19. Part One — 18
1This is one of the instances. In this place, by "transposition" is not meant what these worthless creatures have understood, for some say that the Jewish and Christian divines have effaced from the Book the verses referring to the Mohammedic Countenance and have inserted others which are contrary to them. This is extremely insignificant and unreal. Can a man who believes in a Book, knowing it to be from God, mutilate it? Moreover the Bible was in existence over all the earth and not confined to Mecca and Medina, that it could be changed or altered. Nay rather, by "transposition" is intended that in which the divines of the Koran are engaged to-day, that is, interpreting and explaining the Book according to their inclination and desire. As the Jews in the Day of His Holiness (Mohammed) interpreted the verses of the Pentateuch which pointed to His Manifestation according to their own desire and were not satisfied with His explanation, therefore the decree of transposition emanated concerning them. It is likewise seen in this day that the adherents of the Koran have transposed the verses of the Book concerning the signs of the Manifestation and interpret them in conformity with their own wish and inclination.
2In another place it is said: "Yet a part of them heard the word of God and then perverted it after understanding it, while they knew" (K. S. 2). This verse also indicates transposition of the meanings of the Divine words and not the effacement of the words themselves, as is evidenced by the verse quoted and as understood by right minds.
3In another place it is said: "And woe unto those who transcribe (corruptly) the Book with their (own) hands and then say 'this is from God;' that they may sell it for a small price" (K. S. 2).
4This verse was revealed respecting the Jewish men of learning and prominence because those divines, to please the rich and receive worldly emoluments from them, also to display their rancor and unbelief, wrote many documents refuting His Holiness, wherein they presented arguments the mention of which is not allowable here; asserting that these arguments were founded upon the books of the Pentateuch.
5In similar manner it is seen in this day how much the ignorant divines of the age have written in refutation of this wonderful Cause, imagining that these calumnies are in conformity with the verses of the Book and in harmony with the words of the Possessors of Understanding.
6To resume: The purpose of these explanations is that if they say these signs mentioned in the Gospel were transposed and thus reject them, clinging to verses and traditions, be ye informed that this is downright falsehood and sheer calumny.
7Yea; transposition according to the sense already mentioned is alluded to in specific places. We have spoken of some of them that it may be known and demonstrated to every discerning man that even the outward learnings are possessed by some of the illiterate ones of God, and in order that contradictors may not oppose nor have in mind that a certain verse indicates transposition but that We have refrained from mentioning these points and subjects through lack of information. Furthermore most of the verses which indicate transposition have been revealed respecting the Jews, were ye to roam in the islands of the Knowledge of the Koran.
8It is also heard from some of the ignorant ones of the earth that the Heavenly Gospel is not in the hands of the Christians, but hath ascended to heaven heedless that by this statement they impute the utmost injustice and tyranny to God the Exalted (Lofty and Glorified is He!). If after the Sun of the Beauty of Jesus disappeared from among the people and ascended to the fourth heaven, the Book of God (Exalted is His Praise!) which is His greatest evidence to His creatures—should also disappear, to what would the people adhere from the time of Jesus until the rise of the Mohammedic Sun? And to what Command should they submit? Moreover how could they be the object of the vengeance of the Real Avenger and how could the punishment and scourges of the Ideal King fall upon them? Furthermore this would necessitate the cessation of the bounty of the Bountiful One and closing of the door of mercy of the King of Creation. We seek refuge in God from what the servants imagine concerning Him! Exalted is He above what they know!
9O revered one! In this eternal morning wherein the lights of "God is the Light of the heavens and earth" (K. S. 24) have encompassed all the world, and the tent of the preservation and protection of "God willeth no other than Himself to perfect His Light" (K. S. 9) is erected, and the Hand of Power of "in His Hand is the Kingdom of all things" is outstretched and raised,—loins of endeavor should be firmly girded that we may perchance enter the Holy City of "Verily we are of God," through the favor and beneficence of God, and abide in the exalted stations of "and to Him we do return."
10Please God, thou shouldst purify the eye of heart from the beckonings of water and clay, that thou mayest comprehend the infinite degrees of Knowledge and realize that God is too manifest for thee to cling to any evidence or need any proof to demonstrate His Being.