26. Part Two — 6
1In like manner thou seest in the present day that notwithstanding the Sun of Significances, all the people both high and low are clinging to the dark beetles and satanic appearances, continually asking them intricate questions, while they, from lack of Knowledge, answer in a way that will not impair their outward possessions. It is evident a beetle itself hath acquired no portion from the breeze of the musk of eternity nor stepped into the Rizwan of ideal myrtles, therefore how can it convey the odor of perfume to other nostrils. This hath been and will forever be the condition of these servants. Only those who advance toward God and turn away from the appearances of the Satan will attain to the traces of God. Thus God hath ordained the decree of the Day by the Pen of Grandeur upon a Tablet concealed behind the Veil of Might. Shouldst thou heed these explanations and reflect upon their outward and inward (meanings), thou wilt comprehend all the intricate questions which in this day have become a bar between the servants and the knowledge of the Day of Judgment. Then thou wilt not need to question. We hope, if it please God, thou wilt not return from the shore of the Divine Ocean deprived and thirsty, and from the sanctuary of Eternal Desire destitute. Now what will your effort and exertion accomplish?
2To resume: The purpose of these clear explanations is to prove the Dominion of that King of Kings. Now be just as to which is mightier and greater; this Dominion which through one word hath so much power, prevalence and grandeur, or the dominion of kings who, after protecting their subjects and the poor, are for a number of days outwardly obeyed by the people who in heart reject and oppose?
3This dominion hath conquered, quickened and imparted life to the world by a single word. "How can the dust (be compared) with the Lord of Lords?" How can comparison be ascribed when every relation is debarred from the holy court of His Dominion? Were one to consider fully, even the servants of His threshold rule over all the creatures and beings, as it hath been and will be evident.
4To be brief; this is one of the meanings of the Inward Dominion explained according to the ability and capacity of the people. There are other Dominions for that Point of Existence and that praiseworthy Countenance, of which degree this Oppressed One is not able to speak, nor are the creatures capable of comprehending it. God is glorified above description of His Dominion by the servants and exalted above their mention!
5We ask your Honor a question! If the purpose of dominion be outward rule and temporal sway and power whereby the people are subdued and to which they outwardly bow and submit so that the friends are tranquillized and honored and the enemies debased and degraded—how can such form of dominion be true concerning the Lord of Might, in whose name is unquestionably the sovereignty and whose majesty and grandeur are acknowledged by all? For thou dost witness how most of the earth is in possession of His enemies and all are working against His goodpleasure, disbelieving, rejecting, and turning away from that which He hath commanded and inclining toward and practising that which He hath forbidden; while His friends are always suffering in the hands of enemies. All this is clearer than the sunlight. Then know, O thou questioning seeker, that outward dominion hath never been nor will be esteemed of importance by God and His Holy Ones. Moreover, if the purpose of dominion and power be outward dominion and power, then the matter would become difficult to your Honor. For it is said: "And that our armies should surely be the conquerors" (K. S. 37). In another place it is said: "They seek to extinguish the Light of God with their mouths; but God willeth no other than to perfect His Light, although the infidels be averse thereto" (K. S. 9). Also, " He is the Conqueror above all things." Most of the Koran clearly indicates this point.
6If the purpose be what these worthless creatures say, there will be no alternative for them except to deny all these holy words and eternal references; for in this world there hath been no loftier host nearer to God than Hosein, the Son of Ali; nor had His Holiness any peer upon earth. "Were it not He, no one like Him would be in the world." Notwithstanding this thou hast already heard that which happened. "Shall not the curse of God fall upon the unjust"(K. S. II)?
7If thou dost interpret this verse ("our armies should surely be the conquerors") literally, it would never be outwardly true concerning the Holy Ones of God and His Hosts, for His Holiness (Hosein), whose "Host"-ship was as clear and evident as the sun, quaffed the cup of martyrdom in the land of Taff (Karbila) with the utmost oppression and subjection. Likewise the blessed verse, "They seek to extinguish the light of God with their mouths; but God willeth no other than to perfect His Light, although the infidels be averse thereto." If this be interpreted according to the outward sense, it will never reconcile, for the Divine Lights have always been outwardly extinguished and the Eternal Lamps quenched; how then shall the victory be realized? And what is the meaning of the prohibition in the blessed verse, "God willeth no other than to perfect His Light"? It is evident that these Lights found not rest in a place of safety nor drank the cup of tranquillity, owing to the hand of the infidels. These Lights were so oppressed that every one inflicted upon these Essences of Being whatever he wished all of which is understood and apprehended by the people. In view of all this, how can these people undertake to interpret and explain these Divine words and verses of Eternal Might?