And His word: {He said, "Go down from it, all of you, as enemies to one another. Then if there comes to you guidance from Me—then whoever follows My guidance will neither go astray nor suffer."}¹

The dialogue took place between Cain and Abel—exalted be his glory—in Damascus when Adam—exalted be his glory—favored him, commanding Cain to obey him. Cain defied the command of his father, Adam, and killed his brother Abel in a village of Damascus called Ibill. His blood remains upon the mountain until now, a well-known site where the People of the Outward visit and pray. Were it not for the fear of lengthiness, which would deviate from the context of this epistle, we would have presented what we related from the masters of transmission, many times exceeding what this section contains.

Returning to what we transmitted from our sheikh Abu al-Fath Muhammad ibn al-Hasan—may God have mercy on him—he said: Another group, which is the group nearing the People of Reality, related: When Abel—exalted be his glory—was born to Adam, God commanded him to honor him and take him as his successor (wasi). He favored him over his brother Cain, manifesting his preference, indicating he was his successor, and commanding Cain to obey him and accept his authority. Cain defied Adam’s command, saying: "I do not accept this from you; I will not obey nor follow Abel, for I am older than him, more entitled to the succession and precedence. This which you have done is not by God’s command but by your own opinion and love for him; you merely wished to favor Abel over me." The dialogue between Abel and Cain occurred for this reason. Abel called his brother Cain to an offering, suggesting each present a sacrifice, supplicating to God and asking for His acceptance. Whosoever had fire descend from heaven to consume his offering would have his proof validated, and his brother must obey him. Abel presented an offering and called upon God—exalted be His name—whereupon God sent fire from heaven which consumed his offering until nothing remained of it on the earth.