Morning
We behold the generality of mankind worshipping names and exposing themselves, as thou dost witness, to dire perils in the mere hope of perpetuating their names, whilst every perceiving soul testifieth that after death one’s name shall avail him nothing except insofar as it beareth a relationship unto God, the Almighty, the All-Praised. Thus have their vain imaginings taken hold of them in requital for that which their hands have wrought.
- Baha'u'llah (Tablet
to Napoleon III, Suriy-i-Haykal [Tablet of Temple]; ‘The Summons of the Lord of
Hosts’)
Evening
Happy are those that inhale from thee [House of Baha’u’llah
in Baghdad] the sweet savors of the Merciful, that acknowledge thine
exaltation, that safeguard thy sanctity, that reverence, at all times, thy
station. We implore the Almighty to grant that the eyes of those who have
turned away from thee, and failed to appreciate thy worth, may be opened, that
they may truly recognize thee, and Him Who, through the power of truth, hath
raised thee up on high. Blind, indeed, are they about thee, and utterly unaware
of thee in this day. Thy Lord is, verily, the Gracious, the Forgiving.
I bear witness that through thee God hath proved the hearts of His servants. Blessed be the man that directeth his steps toward thee, and visiteth thee. Woe to him that denieth thy right, that turneth away from thee, that dishonoreth thy name, and profaneth thy holiness.
- Baha’u’llah (‘Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah’)
