Revelation

(This is regarding the process of Revelation; for the book, see Book of Revelation.)

Topics[edit]

Style of writings

All Divine Revelation thrown out in flashes[edit]

"All Divine Revelation seems to have been thrown out in flashes. The Prophets never composed treatises. That is why in the Qur'án and our own Writings different subjects are so often included in one Tablet. It pulsates, so to speak. That is why it is "Revelation"."

(On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Unfolding Destiny, p. 454)

Hidden Words have no sequence[edit]

"The Hidden Words have no sequence. They are jewel-like thoughts sent out of the mind of the Manifestation of God to admonish and counsel men."

(On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Unfolding Destiny, p. 456)

Qur'án parcelled out into sections to be recited in slow degrees; sent down piecemeal[edit]

"And we have parcelled out the Koran into sections, that thou mightest recite it unto men by slow degrees, and we have sent it down piecemeal."

(Qur'án, 17:107, Rodwell rendering)

Analogies regarding[edit]

Revelations differ in measure as the phases of the moon[edit]

The measure of the revelation of the Prophets of God in this world, however, must differ. Each and every one of them hath been the Bearer of a distinct Message, and hath been commissioned to reveal Himself through specific acts. It is for this reason that they appear to vary in their greatness. Their Revelation may be likened unto the light of the moon that sheddeth its radiance upon the earth. Though every time it appeareth, it revealeth a fresh measure of its brightness, yet its inherent splendor can never diminish, nor can its light suffer extinction.

(Bahá'u'lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh, p. 79)

Divine Revelation as Ocean[edit]

"O My servants! My holy, My divinely ordained Revelation may be likened unto an ocean in whose depths are concealed innumerable pearls of great price, of surpassing luster..."

(Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, sec. CLIII, p. 326)