uhammad, inasmuch as its decrees are indisputable, and
its promise unfailing. All have been enjoined to follow the precepts of
that Book until "the year sixty"(153)--the year of the advent of God's
wondrous Manifestation. That Book is the Book which unfailingly leadeth
the seeker unto the Ridvan of the divine Presence, and causeth him that
hath forsaken his country and is treading the seeker's path to enter the
Tabernacle of everlasting reunion. Its guidance can never err, its
testimony no other testimony can excel. All other traditions, all other
books and records, are bereft of such distinction, inasmuch as both the
traditions and they that have spoken them are confirmed and proven solely
by the text of that Book. Moreover, the traditions themselves grievously
differ, and their obscurities are manifold.

Muhammad, Himself, as the end of His mission drew nigh, spoke these words:
"Verily, I leave amongst you My twin weighty testimonies: The Book of God
and My Family." Although many traditions had been revealed by that Source
of Prophethood and Mine of divine Guidance, yet He mentioned only that
Book, thereby appointing it as the mightiest instrument and surest
testimony for the seekers; a guide for the people until the Day of
Resurrection.

With unswerving vision, with pure heart, and sanctified spirit, consider
attentively what God hath established as the testimony of guidance for His
people in His Book, which is recognized as authentic by both the high and
lowly. To this testimony we both, as well as all the peoples of the world,
must cling, that through its light we may know and distinguish between
truth and falsehood, guidance and error. Inasmuch as Muhammad hath
confined His testimonies to His Book and to His Family, and whereas the
latter hath passed away, there remaineth His Book only as His one
testimony amongst the people.

In the beginning of His Book He saith: "Alif. Lam. Mim. No doubt is there
about this Book: It is a guidance unto the God-fearing."(154) In the
disconnected letters of the Qur'an the mysteries of the divine Essence are
enshrined, and within their shells the pearls of His Unity are treasured.
For lack of space We do not dwell upon them at this moment. Outwardly they
signify Muhammad Himself, Whom God addresseth saying: "O Muhammad, there
is no doubt nor uncertainty about this Book which hath been sent down from
the heaven of divine Unity. In it is guidance unto them that fear God."
Consider,