The Chosen Highway/The “Kitáb-i-Íqán”
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The “KrrAs-1-[QAn”
It was during the Baghdad period that the Kitdb-i-Igdn, the Book of Certitude, was written by Baha’u’llah. It is one of the most important of all the Writings. In it, Baha’u’llah “unseals the Book” and discloses the true meaning of the symbolism and allegory of past Scriptures.
“This servant will now share with thee a dewdrop out of the fathomless ocean of the truths treasured in these holy words, that haply discerning hearts may comprehend all the allusions and the implications of the utterances of the Manifestations of Holiness... .”
The second part of the Kitdb-i-Igdn is an exposition of the station and nature of the Manifestation of God, that Mysterious Being Who, at various times, and under different Names, restores vigour to the dead body of religion and reveals the Truth in progressive measure to the evolving consciousness of mankind.
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THE CHOSEN HIGHWAY
“The door of the knowledge of the Ancient of Days being thus closed in the face of all beings, the Source of infinite grace . . . hath caused those luminous Gems of Holiness to appear out of the realm of the spirit, in the noble form of the human temple, and be made manifest unto all men, that they may impart unto the world the mysteries of the unchangeable Being, and tell of the subtleties of His imperishable Essence. These sanctified Mirrors, these Day-springs of ancient glory are one and all the Exponents on earth of Him Who is the central Orb of the universe, its Essence and ultimate Purpose. From Him proceed their knowledge and power; from Him is derived their sovereignty. _ The beauty of their countenance is but a reflection of His image, and their revelation a sign of His deathless glory. They are the Treasuries of divine knowledge, and the Repositories of celestial wisdom. Through them is transmitted a grace that is infinite, and by them is revealed the light that can never fade. Even as He hath said: ‘‘ There is no distinction whatsoever between Thee and Them; except that they are Thy servants, and are created of Thee.” This is the significance of the tradition: “I am He, Himself, and He is I, myself.”
We have the privilege of reading this book in the beautiful translation of the Guardian of the Baha’i Faith, Shoghi Effendi.
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