spreading the divine fragrances.

O ye servants of God! These days will fast elapse. Sovereigns and vassals both will be forgotten. There will be no trace, no sign, no leaf, and no result remaining of them. All will be the manifestations of the blessed verse, "Hath there not been over Man a long period of Time when he was nothing — (not even) mentioned?"^[2] except for those servants who were utterly wary of self and desire and became the dawning place of the lights of guidance, the focal point of the divine mysteries, and the leading lights of the righteous ones. These are resplendent like a brilliant star shining over the horizon of truth until eternity. Strive ye therefore that ye may drink of the wine of utmost constancy and with great strength may withstand the heedless ones and if all the peoples of the world should unite against you be not afraid or weak and rely on the hosts of the Kingdom of God. Do not seek the comfort of a few transient days; rather look at the end of all things. Consider in whose deeds and conduct resides praiseworthy consequences? This meditation will teach us lessons and lead us to the truth of the matter.

O my God! O my God! These souls are thy servants, humble before Thy gate, indigent in thy presence, feeble before Thy face; ordain for them all good and protect them from all harm. Enable them to become the protectors of thy impregnable stronghold and shepherds of thy flock in those regions and capable of hurling the darts of thy authority against the breakers of thy covenant with the power of thy sovereignty and clear proofs so that they may rise with the utmost strength to raise Thy word in that far distant country. O my Lord! These souls are like unto weak birds; make them to become eagles, soaring in the heights of Thy bounty, and falcons of grace and integrity and protect them from the oppressor. Thou art verily the Omnipotent, the Bounteous One. Verily, Thou art the Mighty, the Help in peril, the Exalted!

Notes:

The intended recipients of this Tablet by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’, and the approximate year, are, at present, unknown (MW’s note).
See Qur’án 76: 1 (KF’s note).