servant, upon His arrival in this land (Baghdad), became aware, in part, of events which would subsequently happen, We took Our departure before that time, repaired to deserts of solitude and spent two years in the wilderness of isolation. Fountains were flowing from Our eyes and seas of blood streaming from Our heart. Many a night We were destitute of food and many a day the body found no rest. Notwithstanding these showering afflictions and successive calamities by the One in Whose Hand is our Soul We continued in perfect happiness and exceeding joy, for We were not aware of the loss or benefit, health or ailment of any. We were occupied with Ourselves and detached from all else. But the noose of the decree of God is wider than reflection and the arrow of His destiny is sanctified from plan. The head hath no release from His noose and there is no escape from His desire except by submission. We swear by God that We had no intention of return from this exile nor hope of reunion after this journey. Our only purpose was to avoid being an object of disagreement among the Ahbab, a source of disturbance among the companions, the cause of injury to any one, or the occasion of sorrow in any heart. We had no other intention and object than those mentioned, yet every individual formed an opinion and idea according to his own desire. Finally the decree of return emanated from the Source of Command and We involuntarily obeyed and returned.
