A new version of the Bahá’í Reference Library is now available. This ‘old version’ of the Bahá’í Reference Library will be replaced at a later date.
The new version of the Bahá’i Reference Library can be accessed here »
A new version of the Bahá’í Reference Library is now available. This ‘old version’ of the Bahá’í Reference Library will be replaced at a later date.
The new version of the Bahá’i Reference Library can be accessed here »
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The Second Valley |
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If the wayfarer’s goal be the dwelling of the
Praiseworthy One (Maḥmúd),
1
this is the
station of primal reason which is known as
the Prophet and the Most Great Pillar.
2
Here
reason signifieth the divine, universal mind,
whose sovereignty enlighteneth all created
things—nor doth it refer to every feeble brain;
for it is as the wise Saná’í hath written:
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How can feeble reason encompass the Qur’án, Or the spider snare a phoenix in his web? Wouldst thou that the mind should not entrap thee? Teach it the science of the love of God! 53 |
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On this plane, the traveler meeteth with many
a trial and reverse. Now is he lifted up to
heaven, now is he cast into the depths. As it
hath been said: “Now Thou drawest me to
the summit of glory, again Thou castest me
into the lowest abyss.” The mystery treasured
in this plane is divulged in the following holy
verse from the Súrih of THE CAVE:
3
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“And thou mightest have seen the sun when
it arose, pass on the right of their cave, and
when it set, leave them on the left, while they
were in its spacious chamber. This is one of
the signs of God. Guided indeed is he whom
God guideth; but for him whom He misleadeth,
thou shalt by no means find a patron.”
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If a man could know what lieth hid in this
one verse, it would suffice him. Wherefore, in
praise of such as these, He hath said: “Men
whom neither merchandise nor traffic beguile
from the remembrance of God….”
4
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This station conferreth the true standard of
knowledge, and freeth man from tests. In this
realm, to search after knowledge is irrelevant,
for He hath said concerning the guidance of
travelers on this plane, “Fear God, and God
54
will instruct thee.”
5
And again: “Knowledge
is a light which God casteth into the heart of
whomsoever He willeth.”
6
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Wherefore, a man should make ready his
heart that it be worthy of the descent of
heavenly grace, and that the bounteous Cup-Bearer
may give him to drink of the wine of
bestowal from the merciful vessel. “For the
like of this let the travailers travail!”
7
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And now do I say, “Verily we are from
God, and to Him shall we return.”
8
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| 1. |
An attribute of God and one of the titles of Muḥammad.
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| 2. |
Maqám-i-Mahmúd—Praiseworthy Station—is the rank of Prophets endowed with constancy.
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| 3. |
Qur’án 18:16. This is a reference to the station of complete faith. The companions of the Cave are identified with early Christian martyrs.
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| 4. |
Qur’án 24:37.
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| 5. |
Qur’án 2:282.
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| 6. |
Hadíth.
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| 7. |
Qur’án 37:59.
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| 8. |
Qur’án 2:151.
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