They that are sunk in heedlessness fondly imagine that
massacre and crucifixion cause the fire of the Word of God to be extinguished,
and regard martyrdom as a devastating injury. They are utterly oblivious of the
truth that through such afflictions the Cause of God is exalted, its fame is
blazoned far and wide, and the martyrs themselves are enabled to attain the
boundless retreats of nearness unto God. Immeasurably exalted is the Lord of
Wisdom who doeth that which He willeth and ordaineth whatsoever He pleaseth.
- Baha’u’llah (Compilation: ‘Fire and Light’, prepared by the Research
Department of the Universal House of Justice; The Baha’i World 1979-1983)
