Juan R. I. Cole, Trans.
"A Letter from `Abdu'l-Karim Qazvini to Sayyid Javad Karbala'i, dated August, 1851, concerning Mirza Husayn `Ali Nuri, Baha'u'llah" Text,, Translation, Commentary
Translation
Qazvini/Karbala'i, August, 1851
"Part of a letter from Mulla `Abdu'l-Karim Qazvini to Sayyid Jawad Karbala'i
regarding Baha'u'llah's first journey to Iraq [c. August, 1851]" `Andalib,
vol. 16 [no. 62] (Spring, 1997):30-31.
. . . and all the news, particulars and generalities, will reach the blessed
ears of the Most Glorious (Hadrat-i Abha) of the people of this world and
the kingdom, nay, the one [i.e. Baha'u'llah] who is more splendid than the
people of the realms of might and divinity, from whom glory derives that is
shed upon his own self.
But it is requested, according to his command, that the friends
should desist from hinting around (shivih-ha) about him, as they had in the
past, in such a way that they provoked troubles for the friends of God; and
that they should avoid bringing sorrow upon that gentleman, who is of gentle
disposition. Insofar as he has been in those parts for several days, let
them behave in such a manner that he will not experience the dust of
perturbation, and conduct themselves in accordance with his good-pleasure,
which is, in truth, the good-pleasure of God Himself. Let them not provoke
investigations or cause the encounter with God to become more distant, or
become a veil of chains and manacles between the servants and the Lord of
Lords any more than they already have been. For we have wronged
ourselves by virtue of our regrettable actions. After that, God's most
perfect, complete and sublime munificence is supplicated.
May they never seek a proof from him, my good sir! For in a former time, in
view of their perception of the command of God given to those who had
attained the ocean of resignation and submission to the beloved Aqa Sayyid
Husayn, the conceal matter should have been concealed--the matter that God
has safeguarded until now, hiding it in his invisible gift. Nevertheless,
it has become public, contrary to the intention, because of persons going
back and forth from that place. Virtually the only news that was received
was this disclosure! For that reason, the trusted ones of God are saddened
and concealed. Indeed, that thing was almost revealed, which is beyond what
existence can endure. Rather, it became visible, which was contrary to the
intent. It will become manifest from the dwellers in the house of love.
They hurried to send letters [or books: al-kutub] and repeatedly, among the
means of disclosure. Then, this haste in that . . .
. . . He said that first of all, tell absolutely everyone that his station
should not be divulged more than this. It is only fair that there be a
period of silence. God willing, this is incumbent today, so that his
friends will call out blessings for this reason.
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