Morning
Know then that “life” hath a twofold meaning. The first
pertaineth to the appearance of man in an elemental body, and is as manifest to
thine eminence and to others as the midday sun. This life cometh to an end with
physical death, which is a God-ordained and inescapable reality. That life,
however, which is mentioned in the Books of the Prophets and the Chosen Ones of
God is the life of knowledge; that is to say, the servant’s recognition of the
sign of the splendours wherewith He Who is the Source of all splendour hath
Himself invested him, and his certitude of attaining unto the presence of God
through the Manifestations of His Cause. This is that blessed and everlasting
life that perisheth not: whosoever is quickened thereby shall never die, but
will endure as long as His Lord and Creator will endure.
The first life, which pertaineth to the elemental body, will come to an end, as hath been revealed by God: “Every soul shall taste of death.” [Qur’án 3:185] But the second life, which ariseth from the knowledge of God, knoweth no death, as hath been revealed aforetime: “Him will We surely quicken to a blessed life.” [Qur’án 16:97] And in another passage concerning the martyrs: “Nay, they are alive and sustained by their Lord.” [Qur’án 3:169] And from the Traditions: “He who is a true believer liveth both in this world and in the world to come.” [From a Hadíth] Numerous examples of similar words are to be found in the Books of God and of the Embodiments of His justice. For the sake of brevity, however, We have contented Ourself with the above passages.
- Baha’u’llah (‘Gems of Divine Mysteries’)
Evening
O Son of Spirit! Know thou of a truth: He that biddeth men be just and himself committeth iniquity is not of Me, even though he bear My name.
- Baha’u’llah (‘The Hidden Words’)
