|
We have only to glance at the soul-stirring written assurances of Abdu'l-Baha in order to realize the magnitude and exalted character of the mission entrusted by Him to the adherents of the Faith in Baha'u'llah's native land. By the faithful application of the spiritual principles which their present administration is endeavoring to propagate; by the character of those indissoluble bonds of Baha'i fellowship that cement the union of the mass of the believers with their elected councillors; by the distinctiveness of their future contributions in the domain of art, of science and of trade, of education and of industry -- by these and by still other convincing manifestations of the quickening vitality of their Faith, our Persian brethren are destined to demonstrate to the ruling powers on earth the majesty, the enduring stability and the unfailing efficacy of the Government of Baha'u'llah (173:1) The following passage from the Tablet of Abdu'l-Baha, revealed more than thirty years ago, while incarcerated within the walls of the prison-city of Akka, and addressed to the Baha'is of Khurasan, will undoubtedly stimulate those energetic friends of the West who long to contribute by every means in their power to the rehabilitation of their Master's native land: -- (173:2) "Erelong will your brethren from Europe and America journey to Persia. There they will promote to an unprecedented degree the interests of art and industry. There they will rear the institutions of true civilization, promote the development of husbandry and trade, and assist in the spread of education.... Assuredly they will come; assuredly they will contribute in making of the land of Iran the envy and the admiration of the peoples and nations of the world." (173:3) And as we ponder these words of Abdu'l-Baha in our hearts, let us also remember the prophetic utterances of Baha'u'llah, which reveal not only the merciless cruelty of the ecclesiastical leaders of Islam but also the measure of Divine retribution which now afflicts the oppressors of God's holy Faith: -- (173:4) "O people of the Qur'an! Verily the prophet of God, Muhammad, sheddeth tears at the sight of your cruelty. Ye have assuredly followed your evil and corrupt desires and turned away your face from the light of guidance. Erelong will ye witness the result of your deeds; for the Lord My God lieth in wait and is watchful of your behavior.... Erelong He will raise in every city the standard of His sovereignty, and will wipe away the traces of them that have denied Him on the day of His return.... O concourse of Muslim divines! By your deeds the exalted station of the nation hath been abased, the standard of Islam hath been reversed and its mighty throne hath fallen. Whenever the Divine Reformer has sought to ennoble the rank of the people, ye have tumultuously risen against Him and prevented Him from executing His purpose, wherefore the realm hath remained in grievous loss."
(173:5)
|