The people aforetime joined partners with God, though they professed belief in His unity; and although they were the most ignorant amongst men, they considered themselves the most accomplished.  But, as a token of divine retribution upon those heedless ones, their erroneous beliefs and pursuits have, in this Day of Judgement, been made clear and evident to every man of discernment and understanding.

Beseech thou God, the True One, that He may graciously shield the followers of this Revelation from the idle fancies and corrupt imaginings of such as belong to the former Faith, and may not deprive them of the effulgent splendours of the day-star of true unity.

O Jalil!  He Whom the world hath wronged now proclaimeth:  The light of Justice is dimmed, and the sun of Equity veiled from sight.  The robber occupieth the seat of the protector and guard, and the position of the faithful is seized by the traitor.  A year ago an oppressor ruled over this city, and at every instant caused fresh harm.  By the righteousness of the Lord!  He wrought that which cast terror into the hearts of men.  But to the Pen of Glory the tyranny of the world hath never been nor will it ever be a hindrance.  In the abundance of Our grace and loving-kindness We have revealed specially for the rulers and ministers of the world that which is conducive to safety and protection, tranquillity and peace; haply the children of men may rest secure from the evils of oppression.  He, verily, is the Protector, the Helper, the Giver of victory.  It is incumbent upon the men of God’s House of Justice to fix their gaze by day and by night upon that which hath shone forth from the Pen of Glory for the training of peoples, the upbuilding of nations, the protection of man and the safeguarding of his honour.

The first Ishraq

When the Day-Star of Wisdom rose above the horizon of God’s Holy Dispensation it voiced this all-glorious utterance:  They that are possessed of wealth and invested with authority and power must show the profoundest regard for religion.  In truth, religion is a radiant light and an impregnable stronghold for the protection and welfare of the peoples of the world, for the fear of God impelleth man to hold fast to that which is good, and shun all evil.  Should the lamp of religion be obscured, chaos and confusion will ensue, and the lights of fairness and justice, of tranquillity and peace cease to shine.  Unto this will bear witness every man of true understanding.

The second Ishraq

We have enjoined upon all mankind to establish the Most Great Peace—­the surest of all means for the protection of humanity.  The sovereigns of the world should, with one accord, hold fast thereunto, for this is the supreme instrument that can ensure the security and welfare of all peoples and nations.  They, verily, are the manifestations of the power of God and the daysprings of His authority.  We beseech the Almighty that He may graciously assist them in that which is conducive to the well-being of their subjects.  A full explanation regarding this matter hath been previously set forth by the Pen of Glory; well is it with them that act accordingly.