By the righteousness of God! Our withdrawal [from Baghdad to
mountains of Kurdistan] contemplated no return, and Our separation hoped for no
reunion. The one object of Our retirement was to avoid becoming a subject of
discord among the faithful, a source of disturbance unto Our companions, the
means of injury to any soul, or the cause of sorrow to any heart. Beyond these,
We cherished no other intention, and apart from them, We had no end in view. And
yet, each person schemed after his own desire, and pursued his own idle fancy,
until the hour when, from the Mystic Source, there came the summons bidding Us
return whence We came. Surrendering Our will to His, We submitted to His
injunction.
- Baha’u’llah (‘The Kitab-i-Iqan’)
