In the early days of Our arrival in this land, [Iraq] when
We discerned the signs of impending events, We decided, ere they happened, to
retire. We betook Ourselves to the wilderness, and there, separated and alone,
led for two years a life of complete solitude. From Our eyes there rained tears
of anguish, and in Our bleeding heart there surged an ocean of agonizing pain.
Many a night We had no food for sustenance, and many a day Our body found no
rest. By Him Who hath My being between His hands! notwithstanding these showers
of afflictions and unceasing calamities, Our soul was wrapt in blissful joy,
and Our whole being evinced an ineffable gladness.
- Baha’u’llah (‘The Kitab-i-Iqan’)
