In the Land of Refuge

Restoration of the House of the Báb

The Second Restoration of the Blessed House in AH 1321 [1903]

[p. 465:1] From the beginning of the month of Rabí‘u’th-Thání [27 June 1903], every time the post arrived, it brought a Tablet [from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá regarding the restoration of the House of the Báb] in honor of the Afnán. In the first Tablet, it was instructed that an estimate of the total cost of the repairs be prepared and sent [to the Holy Land]. Through the aid of the Mi‘már-Báshí [the construction taskmaster], the Afnán prepared a detailed estimate of the costs of construction and a drawing of the Sacred House, and sent it to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Upon its receipt, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá revealed several sanctified Tablets insisting on immediate commencement of the restoration work of the House. In response, the Afnán began to make the required plans and to assemble the necessary provisions.

At the beginning of Jamádíyu’l-Avval [26 July 1903], the post from the Holy Land brought an exalted Tablet for Áqá Mírzá Áqá Núri’d-Dín, the Afnán, as the custodian of the House of God. Therein, special emphasis and utmost weight were placed on restoring the Blessed House to its exact original form [at the time of the Báb].³⁰² That blessed Text is included below so that the divine friends would become aware of God’s inscrutable wisdom in this regard:
Shíráz. The illustrious Afnán of the sacred Lote-Tree, the honored Áqá Mírzá Áqá, upon him rest the Glory of God, the Most Glorious.
He is God.

O thou august offshoot of the sacred Lote-Tree! Some time ago, thou hadst written about the restoration of the heavenly point of adoration and the celestial Ka‘bih, and a response was sent to thee. However, news of its receipt hath not arrived.

The restoration of the Blessed House [of the Báb] is thy most immediate duty, and not a moment’s hesitation is permitted. However, the House must be rebuilt in complete conformity to the original design, and absolutely no change is allowed. Therefore, that illustrious personage must prepare a detailed estimate of the restoration costs and at once send it to the Holy Land. Somehow, the required funds will be raised and sent from here so that thou mayest soon commence work on the Blessed House, the heavenly point of adoration. Not a moment’s delay is permitted. This is of the utmost importance. This undertaking will have profound spiritual and material influence. Upon the receipt of this letter, do not delay for an instant, and quickly submit an estimate. The design of the House and the plan for the rooms, the walls, the dimensions, and the orientations must not deviate by a dot from the original, and no change is admissible.

Praise and salutations rest upon thee.

‘A ‘A.

[ps.] Consider how important is the restoration of the Blessed House that this servant has pledged, that should the believers in Fárs rise to this task, all the troubles besetting that community will be removed. And as I had previously written, the friends must consider this the measure of truth or imposture.³⁰³

[Another Tablet:]
Shíráz. The illustrious Afnán of the sacred Lote-Tree, the honored Áqá Mírzá Áqá, upon him rest the Glory of God, the Most Glorious.
He is God!

O thou august offshoot of the sacred Lote-Tree! Thy missive hath arrived, and its contents stand manifest. The estimate for the restoration of the Blessed House was reviewed and found most agreeable. Through the honored Mi‘már-Báshí see to all the details and assemble the necessary provisions. In this task, the Mi‘már-Báshí must exert his utmost and of a certainty must ensure that the construction does not deviate by so much as a hair’s breadth from the original design, layout, architecture, and dimensions. The building must be raised in the utmost refinement, beauty, and solidity. God willing, gradually the required funds will be sent. Now you must busy yourself with organizing the construction materials. Within a month, a sum will be forwarded. Report very frequently on progress, as this Servant, placing His reliance in God, will be able to facilitate all difficulties. Not a minute’s delay is permitted. Be assured. I beseech God that I may not fail in my duties and may be rendered triumphant.

Praise and salutation rest upon thee.

‘A ‘A.³⁰⁴

Upon consideration of these Tablets and oft-repeated exhortations on the Mi‘már-Báshí to undertake this trust—a task requiring the utmost diligence, the greatest attention, and highest urgency—[p. 470] my father instructed me to invite several of the more experienced believers to the Blessed House to ponder these divine injunctions and consult on ways for the construction work to commence. This servant invited the following nine believers: my maternal uncle, Áqá Siyyid Husayn Afnán; ‘Andalíb; the Prince Muhammad-Husayn Mírzá, the Mu’ayyadu’s-Saltanih; Áqá Ja‘far-Qulí Khán Amír-Panjih [the regiment commander]; Colonel Ahmad-Qulí Khán; Áqá Mírzá ‘Alí-Muhammad Khán, the Muvaqqari’d-Dawlih; the Prince Muhib-‘Alí Mírzá; Áqá Mírzá Muhammad-Báqir Khán; and Mírzá Áqá Mi‘már-Báshí.

As the Afnán had instructed, the named personages assembled in the Blessed House and read the received Tablets. After tea and sherbet were served, consultation commenced, and each person presented his views, spoke in a different manner, and commented as he wished. The Muvaqqari’d-Dawlih stated, “This undertaking is untimely, as the troubles in Isfahán and Yazd have not subsided and the blood of the martyrs is still fresh on the soil of Yazd.” Áqá Ja‘far-Qulí Khán added, “The episode of Isfahán and the [Russian] Consulate building is still current among people, and it is likely that the reconstruction of the Blessed House would likewise precipitate turmoil in Shíráz.” Others articulated similar views and supported the same sentiments.

The Prince Mu’ayyadu’s-Saltanih, however, commented, “In this regard, we must first ascertain the views of the Afnán.” Collectively, they asked him for his opinion, and the Afnán stated, “I submit to you that ijtihád [religious deduction] in the presence of an explicit text is wrong. [‘Abdu’l-Bahá] has written, ‘A moment’s hesitation is not permitted.’ He is the Head of the Faith and the all-encompassing fashioner of events. He knows best when to build and when to destroy. No need for us to express views or to put forth an opinion when His command is made known and stands manifest. He has written, ‘Of a certainty, commence this task, and do not wait for funds, as they will arrive.’³⁰⁵ Therefore, my vote is to act consonant with His instructions since we are servants and He is the Master. Servants’ views are unimportant when the Master has spoken.”

The Prince [Mu’ayyadu’s-Saltanih] exclaimed his praise and said, “I am in full accord with the judgment of the honored Afnán. There is wisdom in this undertaking that we are unaware of, but known to the Head of the Faith. Therefore, let us commence the construction work.” Others said no more and only expressed their consent that the Beloved’s command must be carried out. The assemblage resolved that on 14 Jamádíu’l-Avval [8 August 1903], that is, nine days after the celebration of the Declaration [of the Báb], the Mi‘már-Báshí was to bring his laborers and construction workers, and to start the restoration in whatever manner the Afnán might instruct, since ‘Abdu’l-Bahá wished to return the House to its original design, without any addition or alterations, rebuilt with the utmost delicacy, deliberation, purity, and firmness, and none besides the Afnán knew the previous design from the time of His Holiness the Exalted One [the Báb].

The Start of Construction

On the appointed day, the honored Mi‘már-Báshí together with his crew arrived, and the work was inaugurated. With great haste and in full accord with [my father’s] instructions, the construction progressed, and each day some fifty or sixty laborers, workers, and carpenters were busy in the Blessed House with various tasks.

Within two months, the main structure of the House was raised in the same manner as in the original design, as called for by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.³⁰⁶ Both the overall layout and the details were in exact conformity with the initial plan. A complete progress report was sent to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s presence, noting that construction was being carried out following the original architecture and arrangement. After the receipt of this missive, the following exalted Tablet was revealed in honor of the Afnán showering him with infinite favors. The text is as follows:
[p. 475] Shíráz. The illustrious Afnán of the sacred Lote-Tree, the honored Áqá Mírzá Áqá, upon him rest the Glory of God, the Most Glorious.
He is God!

O thou exalted offshoot of the divine Tree! What thou didst write was received and perused. Render thanks unto God that thou wert commissioned to raise the splendid House. Appreciate thou well the sacredness of this bounty! By God besides Whom there is none other god, the celestial dwellers and the denizens of the Concourse on High are calling out, “Blessed art thou!” and cry forth, “Happy art thou! Happy art thou!”

What the friends have contributed toward the restoration of the Blessed House is most acceptable and pleasing, and henceforth should anyone earnestly contribute toward that Sanctified Edifice, accept and record the same.

Although at the present the horizon of the world of humanity is dark with turmoil, its foundation shaken to its core, the portals of hardship and trials flung wide open, and the tempests of ordeals and difficulties most evident, it is precisely in such a convulsive state that the reconstruction of the renowned House must be carried out, as it will bring joy and comfort to every desolate heart. During times of safety and tranquility, anyone can achieve anything. But at the time of severe tempests and storms, faced with blasts of snow and blizzards, thunder and lightning from every direction, and mighty tornadoes and cyclones—amidst such great calamities and hurricanes for the captain to raise sail in the heart of the vast deep is proof of great courage. Otherwise, at a time when the sea is calm, the lowliest of seamen can raise sail and guide the ship! And this is but one of the favors of the Merciful and Compassionate Lord.

‘A ‘A.³⁰⁷

The Passing of Áqá Mírzá Áqá Núri’d-Dín

In the month of Rajab [September 1903], the Afnán grew ill, and gradually the illness worsened to the point that he had to remain in bed. Initially, his physician was Mírzá ‘Abdu’lláh Rahmat, but later he recommended the care of Mírzá Muhammad-‘Alí Khán, the Masíhu’d-Dawlih. The condition of the Afnán however, continued to deteriorate day-by-day, and the Masíhu’d-Dawlih became discouraged and for a few days did not visit. His attendant—a man bent on malice and enmity—noised abroad among the people, “The chief of the Bábís, who lives in the Shamshírgarhá street, is ill, and my master, who is his physician, has said he will expire any day.” This was meant as a signal to the rabble to commence mischief and injury. Gradually, the same whispers reached our neighbors, and they too started trouble and insults. We also heard reports from various directions that the shopkeepers in the nearby bazaar were saying, “At the time of Áqá Mírzá Áqá’s death we must not remain passive.”

This servant therefore concluded that our foes were making plans to uproot us, and as such I informed both the Prince Mu’ayyad [u’s-Saltanih] and Áqá Ja‘far-Qulí Khán.³⁰⁸ The latter assigned several of his esteemed men, who were also Bahá’ís, to quietly come and spend the nights in the residence adjacent to the House of the Báb. Moreover, the Mu’ayyadu’s-Saltanih informed Habíbu’lláh Khán Bíglar-Baykí, “Áqá Mírzá Áqá is ill and is likely to pass away soon. The rabble is scheming to cause mischief and difficulties. As the city’s Kalántar, you must certainly prevent these lewd elements from achieving their wicked purpose.”

On hearing this, Habíbu’lláh Khán sent word to me through Mírzá Muhammad-Ja‘far Khán, “Whatever is your wish, I stand ready to assist. The local Kad-Khudá and chieftain have been told, when needed and you are ready, to aid in the befitting transfer of the corpse to the cemetery.” Noting his cooperation and cordiality, this servant expressed gratitude and continued to manage affairs. [p. 480] Several devoted and dutiful believers were selected to help during this period. They were: Áqá Mírzá Muhammad-Ja‘far Khán; Mírzá ‘Alí-Muhammad Khán; Mírzá Lutfu’lláh Khán, the Khádim-Báshí; Mírzá ‘Alí-Ridá Khán; Mírzá Asadu’lláh Khán Tirmih-Dúz [the silk-weaver]; Hájí Mírzá Muhammad-Sádiq Khabbáz [the baker]; Mírzá Shukru’lláh Jahrumí; [and] Áqá Mírzá Yahyá Khán. These honored personages assembled full of appreciation and earnestness and ready for service.

Through our consultations it was determined that it would be best not to organize a memorial service in the streets [as was customary], but rather to have the gathering and soothsaying session in one of the homes. For this purpose, we chose the house of Hájí Mírzá Abú’l-Qásim<11>, my maternal grandfather. The house partly belonged to my mother. All the necessary provisions for a memorial service were sent there.

With humility, submissiveness, and while uttering the Holy Verses, on Monday, 26 Sha‘bán AH 1321 [17 November 1903], the spirit of that essence of being [Núri’d-Dín] ascended to the Exalted Horizon and Abhá Kingdom. During the entire sixty-two years that he spent on this dark plane of dust, he tasted from foes and enemies naught save insult and injury, trials and tribulations in the path of this wondrous Faith. And yet, he hastened to his immortal abode thoroughly resigned and filled with joy and ecstasy.

The appointed friends gathered to assist with the burial arrangements. Áqá Mírzá Muhammad-Ja‘far Khán, who was assigned by Áqá Habíbu’lláh Bíglar-Baykí, instructed several of the farrashes of the latter to guard the vicinity of the House. It was three hours into the night when the luminous remains were circumambulated around the Blessed House of the Báb and then moved to the Hammám Gul-Dastih in the same neighborhood for ritual ablutions and the performance of other rites in accordance with Bahá’í percepts.³⁰⁹ That night, his remains were interred by the entrance of the Shrine of Siyyid Mír Ahmad Sháh-Chiráq….About seven hours into the night, the burial ceremony was completed, and together with my brothers and all the friends we returned to the Blessed House and spent the night in mourning.

In the morning, a number of divine friends joined us in the House so together we could proceed to the house of the late Hájí [Abú’l-Qásim]. However, my maternal uncle, Áqá Siyyid Muhammad-Husayn Afnán<37>, arrived and informed us that there was much tumult in the bazaar and the streets, and the mob was plotting mischief, so that it was unwise to hold the prayer vigils in the Hájí’s house. I was perplexed as to what to do when he suggested that it was best to convene the prayer meetings in the Blessed House of the Báb and the adjacent homes. The friends who were there for assistance immediately responded favorably to this suggestion and said, “We will quickly clean the second floor of the Blessed House from all the construction debris and will furnish it properly.” Meanwhile, the Mu‘arrif-Báshí [the public-announcer] arrived and was told to inform the believers and other citizens that the commemorative meetings would be held in the Blessed House.

The believers began to clean the House when, in accordance to their everyday practice, all the laborers, carpenters, and other workers arrived and on hearing what had transpired, although they were not Bahá’ís, most selflessly began to help to clean the House. Within two hours the entire Blessed House was cleared of all the construction materials and was completely furnished. In addition, tea, coffee, sherbet, and other refreshments were ready for the visitors.

As was customary, the Mu‘arrif-Báshí invited the Qur’án reciters, who arrived and began chanting Sacred Verses. For three days, the believers and other friends from all strata of the community would visit and share in the prayer vigils.

It was customary that on such occasions an important person would come on the third day and conclude the prayer gathering. [p. 485] As such, on the final day, in company of a number of ministers and farrashes, Áqá Mírzá Ibráhím Khán, the eldest son of the Áqá Habíbu’lláh Khán, the Qavámu’l-Mulk [III], arrived and ceremoniously concluded the commemorative prayer vigils. The fact that such dignitaries came for this purpose left many of the nonbelievers wonder-struck.

This third day of the memorial meeting coincided with the 28 Sha‘bán [19 November 1903], which was the anniversary of the martyrdom of His Holiness the Exalted One [the Báb], and the sound of mourning and lamentation was raised high from the Blessed House and the adjacent homes.

Much wisdom was concealed and enshrined in the way that this memorial service unfolded, and it only gradually became apparent. For instance, previously the non-Bahá’ís had all manner of thoughts about the reconstruction of the Blessed House and had allowed their imaginations to run wild in this regard. They had wondered what construction was taking place in such small dwelling and what purpose it was to serve. However, when they came [for the services], they saw that their previous notions were wrong and that their imaginations had led them astray, and realized that it was only a simple House. The other misconception was that they never thought we would be in a position to associate with the most prominent and influential citizens of the community, including many among the wealthy and the merchants.

Through this incident, they grew cognizant of the majesty of the Cause and the great influence of the Blessed House, and their eyes and ears were filled with this. Therefore, much talk and plans for mischief were discarded, nor were unseemly remarks uttered in secret about the House or these servants, now spoken after these events. In fact, in contrast to the past, the public exerted itself to associate [with Bahá’ís] and to show them respect.³¹⁰

The period of the Afnán’s illness until his passing was about forty-five days. After the conclusion of the memorial services, the news of his death and a list of all those who had served during this ordeal were sent to the presence of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. After a month, a number of Tablets were revealed as a bounty on the friends as well as a Visitation Tablet in remembrance of the Afnán. These Tablets tell of the services and the station of that devoted servant of His Threshold. The text of that Visitation Tablet is included in these pages so that the divine friends would perceive the meaning of: “Whoever takes a step in My direction, that effort will never dissipate.”
Shíráz. The illustrious Afnán of the sacred Lote-Tree, the honored Áqá Mírzá Buzurg and Áqá Mírzá Habíb, upon them rest the Glory of God, the Most Glorious.
Visitation Tablet for him who attained the exalted paradise, the illustrious Afnán of the sacred Lote-Tree, the honored Áqá Mírzá Áqá, upon him be the Glory of God, the Most Glorious.
He is God.
The perfumed fragrances wafted from the celestial and glorious paradise, and the musk-laden breezes of the divine and heavenly concourse rest upon thy resplendent resting-place and thy renowned shrine, O thou merciful twig and exalted offshoot of the hallowed Tree!

I testify that thou wert awakened from thy heedlessness and wert guided unto the path of righteousness, and that thou wert chosen and moved from thy habitation to the presence of His Countenance and wert able to perceive the Days of thy Lord. Moreover, thou didst turn to the Blessed Beauty and believed in thine Exalted Lord and served thy Master in this ephemeral world.

In the path of God, thou didst sustain the darts of the slanderers and suffered the oppression of the enemies and the tyranny of the foes. Thou didst migrate forth from thy native home unto the Holy Land to behold the evidences and signs of thy Mighty God. Thou didst come before the Threshold of thy compassionate Lord, didst enter the presence of His Self and heeded His utterances from His blessed and sweet Tongue. Blest art thou for this most benevolent favor and happy art thou for this most splendid generosity!

I beseech God to bestow upon thee all His blessings in the Invisible and Hidden Kingdom, to attire thee with the robe of His favors, to grant all thy desires, and to make manifest [p. 490] in thee all the evident effulgence of His exalted paradise.

Blessed is the one who visits thy resting-place. Because of thy love for the Blessed Beauty thou wert near to the Sacred Threshold. Upon thee be praise and salutations!

‘A ‘A.³¹¹

Completion of the Restoration

Subsequent to the passing of the Afnán, this servant and my brother, Áqá Hájí Mírzá Buzurg, continued to send monthly, nay, weekly detailed progress reports on the restoration of the Blessed House of the Báb to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.³¹² In turn, the sacred pen of the Center of the Covenant revealed many Tablets during this period in honor of these ephemeral servants.

From the beginning of construction to the end, it took almost two years and a few months, and throughout this period the work advanced methodically. The divine friends in Fárs and other parts of Iran donated towards the expenses of the restoration; a list of contributors was regularly submitted to the presence of the Master; and receipts issued therefrom.

When all the work was completed, there was a shortfall of five hundred tumáns, which at that time was nearly impossible to raise. However, the venerable Muhammad-Husayn Mírzá, the Mu’ayyad [u’s-Saltanih], donated this remaining sum. After the completion of work and the final tally of expenditures, a report was presented to the Holy Land, and the following Tablet was received, reflecting ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s joy and happiness:

Shíráz. The illustrious Afnán of the sacred Lote-Tree, Áqá Mírzá Buzurg and the honored Áqá Mírzá Habíb, upon them rest the Glory of the Most Glorious.
He is God!
O ye twin verdant twigs of the Sacred Tree! Your missive hath been received, and the news of the completion of the Exalted House and the conclusion of the accounts hath filled me with the utmost felicity and life. The honored Mu’ayyad is truly confirmed, triumphant, successful, and luminous.

Praised be God that during such tempests and universal convulsions, when all hearts were agitated and people disturbed, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, with extreme tranquility and serenity, instructed thee to restore the Exalted House, and bid the Afnán of the Sacred Tree, the honored Hájí Mírzá Muhammad-Taqí, proceed forth with building of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár [of ‘Ishqábád]. Such tasks, which the sincere ones in the former days would undertake at a time of health, peace, and tranquility, we rose to fulfill at a time of mighty cataclysms and with heart and soul saw them through. This is naught save one of the infinite favors of the Blessed Beauty, may my spirit be a sacrifice unto His loved-ones. Therefore, in gratitude for the success of this most mighty achievement and the bliss of being able to render such a service, we must raise our voice in thankfulness to the Threshold of the Ancient Lord. Praised be God, and thanks be unto Him for what hath transpired.

The news of the illness of the mother of Áqá Mírzá Bahá’u’d-Dín brought sadness and much sorrow, and I prayed for her forgiveness at His Threshold of Oneness. The text of that prayer is enclosed. The sum of money bequeathed by that honored handmaiden was received at a most propitious instant, as affairs were most difficult in the Holy Land and the assailants most aggressive. It was given to a most deserving person in a condition of desperate need. This turn of events further testifies to the purity of her intentions.

Praise and salutations be upon you.

‘A ‘A.³¹³

‘Abdu’l-Bahá commanded that a detailed ledger of all the expenditures be prepared and sealed by well-informed individuals, [thereby authenticating its accuracy], and He emphasized that they should include my maternal uncle, [Siyyid Muhammad-Husayn<37>]. Accordingly, an account that detailed such things as the cost of materials, wages paid to the laborers, and all other expenses related to the work of that Sacred Threshold from the beginning until then was prepared. With the utmost humility, through the celebrated resident-believer Áqá Ridá [Qannád] Shirází [p. 495] this account was submitted to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. After the arrival of our missive and accounts, and their review by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the same was returned to Áqá Ridá, stating, “Return this account book to the esteemed personages [the Afnáns] and tell them that I have confidence in them. The reason I asked that an exact account be kept and signed by trustworthy dignitaries, such as their distinguished maternal uncle, is that they would have it in their custody, haply it may one day prove useful.”

It is important to record in these pages of history the text of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Tablet and a letter in the hand of the venerable Áqá Ridá written at the Master’s bidding, to further adorn these pages:
Shíráz. The illustrious Afnán of the sacred Lote-Tree, the honored Áqá Mírzá Buzurg, upon him rest the Glory of God.
He is God.
O thou offshoot of the branch of divinity! Thy numerous letters addressed to the honored Manshádí have been considered. The news of the completion of the sacred House hath assured my heart. Praise be to God that we both succeeded in this undertaking. Complete the account ledger in an orderly and methodical fashion, and obtain the concurrence of certain distinguished friends, such as thine honored maternal uncle. Keep this safe in thy possession. This is critical and will be of benefit to thee. In this regard, the honored Mi‘már-Báshí will assuredly be of the utmost aid.

Áqá Mírzá Fakhru’d-Dín, upon him be the Glory of God, must exert his best in learning the English language and commit to memory the whole of the Bible, from beginning to end.

A reply to the honored Mu’ayyad hath previously been written and sent. Surely, it hath been received.

Praise and salutation be upon thee,

‘A ‘A.³¹⁴
[The following letter was also received from Áqá Ridá:]
To the presence of custodians of the Threshold of the House of God, the esteemed Áqá Mírzá Buzurg and Áqá Mírzá Habíbu’lláh, may my soul be a sacrifice unto them.
25 Rabí‘u’l-Avval AH 1324 [19 May 1906]
9

He is God.

May my soul be a sacrifice to the Afnán of the sacred Lote-Tree, who have remained faithful and centered on Him Whom God hath purposed.

Your august letter of 17 Safar [12 April 1906] was received on 24 Rabí‘u’l-Avval, and upon its perusal I raised my voice in gratitude and praise to the Almighty, and was made most joyous by the news of your well-being. I beseech His sacred Threshold for blessings, prosperity, health, and welfare in all your endeavors, and I pray that haply you will always be safe and protected in the Ridván of His bliss, as well as preserved from all that may cause sadness and vexation. He is the Hearer and the Answerer of the prayers.

After reading your missive and being gratified by spiritual favors derived from the heaven of blessings, I besought the sacred presence of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, may my life be a sacrifice for His friends, and delivered the account book to Him. His Holiness, without so much as a look, gave it back to me and said, “Send it back to them and write, ‘We know them to be trustworthy. Our intention was for this ledger to be kept safe there, since it will be of benefit to them in the future.’ In short, He expressed such immense favors and gratification about your deeds that my tongue fails in recounting them, and my pen is unable to repeat them.

Your presence is very much felt in these luminous surroundings. Praised be God, you are trees of fidelity, branches of the Tree of Holiness, and stars of the heaven of God’s love. May the Glory of the Most Glorious be upon you for all time.

My sole supplication is that you remember me in your blessed prayers in the spiritual and illumined gatherings. [p. 500] Kindly extend my greetings and commendation to all the friends. They are in my prayers at the Threshold of God and in the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh, where I supplicate for their well-being, protection, success, and divine assistance. In particular, I pray on behalf of your brothers Áqá Siyyid Áqá, Áqá Mírzá Jalál, and Mírzá Díyá’u’lláh who are always in my thoughts and whose presence I very much wish to attain.

Enclosed you will please find the account book. I hope that you will inform me of its arrival. Peace and the good pleasure of God be upon you.

— Ridá.