What follows is my provisional translation (in other words, not official or authorized; see here for more) of a passage from a Tablet by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the original text of which has been published in Muntakhabátí az Makátíb-i-Ḥaḍrat-i-‘Abdu’l-Bahá, vol. 6, pp. 203–04 (selection no. 283). I recommend reading it in tandem with this passage from a Tablet of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, in which He gives a historical interpretation of Dhu’l-Qarnayn, and this passage from another one of His Tablets in which He gives various interpretations of that term as part of a commentary on the Quranic Súrih of the Cave.
As to the verses concerning Dhu’l-Qarnayn,[1] these are of the ambiguous sort that have an inner meaning. The objectors made this account a snare of deceit, and posed questions in the hope that an answer contrary to their views might be given, thus causing the believers to waver. Therefore, the story of Dhu’l-Qarnayn was outwardly revealed in accordance with the views of others, that they might find no cause for objection. Yet in every word there lies hidden a mystery. By Dhu’l-Qarnayn is meant the Commander of the Faithful,[2] who journeyed with his spirit throughout all regions in search of the universal Manifestation. At last, he observed that the Sun of Truth was concealed within a Form composed of clay and water . . .[3]
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[1] See Qur’án 18:83–98.
[2] Imám ‘Alí.
[3] Muḥammad.
A typescript of the original Persian text of this passage appears below.
Adib Masumian 