-- provisional translation by Ahang Rabbani and Khazeh
Fananapazir
[The first of two Tablets known by this name. It was
revealed in 1897 in response to a letter that ‘Abdu’l-Baha received from Mirza Abu’l-Fadl]
He is the All-Glorious!
O thou who have devoted your life to the exaltation of the
Word of God!
What you have written has been perused, and in accordance
with your urging, its contents were noted with the utmost attention. It was
read time and time again, until the taste buds were utterly sweetened with its
purport, like tasting twice-refined sugar, because it was written with the best
of intentions.
You had written, ‘All confess belief in the Kitab-i-Aqdas
and the Kitab-i-‘Ahd and there are no deniers. What are these differences, and
from where do they come?’
It is evident unto your honoured self that ‘They say with
their tongues what is not in their hearts.’ [1] Moreover, steadfastness is
necessary; mere words are not sufficient. ‘In the case of those who say, “Our
Lord is God,” and further, stand straight and steadfast, the angels descend on
them.’ [2] For those who acknowledge and swear allegiance to the Kitab-i-Aqdas
and the Kitab-i-‘Ahd, opposition is unseemly, whatever the circumstances. For
example, some of the friends in the Holy Land affirm their firmness and loyalty
to the Covenant and Testament with fine words and elegant phrases yet, despite
the strictest admonitions of this servant that, in accordance with divine
wisdom, no one should write abroad without my knowledge, they secretly and
continuously send letters in every direction, so that by every means possible
they may cast doubt in the hearts. Their affirmations are far removed from such
persistence in instilling doubt. This is one example of the clear
discrepancies; there are many more like it.
Concerned lest anyone from this direction should write
something that would have contrary fragrances, this servant, despite his
endless duties, has taken upon himself the toil of reading all communications
and erasing anything that by implication or allusion is inappropriate. By your
dear life! For four years now every day – in blotting out certain statements –
I would imbibe a measure of ink, in the hope that the matter might remain
confidential, so far as possible. [3]
Then suddenly I noticed that from all directions bundles of
surreptitious letters were being returned [to me]. When their contents were
observed, it was evident that all these letters were replete with attempts to
cast doubts. Now reflect on the sorrows of this servant. I am immersed in a sea
of calamities, all the enemies are on the attack from every side, difficulties
are endless and troubles and hardships are limitless; under these conditions, I
am nevertheless engaged day and night in exalting the Word of God. I am single,
alone and powerless among the [diverse] factions of the world.
