Kitab-i-Iqan/Page2

Paragraph	Arabic	Shoghi	GPT4_
21	و اگر به ديده بصيرت معنوی مشاهده شود فی الحقيقه در عهد خاتم، هم کتاب عيسی و امر او ثابت شد. در مقام اسم که خود حضرت فرمود: "منم عيسی." و آثار و اخبار و کتاب عيسی را هم تصديق فرمود که مِن عنداللّه بوده. در اين مقام نه در خودشان فرقی مشهود و نه در کتابشان غيريّتی ملحوظ زيرا که هر دو قائم به امراللّه بودند و هم ناطق به ذکر اللّه و کتاب هر دو هم مُشعر بر اوامر اللّه بود. از اين جهت است که خود عيسی فرمود: "من می روم و مراجعت می کنم." به مثل شمس که اگر شمس اليوم بگويد من شمس يوم قبلم صادق است و اگر بگويد در حدود يومی که غير آنم صادق است. و همچنين در ايّام ملاحظه نمائيد که اگر گفته شود که کلّ يک شیءاند صحيح و صادق است و اگر گفته شود که به حدود اسمی و رسمی غير هم اند آن هم صادق است. چنانچه می بينی با اينکه يک شیءاند با وجود اين در هر کدام اسمی ديگر و خواصّی ديگر و رسمی ديگر ملحوظ می شود که در غير آن نمی شود. و به همين بيان و قاعده، مقامات تفصيل و فرق و اتّحاد مظاهر قدسی را ادراک فرمائيد تا تلويحات کلمات آن مُبدع اسماء و صفات را در مقامات جمع و فرق عارف شوی و واقف گردی و جواب مسأله خود را در موسوم نمودن آن جمال ازلی در هر مقام خود را به اسمی و رسمی بتمامه بيابی. (edit)	Every discerning observer will recognize that in the Dispensation of the Qur’án both the Book and the Cause of Jesus were confirmed. As to the matter of names, Muḥammad, Himself, declared: “I am Jesus.” He recognized the truth of the signs, prophecies, and words of Jesus, and testified that they were all of God. In this sense, neither the person of Jesus nor His writings hath differed from that of Muḥammad and of His holy Book, inasmuch as both have championed the Cause of God, uttered His praise, and revealed His commandments. Thus it is that Jesus, Himself, declared: “I go away and come again unto you.” Consider the sun. Were it to say now, “I am the sun of yesterday,” it would speak the truth. And should it, bearing the sequence of time in mind, claim to be other than that sun, it still would speak the truth. In like manner, if it be said that all the days are but one and the same, it is correct and true. And if it be said, with respect to their particular names and designations, that they differ, that again is true. For though they are the same, yet one doth recognize in each a separate designation, a specific attribute, a particular character. Conceive accordingly the distinction, variation, and unity characteristic of the various Manifestations of holiness, that thou mayest comprehend the allusions made by the Creator of all names and attributes to the mysteries of distinction and unity, and discover the answer to thy question as to why that everlasting Beauty should have, at sundry times, called Himself by different names and titles. (edit)	If seen with the eye of spiritual insight, in truth, during the era of the Seal (Muhammad), both the book of Jesus and his command were affirmed. In the place of the name, he himself said: "I am Jesus." He also confirmed the signs, news, and book of Jesus, stating that it was from God. In this respect, there is no discernible difference in themselves or any notable otherness in their books since both were established by the command of God and both spoke in the remembrance of God, and the books of both were conscious of God's commands. This is why Jesus himself said, "I am going, and I will return." It's like the sun, if today's sun says, "I am the sun of the previous day", it's truthful, and if it says, "I am different from the sun of other days," it's also truthful. Similarly, if you observe in all matters that if it is said that all is one thing, it is correct and true. If it is said that they are different in terms of specific names and forms, that is also true. As you can see, even though they are one thing, each has a different name, different characteristics, and different forms that are not found in the other. By this explanation and rule, understand the detailed positions, differences, and unity of the holy manifestations. So you can comprehend the implications of the words of that Creator of names and attributes in both collective and individual aspects, and you will become knowledgeable and aware. The answer to your question about recognizing that eternal beauty in each of its positions by its specific name and form will be fully attained. (edit)
22	و بعد اصحاب و تلاميذ آن حضرت استدعا نمودند که علامت رجعت و ظهور چيست و چه وقت اين ظاهر خواهد شد؟ و در چند مقام اين سؤال را از آن طلعت بی مثال نمودند و آن حضرت در هر مقام علامتی ذکر فرمودند چنانچه در اناجيل اربعه مسطور است. (edit)	Afterwards, the companions and disciples of Jesus asked Him concerning those signs that must needs signalize the return of His manifestation. When, they asked, shall these things be? Several times they questioned that peerless Beauty, and, every time He made reply, He set forth a special sign that should herald the advent of the promised Dispensation. To this testify the records of the four Gospels. (edit)	After that, the disciples of Jesus asked about the signs of His return and appearance: "What are the signs, and when will this happen?" They asked this question of the unparalleled Jesus on several occasions, and in each situation, he mentioned different signs, as is recorded in the four Gospels. (edit)
23	و اين مظلوم يک فقره آن را ذکر می نمايم و نعمت های مکنونه سدره مخزونه را لوجه اللّه بر عباداللّه مبذول می دارم تا هياکل فانيه از اثمار باقيه محروم نمانند که شايد به رشحی از انهار بی زوال حضرت ذی الجلال که در دار السّلام بغداد جاری شده فائز شوند بی آنکه اجر و مزدی طلب نمايم. "إنَّما نُطعِمُکُمْ لِوَجْهِ اللّهِ لا نُرِيدُ مِنْکُمْ جَزَاءً و لا شُکُوراً." و اين طعامی است که ارواح و افئده منيره به او حيات باقيه يابند و اين همان مائده ای است که می فرمايد: "رَبَّنَا أَنزِلْ عَلَيْنَا مَآئِدَةً مِّنَ السَّمَاء." و اين مائده هرگز از اهلش مقطوع نشود و نفاد نجويد و در کلّ حين از شجره فضل می رويد و از سماوات رحمت و عدل نازل می شود.چنانچه فرموده است: "أَلَمْ تَرَ كَيْفَ ضَرَبَ اللهُ مَثَلاً كَلِمَةً طَيِّبَةً كَشَجَرةٍ طَيِّبَةٍ أَصْلُهَا ثَابِتٌ وَ فَرْعُهَا فِي السَّمَاء تُؤْتِي أُكُلَهَا كُلَّ حِين." (edit)	This wronged One will cite but one of these instances, thus conferring upon mankind, for the sake of God, such bounties as are yet concealed within the treasury of the hidden and sacred Tree, that haply mortal men may not remain deprived of their share of the immortal fruit, and attain to a dewdrop of the waters of everlasting life which, from Baghdád, the “Abode of Peace,” are being vouchsafed unto all mankind. We ask for neither meed nor reward. “We nourish your souls for the sake of God; we seek from you neither recompense nor thanks.”16 This is the food that conferreth everlasting life upon the pure in heart and the illumined in spirit. This is the bread of which it is said: “Lord, send down upon us Thy bread from heaven.”17 This bread shall never be withheld from them that deserve it, nor can it ever be exhausted. It groweth everlastingly from the tree of grace; it descendeth at all seasons from the heavens of justice and mercy. Even as He saith: “Seest thou not to what God likeneth a good word? To a good tree; its root firmly fixed, and its branches reaching unto heaven: yielding its fruit in all seasons.” (edit)	And I will mention one such sign and offer hidden blessings from the reserved Lote Tree for the sake of God to the servants of God so that the transient temples may not be deprived of the everlasting fruits. Perhaps they may be successful with a drop from the ever-flowing rivers of the glorious presence, which is flowing in the Abode of Peace, Baghdad, without asking for any reward or gratitude. "We feed you only for the sake of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude." This is a nourishment by which luminous spirits and hearts attain everlasting life. This is indeed the same table of which it is said: "Our Lord, send down to us a table from heaven." And this table will never be severed from its people, nor will it ever be depleted. It always sprouts from the Tree of Grace and descends from the heavens of mercy and justice. As it has been said: "Have you not considered how Allah sets forth a parable of a good word being like a good tree, whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches are high in the sky. It produces its fruit all the time." (edit)
24	حيف است که انسان از اين عطيّه لطيفه خود را منع نمايد و از اين نعمت باقيه و حيات دائمه خود را محروم سازد. پس قدر اين مائده معنوی را دانسته که بلکه از الطاف بديعه آن شمس حقيقی اجسادهای مرده حيات تازه يابند و ارواح پژمرده به روح بی اندازه فائز شوند. ای برادر من، جهدی بايد تا ايّام باقی است از اکواب باقی چشيم. هميشه نسيم جان از مصر جانان نوزد و هميشه نهرهای تبيان در جريان نه و مدام ابواب رضوان مفتوح نماند. آيد وقتی که عندليبان جنان از گلستان قدسی به آشيان های الهی پرواز نمايند، ديگر نه نغمه بلبل شنوی و نه جمال گل بينی. پس تا حمامه ازلی در شور و تغنّی است و بهار الهی در جلوه و تزيين غنيمت شمرده گوش قلب را از سروش او بی بهره مکن. اين است نصيحت اين عبد آن جناب و احبّای خدا را. فَمَن شَاءَ فَلْيُقْبِلْ و مَن شَاءَ فَليُعْرِض. إنَّ اللّهَ کانَ غَنيّاً عَنهُ و عَمّا يُشاهَدُ وَ يُرَی. (edit)	O the pity! that man should deprive himself of this goodly gift, this imperishable bounty, this everlasting life. It behooveth him to prize this food that cometh from heaven, that perchance, through the wondrous favors of the Sun of Truth, the dead may be brought to life, and withered souls be quickened by the infinite Spirit. Make haste, O my brother, that while there is yet time our lips may taste of the immortal draft, for the breeze of life, now blowing from the city of the Well-Beloved, cannot last, and the streaming river of holy utterance must needs be stilled, and the portals of the Riḍván cannot forever remain open. The day will surely come when the Nightingale of Paradise will have winged its flight away from its earthly abode unto its heavenly nest. Then will its melody be heard no more, and the beauty of the rose cease to shine. Seize the time, therefore, ere the glory of the divine springtime hath spent itself, and the Bird of Eternity ceased to warble its melody, that thy inner hearing may not be deprived of hearkening unto its call. This is My counsel unto thee and unto the beloved of God. Whosoever wisheth, let him turn thereunto; whosoever wisheth, let him turn away. God, verily, is independent of him and of that which he may see and witness. (edit)	What a loss it would be for a person to deprive oneself of this delicate gift, to exclude oneself from this everlasting bounty and eternal life. So understand the value of this spiritual table so that perhaps the dead bodies may find new life from the unique graces of that true Sun, and the withered souls may attain limitless spirituality. My brother, we must strive while days remain to drink from the cups of eternity. The breeze of life does not always blow from the Egypt of the Beloved, nor do the rivers of elucidation always flow. The doors of paradise do not remain open forever. There will come a time when the nightingales of paradise will fly from the holy garden to the divine nests, then neither the melody of the nightingale will you hear, nor the beauty of the flower will you see. So while the eternal dove is in song and dance, and the divine spring is in display and adornment, do not leave the ear of your heart bereft of its melody. This is the advice of this servant to that gentleman and the friends of God. So whoever wishes, let him accept, and whoever wishes, let him turn away. Verily, Allah is self-sufficient, transcendent over what is witnessed and seen. (edit)
25	و اين است نغمات عيسی بن مريم که در رضوان انجيل به الحان جليل در علائم ظهور بعد فرموده. در سفر اوّل که منسوب به متّی است در وقتی که سؤال نمودند از علامات ظهور بعد جواب فرمود: "وللوقت من بعد ضيق تلك الأيام تظلم الشمس، والقمر لا يعطي ضوءه، والكواكب تتساقط من السماء، وقوات الأرض ترتج، حينئذ يظهر علامات ابن الإنسان في السماء، وينوح كل قبائل الأرض ويرون ابن الإنسان آتيا على سحاب السماء مع قوات ومجد كبير، ويرسل ملائكته مع صوت السافور العظيم." انتهی. ترجمه آن بفارسی اين است که بعد از تنگی و ابتلا که همه مردم را احاطه می نمايد شمس از افاضه ممنوع می شود يعنی تاريک می گردد و قمر از اعطای نور باز می ماند و ستاره های سماء بر ارض نازل می شوند و ارکان ارض متزلزل می شود. در اين وقت ظاهر می گردد نشانه های پسر انسان در آسمان، يعنی جمال موعود و ساذج وجود بعد از ظهور اين علامات از عرصه غيب به عالم شهود می آيد. و می فرمايد: "در آن حين جميع قبيله ها که در ارض ساکن اند نوحه و ندبه می نمايند و می بينند خلايق آن جمال احديّه را که می آيد از آسمان در حالتی که سوار بر ابر است با قوّت و بزرگی و بخششی بزرگ و می فرستد ملائکه های خود را با صدای سافور عظيم. انتهی. و در اسفار ثلاثه ديگر که منسوب به لوقا و مرقس و يوحنّا است همين عبارات مذکور است و چون در الواح عربيّه به تفصيل مذکور شد ديگر در اين اوراق متعرّض ذکر آنها نشديم و اکتفا به يکی از آنها نموديم. (edit)	These are the melodies, sung by Jesus, Son of Mary, in accents of majestic power in the Riḍván of the Gospel, revealing those signs that must needs herald the advent of the Manifestation after Him. In the first Gospel according to Matthew it is recorded: And when they asked Jesus concerning the signs of His coming, He said unto them: “Immediately after the oppression19 of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the earth shall be shaken: and then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet.”20 Rendered into the Persian tongue,21 the purport of these words is as follows: When the oppression and afflictions that are to befall mankind will have come to pass, then shall the sun be withheld from shining, the moon from giving light, the stars of heaven shall fall upon the earth, and the pillars of the earth shall quake. At that time, the signs of the Son of man shall appear in heaven, that is, the promised Beauty and Substance of life shall, when these signs have appeared, step forth out of the realm of the invisible into the visible world. And He saith: at that time, all the peoples and kindreds that dwell on earth shall bewail and lament, and they shall see that divine Beauty coming from heaven, riding upon the clouds with power, grandeur, and magnificence, sending His angels with a great sound of a trumpet. Similarly, in the three other Gospels, according to Luke, Mark, and John, the same statements are recorded. As We have referred at length to these in Our Tablets revealed in the Arabic tongue, We have made no mention of them in these pages, and have confined Ourselves to but one reference. (edit)	These are the melodies of Jesus son of Mary, who in the paradise of the Gospel spoke with the majestic tunes about the signs of the next appearance. In the first book attributed to Matthew, when asked about the signs of the next appearance, he replied, "And for the time after, there will be great distress in those days, the sun will darken, the moon will not give its light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will shake. At that time, the signs of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with great power and glory, and he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call." End of quote. The Persian translation is as follows: After the hardship and adversity that encompass all people, the sun is prevented from effusion, that is, it becomes dark, and the moon remains from giving light, and the stars of the sky descend to the earth, and the pillars of the earth shake. At this time, the signs of the Son of Man appear in the sky, that is, the beauty of the promised one and the essence of existence comes from the realm of the unseen to the world of witnessing after the appearance of these signs. He says, "At that time, all the tribes that live on earth will mourn and cry, and they will see the creatures of that unified beauty coming from the sky in a state that is riding on the cloud with great strength and generosity, and he sends his angels with the sound of a great trumpet." End of quote. The same expressions are mentioned in the other three books attributed to Luke, Mark, and John. As it was detailed in the Arabic tablets, we did not repeat it in these papers and we were satisfied with mentioning one of them. (edit)
26	و علمای انجيل چون عارف به معانی اين بيانات و مقصود مودعه در اين کلمات نشدند و به ظاهر آن متمسّک شدند لهذا از شريعه فيض محمّديّه و از سحاب فضل احمديّه ممنوع گشتند. و جهّال آن طائفه هم تمسّک به علمای خود جسته، از زيارت جمال سلطان جلال محروم ماندند زيرا که در ظهور شمس احمديّه چنين علامات که مذکور شد به ظهور نيامد. اين است که قرن ها گذشت و عهدها به آخر رسيد و آن جوهر روح به مقرّ بقای سلطنت خود راجع شد و نفخه ديگر از نَفْس روحانی در صور الهی دميده شد و نفس های مرده از قبور غفلت و ضلالت به ارض هدايت و محلّ عنايت محشور شدند و هنوز آن گروه در انتظار که کی اين علامات ظاهر شود و آن هيکل معهود به وجود آيد تا نصرت نمايند و مال ها در راهش انفاق کنند و جان ها در سبيلش ايثار. چنانچه امم ديگر هم به همين ظنونات از کوثر معانيِ رحمت نامتناهيِ حضرت باری دور مانده‏اند و به خيال خود مشغولند. (edit)	Inasmuch as the Christian divines have failed to apprehend the meaning of these words, and did not recognize their object and purpose, and have clung to the literal interpretation of the words of Jesus, they therefore became deprived of the streaming grace of the Muḥammadan Revelation and its showering bounties. The ignorant among the Christian community, following the example of the leaders of their faith, were likewise prevented from beholding the beauty of the King of glory, inasmuch as those signs which were to accompany the dawn of the sun of the Muḥammadan Dispensation did not actually come to pass. Thus, ages have passed and centuries rolled away, and that most pure Spirit hath repaired unto the retreats of its ancient sovereignty. Once more hath the eternal Spirit breathed into the mystic trumpet, and caused the dead to speed out of their sepulchers of heedlessness and error unto the realm of guidance and grace. And yet, that expectant community still crieth out: When shall these things be? When shall the promised One, the object of our expectation, be made manifest, that we may arise for the triumph of His Cause, that we may sacrifice our substance for His sake, that we may offer up our lives in His path? In like manner, have such false imaginings caused other communities to stray from the Kawthar of the infinite mercy of Providence, and to be busied with their own idle thoughts. (edit)	The scholars of the Gospel, as they did not become acquainted with the meanings of these statements and the purpose hidden in these words, and adhered to the apparent meaning of them, were therefore barred from the beneficence of the Muhammadan law and from the cloud of Ahmad's grace. And the ignorant of that sect also sought adherence to their scholars, and were deprived of visiting the beauty of the Sultan of Glory, because such signs as were mentioned did not appear at the emergence of the Ahmadian sun. This is why centuries have passed, epochs have come to an end, and that spiritual essence has returned to the eternal seat of its sovereignty, another breath from the spiritual breath has been breathed into the divine forms, and the dead souls from the graves of negligence and misguidance have been resurrected to the land of guidance and the place of attention. Yet, that group is still waiting for when these signs will appear, and that promised edifice will come into existence, so that they can assist it, spend their wealth in its way, and sacrifice their lives for it. Just as other nations have also remained distant from the Kawthar of meanings of the infinite mercy of the Lord due to their illusions, and are occupied with their own imaginations. (edit)
27	و از اين عبارت گذشته، بيان ديگر در انجيل هست که می فرمايد: "السماء والأرض تزولان ولكن كلامي لا يزول" که معنی آن به فارسی اين است که آسمان و زمين ممکن است که زائل و معدوم شوند امّا کلام من هرگز زائل نمی شود و هميشه باقی و ثابت ميانه ناس خواهد بود. و از اين راه است که اهل انجيل می گويند که حکم انجيل هرگز منسوخ نمی شود و هروقت و زمان که طلعت موعود با همه علامت ها ظاهر شود بايد شريعت مرتفعه در انجيل را محکم و ثابت نمايد تا در همه عالم دينی باقی نماند مگر اين دين. و اين فقره از مطالب محقّقه مسلّمه است نزد ايشان. و چنان اعتقاد کرده‏اند که اگر نفسی هم مبعوث شود به جميع علامات موعوده و بر خلاف حکم ظاهر در انجيل حکم نمايد البتّه اذعان نکنند و قبول ننمايند بلکه تکفير نمايند و استهزاء کنند. چنانچه در ظهور شمس محمّديّه مشهود شد. حال اگر معانی اين کلمات مُنزله در کتب را که جميع ناس از عدم بلوغ به آن، از غايت قصوی و سدره منتهی محجوب شده‏اند از ظهورات احديّه در هر ظهور به تمام خضوع سؤال می نمودند البتّه به انوار شمس هدايت مهتدی می شدند و به اسرار علم و حکمت واقف می گشتند. (edit)	Beside this passage, there is yet another verse in the Gospel wherein He saith: “Heaven and earth shall pass away: but My words shall not pass away.”22 Thus it is that the adherents of Jesus maintained that the law of the Gospel shall never be annulled, and that whensoever the promised Beauty is made manifest and all the signs are revealed, He must needs reaffirm and establish the law proclaimed in the Gospel, so that there may remain in the world no faith but His faith. This is their fundamental belief. And their conviction is such that were a person to be made manifest with all the promised signs and to promulgate that which is contrary to the letter of the law of the Gospel, they must assuredly renounce him, refuse to submit to his law, declare him an infidel, and laugh him to scorn. This is proved by that which came to pass when the sun of the Muḥammadan Revelation was revealed. Had they sought with a humble mind from the Manifestations of God in every Dispensation the true meaning of these words revealed in the sacred books—words the misapprehension of which hath caused men to be deprived of the recognition of the Sadratu’l-Muntahá, the ultimate Purpose—they surely would have been guided to the light of the Sun of Truth, and would have discovered the mysteries of divine knowledge and wisdom. (edit)	Moving past this statement, there is another declaration in the Gospel which states: "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away". The meaning of this in Persian is that it is possible for heaven and earth to perish, but my words will never perish and will always remain constant among people. This is why the people of the Gospel say that the laws of the Gospel will never be abrogated and whenever the promised manifestation appears with all its signs, it must confirm and establish the exalted laws in the Gospel so that no other religion remains in the entire world except this one. This sentence is among the established and confirmed matters for them. They have come to believe that even if a person is sent with all the signs of the promised one and passes judgments contrary to the apparent laws in the Gospel, they will certainly not admit or accept it, but rather they will declare him a disbeliever and mock him. This was evident during the emergence of the Muhammadan sun. Now, if people had asked the manifestations of the Divine Unity in every appearance about the meanings of these words revealed in the books, which all people are veiled from due to their inability to reach the ultimate heights and the farthest Lote Tree, they would certainly have been guided by the lights of the sun of guidance and would have become acquainted with the secrets of knowledge and wisdom. (edit)
28	حال اين بنده رشحی از معانی اين کلمات را ذکر می نمايم تا اصحاب بصيرت و فطرت از معنی آن به جميع تلويحات کلمات الهی و اشارات بيانات مظاهر قدسی واقف شوند تا از هيمنهکلمات از بحر اسماء و صفات ممنوع نشوند و از مصباح احديّه که محلّ تجلّی ذات است محجوب نگردند. (edit)	This servant will now share with thee a dewdrop out of the fathomless ocean of the truths treasured in these holy words, that haply discerning hearts may comprehend all the allusions and the implications of the utterances of the Manifestations of Holiness, so that the overpowering majesty of the Word of God may not prevent them from attaining unto the ocean of His names and attributes, nor deprive them of recognizing the Lamp of God which is the seat of the revelation of His glorified Essence. (edit)	Now, I will mention some of the meanings of these words so that those with insight and natural disposition may understand their implications within all divine words and indications in holy expressions. This way, they will not be deprived of the bounty of divine names and attributes, and they will not be veiled from the lamp of Divine Unity, which is the place of the manifestation of the Divine Essence. (edit)
29	قوله: "مِن بَعدِ ضيقِ تِلکَ الايّام"، يعنی وقتی که ناس در سختی و تنگی مبتلا شوند، و اين در وقتی است که آثار شمس حقيقت و اثمار سدره علم و حکمت از ميان مردم زائل شود و زمام ناس بدست جهّال افتد و ابواب توحيد و معرفت که مقصود اصلی از خلق انسانی است مسدود شود و علم به ظنّ تبديل گردد و هدايت به شقاوت راجع شود. چنانچه اليوم مشاهده می شود که زمام هر گروهی به دست جاهلی افتاده و به هر نحو که اراده کنند حرکت می دهند و در ميان ايشان از معبود جز اسمی و از مقصود جز حرفی نمانده. و به قسمی بادهای هوی و نفس غالب شده که سراج های عقل و فؤاد را در قلوب خاموش نموده، با اينکه ابواب علم الهی به مفاتيح قدرت ربّانی مفتوح گشته و جواهر وجود ممکنات به نور علمی و فيوضات قدسی منوَّر و مهتدی گشتند به قسمی که در هر شیء بابی از علم باز گشته و در هر ذرهّ آثاری از شمس مشهود شده. و با همه اين ظهورات علمی که عالم را احاطه نموده هنوز باب علم را مسدود دانسته‏اند و امطار رحمت را مقطوع گرفته‏اند. به ظنّ تمسّک جسته، از عروة الوثقای محکم علم دور مانده‏اند. و آنچه از ايشان مفهوم می شود گويا به علم و باب آن بالفطره رغبتی ندارند و در خيال ظهور آن هم نيستند زيرا که در ظنّ و گمان، ابوابی برای نان يافته‏اند و در ظهور مظهر علم، جز انفاق جان چيزی نيافته‏اند. لهذا البتّه از اين گريزانند و به آن متمسّک. و با اينکه حکم الهی را يک می دانند از هر گوشه ای حکمی صادر می شود و از هر محلّی امری ظاهر. دو نفس بر يک حکم ملاحظه نمی شود زيرا جز هوی الهی نجويند و به غير از خطا سبيلی نخواهند. رياست را نهايت وصول به مطلوب دانسته‏اند و کبر و غرور را غايت بلوغ به محبوب شمرده‏اند. تزويرات نفسانی را مقدّم بر تقديرات ربّانی دانند. از تسليم و رضا گذشته‏اند و به تدبير و ريا اشتغال نموده‏اند و به تمام قوّت و قدرت حفظ اين مراتب را می نمايند که مبادا نقصی در شوکت راه يابد و يا خللی در عزّت بهم رسد. و اگر چشمی از کحل معارف الهی روشن شود ملاحظه می کند سَبُعی چند را که بر مردارهای نفوس عباد افتاده‏اند. (edit)	As to the words—“Immediately after the oppression of those days”—they refer to the time when men shall become oppressed and afflicted, the time when the lingering traces of the Sun of Truth and the fruit of the Tree of knowledge and wisdom will have vanished from the midst of men, when the reins of mankind will have fallen into the grasp of the foolish and ignorant, when the portals of divine unity and understanding—the essential and highest purpose in creation—will have been closed, when certain knowledge will have given way to idle fancy, and corruption will have usurped the station of righteousness. Such a condition as this is witnessed in this day when the reins of every community have fallen into the grasp of foolish leaders, who lead after their own whims and desire. On their tongue the mention of God hath become an empty name; in their midst His holy Word a dead letter. Such is the sway of their desires, that the lamp of conscience and reason hath been quenched in their hearts, and this although the fingers of divine power have unlocked the portals of the knowledge of God, and the light of divine knowledge and heavenly grace hath illumined and inspired the essence of all created things, in such wise that in each and every thing a door of knowledge hath been opened, and within every atom traces of the sun have been made manifest. And yet, in spite of all these manifold revelations of divine knowledge, which have encompassed the world, they still vainly imagine the door of knowledge to be closed, and the showers of mercy to be stilled. Clinging unto idle fancy, they have strayed far from the ‘Urvatu’l-Vuthqá of divine knowledge. Their hearts seem not to be inclined to knowledge and the door thereof, neither think they of its manifestations, inasmuch as in idle fancy they have found the door that leadeth unto earthly riches, whereas in the manifestation of the Revealer of knowledge they find naught but the call to self-sacrifice. They therefore naturally hold fast unto the former, and flee from the latter. Though they recognize in their hearts the Law of God to be one and the same, yet from every direction they issue a new command, and in every season proclaim a fresh decree. No two are found to agree on one and the same law, for they seek no God but their own desire, and tread no path but the path of error. In leadership they have recognized the ultimate object of their endeavor, and account pride and haughtiness as the highest attainments of their heart’s desire. They have placed their sordid machinations above the divine decree, have renounced resignation unto the will of God, busied themselves with selfish calculation, and walked in the way of the hypocrite. With all their power and strength they strive to secure themselves in their petty pursuits, fearful lest the least discredit undermine their authority or blemish the display of their magnificence. Were the eye to be anointed and illumined with the collyrium of the knowledge of God, it would surely discover that a number of voracious beasts have gathered and preyed upon the carrion of the souls of men. (edit)	The phrase "after the distress of those days" means a time when people are afflicted with hardship and constriction. This happens when the traces of the Sun of Truth and the fruits of the Lote-Tree of Knowledge and Wisdom disappear among people, when the reins of society are taken over by the ignorant, when the gates of Divine Unity and knowledge - which is the main purpose of human creation - are closed, when knowledge turns into conjecture, and guidance succumbs to misguidance. This is observed today as the reins of every group have fallen into the hands of the ignorant who guide their people according to their desires. Among these people, nothing of God remains except a name, and nothing of the ultimate purpose remains except words. The winds of desires and self-interests have blown so strongly that they have extinguished the lamps of reason and the heart in many souls. Even though the gates of divine knowledge have been opened by the keys of divine power and the potential existences have been illuminated and guided by the light of knowledge and the holy effusions. So much so, that in everything a gate of knowledge has been opened, and in every atom traces of the Sun have become apparent. Despite all these manifestations of knowledge that have encompassed the world, they still consider the gate of knowledge closed and the showers of mercy to be severed. Clinging to conjecture, they have distanced themselves from the firm handhold of knowledge. It seems as if they have no natural inclination towards knowledge and do not even fantasize about its appearance because they have found doors in conjecture to earn their livelihood and in the appearance of the manifestation of knowledge, they have found nothing but sacrificing their lives. They are fleeing from this and clinging to that. And although they consider the divine command to be one, they observe two breaths on one command. They do not seek anything other than divine desire and they do not want a path other than error. They consider leadership as the ultimate attainment of the desired and pride and arrogance as the peak of maturation towards the beloved. They prefer self-deception over divine determinations. They have bypassed submission and contentment and are busy with scheming and pretense. They try with all their might and power to preserve these positions so that no deficiency finds its way into their grandeur or any defect touches their glory. And if an eye is brightened with the kohl of divine knowledge, it will observe a few predators that have fallen upon the carcasses of the souls of servants. (edit)
30	حال کدام ضيق و تنگی است که ازيد از مراتب مذکوره باشد که اگر نفسی طلب حقّی و يا معرفتی بخواهد نمايد نمی داند نزد کدام رود و از که جويا شود، از غايت اينکه رأی ها مختلف و سبيل ها متعدّد شده. و اين تنگی و ضيق از شرايط هر ظهور است که تا واقع نشود ظهور شمس حقيقت نشود زيرا که صبح ظهور هدايت بعد از ليل ضلالت طالع می شود. اين است که در روايات و احاديث جميع اين مضامين هست که کُفر عالم را فرو می گيرد و ظلمت احاطه می نمايد و امثال اينها چنانچه مذکور شد. و اين عبد بواسطه شهرت اين احاديث و اختصار ديگر متعرّض ذکر عبارات حديث نشده ام. (edit)	What “oppression” is greater than that which hath been recounted? What “oppression” is more grievous than that a soul seeking the truth, and wishing to attain unto the knowledge of God, should know not where to go for it and from whom to seek it? For opinions have sorely differed, and the ways unto the attainment of God have multiplied. This “oppression” is the essential feature of every Revelation. Unless it cometh to pass, the Sun of Truth will not be made manifest. For the break of the morn of divine guidance must needs follow the darkness of the night of error. For this reason, in all chronicles and traditions reference hath been made unto these things, namely that iniquity shall cover the surface of the earth and darkness shall envelop mankind. As the traditions referred to are well known, and as the purpose of this servant is to be brief, He will refrain from quoting the text of these traditions. (edit)	Now, what distress and constriction could be more severe than the aforementioned conditions? If one wants to seek truth or knowledge, they wouldn't know where to go or whom to seek. This is due to the diversity of opinions and the multitude of paths. This distress and constriction is a condition of every Manifestation that until it does not occur, the emergence of the Sun of Truth does not occur. Because the dawn of the guidance of the Manifestation comes after the night of misguidance. This is what is meant by the narrations and traditions that speak of disbelief engulfing the world, darkness prevailing, and similar themes as mentioned earlier. As for me, I have not elaborated on the statements of the traditions due to their widespread fame and for the sake of brevity. (edit)
31	حال اگر مقصود از اين ضيق را همچو ادراک نمايند که عالم ضيق به هم رساند و يا امورات ديگر که به خيال خود توهّم نمايند هرگز مشهود نگردد و البتّه گويند که اين شرط ظهور نيافته چنانچه گفته‏اند و می گويند. باری، مقصود از ضيق، ضيق از معارف الهيّه و ادراک کلمات ربّانيّه است که در ايّام غروب شمس و مرايای او عباد در تنگی و سختی افتند و ندانند به که توجّه نمايند چنانچه مذکور شد. کَذلکَ نُعَلِّمُکَ مِن تَأويلِ الاَحاديثِ وَ نُلقی عَلَيکَ مِن اَسرارِ الحِکمَةِ لِتَطَّلِعَ بِما هُو المَقصودُ وَ تَکُونَ مِنَ الّذينَ هُم شَرِبُوا مِن کَأسِ العلمِ و العِرفان. (edit)	Were this “oppression” (which literally meaneth pressure) to be interpreted that the earth is to become contracted, or were men’s idle fancy to conceive similar calamities to befall mankind, it is clear and manifest that no such happenings can ever come to pass. They will assuredly protest that this prerequisite of divine revelation hath not been made manifest. Such hath been and still is their contention. Whereas, by “oppression” is meant the want of capacity to acquire spiritual knowledge and apprehend the Word of God. By it is meant that when the Daystar of Truth hath set, and the mirrors that reflect His light have departed, mankind will become afflicted with “oppression” and hardship, knowing not whither to turn for guidance. Thus We instruct thee in the interpretation of the traditions, and reveal unto thee the mysteries of divine wisdom, that haply thou mayest comprehend the meaning thereof, and be of them that have quaffed the cup of divine knowledge and understanding. (edit)	Now, if the meaning of this distress is perceived to be physical worldly distress or other considerations imagined in their own mind, it will never be observed, and they would indeed argue that this condition for the emergence [of the Manifestation] has not been met, as they have said and continue to say. But indeed, the meaning of 'distress' is the constriction in regards to divine knowledge and the understanding of divine words. This is the distress that afflicts people during the time of the setting of the Sun [of divine guidance] and its mirrors, not knowing to whom they should turn, as mentioned earlier. Thus, we teach you the interpretation of the traditions and cast upon you some of the secrets of wisdom, so that you may apprehend what is intended and be among those who have drunk from the cup of knowledge and gnosis. (edit)
32	و قوله: "تظلم الشمس والقمر لا يعطي ضوءه، والكواكب تتساقط من السماء." مقصود از شمس و قمر که در کلمات انبياء مذکور است منحصر به اين شمس و قمر ظاهری نيست که ملاحظه می شود. بلکه از شمس و قمر معانی بسيار اراده فرموده‏اند که در هر مقام به مناسبت آن مقام معنيی اراده می فرمايند. مثلاً يک معنی از شمس، شمس های حقيقت اند که از مشرق قدم طالع می شوند و بر جميع ممکنات ابلاغ فيض می فرمايند. و اين شموس حقيقت، مظاهر کلّيّه الهی هستند در عوالم صفات و اسمای او. و همچنان که شمس ظاهری تربيت اشيای ظاهره از اثمار و اشجار و الوان و فواکه و معادن و دون ذلک از آنچه در عالم ملک مشهود است، به امر معبود حقيقی به اعانت اوست، همچنين اشجار توحيد و اثمار تفريد و اوراق تجريد و گل های علم و ايقان و رياحين حکمت و بيان از عنايت و تربيت شمس های معنوی ظاهر می شود. اين است که در حين اشراق اين شموس، عالم جديد می شود و انهار حَيَوان جاری می گردد و ابحر احسان به موج می آيد و سحاب فضل مرتفع می شود و نسمات جود بر هياکل موجودات می وزد و از حرارت اين شمس های الهی و نارهای معنوی است که حرارت محبّت الهی در ارکان عالم احداث می شود و از عنايت اين ارواح مجرّده است که روح حيوان باقيه بر اجساد مردگان فانيه مبذول می گردد. و فی الحقيقه اين شمس ظاهری يک آيه از تجلّی آن شمس معنوی است و آن شمسی است که از برای او مقابلی و شبهی و مثلی و ندّی ملاحظه نمی شود و کلّ به وجود او قائمند و از فيض او ظاهر و به او راجع. مِنها ظَهَرتِ الاَشياءُ وَإلی خَزائِنِ اَمرها رَجَعَت وَ مِنها بُدِئتِ المُمکِناتُ وَ إلی کَنائِزِ حُکمِها عادَت. (edit)	And now, concerning His words—“The sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give light, and the stars shall fall from heaven.” By the terms “sun” and “moon,” mentioned in the writings of the Prophets of God, is not meant solely the sun and moon of the visible universe. Nay rather, manifold are the meanings they have intended for these terms. In every instance they have attached to them a particular significance. Thus, by the “sun” in one sense is meant those Suns of Truth Who rise from the dayspring of ancient glory, and fill the world with a liberal effusion of grace from on high. These Suns of Truth are the universal Manifestations of God in the worlds of His attributes and names. Even as the visible sun that assisteth, as decreed by God, the true One, the Adored, in the development of all earthly things, such as the trees, the fruits, and colors thereof, the minerals of the earth, and all that may be witnessed in the world of creation, so do the divine Luminaries, by their loving care and educative influence, cause the trees of divine unity, the fruits of His oneness, the leaves of detachment, the blossoms of knowledge and certitude, and the myrtles of wisdom and utterance, to exist and be made manifest. Thus it is that through the rise of these Luminaries of God the world is made new, the waters of everlasting life stream forth, the billows of loving-kindness surge, the clouds of grace are gathered, and the breeze of bounty bloweth upon all created things. It is the warmth that these Luminaries of God generate, and the undying fires they kindle, which cause the light of the love of God to burn fiercely in the heart of humanity. It is through the abundant grace of these Symbols of Detachment that the Spirit of life everlasting is breathed into the bodies of the dead. Assuredly the visible sun is but a sign of the splendor of that Daystar of Truth, that Sun Which can never have a peer, a likeness, or rival. Through Him all things live, move, and have their being. Through His grace they are made manifest, and unto Him they all return. From Him all things have sprung, and unto the treasuries of His revelation they all have repaired. From Him all created things did proceed, and to the depositories of His law they did revert. (edit)	And his saying: "The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from the sky." The sun and the moon referred to in the words of the prophets are not limited to this visible sun and moon that we observe. Rather, they have indicated many meanings for the sun and the moon, and in each context, they refer to an appropriate meaning. For example, one meaning of the sun is the Suns of Truth, which rise from the horizon of the Divine Presence and bestow grace upon all possibilities. These Suns of Truth are the universal manifestations of the divine in the worlds of His attributes and names. Just as the visible sun nourishes visible objects, such as fruits, trees, colors, fruits, minerals, and the like that are observable in the physical world, by the command of the True Deity and with His assistance, similarly the trees of monotheism, the fruits of singularity, the leaves of abstraction, the flowers of knowledge and certitude, and the fragrant herbs of wisdom and eloquence become manifest through the care and grace of these spiritual suns. This is why, during the illumination of these Suns, the world becomes renewed; the rivers of life flow; the oceans of benevolence are set in motion; the clouds of grace are raised; the breezes of generosity blow upon the bodies of creatures; and it is from the heat of these divine Suns and the spiritual fires that the heat of divine love is generated in the pillars of the world, and it is through the grace of these detached spirits that the everlasting animal soul is bestowed upon the transient dead bodies. In truth, this visible sun is a sign of the manifestation of that spiritual Sun, which has no counterpart, resemblance, similarity, or equal and cannot be observed. Everything exists due to it, appears by its grace, and returns to it. From it, all things have appeared and returned to the treasuries of its command. From it, all possibilities have begun and returned to the treasures of its decree. (edit)
33	و اينکه در مقام بيان و ذکر، تخصيص داده می شوند به بعضی از اسماء و صفات چنانچه شنيده ايد و می شنويد، نيست مگر برای ادراک عقول ناقصه ضعيفه و إلّا لم يزل و لايزال مقدّس بوده‏اند از هر اسمی و منزّه خواهند بود از هر وصفی. جواهر اسماء را به ساحت قدسشان راهی نه و لطائف صفات را در ملکوت عزّشان سبيلی نه. فَسُبحانَ اللّه مِن اَن يُعرَفَ اَصفياؤُه بِغَيرِ ذواتِهِم اَو يُوصَفَ اَولِياؤهُ بِغَيرِ اَنفُسِهِم. فَتَعالَی عَمّا يَذکُرُ العِبادُ فی وَصفِهِم و تعالَی عَمّا هُم يَعرِفُونَ. (edit)	That these divine Luminaries seem to be confined at times to specific designations and attributes, as you have observed and are now observing, is due solely to the imperfect and limited comprehension of certain minds. Otherwise, they have been at all times, and will through eternity continue to be, exalted above every praising name, and sanctified from every descriptive attribute. The quintessence of every name can hope for no access unto their court of holiness, and the highest and purest of all attributes can never approach their kingdom of glory. Immeasurably high are the Prophets of God exalted above the comprehension of men, who can never know them except by their own Selves. Far be it from His glory that His chosen Ones should be magnified by any other than their own persons. Glorified are they above the praise of men; exalted are they above human understanding! (edit)	And the fact that in the context of expression and mention, some of the names and attributes are specified as you have heard and will hear, is only for the understanding of imperfect and weak intellects. Otherwise, He has always been and will always remain sanctified from any name, and will remain exalted from any attribute. The essence of the names has no path to His sacred domain, and the subtleties of the attributes have no way in the dominion of His honor. So glory be to God, that His chosen ones cannot be recognized except by their own selves, and His friends cannot be described except by their own selves. He is exalted beyond what His servants mention in their descriptions, and He is exalted beyond what they understand. The divine essence is utterly beyond comprehension and is independent of any attribute or name ascribed by His creations. He is absolutely transcendent and indescribable. (edit)
34	و اطلاق شموس بر آن انوار مجرّده در کلمات اهل عصمت بسيار شده، از آن جمله در دعای ندبه می فرمايد: "اَينَ الشُّمُوسُ الطّالِعةُ؟ اَينَ الاَقمار المُنيرَةُ؟ اَينَ الَانْجُمُ الزّاهِرَةُ؟" پس معلوم شد که مقصود از شمس و قمر و نجوم در مقام اوّليّه انبياء و اولياء و اصحاب ايشانند که از انوار معارفشان عوالم غيب و شهود روشن و منوّر است. (edit)	The term “suns” hath many a time been applied in the writings of the “immaculate Souls” unto the Prophets of God, those luminous Emblems of Detachment. Among those writings are the following words recorded in the “Prayer of Nudbih”:23 “Whither are gone the resplendent Suns? Whereunto have departed those shining Moons and sparkling Stars?” Thus, it hath become evident that the terms “sun,” “moon,” and “stars” primarily signify the Prophets of God, the saints, and their companions, those Luminaries, the light of Whose knowledge hath shed illumination upon the worlds of the visible and the invisible. (edit)	The usage of the term 'suns' for those abstract lights has been frequent in the discourses of the infallible ones. For instance, in Du'a Nudba (a Shia prayer), it is said: "Where are the rising suns? Where are the illuminating moons? Where are the shining stars?" So, it is understood that the primary implication of 'suns', 'moons', and 'stars' is referring to the prophets, the saints, and their companions whose divine knowledge enlightens both the unseen and the seen worlds. These are the spiritual luminaries that guide humanity with their divine knowledge and wisdom. (edit)
35	و در مقام ديگر مقصود از شمس و قمر و نجوم، علمای ظهور قبلند که در زمان ظهور بعد موجودند و زمام دين مردم در دست ايشان است. و اگر در ظهور شمس اُخری به ضيای او منوّر گشتند لهذا مقبول و منير و روشن خواهند بود و الّا حکم ظلمت در حقّ آنها جاری است اگر چه به ظاهر هادی باشند زيرا که جميع اين مراتب از کفر و ايمان و هدايت و ضلالت و سعادت و شقاوت و نور و ظلمت منوط به تصديق آن شمس معنوی الهی است. بر هر نفسی از علماء حکم ايمان از مبدأ عرفان در يوم تغابن و احسان جاری شد حکم علم و رضا و نور و ايمان درباره او صادق است و الّا حکم جهل و نفی و کفر و ظلم در حقّ او جريان يابد. (edit)	In another sense, by these terms is intended the divines of the former Dispensation, who live in the days of the subsequent Revelations, and who hold the reins of religion in their grasp. If these divines be illumined by the light of the latter Revelation, they will be acceptable unto God, and will shine with a light everlasting. Otherwise, they will be declared as darkened, even though to outward seeming they be leaders of men, inasmuch as belief and unbelief, guidance and error, felicity and misery, light and darkness, are all dependent upon the sanction of Him Who is the Daystar of Truth. Whosoever among the divines of every age receiveth, in the Day of Reckoning, the testimony of faith from the Source of true knowledge, he verily becometh the recipient of learning, of divine favor, and of the light of true understanding. Otherwise, he is branded as guilty of folly, denial, blasphemy, and oppression. (edit)	In another context, the 'suns', 'moons', and 'stars' refer to the leading scholars who are present during the advent of a new divine emergence. They hold the reins of the religion of the people. If they become illuminated by the light of that new spiritual 'sun', they are accepted, enlightened, and clear. Otherwise, the rule of darkness applies to them, even though they may appear to be guides. This is because all these states - faith or disbelief, guidance or misguidance, happiness or misery, light or darkness - are conditional upon acknowledging that divine spiritual 'sun'. The judgment of faith for each scholar is determined at the onset of recognition on the Day of Mutual Disillusion (Yawm at-Taghabun) and the judgment of knowledge, approval, light, and faith regarding the new spiritual 'sun' is truthful for them. Otherwise, the judgment of ignorance, denial, disbelief, and darkness is applicable to them. (edit)
36	و اين بر هر ذی بصری مشهود است که همچنان که نور ستاره محو می شود نزد اشراق شمس ظاهره، همين قسم شمس علم و حکمت و عرفان ظاهره نزد طلوع شمس حقيقت و آفتاب معنوی محو و تاريک می شود. (edit)	It is evident and manifest unto every discerning observer that even as the light of the star fadeth before the effulgent splendor of the sun, so doth the luminary of earthly knowledge, of wisdom, and understanding vanish into nothingness when brought face to face with the resplendent glories of the Sun of Truth, the Daystar of divine enlightenment. (edit)	Indeed, it's observable to any discerning observer that just as the light of a star fades with the rise of the physical sun, likewise the 'sun' of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding fades and becomes obscured with the rise of the true spiritual 'sun'. When the spiritual 'sun' or divine manifestation arises, it outshines all else, making other sources of knowledge and wisdom appear dim in comparison. It's a metaphysical representation that the ultimate knowledge and wisdom is the direct divine revelation, and all other sources of knowledge pale in comparison to it. (edit)
37	و اطلاق شمس بر آن علماء به مناسبت علوّ و شهرت و معروفيّت است. مثل علمای مسلّم عصر که مشهور بلاد و مسلّم اند بين عباد. و اگر حاکی از شمس الهی باشند از شموس عاليه محسوبند و إلّا از شموس سجّين چنانچه می فرمايد: "الشَّمْسُ وَالْقَمَرُ بِحُسْبَانٍ." معنی شمس و قمر هم که در آيه مذکوره هست البتّه شنيده ايد، احتياج به ذکر نيست. و هر نفسی هم که از عنصر اين شمس و قمر باشد يعنی در اقبال به باطل و اعراض از حقّ، البتّه از حسبان ظاهر و به حسبان راجع خواهد شد. (edit)	That the term “sun” hath been applied to the leaders of religion is due to their lofty position, their fame, and renown. Such are the universally recognized divines of every age, who speak with authority, and whose fame is securely established. If they be in the likeness of the Sun of Truth, they will surely be accounted as the most exalted of all luminaries; otherwise, they are to be recognized as the focal centers of hellish fire. Even as He saith: “Verily, the sun and the moon are both condemned to the torment of infernal fire.”24 You are no doubt familiar with the interpretation of the term “sun” and “moon” mentioned in this verse; no need therefore to refer unto it. And whosoever is of the element of this “sun” and “moon,” that is, followeth the example of these leaders in setting his face towards falsehood and in turning away from the truth, he undoubtedly cometh out of infernal gloom and returneth thereunto. (edit)	Indeed, the term 'sun' is used metaphorically for those scholars due to their elevated status, renown, and recognition, such as the well-known scholars of the Muslim era who are renowned across lands and recognized amongst people. If they bear witness to the divine 'sun', they are considered among the lofty 'suns'. However, if they do not, they are considered among the 'suns' of the infernal world, as is said, "The sun and the moon [move] by precise calculation" (Qur'an 55:5). The meaning of the 'sun' and 'moon' in the aforementioned verse is well known, so there's no need to elaborate on it here. Every soul who is part of the 'element' of this sun and moon, that is, inclined towards falsehood and turning away from truth, will indeed be subject to the visible calculation and will return to the calculation (divine judgement). (edit)
38	پس ای سائل، بايد به عروة الوثقی متمسّک شويم که شايد از شام ضلالت به نور هدايت راجع گرديم و از ظلّ نفی فرار نموده در ظلّ اثبات درآئيم و از نار حسبان آزاد شده به نور جمال حضرت منّان منوّر گرديم والسّلام. کَذلِکَ نُعطيکُم مِن اَثمارِ شَجَرةِ العِلمِ لِتَکُونُنَّ فی رِضوانِ حِکمةِ اللّه لَمِن المُحبرينَ. (edit)	And now, O seeker, it behooveth us firmly to cling unto the ‘Urvatu’l-Vuthqá, that perchance we may leave behind the darksome night of error, and embrace the dawning light of divine guidance. Shall we not flee from the face of denial, and seek the sheltering shadow of certitude? Shall we not free ourselves from the horror of satanic gloom, and hasten towards the rising light of the heavenly Beauty? In such wise, we bestow upon you the fruit of the Tree of divine knowledge, that ye may gladly and joyously abide in the Riḍván of divine wisdom. (edit)	So, oh seeker, we must hold tightly to the "firmest handhold" (Qur'an 2:256) so that we might be led from the darkness of misguidance to the light of guidance, that we might flee the shadow of negation to find refuge in the shadow of affirmation, and that we might escape from the fire of calculation (divine judgement) to become illuminated in the light of the beauty of the Most Generous. Peace be upon you. Just as such, we provide you with the fruits of the tree of knowledge, so that you may remain in the satisfaction of God's wisdom, as one of the scholars. (edit)
39	و در مقامی هم مقصود از اطلاقات شمس و قمر و نجوم، علوم و احکام مرتفعه در هر شريعت است مثل صلات و صوم که در شريعت فرقان بعد از اخفای جمال محمّدی از جميع احکام محکم تر و اعظم تر است. چنانچه احاديث و اخبار مشعر بر آن است و به علّت شهرت، احتياج ذکر نيست. بلکه در هر عصری حکم صلات محکم و مجری بوده. (edit)	In another sense, by the terms “sun,” “moon,” and “stars” are meant such laws and teachings as have been established and proclaimed in every Dispensation, such as the laws of prayer and fasting. These have, according to the law of the Qur’án, been regarded, when the beauty of the Prophet Muḥammad had passed beyond the veil, as the most fundamental and binding laws of His dispensation. To this testify the texts of the traditions and chronicles, which, on account of their being widely known, need not be referred to here. Nay rather, in every Dispensation the law concerning prayer hath been emphasized and universally enforced. To this testify the recorded traditions ascribed to the lights that have emanated from the Daystar of Truth, the essence of the Prophet Muḥammad. (edit)	In another context, the sun, moon, and stars metaphorically refer to the elevated sciences and rulings in each religious law, such as prayer and fasting, which are the most firm and greatest of all rulings in the Qur'an's law, following the veiling of the Muhammadan beauty. This is as indicated in various hadiths and reports, and due to their well-known nature, there is no need for further mention. Indeed, in every era, the ruling of prayer has been firmly established and enforced. (edit)
40	چنانچه از انوار مشرقه از شمس محمّديّه مأثور است که بر جميع انبياء در هر عهدی حکم صلات نازل شده، نهايت آنکه در هر عصر به اقتضای وقت به قسمی و آدابی جديد مخصوص گشته. و چون در هر ظهور بعد، آداب و عادات و علوم مرتفعه محکمه مشرقه واضحه ثابته در ظهور قبل منسوخ می شود لهذا تلويحاً به اسم شمس و قمر ذکر نموده‏اند. "لِيَبْلُوَكُمْ أَيُّكُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلاً." (edit)	The traditions established the fact that in all Dispensations the law of prayer hath constituted a fundamental element of the Revelation of all the Prophets of God—a law the form and the manner of which hath been adapted to the varying requirements of every age. Inasmuch as every subsequent Revelation hath abolished the manners, habits, and teachings that have been clearly, specifically, and firmly established by the former Dispensation, these have accordingly been symbolically expressed in terms of “sun” and “moon.” “That He might prove you, which of you excel in deeds.” (edit)	As it has been reported from the radiant light of the Muhammadan sun that the ruling of prayer has been revealed to all prophets in every era, ultimately, in each era, it is assigned specific new sections and etiquette as required by the time. Because in every subsequent revelation, the clear, established lofty sciences, customs, and solid rulings of the previous revelation are abrogated, they have thus been metaphorically referred to as the sun and the moon. This is in accordance with the verse, "That He may test which of you is best in deed." (Qur'an 67:2) (edit)

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