CHAPTER IX
PROPHECIES OF THE PLACE OF THE APPEARANCE OF THE MANIFESTATION OF THE THIRD LETTER
"If the sun arises in the west, it would still be the same sun; one must not withdraw from it on account of its rising place nor consider the west to be always the place of sunset." Abdu’l-Baha in Some Answered Questions, Chap. 14
The precise geographical location where a Manifestation will appear is never revealed, except perhaps in veiled language, as in the case of Jesus Christ, or where the general area is indicated as in the time of Muhammad. Those who sincerely believe must search for the Manifestation at the time He is to appear, and this in itself is a test of the sincerity of seekers. Those who sought the Bab found Him through prayer, fasting, searching and in some cases through dreams and visions. These matters are discussed in the following chapter. The situation is different with the appearance of every Manifestation, and the tests vary, as discussed in previous chapters. The prophecies we know of indicate that the Manifestation of the third Letter of the Greatest Name will reveal Himself in the West, specifically in America.
"Unveil thy face, O beauty of the Lord, that the Sun may arise in the West..." Baha’u’llah, cited in Haifa Notes of May Maxwell.
"The Hour will not come...until the Sun rises in the West, and all men seeing it will believe." A hadith of Muhammad cited in Shorter Encyclopedia of Islam, p. 256
"Issue forth from your cities, 0 peoples of the West and aid your God ere the Day when the Lord of mercy shall come down unto you in the shadow of the clouds..." The Bab in Selections from the Writings of the Bab, p. 56
"At the third resurrection the sun will rise from the West." A hadith of Muhammad cited in The Heavenly Table, p. 25
"They lift up their voices, they sing for joy; over the majesty of the Lord they shout from the West. Therefore in the East give glory to the Lord; in the coastlines of the sea, to the name of the Lord, the God of Israel..." Isaiah 24:14-15 Revised Standard Edition of the Bible by Nelson and Sons. See also the New English Bible
Abdu’l-Baha made many prophecies about the spiritual future of America. In one of them He infers that the throne of the Kingdom of God will be established in America. These prophecies refer to the future, not to the spiritual condition of the believers at this time, but to a new race of spiritual people who will serve the Cause of God.
"This American nation is equipped and empowered to accomplish that which will adorn the pages of history, to become the envy of the world, and be blest in both the East and the West for the triumph of its people." Abdu’l-Baha cited in God Passes By, p.254
"Your mission is unspeakably glorious. Should success crown your enterprise, America will assuredly evolve into a center from which waves of spiritual power will emanate, and the throne of the Kingdom of God. will in the Plenitude of its majesty and glory be firmly established." Ibid.
"The American continent giveth signs and evidences of very great advancement. Its future is even more promising, for its influence and illumination are far reaching. It will lead all nations spiritually." Ibid.
"May the inhabitants of this country...rise from their present material attainment to such heights that heavenly illumination may stream from this center to all the peoples of the world." Ibid.
"The East hath verily been illumined with the light of the Kingdom. Ere long will this same light shed a still greater illumination upon the West. Then will the hearts of its people be vivified through the potency of the teachings of God and their souls be set aglow with the undying fire of His love." Abdu’l-Baha cited in The World Order of Baha’u’llah. P. 79
In one of these Tablets, addressed to the believers in the north Eastern states, these weighty and highly significant words are recorded:
‘All countries, and all cities and villages are on an equal footing... However, the dweller confereth honor upon the dwelling, some of the countries achieve distinction, and attain a preeminent position. For instance, notwithstanding that some of the countries of Europe and of America are distinguished by, and surpass other countries in, the salubrity of theirclimate, the wholesomeness of their water, and the charm of their mountains, plains and prairies, yet Palestine became the glory of all nations inasmuch as all the Holy and divine Manifestations from the time of Abraham until the appearance of the Seal of the Prophets (Muhammad), have lived in, or migrated to, or traveled through, that country. Likewise, Mecca and Medina have achieved illimitable glory, as the light of Prophethood shone forth therein. For this reason Palestine and Hijaz have been distinguished from all other countries. Likewise, " is His remarkable disclosure, "the continent of America, is, in the eyes of the true God, the land wherein the splendors of His light shall be revealed, where the mysteries of His faith shall be unveiled.". Abdu’l-Baha cited by Shoghi Effendi in Challenging Requirements of the Present Hour, pp. 27-28
The foregoing quotations indicate that the next Manifestation of God will appear in the United States of America. I believe that the Chosen One will begin His Mission in the Central Mountain states, along the Rocky Mountain chain, possibly near Santa Fe. Abdu’l-Baha indicated to believers when He came to America, that this central area would be the safest place when the cataclysm occurs. Those few believers who have sanctified their souls and who submit wholly to the Will of God, will be guided and sustained by God in their search, in the time of Mustaghath. The influence of the Manifestation on these believers will cause a complete transformation of their souls, as described by Abdu’l-Baha.
" 0 phoenix of the immortal flame kindled in the sacred Tree! Baha’u’llah (may my life, my soul, my spirit, be offered up as a sacrifice unto His lowly servants) hath, during His last days on earth, given the most emphatic promise that, through the outpourings of the grace of God and the aid and assistance vouchsafed from His Kingdom on high, souls will arise and holy beings appear, who, as stars would adorn the firmament of divine Guidance; illumine the dayspring of loving kindness and bounty; manifest the signs of the unity of God; shine with the light of sanctity and purity; receive their full measure of divine inspiration; raise high the sacred torch of faith; stand as firm as the rock and immovable as the mountain; grow to become luminaries in the heavens of His Revelation, mighty channels of His grace, means for the bestowal of God’s bountiful care, heralds calling forth the name of the one true God, and establishers of the world’s supreme foundation.
" These shall labor ceaselessly by day and by night, shall heed neither trial nor woes shall suffer no respite in their efforts, shall seek no repose, shall disregard all ease and comfort, and, detached and unsullied, shall consecrate every fleeting moment of their life to the diffusion of the divine fragrance and the exaltation of God’s holy Word. Their faces will radiate heavenly gladness, and their hearts be filled with joy. Their souls will be inspired, and their foundation stand secure. They shall scatter in the world, and travel throughout all regions. They shall raise their voices in every assembly, and adorn and revive every gathering. They shall speak in every tongue, and interpret every hidden meaning. They shall reveal the mysteries of the Kingdom, and manifest unto every one the signs of God. They shall burn brightly even as a candle in the heart of every assembly, and beam forth as a star upon every horizon. The gentle breeze wafted from the garden of their hearts shall perfume and revive the souls of men, and the revelation of their minds, even as showers, reinvigorate the peoples and nations of the world.’ Abdu’l-Baha cited in Baha’i World Faith, p. 354