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Apart from the omission of Nimrod's dream, this account presents virtually the same story provided by Baha'u'llah. Both refer to the star and depict Nimrod as a contemporary of Abraham. The story suggests a parallel between Nimrod, Pharaoh and Herod (see Matt. 2:1-7). Although Nimrod is mentioned in the Old Testament (Gen. 10:8-10; 1 Chron. 1:10; Mic. 5:6), this parallel is not provided in the Scriptures of the Bible. In the Qur'an the encounter between Nimrod and Abraham may be suggested: (199:1) Hast thou not thought on him who disputed with Abraham about his Lord, because God had given him the kingdom? (The Koran, trans. J.M. Rodwell, 2:60, p. 367) (199:2) The reference to 'him who disputed' has been commonly believed by Muslim commentators to be Nimrod. (199:3) Baha'u'llah relates a similar story about Moses, which also is not clearly seen in the Bible. He then states: (199:4) To this testify the records of the sacred books. Were the details to be mentioned, this epistle would swell into a book. Moreover, it is not Our wish to relate the stories of the days that are past. God is Our witness that what We even now mention is due solely to Our tender affection for thee, that haply the poor of the earth may attain the shores of the sea of wealth, the ignorant be led unto the ocean of divine knowledge, and they that thirst for understanding partake of the Salsabil of divine wisdom. Otherwise, this servant regardeth the consideration of such records a grave mistake and a grievous transgression. (Certitude 63)
(199:5)
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