A Traveler's Narrative
page 63
bounds nor assailed anyone. It is nigh on fifteen years that all
continue tranquil, looking unto God and relying on Him, and
bear patiently what hath come upon them, casting it on God.
And after the arrival of this Servant in this city which is called
Adrianople certain of this community enquired concerning
the meaning of `victory.' Diverse answers were sent in reply,
one of which answers will be submitted on this page, so that it
may become clear before the [Royal] Presence that this Servant
hath in view naught save peace and reform. And if some
of the divine favors, which, without merit [on My part], have
been graciously bestowed [on Me], do not become evident and
apparent, this much [at least] will be known, that [God], in
[His] abounding grace and undeserved mercy, hath not deprived
this Oppressed One of the ornament of reason. The form
of words which was set forth on the meaning of `victory' is this:
"`He is God, exalted is He.
"`It hath been known that God (glorious is His mention) is
sanctified from the world and what is therein, and that the
meaning of "victory" is not this, that anyone should fight or
strive with anyone. The Lord of He doeth what He will (29) hath
committed the kingdom of creation, both land and sea, into
the hand of kings, and they are the manifestations of the
Divine Power according to the degrees of their rank: verily He
is the Potent, the Sovereign. But that which God (glorious is
His mention) hath desired for Himself is the hearts of His
servants, which are treasures of praise and love of the Lord and
stores of divine knowledge and wisdom. The will of the Eternal
King hath ever been to purify the hearts of [His] servants
from the promptings of the world and what is therein, so that
they may be prepared for illumination by the effulgences of
the Lord of the Names and Attributes. Therefore must no
29. Qur'án 3:35; 22:19.
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