Introduction

The following Tablet was revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in remembrance of the Báb’s Martyrdom, and it depicts in vivid language and moving illustration the scene of that event. In as few as eight sentences, He recounts the savagery of the wanton cruelty that was inflicted upon the Most Exalted One, testifies to the spiritual significance of His sacrifice, and  relates the sorrow the encompasses the heart while contemplating His martyrdom. In the rhythmic repetition of these lyrical lines, it is as though one can hear the very lamentation of the loved ones of God. 

The following provisional translation was composed by Adib Masumian and Joshua Hall, and is the fruit of their collaborative effort.

View interlinear file with the original Persian

Tablet on the Martyrdom of the Báb

Provisional Translation by Adib Masumian and Joshua Hall

He is the All-Glorious

O ‘Alí-Akbar!

The Day of the Martyrdom of the Most Exalted One is come—may My spirit be a sacrifice for His hallowed blood!

This is the Day when the Sun of Truth was eclipsed by the clouds of divine solicitude!

This is the Day when that Shining Moon set beneath the horizon of the world!

This is the Day when that pure and precious Form fell upon the dust and weltered in His blood!

This is the Day when that Breast—innocent of rancor and like unto a stainless mirror—was pierced by innumerable bullets!

This is the Day when that Lamp Divine was broken free of His mortal glass!

This is the Day when the cry of the Concourse on High is raised aloud!

This is the Day when the denizens of the heavenly kingdom, with tearful eyes and hearts aflame, are wailing in grief and lamentation!