ure.

65 The first life, which pertaineth to the elemental body, will come to an
end, as hath been revealed by God: "Every soul shall taste of death."(42)
But the second life, which ariseth from the knowledge of God, knoweth no
death, as hath been revealed aforetime: "Him will We surely quicken to a
blessed life."(43) And in another passage concerning the martyrs: "Nay,
they are alive and sustained by their Lord."(44) And from the Traditions:
"He who is a true believer liveth both in this world and in the world to
come."(45) Numerous examples of similar words are to be found in the Books
of God and of the Embodiments of His justice. For the sake of brevity,
however, We have contented Ourself with the above passages.

66 O My brother! Forsake thine own desires, turn thy face unto thy Lord,
and walk not in the footsteps of those who have taken their corrupt
inclinations for their god, that perchance thou mayest find shelter in the
heart of existence, beneath the redeeming shadow of Him Who traineth all
names and attributes. For they who turn away from their Lord in this day
are in truth accounted amongst the dead, though to outward seeming they
may walk upon the earth, amongst the deaf, though they may hear, and
amongst the blind, though they may see, as hath been clearly stated by Him
Who is the Lord of the Day of Reckoning: "Hearts have they with which they
understand not, and eyes have they with which they see not...."(46) They
walk the edge of a treacherous bank and tread the brink of a fiery
abyss.(47) They partake not of the billows of this surging and
treasure-laden Ocean, but disport themselves with their own idle words.

67 In this connection We will relate unto thee that which was revealed of
old concerning "life", that perchance it may turn thee away from the
promptings of self, deliver thee from the narrow confines of thy prison in
this gloomy plane, and aid thee to become of them that are guided aright
in the darkness of this world.

68 He saith, and He, verily, speaketh the truth: "Shall the dead whom We
have quickened, and for whom We have ordained a light whereby he may walk
amongst men, be like him whose likeness is in the darkness, whence he will
not come forth?"(48) This verse was revealed with respect to Hamzih and
Abu-Jahl, the former of whom was a believer whilst the latter disbelieved.
Most of the pagan leaders mocked and derided it, were agitated, and
clamoured: "How did Hamzih die? And how was h