Again, consider the Mosque of Aqsá and the other places
which We have made sanctuaries unto the people in every land and region. The
honour and distinction they enjoy is in no wise due to their own merit, but
stemmeth from their relation to Our Manifestations, Whom We have appointed as
the Daysprings of Our Revelation amidst mankind, if ye be of them that
understand. In this there lieth a wisdom
inscrutable to all save God. Inquire, that He may graciously make plain unto
you His purpose. His knowledge, verily,
embraceth all things. Detach yourselves,
O people, from the world and all its vanities, and heed not the call of such as
have disbelieved in God and joined partners with Him. Arise above the horizon
of utterance to extol and praise your Lord, the All-Merciful. This is that
which God hath purposed for you; well is it with them who perceive it.
(Baha'u'llah,
‘Suriy-i-Haykal, ‘The Summons of the Lord of Hosts’)
