The Kitáb-i-Íqán : The Book of Certitude
Glossary and Notes
shrining most of the Báb’s references and tributes to, as well as His warning regarding, Him Whom God will make manifest.... this Book, of about eight thousand verses, occupying a pivotal position in Bábí literature, should be regarded primarily as a eulogy of the Promised One rather than a code of laws and ordinances designed to be a permanent guide to future generations.” The Arabic Bayán is described as “smaller and less weighty.”
Bayán (people of the)
The followers of the Báb, known also as Bábís. See also Bayán
Biḥár
Reference to Shí‘íh traditions. Short for Biḥáru’l-Anvár.
Biḥáru’l-Anvár
Literally Sea of Lights, a compilation of Shí‘íh traditions.
Caiaphas
The Jewish high priest who presided at the court which tried and condemned Jesus.
Cain and Abel
The two sons of Adam and Eve. See Gen. 4 and Qur’án 5.
Caliphs
Literally, successors or vicegerents. The Shí‘íhs hold that the successors of the Prophet must be the members of His own family, but they do not use the title Khalífih or “Caliph.” The sulṭán of Turkey assumed this title early in the 16th century.
Cherubim
In the Bible the Cherubim appear as distinct from the angels who are Jehovah’s messengers, while the Cherubim are found where God is personally present: e.g. “And he [God] rode upon a cherub.” (Psalms 18: 10). Figures of Cherubim were wrought into the hangings of the Holy of Holies and were represented above the Mercy Seat within. In later tradition, the Cherubim were included among the nine orders of angels.
Copt
The Copts were descendants of the ancient Egyptian stock. They were unbelievers in the time of Moses.
Crimson Pillar
An allusion to the Religion of Bahá’u’lláh, crimsoned with the blood of martyrs.
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