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Tag: "Kalimat-i-Maknunih (Hidden Words)"

tag name Kalimat-i-Maknunih (Hidden Words) type: Writings, Bahá'u'lláh
web link bahai-library.com/tags/Kalimat-i-Maknunih_(Hidden_Words)
inventory # BH00386; BH00113
abbreviation HWA and HWP (see key to abbreviations)
related tags - Authoritative English translations on bahai.org, Bahá'u'lláh; - Best known Writings of Bahá'u'lláh (Bahá'í World list); – Bahá'u'lláh, Poetry of; – Bahá'u'lláh, Writings of (2. Baghdad); – Bahá'u'lláh, Writings of (before Declaration); – Metaphors and allegories; Aphorisms; Memorization; Shoghi Effendi, Translations by
referring tags Find Me standing within thee (phrase); Heart; Hidden Words, First (Arabic); Hidden Words, First (Persian); Man versus human
notes

Collection of aphorisms (71 in Arabic and 82 in Persian) by Bahá'u'lláh on spiritual and moral themes, dating from 1857-1858 (1274 A.H).

Official version is online at bahai.org/library.
Ebook (ePub format available at bahaiebooks.org.
Version on oceanlibrary.com (includes audio)
Bahá'í Library Online version is here.

See also:

– Bahá'u'lláh, Bahá'í Sacred Writings, Chapter 6 (Developing Spiritual Qualities), section "Excerpts from the Hidden Words"

– Hidden Words: References of 'Abdu'l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi

– Covenant Library Unified Index

selected quotations
(authoritative sources)

These quotations reflect common presentations of Bahá’í views; the materials below may show a wider range of interpretations and contexts:

"... that marvelous collection of gem-like utterances, the “Hidden Words” with which Bahá’u’lláh was inspired, as He paced, wrapped in His meditations, the banks of the Tigris. Revealed in the year 1274 A.H., partly in Persian, partly in Arabic, it was originally designated the “Hidden Book of Fáṭimih,” and was identified by its Author with the Book of that same name, believed by Shí‘ah Islám to be in the possession of the promised Qá’im, and to consist of words of consolation addressed by the angel Gabriel, at God’s command, to Fáṭimih, and dictated to the Imám ‘Alí, for the sole purpose of comforting her in her hour of bitter anguish after the death of her illustrious Father. The significance of this dynamic spiritual leaven cast into the life of the world for the reorientation of the minds of men, the edification of their souls and the rectification of their conduct can best be judged by the description of its character given in the opening passage by its Author: “This is that which hath descended from the Realm of Glory, uttered by the tongue of power and might, and revealed unto the Prophets of old. We have taken the inner essence thereof and clothed it in the garment of brevity, as a token of grace unto the righteous, that they may stand faithful unto the Covenant of God, may fulfill in their lives His trust, and in the realm of spirit obtain the gem of Divine virtue.”"

– from Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By, p. 140

“Live thou in accord with the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. Do not only read them. There is a vast difference between the soul who merely reads the words of Bahá’u’lláh and the one who tries to live them. Read thou the “Hidden Words”. Ponder over their meanings and embody the behests into thy life.”

– ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, in Importance of Deepening Our Knowledge and Understanding of the Faith, no. 65

With regard to your question concerning the meaning of the name "Hidden Words": It is, indeed, one of the most suggestive titles of the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. These words are called "hidden" due to the fact that men have had neither the knowledge nor a true sense of appreciation of them before they were revealed by Bahá’u’lláh. It is through Him, Who is the sole Mouthpiece of God in this age, that spiritual realities and truths have been once more reinterpreted and revealed afresh to mankind. Bahá’u’lláh's message is thus the only key to a true understanding of the mysteries that envelop man's spiritual life."

– From a letter dated 1 September 1935 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, in Lights of Guidance

"...concerning those passages in "The Hidden Words" in which Bahá’u’lláh refers to man as "Son of Spirit", "Son of existence", "Son of humanity", etc., the word "son" used in this connection is a kind of collective noun meaning mankind and has, therefore, no connotation of any sex differentiation between man and woman whatever."

- From a letter dated 19 January 1935 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, in Lights of Guidance

"In many languages the use of the masculine gender, unless intended specifically to denote masculinity, is generic. For instance, in English we speak of the race of man, or mankind, in both instances meaning every member of the human race—men, women and children. There would be no reason to interpret “O Son of Being”, or “O Son of Man” as addressed only to males. It is the same with pronouns."

– From a letter dated 5 April 1981, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer, The Use of the Masculine Gender in the Bahá'í Writings, no. 1

references en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hidden_Words; bahaipedia.org/The_Hidden_Words; bahai9.com/wiki/Hidden_Words; bahaiquotes.com/subject/hidden-words; bahaiprayers.net/HiddenWordsMatrix; www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/hidden-words

"Kalimat-i-Maknunih (Hidden Words)" has been tagged in:

78 results from the Main Catalog

7 results from the Chronology

from the main catalog (78 results; expand)

sorted by  
  1. n.d.. Letter from Mr. Faizi to Lineberger Family: The Hidden Words. Abu'l-Qásim Faizí. — Summary of the author's summer school lessons: short study guide on The Hidden Words and its five ma... Letters.
  2. n.d.. Palabras Ocultas, Las. Bahá'u'lláh. — Spanish translation of Hidden Words. Translator and date not known. Writings.
  3. n.d.. Die Verborgenen Worte. Bahá'u'lláh. — German translation of The Hidden Words. Writings.
  4. n.d.. 隐言经 (Hidden Words of Bahá'u'lláh). Bahá'u'lláh. — Chinese translation of the Hidden Words of Baha'u'llah. Writings.
  5. 2025-08. Hidden Words (Arabic Part), The: A Personal Summary. Filip Boicu. — A subjective and personal summary, the aim of which was to traverse the entire Arabic section in bro... Study.
  6. 2025-08. Hidden Words (Persian Part), The: A Personal Summary. Filip Boicu. — A subjective and personal summary, the aim of which was to traverse the entire Persian section in br... Study.
  7. 2025-07. Bahá'í Sacred Writings. Bahá'u'lláh, Abdu'l-Bahá, Bahá'í World Centre, comp. . — A comprehensive collection of selections from the Writings of Baha’u’llah and the Writings and u... Writings.
  8. 2025. Bahá'í Literature in Urdu. — Compilation of links to Baha'i sacred writings, introductory books, and PDFs in Urdu. Writings.
  9. 2021/2022. Enregistrements audio en français. Dominique Marchal, reader. — Enregistrements audio en français des écrits sacrés baha'is, par Dominique Marchal. Audio.
  10. 2021-11-30. Being Human: Bahá'í Perspectives on Islam, Modernity, and Peace, by Todd Lawson: Review. Christopher Buck. Reviews.
  11. 2020-04-10. Writings of the Báb, The: Notes from Talks given by Dr. Nader Saiedi. Nader Saiedi, Anonymous, comp. . — Structured summarized notes from Dr. Saiedi’s 2019 talks on the Bab’s Writings, delivered at the... Talks.
  12. 2020. Paroles Cachées: Essai de correction de traductions françaises antérieures. Bahá'u'lláh, Pierre Daoust, trans. . — Nouvelle traduction française du rendu anglais de Shoghi Effendi de Hidden Words. Translations.
  13. 2020. Maid of Heaven, The: A Personal Compilation. The Báb, Bahá'u'lláh, Shoghi Effendi, Universal House of Justice, Anonymous, comp. . — Compilation of texts related to the Maid of Heaven, a personification of the “Most Great Spirit." Compilations-personal.
  14. 2019. Introduction to the Baha'i Faith. Peter Smith. — A look at the central features of the Baha’i Faith, including its history, and the key beliefs, or... Articles.
  15. 2019. Bahá'u'lláh's Symbolic Use of the Veiled Ḥúríyyih. John S. Hatcher, Amrollah Hemmat, Ehsanollah Hemmat. — Analyzing some of the meanings behind the appearance of the Veiled Maiden, as alluded to by Baha'u'l... Articles.
  16. 2019. Hidden Words and Sounds: Tracing Iranian Legacies and Traumas in the Music of the Bahá'ís of North America. Daniel Akira Stadnicki. — On the legacy of Persian culture, aesthetics, and history of religious persecution as reflected in B... Theses.
  17. 2018/2025. Additional Tablets, Extracts and Talks. Abdu'l-Bahá, Bahá'í World Centre, trans. . — 216 selections, last updated 2025. Writings.
  18. 2018. Bahá'u'lláh and Peace: A Series of Four Talks. Nader Saiedi. — Talks at the Santa Monica Baha’i Center in California on four areas within the context of Baha'u'l... Audio.
  19. 2017. Explanations Concerning Passage No. 1 of the Persian Hidden Words. Dariush Maani. — Chapter #4 from the book, provided as a sample by the publisher. Articles.
  20. 2015. Insistent Self, The: How to Nurture Our Spirit. Lesley Shams. — The nature of our ego and the effort needed to prevent this lower nature taking over and hindering o... Books.
  21. 2014. Silences of God, The: A Meditation. Bahíyyih Nakhjavání. — While the Word of God dominated the history of religion, contemporaries question the orthodoxy of la... Articles.
  22. 2014. Text and Context in the Bahá'í Heroic Age. Nader Saiedi. — A series of 12 talks by Nader Saiedi exploring Baha'i history, key writings, and the need for schola... Audio.
  23. 2011-04. Forces of Our Time: Lecture Series. Hooper Dunbar. — Six lectures series at Bosch Baha'i School, April 15-17 2011. Audio.
  24. 2011. Hidden Words (Kalemát-i-Maknuna). Moojan Momen. — Brief excerpt, with link to article offsite. Encyclopedia.
  25. 2010-08-22. Hidden Word #63; quote from Promulgation of Universal Peace. Universal House of Justice. — Two minor questions regarding matters of translation: a passage from Hidden Words Persian #63, and a... UHJ-letters.
  26. 2009-2025. Translation List: Provisional Translations of Baháʼí Texts. Adib Masumian, trans. — Index to talks, letters, and other items translated from Persian and Arabic to English by Adib Masum... Bibliographies.
  27. 2009-2019. Lists of Articles. Brent Poirier. — Lists of 126 articles at the author's six blog websites. Essays.
  28. 2009-2011. Provisional Translations of Selected Writings of the Báb, Baháʼuʼlláh, and ʻAbdu'l-Bahá. Peyman Sazedj. — Twenty-four translations from 2009, 2010, and 2011 copied from the defunct website peyman.sazedj.org... Translations.
  29. 2009-02-09. Islam, the Baha'i Faith and the Eternal Covenant of Alast. Susan Maneck. Essays.
  30. 2008-03. With Abdu'l-Bahá: The Diary of Mirza 'Isa Khan Isfahani. Mirza `Isa Khan Isfahani, Ahang Rabbani, ed. and trans. . — Account of a visit to Haifa, December 1919 - January 1920, by a little-known author Mirza 'Isa Khan ... Pilgrims.
  31. 2007. Hidden Words of Bahá'u'lláh, The. Amin Banani. — The Persian verses of The Hidden Words contain, in compressed form, the seeds of Baha'u'llah's princ... Articles.
  32. 2005-11. Collected Essays. John Wiegley. — Dozens of essays on numerous topics of Baha'i thought and practice. Books.
  33. 2005. Globalization and the Hidden Words. Todd Lawson. — A philological analysis of Baha’u’llah’s Hidden Words, elucidating the development of the glob... Articles.
  34. 2005. Tablet (Lawh) in Bahá'í Usage. Todd Lawson. — Meanings of the common Baha'i terms lawh (tablet), ketab (book), sahifa (treatise), resala (epistle)... Articles-unpublished.
  35. 2003. Tablet of Maqsúd (Lawh-i-Maqsúd): Guidance on Human Nature and Leadership. Ramin Neshati. — Reference to human aptitude and potential being contingent upon education; the need for a global con... Articles.
  36. 2002. Use of the Masculine Gender in the Bahá'í Writings, The: Extracts from Letters Written By and on Behalf of the Universal House of Justice. Universal House of Justice, Research Department, comp. — Extracts from letters from the House of Justice from 1981-1999 on general principles in relation to ... Compilations.
  37. 2001-09-10. Definition of the Word "Ungodly". Universal House of Justice. — Answer to a question inspired by the Hidden Word "Walk not with the ungodly and seek not fellowship ... UHJ-letters.
  38. 2000-11-21. Сокровенные Слова (Hidden Words). Bahá'u'lláh. — Одна из первых книг Бахауллы. В ней подводятся итоги пр... Writings.
  39. 2000. Fact and Fiction: Interrelationships between History and Imagination. Bahíyyih Nakhjavání. — On the tension between "fact" and "fiction," between objective history and our relative and subjecti... Articles.
  40. 1999-01. How to get out of it: Faná' and baqá' in the Early Writings of Baha'u'llah. Alison Marshall. — Annihilation and the self in the Hidden Words and the Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys. Articles-unpublished.
  41. 1999. References of 'Abdu'l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi to the Hidden Words: Introduction. Dominic Parviz Brookshaw. — Essay written as introduction to the Compilation on the Hidden Words, both published in BSR 9. Essays.
  42. 1999. Hidden Words, also known as Book of Fatimih (Kalimát-i-Maknúnih): Wilmette Institute faculty notes. E. G. Browne, Jack McLean, Julio Savi, Jonah Winters. Study.
  43. 1999. Hidden Words, also known as Book of Fatimih (Kalimát-i-Maknúnih): Tablet study outline. Jonah Winters. Study.
  44. 1999. Unveiling the Hidden Words, by Diana Malouf: Review. Ann Boyles. Reviews.
  45. 1999. Hidden Words: Allusion to Progressive Revelation in Persian HW #77. Daryl Lowery. — Student paper, exploring one of the longest and more mystical Hidden Words. Study.
  46. 1999. Introduction to the Study of the Hidden Words Revealed by Bahá'u'lláh. Iscander Micael Tinto, comp. — Short compilation of passages about the Islamic Book of Fatima and the Baha'i Hidden Words, a list o... Study.
  47. 1999. Unveiling the Hidden Words, by Diana Malouf: Commentary on "Translating the Hidden Words,' review by Franklin Lewis. Dominic Parviz Brookshaw. Reviews.
  48. 1999. Concealment and Revelation in Bahá'u'lláh's Book of the River. Nader Saiedi. — Analysis and provisional translation of Sahifiy-i-Shattiyyih (Book of the River); on Baha'u'llah's e... Articles.
  49. 1998. Hidden Words: References of 'Abdu'l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi. Abdu'l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, Universal House of Justice, Research Department, comp. . Compilations.
  50. 1998. Unveiling the Hidden Words, by Diana Malouf: An Extended Review. Frank Lewis. — Book review, and a commentary on the need for Baha'i academia aimed at a secular audience, and the p... Articles.
  51. 1998. Hidden Words: Training Course on. Dianne Bradford. — Syllabus, materials, and quotes, covering themes of the Hidden Words. Personal.
  52. 1998. Hidden Words: Bibliography. Sen McGlinn. Study.
  53. 1998. Hidden Words, also known as Book of Fatimih (Kalimát-i-Maknúnih): Concordance. Joyce McCleary, comp. Study.
  54. 1998. Epistle to the Son of the Wolf (Lawh-i-Ibn-i-Dhib): Self-quotations from Baha'u'llah found in Epistle to the Son of the Wolf. Dianne Bradford, comp. — Compares Baha'u'llah's self-quotations in the Epistle with their earlier versions. Study.
  55. 1997. Love Relationship between God and Humanity: Reflections on Baha'u'llah's Hidden Words. Julio Savi. — An overview of God and man's relationship as expressed in Baha'u'llah's Hidden Words. Articles.
  56. 1997. Ethel Jenner Rosenberg, by Robert Weinberg: Review. Peter P. Morgan. Reviews.
  57. 1997. Bahá'u'lláh and Liberation Theology. Juan Cole. — The idea of liberation and equality is central to Baha'i theology; the poor in the 19th century Midd... Articles.
  58. 1997. Background and Centrality of Apophatic Theology in Bábí and Bahá'í Scripture, The. Stephen Lambden. — History of the theological position of the incomprehensibility-unknowability of God in past major Ab... Articles.
  59. 1996. Passing Comments on the Long Obligatory Prayer of Bahá'u'lláh, Some. Bill Washington. — An exploration of the Long Obligatory Prayer, examining the purpose of prayer, spiritual detachment,... Articles.
  60. 1995. Kitáb-i-Aqdas (Most Holy Book): Notes on the Style of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. Suheil Badi Bushrui. — The near-similarity between the style of the Qur'an and that of the Aqdas. Study.
  61. 1995. Bahá'í Cosmological Symbolism and the Ecofeminist Critique. Michael W. Sours. — Constituents of Baha'i cosmological symbolism; introduction to the main feminist/environmentalist ar... Articles.
  62. 1993. "In the Beginning Was the Word": Apocalypse and the Education of the Soul. Ross Woodman. — Hidden meanings in scripture and the soul are metaphorically identified with the huris, or brides. T... Articles.
  63. 1992. Windows to the Past. Darius K. Shahrokh, Grace Shahrokh, comp. . — Deepening talks on 25 topics about Baha'i history and teachings, downloadable in MP3 audio format an... Audio.
  64. 1991. Importance of Deepening Our Knowledge and Understanding of the Faith [1991 republication], The. Bahá'u'lláh, Abdu'l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi. Compilations.
  65. 1988. Hidden Words, also known as Book of Fatimih (Kalimát-i-Maknúnih): Compilation. Abdu'l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi. Compilations-personal.
  66. 1988. Lights of Guidance: A Bahá'í Reference File. Bahá'u'lláh, Abdu'l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, Universal House of Justice, Helen Bassett Hornby, comp. . — The classic Baha'i reference book. This is its first online edition. Compilations-personal.
  67. 1985 [1927]. Hidden Words. Bahá'u'lláh, Shoghi Effendi, trans. . — Baha'u'llah's review of the most important themes of prior scriptures and religions, written in 1858... Writings.
  68. 1976-04-21. Some Themes and Images in the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh. Bahíyyih Nakhjavání. — Exploring the relationship between the Creative Word, particularly its expression in language, and t... Articles.
  69. 1968. Becoming Your True Self. Daniel C. Jordan. — The nature of human potential, and how the Baha'i Faith can guide the process of spiritual transform... Essays.
  70. 1967-12-09. Definitions of Love. Abu'l-Qásim Faizí. — How to express kindness to humanity and love for God and manifest the teachings of Baha'u'llah. Audi... Audio.
  71. 1967-12-09. Hidden Words, The: Transcript of a talk by Hand of the Cause of God A. Q. Faizí. Abu'l-Qásim Faizí. — Talk delivered in Wilmette, Illinois. Talks.
  72. 1956-03-10. Hidden Words of Bahá'u'lláh Course: Index of References. Genevieve L. Coy. — Index to topics in the Hidden Words, prepared for a course at Green Acre Baha'i School in 1955; late... Study.
  73. 1954. Hidden Words: Introduction. George Townshend. — Original introduction to the Hidden Words, which is often omitted from print and online versions of ... Essays.
  74. 1930. Hidden Words of Baha'u'llah: A Reflection. George Townshend. — Reflections on the meaning and significance of Baha'u'llah's Hidden Words. Essays.
  75. 1921-1929. Hidden Words: Early English Translations. Bahá'u'lláh. — Scans of five editions published 1921, 1923, 1924, 1925, and 1929. Translations.
  76. 1909/1911. Splendour of God, The: Being Extracts from the Sacred Writings of the Bahá'ís. Eric Hammond, comp. — An early overview of Babi and Baha'i history, along with early translations of Seven Valleys, Hidden... Books.
  77. 1904. Parallel Hidden Words in English (Early and Authorised). Bahá'u'lláh. — Early Hidden Words of Baha'u'llah with authorised Version - Ibrahim Kheirella (Arabic HW, 1900), Hus... Translations.
  78. 1904. Notes Taken in 1904: vol. 1. Ethel J. Rosenberg. — Book-length collection of quotations from pilgrims' notes and other sources on many aspects of Baha'... Pilgrims.

from the Chronology (7 results; expand)

  1. 1858-00-00 — Baha'u'llah revealed the Hidden Words (Kalimat-i-Maknúnih), originally designated 'The Hidden Words...
  2. 1903-00-00 — The Danish-American Baha'i, Emily Olsen, translated The Hidden Words from English into Danish, the ...
  3. 1905-00-00 — The publication of Hidden Words, Words of Wisdom and Communes from the Supreme Pen of Baha'u'llah by...
  4. 1923-02-00 — Shoghi Effendi sent his early translation of The Hidden Words to America in February of 1923. In a...
  5. 1925-01-02 — The American Baha'is published Shoghi Effendi's revised Hidden Words. [EJR255] Another translati...
  6. 1927-03-00 — Shoghi Effendi retranslated the Hidden Words. He was assisted by George Townshend and Ethel Rosen...
  7. 2017-11-06 — An exhibition of Baha'u'llah's writings opened at the John Addis Gallery in the British Museum. ...
 
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