Tablet of the Holy Mariner (Lawh-i-Malláhu'l-Quds):
Study Compilation

by Aziz Mboya

"Study the Tablet of the Holy Mariner that ye may know the truth, and consider that the Blessed Beauty hath fully foretold future events. Let them who perceive, take warning!"
      — `Abdu'l-Bahá

Abstract
The Tablet of the Holy Mariner was revealed in 1863 on the fifth day of Naw-Ruz a few weeks before Bahá'u'lláh declared his prophethood and mission on the first day of Ridvan. The first part of the tablet speaks of the forthcoming declaration of Bahá'u'lláh. A number of symbolic terms used relating to the revelation of Bahá'u'lláh include: "the Holy Mariner", "the ark of eternity", "the Maid of Heaven", "the deathless tree", "the Hand of God" and "the snow-white spot". The latter part of the tablet is about one maiden of the Maid of Heaven's handmaidens.

To use this compilation, first see the main file Study compilation on the Tablet of the Holy Mariner. Then consult one of the 44 thematic compilations listed below.

The text of the tablet is in bold italic, references are in regular font, and comments are in purple. The amount of commentary is limited, in many cases relying on references from which the reader can infer the meaning of particular portions of the tablet, some related portions of the text of the tablet and the references being highlighted in red. The references are taken primarily from the writings of Bahá'u'lláh, also including some references from the writings of Abdu'l-Bahá, the Bible, the Quran and the writings of the Holy Imams.

• References to dependent/lesser prophets in the writings of Bahá'u'lláh
  
  
• References to dependent/lesser prophets in the writings of Abdu'l-Bahá
  
  
• Tablet of the Holy Mariner from the Persian (a provisional translation)

1. References on "angels" meaning prophets.
   
   
2. References on "announcement" -- the call of a prophet.
   
   
3. References on "apostles" -- messengers of God.
   
   
4. References on the Arabian Youth -- the Bab.
   
   
5. References on "assayer" -- the prophet.
   
   
6. References on "balance" -- the teachings of the prophet.
   
   
7. References on "[God's] chosen ones" -- the prophets of God.
   
   
8. References on "clouds" -- veils to recognising the prophet.
   
   
9. References on the "Cord of God" -- the prophet or messenger.
   
   
10. References on "countenance" -- the face of prophethood.
    
    
11. References on the "deathless tree" -- the Burning Bush.
    
    
12. References on "descent" of the prophets from heaven to earth.
    
    
13. References on "divine unity" of the prophets.
    
    
14. References on "eternity" as relates to prophets.
    
    
15. References on the "exalted paradise" -- the abode of the prophets.
    
    
16. References on "face of" --  Face of the prophet, Face of God.
    
    
17. References on "firm handle" -- the prophets.
    
    
18. References on the Imams -- the prophethood (lesser) of the Imams.
    
    
19. References to the Imams in the Quran.
    
    
20. References on "inner meaning" -- undertanding mystical/symbolic language.
    
    
21. References on "joining partners with God" -- rejecting the prophet as the Face of God.
    
    
22. References on the "Maid of heaven" -- the prophet(s).
    
    
23. References on "mortal eyes" -- believers, as separate from prophets.
    
    
24. References on the "Most Great Infallibility" -- the station of the Independent prophet.
    
    
25. References on "mystical writings" -- a divine test.
    
    
26. References on "names" -- the revelatons/religions of God
    
    
27. References on "pre-existence" of the prophets.
    
    
28. References on "prophecies of the Imams"
    
    
29. References on revelation of the prophets.
    
    
30. References on sealed prophecies.
    
    
31. References on "servant" -- meaning a prophet of God
    
    
32. References on the Seventh Valley.
    
    
33. References on "signs" of the prophets.
    
    
34. References on "stars" meaning prophets.
    
    
35. References on "step" -- appearance of a prophet on earth.
    
    
36. References on "Sun" and "Moon" -- the Independent and Dependent/lesser prophets.
    
    
37. References on "Tablet of God" -- the revealed word of God.
    
    
38. References on testimony of the prophets.
    
    
39. References on "throne" -- the throne of prophethood.
    
    
40. References on the true seeker.
    
    
41. References on "trumpet" -- the call of the prophet.
    
    
42. References on understanding the holy writings
    
    
43. References on Universal Manifestation
    
    
44. References on "veil of concealment" -- realm of pre-existence of the prophets.