THE KITÁB-I-AQDAS


In The Name Of Him Who Is The Supreme Ruler Over All That Hath Been And
All That Is To Be


1 The first duty prescribed by God for His servants is the recognition of
Him Who is the Dayspring of His Revelation and the Fountain of His laws,
Who representeth the Godhead in both the Kingdom of His Cause and the
world of creation. Whoso achieveth this duty hath attained unto all good;
and whoso is deprived thereof hath gone astray, though he be the author of
every righteous deed. It behoveth every one who reacheth this most sublime
station, this summit of transcendent glory, to observe every ordinance of
Him Who is the Desire of the world. These twin duties are inseparable.
Neither is acceptable without the other. Thus hath it been decreed by Him
Who is the Source of Divine inspiration.

2 They whom God hath endued with insight will readily recognize that the
precepts laid down by God constitute the highest means for the maintenance
of order in the world and the security of its peoples. He that turneth
away from them is accounted among the abject and foolish. We, verily, have
commanded you to refuse the dictates of your evil passions and corrupt
desires, and not to transgress the bounds which the Pen of the Most High
hath fixed, for these are the breath of life unto all created things. The