One day, during the time in Iraq, the Ancient Beauty—may my
spirit, my being, and mine essence be offered up for the earth ennobled by the
footsteps of His loved ones—said: “Since Fárs is the homeland of the Exalted
One—the Primal Point—and is associated with that Holy Being, I deeply yearn for
it to be set ablaze with the fire of the love of God.” Shortly thereafter, the
Báb’s maternal uncle, the honourable Afnán, arrived, attained His presence, and
submitted some questions. The Epistle to the Uncle, titled the “Kitáb-i-Íqán”,
was thus revealed. The province of Fárs was then set aflame with the love of
God, and the light of knowledge dawned forth and shone resplendent from that
horizon. Many souls entered beneath the shadow of the Word of God, and some, filled
with the holy ecstasy of His bounty, hastened to the field of sacrifice and
flung away their lives and hearts.
Now, it is clear and evident from these words of Bahá’u’lláh
what must be His irresistible will and desire for the province of Mázindarán. I
swear by His holy Being! The Concourse on high and the denizens of the Abhá
Kingdom are expectantly awaiting the time when in that blessed region which is
associated with the Ancient Beauty—may my life be offered up for His loved
ones—the ocean of God’s love will surge and swell forthwith; the flame of the
fire kindled in the Burning Bush will ignite every tree, whether green or sere;
souls will be raised up who, even as resplendent stars, will illuminate the
celestial firmament; and realities will appear who, like unto manifest signs
and upraised banners, will exalt the Word of God.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a Tablet;
‘Light of the World’)
