50. Part Two — 30

1Consider that the people never mention these well-founded traditions, all of which are fulfilled, but hold fast to those traditions the validity or non-validity of which is not known, asking why they are not fulfilled, although even that which they have not imagined is fulfilled and hath appeared. The signs and tokens of the True One are as apparent as the sun in mid-heaven, yet people are bewildered in the desert of blindness and ignorance. Notwithstanding many of the Koranic verses and confirmed traditions indicate a new Law and Command, and a new Cause, they still await the promised Countenance to decree according to the law of the Koran; just as the Jews and Christians hold to the same saying. Among the texts pointing to a new Law and new Dispensation are the statements in the prayer of Nudba: "Where is the One who is preserved to renew the precepts and regulations? Where is the One who is chosen to reform the religion and law?" It is also said in the Zeyarat (visiting tablet written by Ali): "Peace be upon the new True One." Abu-Abd' Allah (sixth Imam) was asked concerning the character of the Mahdi: "What will be His character?" He answered: "He will do what was done by the Prophet of God (Mohammed) and He will destroy whatever hath been before Him, just as the Prophet of God abolished the matter of Jahileyeh."

2Consider, notwithstanding similar traditions, how they have sought to prove the permanency of the ordinances, although the purpose of every Manifestation is the manifestation of change and transformation in the regions of the world, publicly and privately, outwardly and inwardly. For if the affairs of the earth change not, the appearance of Universal Manifestations would be futile. It is said in "Awalim," which is one of the authoritative books, "A youth shall appear from Beni-Hashem (family of Mohammed) who will possess a new Book and new Laws"; then follows, "Most of his enemies will be the divines." In another place it is related that Sadik-Ebn-Mohammed said: "A youth shall appear from Beni-Hashem, and will command people to swear allegiance to Him; He shall possess a new Book; He will summon people to acknowledge a new Book which is onerous to the Arab. When you hear about Him, hasten to Him." How well have they carried out the testament of the Imams of Religion and Lights of Certainty! Although it is said: "If you hear of a youth of Beni-Hashem appearing, summoning people to a new Divine Book and new Supreme Laws, hasten unto Him," yet they gave verdict of infidelity and apostasy against that Lord of Existence and did not go unto that Hashemite Light and Divine Appearance except with drawn swords and hearts full of hatred. Moreover consider how plainly the enmity of the divines is mentioned in the Book. Notwithstanding all these clear and indicative traditions and evident and confirmed references, the people have turned away from the clear essence of Knowledge and utterance, and have advanced toward the appearances of error and sedition; and despite these revealed words and recorded traditions, they say whatever is prompted by self. Should the Essence of Truth give an explanation which proves contrary to their egotism and desire, they will straightway charge Him with infidelity, saying, "this is contrary to the words of the Imams of the religion and of the manifest lights, and no such command or order hath been laid down in the irrefutable Law"; just as in the present day similar vain sayings proceed from these mortal temples. Now consider this tradition; how all these things have been formerly spoken of! In "Arbain" (book of tradition), it is recorded: "A youth shall appear from Beni-Hashem, possessing new laws; He will summon people, but none will respond to Him, and most of His enemies will be the divines. When He commands a thing, they shall not obey Him, but will say: 'This is contrary to that which we possess from the Imams of the religion'"; and so on to the end of the tradition. In this day, all repeat these same words, not knowing that His Holiness is seated upon the throne of "He doeth whatsoever He willeth," and is established upon the seat of "He commandeth whatsoever He desireth."

3No understanding can comprehend the character of His Manifestation, and no knowledge grasp the measure of His mission. All sayings are dependent upon His approval, and all things are in need of His authority. All else save Him is created by His command and exists by His direction. He is the Manifestor of the Divine Mysteries and the Elucidator of the Hidden Wisdoms of Eternity. Thus it is related in "Buhar'Ul-Anwar," "Awalim," and "Yanbou'a" that Sadik-Ebn-Mohammed said: "Knowledge is twenty-seven letters. All that was brought of it by the Prophets were two letters, and until the present day, people only know these two letters; but when Gha'im shall arise, the twenty-five letters will appear."