Major Themes of the Kitáb-i-Íqán

"...Instead of explaining at once the proofs of the authenticity of the Message of the Báb, Bahá'u'lláh first speaks about other Prophets, portrays Their lives and Their sufferings, demonstrates the truth of Their Missions and describes the common features of Their Faiths. In this way He brings to the understanding of the reader the truth of his own religion and enables him to recognize the reality of his own Prophet. Having built this strong foundation He then, towards the end of the book, speaks of the Báb and His Message and applies to this new Revelation the standards He has applied in verifying the truth of other Prophets...." (p. 161)

Major Themes of the Kitáb-i-Íqán (Part One)

The reasons for man's opposition to the Prophets of God

The signs of the return of Christ

Interpretation of symbolic terms

Oppression
Sun and moon
Sign in heaven
Mourning of the 'tribes of the earth'
Coming of the Son of Man in the clouds of heaven
Clouds
Angels
Changing of the earth
Cleaving of heaven
Smoke

Further reasons for man's rejection of the Prophets

The nature of God and His Manifestations

The sovereignty of the Prophets

The meaning of 'life', 'death' and 'resurrection'

The veil of knowledge

The true seeker

Proofs of the Báb's Revelation

Bahá'u'lláh anticipates His own Revelation