For instance, the Qur’án was an impregnable stronghold unto the people of
Muḥammad. In His days, whosoever entered therein, was shielded from the
devilish assaults, the menacing darts, the soul-devouring doubts, and
blasphemous whisperings of the enemy. Upon him was also bestowed a portion
of the everlasting and goodly fruits—the fruits of wisdom, from the divine
Tree. To him was given to drink the incorruptible waters of the river of
knowledge, and to taste the wine of the mysteries of divine Unity.
All the things that people required in connection with the Revelation of
Muḥammad and His laws were to be found revealed and manifest in that
Ridván of resplendent glory. That Book constitutes an abiding testimony to
its people after Muḥammad, inasmuch as its decrees are indisputable, and
its promise unfailing. All have been enjoined to follow the precepts of
that Book until “the year sixty”(153)—the year of the advent of God’s
wondrous Manifestation. That Book is the Book which unfailingly leadeth
the seeker unto the Ridván of the divine Presence, and causeth him that
hath forsaken his country and is treading the seeker’s path to enter the
Tabernacle of everlasting reunion. Its guidance can never err, its
testimony no other testimony can excel. All other traditions, all other
books and records, are bereft of such distinction, inasmuch as both the
traditions and they that have spoken them are confirmed and proven solely
by the text of that Book. Moreover, the traditions themselves grievously
differ, and their obscurities are manifold.
Muḥammad, Himself, as the end of His mission drew nigh, spoke these words:
“Verily, I leave amongst you My twin weighty testimonies: The Book of God
and My Family.” Although many traditions had been revealed by that Source
of Prophethood and Mine of divine Guidance, yet He mentioned only that
Book, thereby appointing it as the mightiest instrument and surest
testimony for the seekers; a guide for the people until the Day of
Resurrection.
With unswerving vision, with pure heart, and sanctified spirit, consider
attentively what God hath established as the testimony of guidance for His
people in His Book, which is recognized as authentic by both the high and
lowly. To this testimony we both, as well as all the peoples of the world,
must cling, that through its light we may know and distinguish between
truth and falsehood, guidance and error. Inasmuch as Muḥammad hath
confined His testimonies to His Book and to His Family, and whereas the
latter hath passed away, there remaineth His Book only as His one
testimony amongst the people.
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