It is evident unto thee that the Birds of Heaven and Doves
of Eternity speak a twofold language. One language, the outward language, is
devoid of allusions, is unconcealed and unveiled; that it may be a guiding lamp
and a beaconing light whereby wayfarers may attain the heights of holiness, and
seekers may advance into the realm of eternal reunion. Such are the unveiled
traditions and the evident verses already mentioned. The other language is
veiled and concealed, so that whatever lieth hidden in the heart of the
malevolent may be made manifest and their innermost being be disclosed. Thus
hath Sádiq, son of Muhammad, spoken: “God verily will test them and sift them.”
This is the divine standard, this is the Touchstone of God, wherewith He
proveth His servants. None apprehendeth the meaning of these utterances except
them whose hearts are assured, whose souls have found favour with God, and
whose minds are detached from all else but Him. In such utterances, the literal
meaning, as generally understood by the people, is not what hath been intended.
Thus it is recorded: “Every knowledge hath seventy meanings, of which one only
is known amongst the people. And when the Qá’im shall arise, He shall reveal
unto men all that which remaineth.” He also saith: “We speak one word, and by
it we intend one and seventy meanings; each one of these meanings we can
explain.”
- Baha’u’llah (‘The Kitab-i-Iqan’)
