They hastened not unto that Há
shimite Light, that divine
Manifestation, except with drawn swords, and hearts filled with malice. Moreover, observe how explicitly the enmity of the
divines hath been mentioned in the books. Notwithstanding all these evident and significant
traditions, all these unmistakable and undisputed allusions, the people have rejected the immaculate Essence of knowledge and of holy utterance, and have turned unto the exponents of rebellion and error. Despite these recorded traditions and revealed utterances, they speak only that which is prompted by their own selfish desires. And should the Essence of Truth reveal that which is contrary to their inclinations and desires, they will straightway denounce Him as an infidel, and will protest saying: “This is contrary to the sayings of the
Imáms of the
Faith and of the resplendent lights. No such thing hath been provided by our inviolable Law.” Even so in this day such worthless statements have been and are being made by these poor mortals.
271And now, consider this other tradition, and observe how all these things have been foretold. In “
Arba‘ín” it is recorded: “Out of
Baní-Háshim there shall come forth a Youth Who shall reveal new laws. He shall summon the people unto Him, but none will heed His call. Most of His enemies will be the