Here be Bahá’u’lláh’s most commonly cited verses from the Sura of the Cow, his favorite chapter of the Qur’án.

Although they had before prayed for victory over those who believed not, yet when there came unto them He of Whom they had knowledge, they disbelieved in Him. The curse of God on the infidels! (2.89; Book of Certitude; Gems of Divine Mysteries)

Yea, damn those unbelievers! Even though they were educated, they didn’t become believers! How could that ever happen?

Wish ye then for death, if ye be men of truth. (2.94; Book of Certitude; Sura of the Temple)

Perhaps men should not fear death, but to wish for death is simply self-destructive. It is not heroic; it is suicidal.

Whichever way ye turn, there is the face of God. (2.109/115; Book of Certitude; Questions and Answers)

This is my hands-down favorite verse in the Qur’án, but I don’t believe that Bahá’u’lláh interpreted it as I do.

We did not appoint that which Thou wouldst have to be the Qiblih, but that We might know him who followeth the Apostle from him who turneth on his heels. (2.143; Book of Certitude; Tabernacle of Unity)

God helps those who blindly follow.

Verily we are God’s, and to Him shall we return. (2.151/156 Rodwell; The Seven Valleys; The Four Valleys; Gems of Divine Mysteries [twice]; Tabernacle of Unity)

I don’t mind this one, really, in a Heraclitean or Stoic, ekpyrotic sense.

What can such expect but that God should come down to them overshadowed with clouds? (2.210; Book of Certitude [2x])

Be they clouds of ignorance, cognitive dissonance, and idolatry? Yea, ’tis to be expected.

Fear God and God will give you knowledge. (2.282; Book of Certitude; The Seven Valleys; The Four Valleys; Gems of Divine Mysteries)

I have found that experience and reason have failed to support this assertion.

Some of the Apostles We have caused to excel the others. (2.253; Book of Certitude [2x]; Tabernacle of Unity)

And why should I care? Is this a spiritual education, medieval angelology, or fantasy league baseball?

No distinction do We make between any of His Messengers. (2.285; Book of Certitude; Tabernacle of Unity)

Again, what business is this of mine?