THE
SŪRAT AL-QADĪR
سورة القدير
(THE SURAH OF THE OMNIPOTENT)
OF MĪRZĀ ḤUSAYN `ALĪ NŪRĪ BAHĀ'-ALLĀH
Introduction Trans. Stephen Lambden
from the text in AQA4:317-320 (cf. Ganj, 51-55)
Under revision and completion - last uploaded 01-06-2016
The Surat al-Qadir (Surah of the Omnipotent) is an Arabic epistle of Baha'-Allāh most probably addressed to a Bābī entitled al-Qadir. It is oriented around the theme of the theophany, significance and human manifestation of the Name of God, the Omnipotent (al-qadir). It contains what seems one of the earliest expressions of Baha'-Allah's dissatisfaction with the inadequate leadership role of his half-brother Mirza Yahya Nuri, Subh-i Azal (c. 1834-1914). This Tablet most likely dates to the early-mid Edirne (Adrianople) period (c. 1865-6?).
[0]
هذا سورة القدير
The Surat al-Qadir opens with an announcement of its title, the Sūrat al-qadīr or `Surah of the Omnipotent'. The Divine adjective or name al-qadīr, apparently indicates God or His representative, as one supremely powerful within the universe of inner and outer being.
القدير
A note on the name of God al-qadir in Islamic and Babi-Baha'i literatures
قد قدرناها في جبروت البقاء وانزلناها علی العباد ليكون لهم سراجا مضيئا
We indeed decreed it in the omnipotent sphere of Eternity (jabarūt al-baqā') and We sent it down unto Our servants that it may be a radiant Lamp for them.
[I]
هو الحق البهى الابهى
He is the
Ultimately Real One, the Glorious, the All-Glorious
[1]
فسبحان الذی قدر مقاديركل شيئی فی الواح عزّ محفوظ و خلق كل شيئی علیشاٌن لو يصفن انفسهم عن غبره الوهم و الهوی ليصعدن
So Praise be unto He who determines the measures of all things in Mighty, Preserved Tablets. And He created in everything the capacity, should they purify themselves from the dust of idle fancies and vain-imaginings, they would assuredly ascend up unto the loftiest seats of power and would ...
[X]
Be ye not like he whose command We elevated among the servants and spread abroad his mention in the lands. Then when he perceived himself in a position of might and elevation, he manifested pride towards He who created him and aught else besides...
