BB00460: Tawbat-namih (authenticity disputed)

(A facsimile of the handwriting of His Holiness the Primal Point, addressed to Nasir al-Din Shah during the period of his heir-apparency in Tabriz, wherein a written reply was set forth to the divines:)

May my spirit be sacrificed for Thee! Praise be to God, as befitteth Him and as He deserveth, for He hath made His grace and mercy in all conditions to encompass all His servants. So praise be unto Him, again praise be unto Him, that He hath made one such as Your Highness to be the fountainhead of His grace and mercy, that through the manifestation of His kindness, forgiveness is granted to His servants, wrongdoers are sheltered, and mercy is shown to supplicants.

I bear witness before God and those in His presence that this weak servant hath no purpose contrary to the good-pleasure of the Lord of the World and those who possess His authority. Although my very existence is absolute sin, yet since my heart is steadfast in the unity of God, exalted be His remembrance, in the prophethood of His Messenger, and in the authority of those who possess His authority, and my tongue confesseth all that hath been revealed from God, I have hope in His mercy and have never desired aught contrary to His good-pleasure. And if words have flowed from my pen contrary to His good-pleasure, my intent was not disobedience, and in all conditions I seek His forgiveness and repent before Him.

This servant hath no knowledge whatsoever that would warrant any claim. I seek forgiveness from God, my Lord, and turn unto Him from any suggestion that any Cause be attributed to me. Certain prayers and words that have flowed from my tongue do not indicate any Cause, and whoever claims specific deputyship of the Proof of God, peace be upon Him, is a false pretender. This servant hath made no such claim, nor any other claim. I beseech the favors of His Imperial Majesty and Your Highness that you would honor this supplicant with your royal favors and benevolence, your grace and mercy. Peace be upon you.

(The originals of these two epistles, together with a number of other official communications which are herein included, were—after the deposition of Muhammad-ʿAli Shah, when the organs of government passed into the hands of the nationalists—photographed by one of the historical researchers and made public.)