O Mother! Grieve not over the loss of thy son; [1] rather
pride thyself therein. Indeed this is an occasion for gladness and rejoicing,
not for despondency and sorrow.
I swear by the Day-Star of the morn of Truth that thy son
hath attained a station such as no pen can depict, nor words adequately
describe. His habitation is the realm on high, his associates and companions
are sanctified and detached souls, and his sustenance the imperishable and
hidden blessings of the Lord. In truth were that lofty and glorious station to
be revealed to an extent smaller than a needle's eye before the eyes of them
that dwell on earth, they would, one and all, be so filled with joy and ecstasy
as to be consumed thereby. Therefore think not that he hath perished. Indeed he
will endure in the heavenly kingdom as long as God Himself endureth. And this
calleth for gratitude, not grieving. When he findeth that thou art happy he
becometh more cheerful, but when he perceiveth that thou art disconsolate, this
provoketh anguish in his heart.
- Baha’u’llah (Compilation: ‘Fire and Light’,
prepared by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice; The
Baha’i World 1979-1983)
[1] He was martyred