ing. Otherwise, he is branded as guilty
of folly, denial, blasphemy, and oppression.

It is evident and manifest unto every discerning observer that even as the
light of the star fadeth before the effulgent splendour of the sun, so
doth the luminary of earthly knowledge, of wisdom, and understanding
vanish into nothingness when brought face to face with the resplendent
glories of the Sun of Truth, the Day-star of divine enlightenment.

That the term "sun" hath been applied to the leaders of religion is due to
their lofty position, their fame, and renown. Such are the universally
recognized divines of every age, who speak with authority, and whose fame
is securely established. If they be in the likeness of the Sun of Truth,
they will surely be accounted as the most exalted of all luminaries;
otherwise, they are to be recognized as the focal centres of hellish fire.
Even as He saith: "Verily, the sun and the moon are both condemned to the
torment of infernal fire."(24) You are no doubt familiar with the
interpretation of the term "sun" and "moon" mentioned in this verse; no
need therefore to refer unto it. And whosoever is of the element of this
"sun" and "moon", that is, followeth the example of these leaders in
setting his face towards falsehood and in turning away from the truth he
undoubtedly cometh out of infernal gloom and returneth thereunto.

And now, O seeker, it behooveth us firmly to cling unto the
Urvatu'l-Vuthqa, that perchance we may leave behind the darksome night of
error, and embrace the dawning light of divine guidance. Shall we not flee
from the face of denial, and seek the sheltering shadow of certitude?
Shall we not free ourselves from the horror of satanic gloom, and hasten
towards the rising light of the heavenly Beauty? In such wise, we bestow
upon you the fruit of the Tree of divine knowledge, that ye may gladly and
joyously abide in the Ridvan of divine wisdom.

In another sense, by the terms 'sun', 'moon', and 'stars' are meant such
laws and teachings as have been established and proclaimed in every
Dispensation, such as the laws of prayer and fasting. These have,
according to the law of the Qur'an, been regarded, when the beauty of the
Prophet Muhammad had passed beyond the veil, as the most fundamental and
binding laws of His dispensation. To this testify the texts of the
traditions and chronicles, which, on account of their being widely known,
need not be referred to here. Nay rather, in ev