Reflect for a while upon the behaviour of the companions of
the Muhammadan Dispensation. Consider how, through the reviving breath of
Muhammad, they were cleansed from the defilements of earthly vanities, were
delivered from selfish desires, and were detached from all else but Him. Behold
how they preceded all the peoples of the earth in attaining unto His holy
Presence—the Presence of God Himself—how they renounced the world and all that
is therein, and sacrificed freely and joyously their lives at the feet of that
Manifestation of the All-Glorious. And now, observe the “return” of the self-same
determination, the self-same constancy and renunciation, manifested by the
companions of the Point of the Bayán. Thou hast witnessed how these companions have, through the wonders of
the grace of the Lord of Lords, hoisted the standards of sublime renunciation
upon the inaccessible heights of glory. These Lights have proceeded from but
one Source, and these fruits are the fruits of one Tree. Thou canst discern
neither difference nor distinction among them. All this is by the grace of God!
On whom He will, He bestoweth His grace.
- Baha’u’llah (‘The Kitab-i-Iqan’)
