Although We did not intend to make mention of the traditions
of a bygone age [in support of the mission of the Báb], yet, because of Our
love for thee [the Báb’s uncle], We will cite a few which are applicable to Our
argument…
Among them is the tradition, “And when the Standard of Truth
is made manifest, the people of both the East and the West curse it.” The wine
of renunciation must needs be quaffed, the lofty heights of detachment must
needs be attained, and the meditation referred to in the words “One hour’s
reflection is preferable to seventy years of pious worship” must needs be
observed, so that the secret of the wretched behaviour of the people might be
discovered, those people who, despite the love and yearning for truth which
they profess, curse the followers of Truth when once He hath been made
manifest. To this truth the above-mentioned tradition beareth witness. It is
evident that the reason for such behaviour is none other than the annulment of
those rules, customs, habits, and ceremonials to which they have been
subjected. Otherwise, were the Beauty of the Merciful to comply with those same
rules and customs, which are current amongst the people, and were He to
sanction their observances, such conflict and mischief would in no wise be made
manifest in the world.
- Baha’u’llah (‘The Kitab-i-Iqan’)
