Gleanings — §321
Arabic source with Shoghi Effendi’s authorized English translation. Paragraph 321 of 729.
Source (Arabic)
… در آثار صنع ملاحظه نما و تفکّر کن خاتم انبیا میفرماید زدنی فیک تحیّراً و ما ذکرت فی انتهآء عالم الأجسام عرفان این مقام معلّق است بابصار ناظرین در مقامی متناهی و در مقامی مقدّس از آن حقّ لم یزل بوده و خواهد بود و همچنین خلق الّا انّ الثّانی مسبوق بالعلّة در اینصورت حکم توحید
Shoghi Effendi Translation
Witness the wondrous evidences of God’s handiwork, and reflect upon its range and character. He Who is the Seal of the Prophets hath said: “Increase my wonder and amazement at Thee, O God!”
As to thy question whether the physical world is subject to any limitations, know thou that the comprehension of this matter dependeth upon the observer himself. In one sense, it is limited; in another, it is exalted beyond all limitations. The one true God hath everlastingly existed, and will everlastingly continue to exist. His creation, likewise, hath had no beginning, and will have no end. All that is created, however, is preceded by a cause. This fact, in itself, establisheth, beyond the shadow of a doubt, the unity of the Creator.
Translation Notes
تحیّراً
literal: bewildered; perplexed; confused; astounded; amazed; bewilderment; perplexity; wonder; amazement
انتهآء
literal: end, limit, utmost, extreme; final; the end, limit, utmost bound; Lote-Tree beyond which there is no passing; end; limit; terminus
