Muntakhab al-tawarikh 1.5

1.5

because for a body of men who in the very essence of their constitution are devoid of any share in religious principle, the reading of the eternal word which is the key of evident happiness and “a healing and a mercy for the worlds,” becomes a cause of misery and everlasting loss: “and if they are not guided by it they say—‘this is an antiquated lie.’” If this is the case with the Quran what chance has History? “When any man has lost his hearing through melancholia, He cannot participate in the music of David and its harmony.” But I address my words to those who are endowed with the qualities of sound intellect and brilliancy of genius, and natural equity—not to those who are not led by the sacred law and who deny all principle, fundamental or derivative, because such men are not worthy of this discourse, nor are they within the pale of the wise, and discreet, and understanding, and how can one absolutely refuse to admit a science which is one seventh of the seven sections upon which the foundation of the establishment of Faith and Certainty is laid.