A Gift for Baghdad — Page 33
Reply to the Announcement & Letter 33 of truth can easily rip the robe of doubt. Truth is that gem which emerges from the foundry and glitters at the time that Allah has decreed for it. There is an appointed time for every tiding and there is a time of ascension for every star. None become cogni- zant of the mysteries until after their occurrence. So, blessed is the one who understands this secret and perceives the matter in a sensible way. I am thoroughly convinced that a person such as your- self, with your consummate excellence and piety, is someone who, if he were acquainted with the knowledge I have been acquainted with, would restrain his tongue from cursing and maligning me and would accept what I have said about the knowledge of religion and faith. But, I think you have not truly understood my statements nor truly know the nature of my claim. I think only well of you and I entreat Allah for His grace and mercy on your behalf, for He is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy. O pleasure of a blessed land and its scion! You are, by the grace of Allah, a pious, immaculate, and pure person. Truly, I love you and am completely genuine, like a sincere friend. I swear by Allah that if you show me verses of the Quran in support of your position and produce clear authority, then I will agree with you and accept your point of view. I only desire the truth. I have resisted everything that may cause dissension or division, as I have drunk from the milk of unity. Therefore, argue with me with wisdom and the verses of the Book of Allah, which is the final authority. You will find me, God willing, among the fair-minded. However, if instead you wish to abuse me, to curse me, to