r issue is the legal implication of certain Arabic terms which
have a range of meanings different from those of similar terms in English.

Sacred Scripture clearly requires especial care and faithfulness in
translation. This is supremely important in the case of a Book of Laws,
where it is vital that the reader not be misled or drawn into fruitless
disputation. As had been foreseen, the translation of the Most Holy Book
has been a work of the utmost difficulty, requiring consultation with
experts in many lands. Since some one third of the text had already been
translated by Shoghi Effendi, it was necessary to strive for three
qualities in the translation of the remaining passages: accuracy of
meaning, beauty of English, and conformity of style with that used by
Shoghi Effendi.

We are now satisfied that the translation has reached a point where it
represents an acceptable rendering of the original. Nevertheless, it will
undoubtedly give rise to questions and suggestions which may shed further
light on its content. We are profoundly grateful for the assiduous and
meticulous labours of the members of the Committees whom we commissioned
to prepare and review this translation of the Aqdas and to compose the
annotations. We are confident that this first authorized English edition
of the Kitab-i-Aqdas will enable its readers to obtain at least an inkling
of the splendour of the Mother Book of the Baha'i Dispensation.

Our world has entered the dark heart of an age of fundamental change
beyond anything in all of its tumultuous history. Its peoples, of whatever
race, nation, or religion, are being challenged to subordinate all lesser
loyalties and limiting identities to their oneness as citizens of a single
planetary homeland. In Baha'u'llah's words: "The well-being of mankind,
its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is
firmly established." May the publication of this translation of the
Kitab-i-Aqdas lend a fresh impulse to the realization of this universal
vision, opening vistas of a worldwide regeneration.

THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

A DESCRIPTION OF THE KITAB-I-AQDAS BY SHOGHI EFFENDI

Taken from _God Passes By_, His History of the First Baha'i Century

Unique and stupendous as was this Proclamation, it proved to be but a
prelude to a still mightier revelation of the creative power of its
Author, and to what may well rank as the