Selections from the Writings of His Holiness 'Abdu'l-Bahá'
translated by Khazeh Fananapazir
Chapter 1
On the Two Loves‘Ishq-i-Majázi wa ‘Ishq-i-Haqíqí
O ye lovers of the Abhá Beauty! When the thoughts of those attached to the contingent world become attracted to the colours and physical beauty in this world of dust they become so enamoured of it that they are ready to give their life for it. They forget themselves and will billow forth like unto
the ocean. They seek neither a settled life, nor comfort nor rest. Every
eventide they are tearful in love and every dawn they burn with longing.
Consider if this is the condition of those in love with contingent and
ephemeral things what then must be the state of those who are lovers of the
True Beloved and what cries of ardour and love must ascend from their
hearts. If the love of the world of dust can cause such ardour and ecstasy
then it is should be obvious what the love of the Spirit of sanctity will
achieve. This day is the day that the lovers of the Abhá Beauty must needs
show self-sacrifice and haste to the field of martyrdom in His love. They
must vouchsafe the spirit of life and kindle the lamp of the Merciful One.
They must sing the accents of ‘Iráq and the melodies of Hijáz so that hearts may be moved and souls may be quickened and all spirits may be animated by spiritual vitality. Thereby will a divine celebration be set up and the
banquet of the love of God be in full swing so that the melodies of that
joyous assembly and the chants and songs of those peerless gatherings may
reach the heights of the divine empyrean and the denizens of the Concourse
on high may become joyful and exhilarated.
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