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PARTONE:PRE-REVELATIONDAYSDawn-BreakersChapterITheMissionofShaykhAhmad-i-Ahs'87''92I.
HisdeparturefromBahrayntoNajafandKarbil'87(onbanksofEuphrates)-1Atage40,ShaykhAhmadlefttoopposecorruptioninSh'92'ahIsl'87matthetime,andpreparethepeoplefortheimmanentPromisedDay.
II.
HisvisittoNajafandKarbil'87-2Here,hewasdeclaredamujtahid,gainedauthorityandfollowers.
TaughtthatQur''87ncontainedsciences,taughtfigurativeinterp.
,praisedIm'87msIII.
HisjourneytoSh'92r'87z-4PraisedthemosqueandcityofSh'92r'87zwhichbewilderedfollowers.
HeknewthatthePromisedOne,theB'87b,wouldcomefromthiscity.
IV.
HisstayinYazd-5a.
HiscorrespondencewithFath-'AliSh'87h-5HisfamereachedtheShahwhowrotehimsomedifficultreligiousquestions.
Hewassopleased,heinvitedShaykhAhmadtoTihr'87n.
b.
HisrelationswithH'87j'92'Abdu'l-Vahh'87b-6ShaykhAhmadfavoredAbdu'l-Vahh'87bover(1below)andpraisedhim1.
Mulla'Abdu'lKh'87liq-i-YazdiAlearnedfolloweralittletooproudofhisachievements.
2.
H'87j'92Hasan-i-N'87yin'92Gainedconfidenceof'Abdu'l-Vahh'87b.
c.
TheanecdoteofMirz'87Mahm'9cd-i-Qamsar'92-8(2)toldhimlightofPromisedOnehadcomein1817--puzzledthatB'87bwasin1819,butlaterfoundthatBah'87'u'll'87hwasbornthen.
d.
ThearrivalofSiyyidK'87zim-i-Rasht'92-10MemorizedQur''87nat11,prayers&traditionsat14,wrotecommentaryat18.
Verygentleandhumbleperson.
WasappointedShaykhAhmad'ssuccessor.
V.
HispilgrimagetoMashhad-12ContinuedtopreparepeopleforPromisedDay.
Feltitwasnear.
VI.
HistriumphalentryintoTihran-13WentwithdisciplestoTihran.
Waspraisedbythekingasa"glorytohisnationandpeople".
KnewimportancebirthofBah'87'u'll'87hthere&wantedtostay.
VII.
HisdeparturetoKirm'87nsh'87h-13EldestsonofSh'87h,PrincebeggedShaykhAhmadtovisit.
ShaykhAhmad'ssonShaykh'Alidied--calledhimasacrificetothetrue'Al'92:theB'87b.
DiscipleinsistentlyaskedaboutWordthatwouldcause313chiefsofworldtofleethoughShaykhAhmadsaiditwouldbetoomuchforhim--finallyShaykhAhmadquestionedhimwhetherhewoulddenyguardianshipof'Al'92onPromisedDayanddisciple'sfaithwaslackingashesaiditcouldn'thappen.
VIII.
HisreturntoKarbil'87-17PreparedK'87zimfortask--onlyhadtowaittil'68(Bah'87'u'll'87hdeclared).
Toldhimtopraytobesparedfromtrialstocome-othersanctifiedsoulstocomeafterthemIX.
HisjourneytoMeccaandMedina,andhisdeath-18BuriednearmausoleumofMuhammad--forWhoseCausehespenthislife.
note:TolearnthenamesintheDawn-Breakers,itishelpfultobreakthemdown.
Forexample,ShaykhAhmad-i-Ahs'87''92meansaShaykh(title)namedAhmadfromthetownofAhsa.
Also,SiyyidK'87zim-i-Rasht'92isasiyyid(seeglossary)namedK'87zimfromthetownofRasht.
ShaykhAhmad-i-Ahs'87''92Purpose:1)OpposecorruptionthathadcreptintofollowersofIsl'87m2)PreparepeopleforcomingofPromisedOneTeachings:1)Qur''87ncontainedallknowledgeandsciences2)Figurativeinterpretationofprophecy3)PraisedIm'87msespecially'AliandHusayn(B'87bandBah'87'u'll'87h)Respectability:1)WasdeclaredamujtahidinKarbil'872)Gaineddisciplesandwidefollowing3)WaspraisedbyandwasguestoftheSh'87hSuccessor:1)AppointedandencouragedSiyyidK'87zimSummaryofContentsI.
HisdeparturefromBahrayntoNajafandKarbil'87(onbanksofEuphrates)-1II.
HisvisittoNajafandKarbil'87-2III.
HisjourneytoSh'92r'87z-4IV.
HisstayinYazd-5a.
HiscorrespondencewithFath-'AliSh'87h-5b.
HisrelationswithH'87j'92'Abdu'l-Vahh'87b-6c.
TheanecdoteofMirz'87Mahm'9cd-i-Qamsar'92-8d.
ThearrivalofSiyyidK'87zim-i-Rasht'92-10V.
HispilgrimagetoMashhad-12VI.
HistriumphalentryintoTihran-13VII.
HisdeparturetoKirm'87nsh'87h-13VIII.
HisreturntoKarbil'87-17IX.
HisjourneytoMeccaandMedina,andhisdeath-18OtherSummariesofthisChapterRegardingthedateoftheBirthoftheB'87b(DB8,14,andalso70),seeTN4.
Dawn-BreakersChapterIITheMissionofSiyyidK'87zim-i-Rasht'92I.
HisrelationswithH'87j'92SiyyidMuhammad-B'87qir-i-Rasht'92-19SentMull'87Husayn-i-Bushr'9c''92toSiyyid(andthentoMirz'87'Askar'92)afterbeingplottedagainstbySiyyidIbr'87h'92m-i-Qazv'92n'92andotherslanderers/enemies.
Mull'87HusaynimpressedtheSiyyidandwonsupportforK'87zim&hismission--afterwards,herefusedcompensationforhisvisit.
II.
HisallusionstothePromisedOne-24DescribedPromisedOneasbeinginmidst,young,noblelineage,descendantofProphet,havingunparalleledinnateknowledge.
ManythoughtitwasK'87zim.
III.
TheanecdoteofShaykhHasan-i-Zun'9cz'92-25PrayedtodetermineifSiyyidK'87zimwasPromisedOnea.
SiyyidK'87zim'svisittotheB'87b-25HasanwenttoB'87b'shousewithK'87zimwhohaddrinkinsilvercup(againstIsl'87m)b.
TheB'87b'sattendanceattheteachingclassesofSiyyidK'87zim-27K'87zimpointedtoB'87bincrowdwhenmakinganalogybutcouldn'trevealHisname.
HasanwasawedbyHim,butcouldn'tresolvethemysteryatthetime.
c.
TheB'87b'svisittotheshrineoftheIm'87mHusayn-30B'87bmovedpilgrimstotearswithHisdevotions.
B'87bsethisheartaflame,buthecouldn'tapproachHim.
LaterheardofYouthfromSh'92r'87z,knewitwasB'87b.
d.
ShaykhHasan'svisittoSh'92r'87zandM'87h-K'9c-30FollowedB'87btoMecca&Medina.
TranscribedHiscommentariesatM'87h-K'9c.
B'87bsharedSurihofJosephwithhim.
SaidheshouldgotoKarbil'87,thinkofHimwhenhemeetsBah'87'u'll'87h,conveyHislovingdevotiontoHim,¬waverinhistask.
e.
HismeetingwithBah'87'u'll'87hinKarbil'87SufferedbyShaykh'92s,married,waschargedmeetingBah'87'u'll'87h,butwastoldtowaitinproclaimingHismission.
Becamedetachedfromallearthlyconcerns.
IV.
ReferencestothePromisedOneintheworksofSiyyidK'87zim-33AlludedtoBah'87'u'll'87handB'87b:wrotehefearedthepeopleharmingHim.
V.
ThesiegeofKarbil'87-35K'87zim'senemiesplottedtodestroyhim--evictedOttomanofficialforrevenues-OttomansaskedK'87zimtowarnthemanddidpersuadethemuntilsuperstitiousignoredhim-onlyK'87zim'shousewouldbesafe-theymassacredeveninIm'87mHusayn'sshrine-22peopletrampledtogetintoK'87zim'shouse.
WrathofGod.
VI.
TheallusionsofSiyyidK'87zimtohisunfaithfuldisciples-36DescribedQ'87'imasfreeofbodilydefects--referredtovaindiscipleswhodidn'thearVII.
TheaccountrelatedbyShaykhAb'9c-Tur'87b-393disciples(One-eyed,obese,skinny)plottedleadership.
K'87zimsaidH'87j'92MirzaKar'92mKh'87n,antichristofB'87b'92Revelation,bestjudgeofbook'GuidancetotheIgnorant'.
Warneddisciplesnottobeswayedbythem--theywouldfeelgnawingremorse.
VIII.
TheexhortationsofSiyyidK'87zimtohisdisciples-40ToldthemtoscattertofindPromisedOne,toldtobepatient,persistent,andsteadfast.
After1sttrumpetblast(B'87b),2ndwouldsound(Bah'87'u'll'87h)andbeginDayofGlory.
IX.
ThemeetingofSiyyidK'87zimwiththeArabshepherd-43Inshepherd'sdreamMuhammadtoldhimtomeetSiyyid,tellhimwillsoondie--soonafterwillTruthbemademanifest--saiditshouldbecomforttodisciples.
X.
DeathofSiyyidK'87zim-45Diedasinprophecy--Shaykh'92doctrinespreadalloverPersia-100,000inIraqalone.
SiyyidK'87zim-i-Rasht'92Authoritychallenged:1)Wasattackedbyenemies2)SentMull'87HusayntogainsupportfromreligiousleadersReferencestoPromisedOne:1)MetandknewtheB'87b2)HintedtoB'87bbeingintheirpresenceProtectionofferedby:1)OttomanauthoritieswarnedpeopleofKarbil'872)OnlythosewhowereinSiyyidK'87zim'shouseweresafeMissiontofollowers:1)ToldthemtoscattertolookforPromisedOne2)ToldthemtobepatientandsteadfastAfterdeath:1)B'87bmadeHisclaim2)H'87j'92MirzaKar'92mKh'87ntriedtotakepowerSummaryofContentsI.
HisrelationswithH'87j'92SiyyidMuhammad-B'87qir-i-Rasht'92-19II.
HisallusionstothePromisedOne-24III.
TheanecdoteofShaykhHasan-i-Zun'9cz'92-25a.
SiyyidK'87zim'svisittotheB'87b-25b.
TheB'87b'sattendanceattheteachingclassesofSiyyidK'87zim-27c.
TheB'87b'svisittotheshrineoftheIm'87mHusayn-30d.
ShaykhHasan'svisittoSh'92r'87zandM'87h-K'9c-30e.
HismeetingwithBah'87'u'll'87hinKarbil'87-32IV.
ReferencestothePromisedOneintheworksofSiyyidK'87zim-33V.
ThesiegeofKarbil'87-35VI.
TheallusionsofSiyyidK'87zimtohisunfaithfuldisciples-36VII.
TheaccountrelatedbyShaykhAb'9c-Tur'87b-39VIII.
TheexhortationsofSiyyidK'87zimtohisdisciples-40IX.
ThemeetingofSiyyidK'87zimwiththeArabshepherd-43X.
DeathofSiyyidK'87zim-45OtherSummariesofthisChapterRegardingtheB'87basamerchant(DB30(andalso129)),seeTN4.
RegardingSiyyidK'87zim'stributetoMull'87Husayn(DB48),seeGPB50.
Overallfor30,48:GPB50,TN4.
PARTTWO:THEREVELATIONOFTHEB'e7BChapterIII:TheDeclarationoftheB'87b'sMissionI.
ThearrivalofMull'87HusayninKarbil'87-47InspireddisciplessaddenedbyattacksonthemafterSiyyidK'87zim'sdeathRemindedthemtheyweretoleaveandseekhimbuttheydidnotrespondII.
Significanceoftheyear'60-48Im'87mJa'farhadsaidCauseshallberevealedthenMuhyi'd-D'92n-i-'Arab'92wrotefollowerstobePersian,nametobe'Al'92-Muhammad,M'92rz'87Muhammad-i-Akhb'87r'92(poet)andtraditionof'Al'92predictsrenewalofFaithIII.
DepartureofMull'87HusaynforNajafandB'9cshihr-50LeftwithMuhammad-Hasan(brother)andMuhammad-B'87qir(nephew)Retiredfor40daysinprayer&fastingMull'87'Al'92y-i-Bast'87m'92(learneddiscipleofSiyyidK'87zim)and12companionsjoinedupwiththemandfollowedsuit.
SensedpreviouspresenceofB'87binB'9cshihrbutdrawntoSh'92r'87zSaidhewould"GodWilling"jointhemlaterineveningprayerIV.
InterviewofMull'87HusaynwiththeB'87binSh'92r'87z-52Greetedandembracedlovingly,toldtocommitcompanionstocareofGod.
Pouredwaterforablutions,gavearefreshingbeverageandtea,assuredhimhewasnotbreakinghispledgebymissingtheeveningprayer.
TheB'87bdeclaredHimselftobethePromisedOne,Mull'87Husaynwasskeptical&feltremorseafterexpressingthis.
AskedB'87btounraveltreatiseandthenrevealacommentaryontheS'9crihofJoseph.
B'87bcompliedandmore,thensaidthatitwasnotforhisservantstojudgeHimandthenrevealedthefirstchapterofHiscommentary.
Mull'87HusaynbeggedtoleavebutB'87bassuredthathewouldbeconsideredmad,pointedoutsignificanceofthenight,orderedfood,revealedverses,explainedwhatwashappening,andgavehiminstructions.
Mull'87Husaynfollowedinstructionsandwastoldthatcompanionswouldarrive.
V.
ArrivalofMull'87'Al'92y-i-Bast'87m'92andhiscompanionsinSh'92r'87z-66CompanionslookedtoHusaynforanswers--heassuredthem,directedthemtotrustinGod.
Mull'87'Al'92camewithandtheeveningwasrepeatedwithoutargument.
12othercompanionsfoundhim(and3otherseventually).
VI.
ArrivalofQudd'9csinSh'92r'87z-69Qudd'9cs(H'87j'92Mull'87Muhammad-'Al'92y-i-B'87rfur'9csh'92-(SAQ,p.
54))soughthimout,recognizedHimthroughcommunion.
(Qudd'9cswasfavoreddiscipleofSiyyidK'87zimdespitehismodestappearance&behavior)VII.
TheearlydaysoftheB'87b-72a.
Hisbirth-72Wasbornofwell-likednobility,losthisfatherwhenaninfant/youngchild.
b.
Hisschool-days75Uncle,H'87j'92M'92rz'87Siyyid'Al'92placedtheB'87bundertutelageofShaykh''e7bidwhowasastoundedwhenHeinterpretedQur''87nandreturnedHimtouncle.
UncleinducedHimbacktoschool,hewasinducedtotakeHiminsteadintobusinessinwhichHeexcelledalso.
c.
Hismarriage76Marriedandhadason,Ahmad,whodied.
B'87bdescribedthisasbutonesacrificeforBelovedbeforemartyrdomasHeaskedforworldunity.
d.
HisstayinB'9cshihr-77Engagedhereincommercialpursuits(insistentlyreturnedsumHehadnotinvestedtoclientatappreciatedvalue)butonFridaysdevotedtoworship,directedgazetoSunthoughheedlessimaginedHimtobedirectingtophysicalsun.
Tenderly&tearfullyattendedmeetingsinpraiseofIm'87mHusayn(Bah'87'u'll'87hwasreturnofIm'87mHusayn).
VIII.
LettersoftheLiving-8018LettersoftheLivingwereenrolled.
IX.
ReferencetoT'87hirih-81RecognizedHiminadream,sentalettertoHim.
She(Zarr'92n-T'87j(CrownofGold))wasdaughterofrenownedB'87l'87-Sar'92mujtahidwhosupportedSiyyidK'87zimandpraisedShaykhAhmad'steachingsinlettertoSiyyidK'87zim.
Herespondedinpraiseofher,leadingtohertitleQurratu'l-'Ayn.
AfterBadasht,thosewhosoughttoundermineherweresilencedastheB'87btitledherT'87hirih.
Hadparticipatedindiscussionsbehindveilasbold,learnedexponentofIsl'87m.
X.
ExplanationofthetermB'87l'87-Sar'92-84WorshiperswhoenteredtheuppersectionoftheshrineoftheIm'87mHusaynTheShaykh'92sfeltitimpropertodoso.
XI.
DismissalofMull'87Husayn-85TheB'87bdismissedMull'87Husaynandassuredhimofassistanceandprotectionuntilhistaskwasaccomplished.
ToldhimthatQudd'9csinsteadwouldjoinHimonpilgrimage.
Toldhimtovisitcities,alludedtosecret(Bah'87'u'll'87h)inTihr'87n,andtoldhimtoawaitinstructionsonceinNajafandKarbil'87.
XII.
DepartureofMull'87'Al'92y-i-Bast'87m'92fromSh'92r'87z-87TheB'87bdirectedhimtoNajafandKarbil'87,alludedtoseveretrialsandenjoinedsteadfastnessashewas1sttosufferforHissake.
Mull'87'Al'92leftpromptly.
XIII.
Storyof'Abdu'l-Vahh'87b-87YouthsoughtMull'87'Al'92andaskedtojoinhimashesawhimstandinginthesameplacehehadseenhiminadreamasIm'87m'Al'92distributingchartersofsalvation.
Mull'87'Al'92triedtodissuadehimtonoavail.
XIV.
SufferingsofMull'87'Al'92y-i-Bast'87m'92-89'Abdu'l-Vahh'87b'sfatherthroughprideofhiscourtpositionandoutofanger,savagelybeatMull'87'Al'92whileMull'87'Al'92calmlyexhortedhimandpredictedthathewouldlaterfeelregret.
Thefatherbroughtthesonhomewhorelatedthestoryofthedream.
ThefatherfeltregretuntilBah'87'u'll'87hHimselftaughtandforgavehim.
Mull'87'Al'92taughtthatHisproofwasHisWord--HerevealedversesofallsubjectstoequalQur''87nin48hourswhichtookMuhammad23years.
ShaykhMuhammad-Hasan(ecclesiastic)denouncedandabusedhim,broughthiminchainstogovernmentandadvocatedhisdeathforblasphemy.
Wasimprisoned(merchanturgedtheMuft'92tojudgehimdispassionatelywhichherefused.
ReportsofMull'87'Al'92'seventualdeathconflicted,butstillahero.
XV.
TheB'87b'sfarewelladdresstotheLettersoftheLiving-92GavespecialcommandstoremainingLetters(returntonativeprovince,raisethecall,butdonotdivulgeHisname)andurgeddetachmentandperseveranceandassuredassistance.
XVI.
TheB'87b'spartingwordstoMull'87Husayn-96TheB'87bcomfortedMull'87HusaynastonotaccompanyingHimonpilgrimageandgavehimfurthercourage.
TheDeclarationoftheB'87b'sMission(SummaryofChapter3)I.
Mull'87HusaynsoughtPromisedOneaccordingtoSiyyidK'87zim'sinstructions,metandrecognizedtheB'87b.
II.
Mull'87'Al'92y-i-Bast'87m'92,otherLettersoftheLiving,T'87hirih,andQudd'9csobtainedHispresence.
III.
Mull'87'Al'92wasdismissedandwasfirsttosufferfortheCause.
IV.
TheotherLettersweregivenspecialinstructionstogooutandproclaimtheCause.
Mull'87Husayn,inparticular,wasreassuredofvictory.
V.
Qudd'9cswasannouncedtobetheonetoaccompanytheB'87bonHispilgrimage.
SummaryofContentsI.
ThearrivalofMull'87HusayninKarbil'87-47II.
Significanceoftheyear'60-48III.
DepartureofMull'87HusaynforNajafandB'9cshihr-50IV.
InterviewofMull'87HusaynwiththeB'87binSh'92r'87z-52V.
ArrivalofMull'87'Al'92y-i-Bast'87m'92andhiscompanionsinSh'92r'87z-66VI.
ArrivalofQudd'9csinSh'92r'87z-69(seeVII.
below)VIII.
LettersoftheLiving-80IX.
ReferencetoT'87hirih-81X.
ExplanationofthetermB'87l'87-Sar'92-84VII.
TheearlydaysoftheB'87b-72a.
Hisbirth-72b.
Hisschool-days75c.
Hismarriage76d.
HisstayinB'9cshihr-77XI.
DismissalofMull'87Husayn-85XII.
DepartureofMull'87'Al'92y-i-Bast'87m'92fromSh'92r'87z-87XIII.
Storyof'Abdu'l-Vahh'87b-87XIV.
SufferingsofMull'87'Al'92y-i-Bast'87m'92-89XV.
TheB'87b'sfarewelladdresstotheLettersoftheLiving-92XVI.
TheB'87b'spartingwordstoMull'87Husayn-96OtherSummariesofthisChapterRegardingMull'87Husaynandhismartyrdom(DB48,seealso328-383),seeGPB38-41,50;TN19,22-24.
RegardingtheDeclarationoftheB'87b(DB52-66),seeGPB5-7;TN4.
RegardingtheenrollmentoftheLettersoftheLiving(DB66-96),seeGPB7-8;TN5.
RegardingthedateoftheBirthoftheB'87b(DB70andalso8,14),seeTN4.
RegardingthecommotionaftertheB'87b'sretruntoSh'92r'87z(DB87-92),seeGPB10;TN5-6.
RegardingthespecialmissiontoMull'87Husayn(DB96),seeGPB8.
RegardingtheB'87b'sreferencestoBah'87'u'll'87h(DB96,seealso142-143),seeGPB67;TN4-5,13-14,25-26,32-34.
Overallfor48,52-96:GPB5-8,10,38-41,50,67;TN4-6,13-14,25-26,32-34.
CHAPTERIV:MULL'e7HUSAYN'SJOURNEYTOTIHR'e7NI.
VisitofMull'87HusayntoIsf'87h'87n-97Deliveredthemessagefearlesslytowhateverclassheaddressed.
a.
HisrelationswiththedisciplesofH'87j'92SiyyidMuhammad-B'87qir-97SonoftheSiyyidhadreplaceddeceasedfather.
InabsenceofSiyyid,disciplesdenouncedMull'87Husayntosontonoavail.
TheillH'87j'92Muhammad-Ibr'87h'92m-i-Kalb'87s'92wasalsoapproachedbythemtowhichheenjoinedthemtoinvestigatedispassionatelyandexpressedownwishtoinvestigate.
DiscipleswenttoMan'9cchihrKh'87n,thegovernor,whodeterredthemfrommischief.
b.
StoryoftheSifterofWheat-99UnreservedlyacceptedtheMessageandwaszealousadvocate.
WhenheardofsiegeatTabars'92,hearoseimmediatelywithhissievetofindsoulswhowilljoinhimtowardmartyrdom.
B'87bpraisedhimandpointedoutironyofthesifter'slackoflearningcomparedto"learned"ofIsf'87h'87n.
c.
ConversionofMull'87S'87diq-i-Khur'87s'87n'92-100SiyyidsacceptedFaith,includingIsmu'll'87hu'l-AsdaqwhowaspreparingothersfornewRevelationinIsf'87h'87n.
SoughtandrecognizedB'87basLettersofLivingdid(wastoldbyMull'87Husaynthatthedoorofgraceisneverclosedtoseeker).
GavehimmissiontotellH'87j'92M'92rz'87Kar'92mKh'87nthengotoSh'92r'87z.
II.
HisstayinK'87sh'87nandQum-101Mull'87HusaynenrolledH'87j'92M'92rz'87J'87n'92(Par-P'87)butSiyyid'Abdu'l-B'87q'92wouldn'tsacrificeleadershipforCause.
InQumnoonewasreadyuntilH'87j'92M'92rz'87M'9cs'87soughtBah'87'u'll'87hinBaghd'87dandwaseventuallymartyred.
III.
HisexperiencesinTihr'87n-101StayedinroomofM'92rz'87S'87lih(P'87y-i-Min'87r)madrisih.
BroughtTablettoSh'87hWasrelativelylow-keyhere,returningtoroomearly&didnotappearinpublic.
a.
HisrelationswithH'87j'92M'92rz'87Muhammad-i-Khur'87s'87n'92-102Wasashaykh'92whofearedlosingshaykh'92community&failedtorespond.
b.
HismeetingwithMull'87Muhammad-i-N'9cr'92,andhismessagetoBah'87'u'll'87h-104StayedinroomadjoiningMull'87Husayn's.
Mull'87Husaynsawthathewastoinstructthepupil(Mu'allim)whowasnotlikehismaster.
HefoundfromhimthatamongthefamilyofM'92rz'87Buzurg-i-N'9cr'92wasOneofhighattainments(Bah'87'u'll'87h).
HeaskedhimtodeliverthescrolloftheB'87btoBah'87'u'll'87hwhogaveittoM'92rz'87M'9cs'87.
Bah'87'u'll'87hacknowledgedHisTruthandsentgiftofsugarandteatoMull'87HusaynwhoreceivedthemwithgreatjoytosurpriseofMu'allim.
Mull'87Husayntoldhimtokeepitsecret,prayforHim,andraisethecall.
ForetoldmartyrdomstocomeinTihr'87n.
(cont.
onChpt.
6,p.
123)SummaryofChapterIVI.
Mull'87HusaynconvertedasifterofwheatandothersinIsf'87h'87naswellasinK'87sh'87n,butnoonewasreadyinQum.
II.
InTihr'87nMull'87HusaynreportedlybroughtaTabletoftheB'87btotheSh'87h()andmetshaykh'92leaderwhodidnotaccepttheFaith.
Hispupil,however,wasreceptiveandsoughtMull'87Husaynout.
III.
ThispupilbroughtaTabletoftheB'87bfromMull'87HusayntoBah'87'u'll'87hWhoacknowledgedtheTruthoftheB'87b.
Bah'87'u'll'87hsentMull'87Husaynagiftinreturnforwhichhewasoverjoyed.
IV.
Mull'87Husayngavethedisciple,Mu'allim,instructionstoconcealthesecret(ofBah'87'u'll'87h)buttoproclaimtheCause.
SummaryofContentsI.
VisitofMull'87HusayntoIsf'87h'87n-97a.
HisrelationswiththedisciplesofH'87j'92SiyyidMuhammad-B'87qir-97b.
StoryoftheSifterofWheat-99c.
ConversionofMull'87S'87diq-i-Khur'87s'87n'92-100II.
HisstayinK'87sh'87nandQum-101III.
HisexperiencesinTihr'87n-101a.
HisrelationswithH'87j'92M'92rz'87Muhammad-i-Khur'87s'87n'92-102b.
HismeetingwithMull'87Muhammad-i-N'9cr'92,andhismessagetoBah'87'u'll'87h-104OtherSummariesofthisChapterRegardingasummaryofBah'87'u'll'87h'slifebeforetheassassinationattemptontheSh'87h(andimpliedfulfillmentoftheB'87b'sprophecies)DB106-107,seealso112-117,227-228,279,284-286,292-299,348-350,369-374,519-522,593-594),seeGPB40,66-70;TN34-37.
CHAPTERV:BAH'e7'U'LL'e7H'SJOURNEYTOM'e7ZINDAR'e7NI.
HisreferencetoM'92rz'87Buzurg-109Bah'87'u'll'87hrelatesstoryofhowHisfather,despitemisfortunesandattacksonhim,maintainedhisbenevolence,dignity,andkindness.
II.
HisvisittoN'9crpriortoMull'87Husayn'sarrivalinTihr'87n-111Bah'87'u'll'87hhadvisitedN'9crbeforetheDeclarationoftheB'87ba.
HismeetingwithM'92rz'87Muhammad-Taq'92y-i-N'9cr'92-111Bah'87'u'll'87hlucidlyexpoundedanabstruseIslamicteachingamidstdisciplesofM'92rz'87Muhammad-Taq'92y-i-N'9cr'92,averywell-respectedmujtahidwhowasdisappointedthathisfollowerswereincapableofansweringwhatOneWhoworethekul'87h(hatoflaity)couldanswer.
b.
ThetwodreamsofM'92rz'87Muhammad-Taq'92y-i-N'9cr'92-111WasdeniedtoenterhouseofS'87hibu'z-Zam'87nbecauseHewasinprivateconversationwithanotherPerson(Bah'87'u'll'87h).
FoundbooksofBah'87'u'll'87hincofferseachletterofwhichwassetinexquisitejewels-hewassooverpowered,heawoke.
III.
HisvisittoN'9crafterMull'87Husayn'sarrivalinTihr'87n-112M'92rz'87Muhammad-Taq'92y-i-N'9cr'92haddiedonHisreturnvisit.
HisSuccessorwasMull'87Muhammad.
DiscipleshaddwindledandwereenthusiasticwithBah'87'u'll'87h'sarrival.
TheymarveledatHisdisinterestintheaffairsofthegovernmentandHisgreatadvocacyoftheCauseoftheB'87bandHiseloquenceasHewasnotofthetheologians.
a.
HisrelationswithHisuncle'Az'92z-113Though'Az'92zopposedHim,Bah'87'u'll'87hintervenedonhisbehalfwhensomewereattemptingtosilenceandinjure'Az'92zforhischallenges.
b.
HismeetingwithMull'87Muhammad-113Mull'87Muhammadwasapproachedby'Az'92zwhoclaimedBah'87'u'll'87hsoughttodisruptIsl'87mandthatwaseitherasorcererorcharmer.
Mull'87Muhammadjokedthat'Az'92zhadhadthesameteaandheardHim,but'Az'92zattributedhis"immunity"toMull'87Muhammad'sprotection.
AshecouldnotarousepopulaceorcombatHisideasdirectly,Mull'87Muhammadrespondedbywriting"O'Az'92z,benotafraid,noonewilldaremolestyou.
"Duetoagrammaticalerror,itoffendedthenotablesofT'87kuranddefamed'Az'92zandMull'87Muhammad.
ByearnestnessofBah'87'u'll'87h'sappeal,thepeopleofN'9crarosetodisseminatetheMessageandpraiseitsPromoterwhileMull'87Muhammad'sdisciplestriedtohavehimascertaintheRevelationfromHiminperson.
HegaveananswerwhiletheyinsistedthatitwashisdutytopreservetheintegrityofSh'92'ahIsl'87mbyinvestigatinganymovementaffectingitsinterests.
Mull'87Muhammadaccededtodelegate2eminentlieutenants,Mull'87'Abb'87sandM'92rz'87Abu'l-Q'87simtovisitHim&determinethecharacterofHisMessage.
He,inturn,wouldsubmitunreservedlytotheirdecision.
TheysoughtHimatHiswinterresort&uponhearingBah'87'u'll'87hrevealacommentaryontheopeningS'9crihoftheQur''87n"TheSevenVersesofRepetition,"Mull'87'Abb'87swasmovedtotremblingandtears,forgettinghisquestions,forsakinghisteacher,andvowingtoserveBah'87'u'll'87h.
Hiscompanionlikewiseagreed.
Thenewsofthisspreadthroughoutthedistrict:dignitariesofStateandclergy,traders,andpeasantsflockedtoHimandagoodnumberjoined.
SomeofthedistinguishedsaidthatthetriumphofthisFaithwouldbeassuredifMull'87Muhammadalsojoined.
Bah'87'u'll'87hsaidthatHewouldtravel100leaguestovisitaseekerandaccededbysettingoftovisitMull'87Muhammad.
Bah'87'u'll'87hwasceremoniouslyreceivedbyhim,butHeonlywishedtodelivertheMessage.
HeaskedhimwhatitwasthatperplexeshimfromrecognizingitsTruth,andMull'87MuhammadinsistedonfirstconsultingtheQur''87n.
Bah'87'u'll'87hacceded,andwithoutdisclosingtheverse,Mull'87Muhammadclaimedhefounditinadvisabletoproceed.
Beingdisinclinedtocausehimfurtherembarrassment(hisfearwasevidenttomostthere),Bah'87'u'll'87harose,askedtobeexcused,andsaidfarewell.
c.
Hisconversationwithadervish-117Whileridingintothecountrywithcompanions,Bah'87'u'll'87hcameupondishevelledyouth(Mustaf'87)whowascookingandeating.
Theyouthsaidhewaseating,cooking,andburningGod.
Bah'87'u'll'87hwaspleasedwithhisunaffectedsimplicityandspoketohimwithunrestrainedtenderness,causinghimtobeenlightenedastothetruenatureofGod.
TheyouthrecognizedHim,followedHimimmediatelyleavinghisutensilsbehind,andspontaneouslycomposedandchantedalove-songtoHimbeforeanyhadrecognizedHim.
d.
TheeffectsofBah'87'u'll'87h'svisittoN'9cr-118ByHiseloquence,purity,dignity,logic,loving-kindness,Bah'87'u'll'87hwontheirheartsandenrolledtheminFaith.
Stonesandtreesevenseemedquickenedbyspiritualpower.
WhenHeleft,theycontinuedtoconsolidate,manysufferedandweremartyred.
M'87zindar'87nandN'9crinparticularwerefirsttoeagerlyacceptCauseasN'9crwithinmountainswasfirsttocatchraysfromSh'92r'87z.
IV.
TheVaz'92r'sdreamofBah'87'u'll'87h-119Hisfather,theVaz'92r,dreamtthatBah'87'u'll'87hwasswimminginalimitlessoceanwithHisbodyshiningonthewatersilluminingthesea.
AroundHishead,distinctlyappearingoutofthewaters,radiatedHislongjet-blacklocksfloatingingreatprofusionabovethewaves.
ManyfishgatheredaroundHimandheldontohair,followingHiminwhateverdirection,notremovinganyhairorinjuringHim.
Hemovedunrestrained.
Afamoussoothsayeroftheregioninterpretedtheoceantobetheworldofbeing,andthatBah'87'u'll'87hwouldachieveascendancyoveritwiththefishsignifyingturmoilamidstpeoplesclingingtoHimforprotectionofGodthoughHewillnotbeharmed.
ThesoothsayerwastakentoseeHimandwassocharmedbyHim&fullofpraiseforHiscountenancethatHisfatherbecameevenmoredevotedtoHim.
V.
TherelationsofBah'87'u'll'87hwithH'87j'92M'92rz'87'e7q'87s'92-120AlthoughhedidnotlikeHisfather,H'87j'92M'92rz'87'e7q'87s'92showedHimeveryfavourtothedegreethathissuccessor,M'92rz'87'e7q'87Kh'87n-i-N'9cr'92,theI'tim'87du'd-DawlihwasenviousespeciallysinceHewasonlyayouthatthetime.
AfterVaz'92r'sdeath,H'87j'92M'92rz'87'e7q'87s'92continuedtoshowBah'87'u'll'87hconsiderationandaddressHimasasonuntilhewishedtoacquirethevillageofQ'9cch-His'87rwhichBah'87'u'll'87handsomeothersowned.
SinceHewasnotthesoleowner,Bah'87'u'll'87hrequestedthatH'87j'92M'92rz'87'e7q'87s'92seektheirconsent.
Despitethis,hefraudulentlysoughttobecometheowner.
Bah'87'u'll'87htransferredthetitletoMuhammadSh'87h'ssister,whobyobjectingandgainingtheSh'87h'sapproval,preventedhisdesigns.
TheGrandVaz'92rsoughttodiscreditBah'87'u'll'87hthroughfalsechargestowhichBah'87'u'll'87hvigorouslyandsuccessfullydefendedHisinnocence.
GrandVaz'92rshowedjealousyoftheattendanceofBah'87'u'll'87h'sbanquetstowhichBah'87'u'll'87hquestionedwhetheramanshouldbeaccusedofcriminalintentionswhoseekstosharehisbreadwithhisfellow-men.
DespiteallhispowershewasunabletosucceedagainstBah'87'u'll'87h.
Bah'87'u'll'87h'ssuccessoverHisopponentswasvindicatedonotheroccasions,spreadingHisfameabroadandconvincingmanythatitwasnothingshortofDivineprotection.
HedidnotaccedetotheviewsofthedignitariesdespitethedangersagainstHim--Heinsteadchampionedtruth,assertedrightsofthedowntrodden,defendedtheweak,andprotectedtheinnocent.
SummaryofChapterVI.
Bah'87'u'll'87hspeaksofHisfather'svirtuousness.
II.
Bah'87'u'll'87hwongreatadmirationfirstbyM'92rz'87Muhammad-Taq'92y-i-N'9cr'92beforetheB'87b'sDeclarationandthenamongthefollowersofhissuccessor,Mull'87Muhammad.
III.
Hewasopposedbyhisuncle,'Az'92zandMull'87Muhammad.
IV.
Mull'87Muhammadsent2followerstoinvestigateHisCauseandwereconverted.
Mull'87MuhammaddidnotacknowledgetheCauseevenafterBah'87'u'll'87h'svisit.
V.
DuringoneofHiswalks,Bah'87'u'll'87hwonoverapolytheisticyouthwhowasabletorecognizeHim.
VI.
AsaChild,HisfatherdreamtofHisgreatnessandbecamemoredevotedtoHim.
VII.
OneexampleofHisgreatnessatdefeatingfoes:Formerly,H'87j'92M'92rz'87'e7q'87s'92,theGrandVaz'92rhadshowndeferencetoBah'87'u'll'87huntilwishingtoacquiresomelandwhichBah'87'u'll'87hco-owned.
WhenBah'87'u'll'87hinsistedheasktheotherownerstoconsenttoitspurchase,theGrandVaz'92rrefusedandattemptedinvaintowrestitfromthem.
SummaryofContentsI.
HisreferencetoM'92rz'87Buzurg-109II.
HisvisittoN'9crpriortoMull'87Husayn'sarrivalinTihr'87n-111a.
HismeetingwithM'92rz'87Muhammad-Taq'92y-i-N'9cr'92-111b.
ThetwodreamsofM'92rz'87Muhammad-Taq'92y-i-N'9cr'92-111III.
HisvisittoN'9crafterMull'87Husayn'sarrivalinTihr'87n-112a.
HisrelationswithHisuncle'Az'92z-113b.
HismeetingwithMull'87Muhammad-113c.
Hisconversationwithadervish-117d.
TheeffectsofBah'87'u'll'87h'svisittoN'9cr-118IV.
TheVaz'92r'sdreamofBah'87'u'll'87h-119V.
TherelationsofBah'87'u'll'87hwithH'87j'92M'92rz'87'e7q'87s'92-120OtherSummariesofthisChapterRegardingasummaryofBah'87'u'll'87h'slifebeforetheassassinationattemptontheSh'87h(andimpliedfulfillmentoftheB'87b'sprophecies)DB112-117,seealso106-107,227-228,279,284-286,292-299,348-350,369-374,519-522,593-594),seeGPB40,66-70;TN34-37.
CHAPTERVI:MULL'e7HUSAYN'SJOURNEYTOKHUR'e7S'e7NI.
TheinstructionsoftheB'87btotheLettersoftheLiving-123HehadfollowerswritethenameofeverydeclaredbelievertobeenclosedinsealedlettersaddressedtoH'87j'92M'92rz'87Siyyid'Al'92,Hisuncle,whowoulddeliverthemtoHim.
HesaidthatHewasgoingtoclassifythelistsinto18setsof19nameswitheachsetbeingonev'87hidandthatthosesetsalongwiththefirstoneofHimselfandtheLettersoftheLivingwouldbeequalinnumbertoKull-i-Shay'(whosevalueis361).
ThiswastobefortheirblessingandrecognitionbyBah'87'u'll'87h.
Mull'87Husaynwastoldtowriteareportonhisactivities,thenamesofthosewhojoined,andthosewhorejectedtheCauseinIsf'87h'87n,Tihr'87n&Khur'87s'87n.
HesaidthatHecouldnotleaveuntilMull'87Husaynobtainedthosedocuments.
II.
ThefirstbelieversofKhur'87s'87n-125Mull'87HusaynhadbeeninspiredbyBah'87'u'll'87handsetoutforKhur'87s'87n.
Themostlearnedof'ulam'87there,M'92rz'87Ahmad-i-Azghand'92,wasfirsttoaccepttheFaith.
Hehadalwaysbeenthechiefspeakerinanygatheringbecauseofhischaracter,devoutness,erudition,ability,andwisdom.
Mull'87Ahmad-i-Mu'allim,theinstructorofSiyyidK'87zim'schildrenthendeclared.
Mull'87Shaykh'Al'92(surnamed'Az'92mbytheB'87b)wasalsolearnedanddeclared.
M'92rz'87MuhammadB'87qir-i-Q'87'in'92,wasnexttoembraceandwasconsumedwithforcefulpassion,fearlessness,unsparingenergy,unswervingloyalty,integritymadehimterrorofenemiesandinspirationtofriends.
HeplacedhishomeatMull'87Husayn'sdisposal,andworkedtirelesslyfortheCauseuntilmartyredatTab'87rs'92.
HewasappointedleaderbyQudd'9csafterMull'87Husayn'sdeathandrosetochallenge.
HishomeisknownasB'87b'92yyih.
III.
Mull'87Husayn'slettertotheB'87b-126Mull'87HusaynreferredtostayinIsf'87h'87nandK'87sh'87n,HisexperiencewithBah'87'u'll'87h,HisdepartureforM'87zindar'87n,theeventsofN'9cr,hisownsuccessinKhur'87s'87nwiththenamesofthoseproclaimingtheirsinceresteadfastnessinletterdeliveredbypartnersofB'87b'smaternaluncleonholyDayofIsl'87m,the27thdayofRamad'87n.
TheB'87bsharedsomepassageswithsolecompanionthatnight,Qudd'9cswithextremejoyandpraisedtheeventwhichoccurredbetweenthemonthsofJam'87d'92andRajab.
M'92rz'87AhmadwasunawareofthesignificanceofHisjoyasdescribedbytheB'87b'suncle.
WhenM'92rz'87AhmadfinallymetMull'87Husayn,Mull'87Husaynsimplyrecalledthatbetweenthosemonths,hehadbeeninTihr'87n,indicatingadeepsignificancetoTihr'87n.
TheB'87bwasoverjoyedasHefeltthatifHeweretobetakenfromtheworldbyhisfoes,theCausewouldflourishunderBah'87'u'll'87h.
AllofHisfearsofperildisappearedandHewelcomedthefireofadversityasaphoenix.
SummaryofChapterVII.
TheB'87bgavespecialinstructionstotheLettersoftheLivingincludingcollectingthenamesofthedeclaredbelievers.
II.
InspiredonbyBah'87'u'll'87h,Mull'87HusaynwontheallegianceofseveralprominentandeffectiveindividualsofKhur'87s'87n.
III.
TheB'87bwasoverjoyedbythenewsofMull'87Husayn'seventsandmeetingwithBah'87'u'll'87h.
SummaryofContentsI.
TheinstructionsoftheB'87btotheLettersoftheLiving-123II.
ThefirstbelieversofKhur'87s'87n-125III.
Mull'87Husayn'slettertotheB'87b-126OtherSummariesofthisChapterRegardingtheB'87basamerchant(DB120(andalso30)),seeTN4.
RegardingH'87j'92M'92rz'87'e7q'87s'92'senmitytowardBah'87'u'll'87h(DB120-122),seeGPB70;TN31.
RegardingtheB'87bleavingforpilgrimage(DB123-129),seeGPB8-9;TN5.
RegardingtheenrollmentofM'92rz'87Ahmad-i-Azghand'92(DB125,seealso184-185),seeGPB12.
Overallfor120-129:GPB8-9,12,70;TN4-5,31.
CHAPTERVII:THEB'e7B'SPILGRIMAGETOMECCAANDMEDINAThisletterinducedtheB'87btoundertakeHispilgrimagetoHij'87z--entrustingHiswifetoHismother,undertheprotectionofHismaternaluncle.
Qudd'9cswasHisonlycompanionwiththeEthiopianservantasHispersonalattendant.
HefirstwenttoB'9cshihrwhereHehadbeenamerchanttocompleteHisarrangements.
Hethenleftbysailfortwomonthsofstormysailinganddisputesamongthepilgrims.
OnlyoneonthisvoyageacceptedHim.
HisprayerswereneverthelesspeacefulandcontinuedRevelationtoQudd'9cs.
I.
IncidentrelatedbyH'87j'92Abu'l-Hasan-i-Sh'92r'87z'92-130Whiletravellingonthatvoyage,herelatedthatdespitepassengers'panic,HeandQudd'9cswerenotperturbed.
II.
ReferencetoJourneyinthePersianBay'87n-130HehadtocontentHimselfwithsweetlemonsduetoscarcityofwater.
Hepraisedtheworkofmarinersduetoitsarduousness.
Thequarrelsamongthepilgrims,HedeclaredundidthegoodofthepilgrimageandsaidtheHouseofGodhasnoneedofsuchpeople.
Asaresultofthis,HebesoughtGodtospeedilyimprovethemeansofoceantravelandtoreduceitshardshipsandperils.
ThePersianGulfnowhasoceanlinerswhichcanbringpeopleacrossinafewdaysandwithcomfort.
Inconcernfordetailsofnewmachinery,peoplesoftheWesthavelostsightofitsSource,misuseditspower,andmisunderstooditsfunction.
Itwasintendedforpeaceandhappinessbutusedfordestructionandwar.
III.
ArrivalatJaddih,andanincidentonthewaytoMecca-132TheB'87bwentbycamelwhileQudd'9csinsistentlyaccompaniedonfoot,joyouslyandprayerfullyministeringtohisneedsandsleeplesslykeepingvigilatnight.
ABedouinsnatchedHissaddlebagandHisservantsoughttopursuehimbutwasprevented.
HepraisedhisservantbutsaidthattheArabwouldbringtheseWritingsfurtherthantheycouldhave,reassuringhimasHesimilarlydidforothersatothertimes.
IV.
ThecircumambulationoftheKa'bihbytheB'87b-134(133)Hemeditatedalldaybeforefestival,thenpurchased19lambs,sacrificing9forHimself,7forQudd'9cs,and3forHisservant.
Hedistributedthemeatamongthepoor.
Despiteitbeingwinter,theheatinducedthemnottoperformtheriteintheirusualgarments.
(134)He,outofdeference,keptHisturbanandcloakon,performingalloftheriteswithdignity,simplicityandreverence.
V.
HisdeclarationtoM'92rz'87Muh'92t-i-Kirm'87n'92-134TheB'87bmetM'92rz'87Muh'92t-i-Kirm'87n'92whilehewasfacingtheBlackStone.
HetookHishand,pointedouthisbelieftobethesuccessorofShaykhAhmadandSiyyidK'87zim,madeclaimthatnonebutHimcouldbetheGate,declaredHisprooftobethatHewillrevealversestodemonstrateitstruth,callinghimtoeitheracceptHisCauseunreservedlyorrepudiateitentirely,refusedtoletgounlessheagreedoruntilhepubliclyrepudiatedHisCause,andproclaimedthepowerofHisTruth.
M'92rz'87Muh'92twasoverpoweredandwithfearandconfusionacknowledgeHimandprayedforforgivenessandmercy,andassuredhisallegiance.
TheB'87bcalledtheshrineandQudd'9csaswitnessesandcalleduponMuh'92ttosetforthhisproblemssothatHemightreassurehim.
HerespondedwithquestionsbutsaidthathehadtoleaveimmediatelyforMedina.
TheB'87bcompliedandsaidHewouldrevealHisanswers,thattheywouldreachhiminKarbil'87ifnotinMedina,andthatanythingHedidwastohisownbehoof.
M'92rz'87Muh'92treexpressedhisresolvebutwasunabletowithstandHismajestyandfledinterror,stayedawhilebutleftMedinadespitehispledgeandconscienceforKarbil'87.
TheB'87bfulfilledHispromiseandhaditdelivered.
M'92rz'87Muh'92twasunmovedbyitstoneandconsistentlyyetsecretlyopposedtheFaith,sometimessupportingH'87j'92M'92rz'87Kar'92mKh'87n,andoccasionallyclaimingtobeanindependentleader.
FeignedsubmissiontoBah'87'u'll'87handsoughttomeetHispresence.
Bah'87'u'll'87hdescribedtheprerequisitesofseekingandcalledhimtocomeifhesoughtHimwithsacrifice.
Hedidnotcomplyanddiedshortlyafterreachinghishome.
VI.
HismessagetotheSherifofMecca,andtheaccountrelatedbyH'87j'92N'92y'87z-i-Baghd'87d'92-138WrotelettertoSherifrightaftercompletinglastritesofpilgrimage,callinghimtoembracetheCause.
Qudd'9csdeliveredletter.
TheSheriffailedtorespondtothecall.
H'87j'92N'92y'87z-i-Baghd'87d'92toldNab'92lthatin1850-1851hewentonpilgrimageandmettheSherifwhotoldhimthathehadmetayouthintheyear'60duringpilgrimagewhopresentedhimwithasealedbookwhichheacceptedbutwastoopreoccupiedtoread.
Afterpilgrimagehereadit,wasmoved,andgatheredfromitthataPersianmanwasannouncingthecomingoftheQ'87'im.
H'87j'92N'92y'87ztoldhimoftheYouthWhopubliclyassertedhecouldrevealversestosurpasstheQur''87ninvolumeandbeautyandthatHehadbeenmartyred.
TheSherifexpressedindignationattheircrueltreatment(astheyhadtheirillustriousancestors)andendedtheconversation.
VII.
HisvisittoMedina-140TheB'87bthenwenttoMedina.
Hecalledtomindtheeventsinthecity'swallstestifyingtothepowerofMuhammad'sgenius,prayedwhenapproachingHisholysepulchre,recalledHisHerald,ShaykhAhmad-i-Ahs'87''92,andtheholypioneersandmartyrswhohadsealedthetriumphoftheCause.
TheyseemedtobebeggingHimnottoleavebacktoPersiawhereHisfoesmightbringeternaldamnationuponthemselves.
TheB'87brespondednottofearorgrieveforHewascalledtheretobearwitnesstothegloryofsacrificeandthatHeandQudd'9cswouldbesacrificedtotheKingofGlory,wateringandrevivingtherebytheTreethatwillgatherallofthepeoplesoftheearthunderitsshadow.
SummaryofChapterVIII.
TheB'87bwentonpilgrimagetoMeccaandMedinawithQudd'9csandHisEthiopianservant.
A.
ThequarrelsonthejourneyledtoHisprayertoeasetheardorofoceantravelwhichwassoonfulfilled.
B.
Hiswritingsweresnatchedonthewaybutheassuredhisservantthattheywouldtravelfurtherasaresult.
C.
TheB'87breverentlyfollowedalloftheritesofpilgrimage.
II.
DuringHisvisittotheBlackStone,HechallengedM'92rz'87Muh'92ttoeitherdenouncetheCauseoracceptit,refusingtoletgountilHechoseoneortheother.
A.
M'92rz'87Muh'92tacknowledgedHimthenbutfailedtofulfillapromisetostayinMedinatoreceivearesponsetohisquestionsfromtheB'87b.
HelateropposedtheCausesometimesasafollowerofotherenemiesandsometimesasaleader.
B.
TheSherifofMeccareceivedaletterfromtheB'87bviaQudd'9csbuthefailedtoreadit.
HelaterexpressedhissadnessatthetreacheryaffectingtheB'87b'92s.
C.
InMedinatheB'87bcalledtomindtheProphetandholyonesassociatedwithitandreflectedonHisimmanentMartyrdom.
SummaryofContentsI.
IncidentrelatedbyH'87j'92Abu'l-Hasan-i-Sh'92r'87z'92-130II.
ReferencetoJourneyinthePersianBay'87n-130III.
ArrivalatJaddih,andanincidentonthewaytoMecca-132IV.
ThecircumambulationoftheKa'bihbytheB'87b-134V.
HisdeclarationtoM'92rz'87Muh'92t-i-Kirm'87n'92-134VI.
HismessagetotheSherifofMecca,andtheaccountrelatedbyH'87j'92N'92y'87z-i-Baghd'87d'92-138VII.
HisvisittoMedina-140OtherSummariesofthisChapterRegardingtheDeclarationtoM'92rz'87Muh'92t-i-Kirm'87n'92(DB134),seeGPB9.
RegardingtheepistleviaQuddustotheSherifofMecca(DB138),seeGPB9.
RegardingtheB'87b'spilgrimagetoMedina(DB140-141,seealso142),seeGPB9.
Overallfor134,138,140-141:GPB9.
CHAPTERVIII:THEB'e7B'SSTAYINSH'eaR'e7ZAFTERTHEPILGRIMAGEI.
TheB'87b'sreturntoB'9cshihrandfarewelltoQudd'9cs-142TheB'87bfinishedHispilgrimageandthenwenttoJaddihandbyseawenttoB'9cshihr,concludinga9lunarmonthvisit.
Hereceivedfriendsandrelativesinthesamekh'87nthereasbefore.
HesummonedQudd'9cs;kindlyaskedhimtogotoSh'92r'87z;informedhimofhislimiteddays;assuredhimofhisfuturemeetingwithHiminthenextworld;informedhimofhisimpendingsuffering,meetingwithBah'87'u'll'87h,forgettingofhissufferings,futureglory,martyrdom,andHisownmartyrdom;gavehimaletterforH'87j'92M'92rz'87Siyyid'Al'92,Hismaternaluncle,andatreatise,Khas'87'il-i-Sab'ih(TheSevenQualifications)onwhatwasrequiredofthoserecognizingHim;andaskedhimtoconveyHisgreetingstothelovedonesinSh'92r'87z.
Qudd'9cssetoutwithgreatdeterminationtocarryoutHisexpressedwishes.
II.
VisitofQudd'9cstotheB'87b'smaternaluncleinSh'92r'87z-143WaswelcomedbyHisunclewhoaskedaboutHishealthanddoings.
Qudd'9csacquaintedhimwiththeMessageand,heaccepted,asthefirsttodeclareaftertheLettersoftheLivinginSh'92r'87z.
HewasyetunawareofitsfullsignificanceuntilQudd'9csremovedtheveil,leadingtohisdeeplove,consecration,anddefense,scorningfatigueanddisdainingdeath.
Thoughabusinessman,itneverinterferedwithhisdutytoguardHimandadvancetheCause,andlettohismartyrdomwiththeSevenMartyrsofTihr'87n.
III.
MeetingofQudd'9cswithMull'87S'87diq-i-Khur'87s'87n'92-144GavehimcopyoftheKhas'87'il-i-Sab'ih&stressedtheimportanceforitspromptfollowing,adding"IbearwitnessthatHewhosenameis'Al'92-Qabl-i-MuhammadistheservantofBaq'92yyatu'll'87h.
"totheadh'87n(calltoprayer).
Mull'87S'87diq,whohadbeenpraisingIm'87m'stolargeaudiences,wasenrapturedbyitsthemeandlanguageandcarrieditout.
IV.
AfflictionswhichbefellQudd'9csandMull'87S'87diq-145Thedivines,reveredfortheirorthodoxy,protestedheresy&calledforhisarrest.
Thepopulacere-echoedthem,threateningthepublicorder.
ThegovernorofF'87rs,HusaynKh'87n-i-'earav'87n'92,surnamed'e7j'9cd'87n-B'87sh'92,enquiredintothecaseandwastoldofQudd'9cs'teachingMull'87S'87diqofthenewFaithandhissubsequentchampioningofitsmessage.
a.
InterrogationbyHusaynKh'87nofMull'87S'87diq-146Hehadthemarrested,broughtininhandcuffs,andreadfromtheQayy'9cmu'l-Asm'87whichwasconfiscatedfromMull'87Sad'92qduringhisreadingofittothecongregation,askingMull'87Sad'92q(hefirstignoredtheyouthfulunconventionallydressedQudd'9cs)whetherheandMuhammadSh'87hweretoabdicatetheirpower.
HerepliedthattheirabdicationwouldmatterlittleonceHistruthwastobeestablishedandthattheDivinepurposecouldnotbedeflected.
Hecursedthemandcommandedthestrippingoftheirgarments,administeringof1000lashes,burningoftheirbeards,piercingoftheirnoses,passingofacordthroughthisincision,andtheirbeingledthroughthestreetsofthecitywiththehalter.
Hestateditwouldbealessontothepeople.
Mull'87S'87diqremainedcalmandprayedforforgivenessandrighteousness.
Theywereseverelypunishedthoughnoneintervenedforthem,wereexpelledfromSh'92r'87z,andwerewarnedthattheywouldbecrucifiediftheyreturned.
TheywerethefirsttosufferforthefaithonPersiansoilandwereofagreatercrueltythanMull'87'Al'92y-i-Bast'87m'92's.
b.
Accountofaneye-witnessregardingthepersecution-147NoonebelievedMull'87S'87diqcouldsurvive50strokesyethemaintainedhisserenityandasmileevenpast900,holdingahandtohismouth.
Hesaidthatthefirst7strokeswerepainful,theresthegrewindifferenttoanddidn'tnoticethem.
HewasoverwhelmedwithjoytothepointofneedingtorefrainfromlaughterandtestifiedtothepowerofGodtotransformpainintoease.
V.
ReturnoftheB'87btoSh'92r'87z-150HusaynKh'87ndespatchedanescorttoarresttheB'87bandbringHiminchains.
a.
IncidentrelatedbyleaderoftheB'87b'sescort-150EncounteredYouthwithgreensashandsmallturbanassiyyidtraderswear.
HewasonhorsebackfollowedbyanEthiopianservant.
Hesalutedthemandaskedastotheirdestination.
TheytriedtoconcealitfromHimsayingthattheyweretoconductanenquiry.
Hesmiledandsaid"ThegovernorhassentyoutoarrestMe.
HereamI;dowithMeasyouplease.
Bycomingouttomeetyou,Ihavecurtailedthelengthofyourmarch,andhavemadeiteasierforyoutofindMe.
"Aftertheleaderpreparedtoleave,hewastoldthatHeonlydesiredtheprogressofmankindandthatHedidnotwishtoannoythembydelayingHiscapture.
Theleaderwasmoved,kissedhisstirrups,prayedtoHimtoescapeandflee,expressedhisdisdainforplayinganypart.
TheB'87bpraisedhisintentions,refusedtoresistGod'spurpose,assuredhimofHisprotectionuptoHiswillingmartyrdomandabsolvedhimfromblame.
b.
TheB'87b'smeetingwithHusaynKh'87n-151Hewasreturnedunchainedandwasfollowedrespectfullybytheescort,turningtheirarroganceintohumilityandamazingthosewhowatchedthemmarchtothegovernmentseat.
HusaynKh'87nsummonedHim,insolentlyhadHimsit&facehim,abusivelyrebukedHimasadisgracetoIsl'87mandthekingandaskedHimwhetherHewastheauthorofarevelationtoannulthepreceptsoftheQur''87n.
TheB'87brepliedfromtheQur''87nthatoneshouldclearupanysuspiciousmatterquicklylestthroughignoranceanyharmmightbedone.
HusaynKh'87nwasindignant,believingtheB'87bhadascribedhimasignorant,struckHisfacesohard,Histurbanfelloff.
ShaykhAb'9c-Tur'87b,theIm'87m-Jum'ihdisapproved,orderedHisturbanreplaced,invitedHimtobeseated,explainedthewisenessofHisstatement,andquestionedtheB'87baboutHisRevelationafterHusaynKh'87nconsented.
TheB'87bdeniedbeingtherepresentativeoftheQ'87'imandtheIm'87minterpretedthisasadenialandaskedHimtoproclaimitpubliclyattheMasjid-i-Vak'92l.
HusaynKh'87nrequiredbailforHim,andmadeintervenersweartodeliverHimifHeshouldcompromiseIsl'87m'sinterestsorthegovernment's.
H'87j'92M'92rz'87Siyyid'Al'92,theB'87b'smaternaluncleconsented,signedandsealedit,haditwitnessed,gaveittothegovernor,andwasgivencustodyofHim.
TheunclegratefullyreturnedHimtoHismotherandwasrelieved.
TheB'87bstayedtherequietlyforatimewithHisrelatives.
HisenemiescalleduponHimtofulfillthepledge.
ThekindlyShaykhAb'9c-Tur'87battemptedtopostponethemeeting&appeasethemasses,butafterpressurerequestedthattheB'87beasethesituation.
c.
DeclarationoftheB'87bintheMasjid-i-Vak'92l-154(153)TheB'87barrivedattimeofsermon,wascalleduptoaddressthem,andwascrudelyinterruptedbySiyyid-i-Shish-Par'92afteropeningwithpraiseofGod.
TheB'87bthencondemnedthosewhoascribedHimtobearepresentativeoftheIm'87mandthosewhoclaimedHedeniedtheUnityofGodorMessengers.
HeembracedtheIm'87m-Jum'ih.
TheB'87bwasaskedtoreturnhomewithhisunclebytheIm'87m-Jum'ihforHissafety.
Hedidandenjoyedsometimewiththemintranquility,celebratingthe1stNaw-R'9czsinceHisDeclaration.
VI.
ReferencetothosewhoembracedtheFaithinSh'92r'87z-156(155)ManywereimpressedbytheB'87b'shandlingofthesituation.
Shaykh'Al'92M'92rz'87,youngnephewofIm'87m-Jum'ihjoinedFaith,latermetBah'87'u'll'87h,redoubledhisenergiesandpersevered,andwrotetoHimpraisingHispowerinthatthepeoplehavelookedtothejudgmentofa40-yearlongB'87b'92inadisputebetweenthetyrannicalsonoftheSh'87handtheS'87hib-i-D'92v'87n.
Muhammad-Kar'92mwasimmediatelyconverted,waspersecutedto'Ir'87q,wasdeepenedbyBah'87'u'll'87h,wastoldtoreturntoSh'92r'87zandpropagatetheCause,andworkeduntilhisdeath.
M'92rz'87'e7q'87y-i-Rik'87b-S'87zwassoenamoredthatnoseverepersecutionscouldswayhisdevotion.
HemetBah'87'u'll'87hin'Ir'87q,wasfavoredwithaTabletbyhisquestions,andwaseventuallymartyred.
M'92rz'87Rah'92m-i-Khabb'87zjoinedtheFaith,wasdistinguishedbyhisfearlessnessandfieryardourandpersisteduntilhisdeath.
H'87j'92Abu'l-Hasan-i-Bazz'87zwasafellow-travellerduringtheB'87b'spilgrimagebutbecametransformedthatday,leadinghimtocontinualtearsofdevotion.
Hewasbenevolentandcandidand,ashis2sons,throughhistenaciousdeedswontheesteemoftheirfellowbelievers.
H'87j'92Muhammad-Bis'87twasfondofShaykhAhmadandSiyyidK'87zim,waskindly,andkeenlyfunny,wasanintimatefriendoftheIm'87m-Jum'ihandfaithfullyattendedtheFridayprayer.
Naw-R'9czalsosignifiedrebirthleadingtothequickeningoftheeminentandlearned(whogatheredaroundHimorheardofHistalks)HisinfluencespreadingeventoKarbil'87whoawaitedtheB'87b'sarrival.
VII.
TheB'87b'scommunicationtothebelieversinKarbil'87-158HeinformedthemofachangeinplanandinabilitytofulfillHispromise.
HedirectedthemtoIsf'87h'87nandwaitforHisinstructions.
Thistestedtheloyaltyofsomeandsolidifiedothers'.
Somedoubtersalsojoinedthefaithful.
M'92rz'87Muhammad-'Al'92y-i-Nahr'92whosedaughtermarriedtheMostGreatBranch,M'92rz'87H'87d'92,thebrotherofM'92rz'87Muhammad-'Al'92andMuhammad-i-Han'87-S'87bwerenotshaken.
AnumberofthecompanionsjoinedatShaykhTabars'92andmiraculouslysurvived.
VIII.
ArrivalofthebelieversatKang'87var,andtheirmeetingwithMull'87Husayn-159ThesebelieversmetMull'87Husayn,hisbrotherandnephewgoingtoKarbil'87andaskedhimtostaylongerinKang'87var.
Heagreed,ledtheFridayprayer,andwonsuchesteemmovingsome(Mull'87Jav'87d-i-Baragh'87n'92andMull'87'Abdu'l-'Al'92y-i-Har'87t'92)toenvy.
ThesewishedforleadershipandsoughttoundermineMull'87Husayn.
M'92rz'87Ahmad-i-K'87tib(Mull'87'Abdu'l-Kar'92m)toldofMull'87Jav'87d'sinsinuationsaboutMull'87HusaynwhoinkindinsistedthatM'92rz'87Ahmadneverthelesscontinuehisassociationandpatiencewithhim.
IX.
TheirdeparturewithMull'87HusaynforIsf'87h'87n-159(160)Mull'87HusaynjoinedthemingoingtoIsf'87h'87n,travelledaheadofthem,wouldonlyobservecongregationalprayerwhenpressed,andinspiredfellow-travellerstooffertheirhorsestoeachothertojourneyonfoot.
Headvisedcompanionstoenterthecityinsmallnumberstoavoidsuspicion.
X.
DepartureofMull'87HusaynforSh'92r'87z-160TheyheardnewthatSh'92r'87zwasviolentlyagitated,butMull'87Husaynwasnotdeterred,andwithknowledgeofonlyafew,leftwithbrotherandnephewforSh'92r'87zinthedressofahorseman.
HesenthisbrothertomeettheB'87b'smaternaluncle,andthenextdayMull'87HusaynwasusheredintotheB'87b'spresence.
TheB'87bgavepermissionforHiscompanionsinIsf'87h'87ntocometoSh'92r'87z,waittomeetHim,andafterenteringinconspicuously,gototravellers'quartersandacceptemployment.
XI.
ArrivalofsixbelieversatSh'92r'87z-161M'92rz'87Muhammad-'Al'92y-i-Nahr'92,M'92rz'87H'87d'92,Mull'87'Abdu'l-Kar'92m-i-Qazv'92n'92,Mull'87Jav'87d-i-Baragh'87n'92,Mull'87'Abdu'l-'Al'92y-i-Har'87t'92,andM'92rz'87Ibr'87h'92m-i-Sh'92r'87z'92came,withthelast3betrayingtheirblindnessandbasenessthroughtheirjealousyofandcovertattacksonMull'87HusaynandtheirallegiancewiththeFaith'senemiesleadingtotheirexpulsionfromthecityandjoiningwithH'87j'92M'92rz'87MuhammadKar'92mKh'87n.
TheB'87bcalmlyandverygentlyaskedMull'87'Abdu'l-Kar'92mwhetherhewasseekingtheManifestation-leadingtohistears,humilityattheB'87b'sfeet.
TheB'87bembracedhim,kissedhisforehead,invitedhimtobeseatedbyHisside,andappeasedhisworries.
XII.
AccountrelatedbyMull'87'Abdu'l-Kar'92m-i-Qazv'92n'92-162HehadsoughttoapprehendthemysteryofGodasayouthandspentagreatdealoftimestudying,andattendedtheclassesofMull'87'Abdu'l-Kar'92m-i-'earav'87n'92whowasfondofhimanddesignatedhimtobecomeamujtahid.
Hereturnedhomeelated,yetdidnotjustlyconsiderhimselffreefromerrorandbeggedforgivenessfromGod.
Hedeploredthemultiplicityofsects,askedforguidance,weptbitterly,slept,sawtheshiningfacesofagreatgatheringandasiyyidaddressingthemaboutguidance,threwhimselfathisfeet,andwasoverwhelmedwithlightandjoy.
HeconsultedH'87j'92All'87h-Vard'92,knownforhisinsight,whodescribedthemanasSiyyidK'87zim.
HeleftforKarbil'87,claimedthathewishedtovisittheshrineoftheIm'87mHusaynandbeggedtheexcusalofMull'87'Abdu'l-Kar'92mviahisdisciples.
Heinformedhisrelatives,however,ofhisvisionandtheygrewtoloveSiyyidK'87zimandadmireH'87j'92All'87h-Vard'92.
Hisbrother,'Abdu'l-Ham'92d,whowaslatermartyred,joinedhimandtheymethimexpoundingthesameverseasinhisdream.
Hewasimpressedbyhisargumentandkindness,theyfeltadeepinnerjoyandjoinedhimonhisvisittotheshrine.
HecontinuedtolistentohisteachingsontheQ'87'imandhisexhortationstoseekHimwithdetachmentandpersistenceandwasassuredbyhimastohiseventualembracingoftheCause&hissafetyfromthemull'87smachinations.
HeobeyedhimbyengaginginatradethereandprayedeverymorningtobeholdtheRevelation.
Whilewraptinprayer,hesawabirdwhichsweetlyquestionedhim,astheB'87bwastolater,"AreyouseekingtheManifestation,O'Abdu'l-Kar'92m"andsaid"Lo,theyear'60.
"leavinghimwithagitationandjoywhichheconstantlyrecalledbutdidnotshare.
HeheardoftheMessageinTihr'87n,lefttohisdistresswithMull'87Jav'87d,metthebelieversincludingNab'92l,mettheB'87b,andwasoverwhelmedbyHispower,causingHimtofallatHisfeetandpraiseHim.
XIII.
MeetingofNab'92lwithMull'87'Abdu'l-Kar'92m-i-Qazv'92n'92-169(168)Nab'92lleftin1848fromZarandtoQum,metSiyyidIsm'87''92l-i-Zav'87ri''92(Dhab'92h)thefuturemartyr,wasledintotheFaithbyhim,waspreparingtoleavetojointhedefendersatTabars'92withhimandayouth,M'92rz'87Fathu'll'87h-i-Hakk'87k.
Dhab'92htoldthestoryofMull'87'Abdu'l-Kar'92m,leadingtoNab'92l'sdesiretomeethimandhiseventualintroductionbyDhab'92hinTihr'87n.
TheylearnedoftheendofthestruggleatTabars'92,manyleftfortheirnativeprovinceswhileNab'92landMull'87'Abdu'l-Kar'92mremained,thelattertranscribingthePersianBay'87n.
Nab'92lexplainsthathisdeepaffectionforhimimpelledhimtodwellonhisearlylifeandhopestoawakenthereadertotheRevelation'sglory.
SummaryofChapterVIIII.
TheB'87bsentQudd'9cswithaletterforHismaternaluncleandatreatiseforMull'87S'87diq.
HismaternaluncleacceptedtheFaithwithQudd'9cs'care.
Mull'87S'87diqcarriedouttheadditiontotheadh'87nenjoinedinthetreatise.
A.
Theywerearrestedattheinstigationofthedivines,andHusaynKh'87n,thegovernor,hadthemcruellywhipped,theirbeardsburned,andledthroughthestreetswithahalterthroughtheirnoses.
Mull'87S'87diq,anoldman,survived-andwithgladness.
II.
TheB'87banticipatedHisarrest,movingtheguardtocallforHisescape,andwhenHedidnotwishthis,calledforHis(dignified)processionaheadoftheguard.
II.
HusaynKh'87nstrucktheB'87binsolentlyaftermisunderstandingHim.
TheIm'87m-Jum'ihkindlyintervenedandquestionedHimtowhichtheB'87bdeniedHisclaimtobe(merely)arepresentativeoftheIm'87manddeniedchallengingtheDivinestatusofIsl'87m.
A.
HewasreleasedonconditionthatHewouldpubliclyrepeatthis"confession.
"AfterHedidso,severalindividualswereattractedtoHisCause,spreadingHisinfluence.
III.
SomebelieversweretestedbyabrokenpromiseoftheB'87btomeettheminKarbil'87.
SomeoftheunfaithfulwhojoinedMull'87Husaynwereenviousofhisesteem,butMull'87Husaynenjoinedpatiencetootherbelieverswiththem.
A.
ThebelieversenteredSh'92r'87zintotheB'87b'spresenceinconspicuously.
Oneofthebelievers,Mull'87'Abdu'l-Kar'92mbecamesolidinfaithaftertheB'87baskedhimwhetherHewasseekingtheManifestation,becausehehadhadadreamofabirdaskinghimthesamequestionwhichherecalledwithgreatjoy.
Hehadhadthisdreamafterearnestlyseekingfortruthwhenhewasnotsatisfiedwithhisknowledgedespitehiselevationtomujtahid.
SummaryofContentsI.
TheB'87b'sreturntoB'9cshihrandfarewelltoQudd'9cs-142II.
VisitofQudd'9cstotheB'87b'smaternaluncleinSh'92r'87z-143III.
MeetingofQudd'9cswithMull'87S'87diq-i-Khur'87s'87n'92-144IV.
AfflictionswhichbefellQudd'9csandMull'87S'87diq-145a.
InterrogationbyHusaynKh'87nofMull'87S'87diq-146b.
Accountofaneye-witnessregardingthepersecution-147V.
ReturnoftheB'87btoSh'92r'87z-150a.
IncidentrelatedbyleaderoftheB'87b'sescort-150b.
TheB'87b'smeetingwithHusaynKh'87n-151c.
DeclarationoftheB'87bintheMasjid-i-Vak'92l-154VI.
ReferencetothosewhoembracedtheFaithinSh'92r'87z-156VII.
TheB'87b'scommunicationtothebelieversinKarbil'87-158VIII.
ArrivalofthebelieversatKang'87var,andtheirmeetingwithMull'87Husayn-159IX.
TheirdeparturewithMull'87HusaynforIsf'87h'87n-159X.
DepartureofMull'87HusaynforSh'92r'87z-160XI.
ArrivalofsixbelieversatSh'92r'87z-161XII.
AccountrelatedbyMull'87'Abdu'l-Kar'92m-i-Qazv'92n'92-162XIII.
MeetingofNab'92lwithMull'87'Abdu'l-Kar'92m-i-Qazv'92n'92-169OtherSummariesofthisChapterRegardingtheB'87b'spilgrimagetoMedina(DB142,seealso140-141)andreturnhome(DB142-143),seeGPB9.
RegardingtheB'87b'sreferencestoBah'87'u'll'87h(DB142-143,seealso96),seeGPB67;TN4-5,13-14,25-26,32-34.
RegardingthepersecutionofMull'87S'87diq-i-Khur'87s'87n'92andQudd'9cs(DB144-148),seeGPB10-11;TN6.
RegardingtheB'87b'sarrestandpersecution(DB148-170,171),seeGPB11;TN6-7.
Overallfor144-170,171:GPB9-11;TN4-7,13-14,25-26,32-34.
CHAPTERIX:THEB'e7B'SSTAYINSH'eaR'e7ZAFTERTHEPILGRIMAGE(Continued)I.
DepartureofMull'87HusaynforKhur'87s'87n-170TheB'87binstructedMull'87HusaynandHiscompanionstoreturntotheirnativeprovincesafterfearandindignationhadcausedsuchagreatoutcry.
Mull'87'Abdu'l-Kar'92mremainedtotranscribeHiswritings.
ThisrelieffromdangerallowedthefurtherpropagationoftheFaiththroughthedispersalofHisdisciplestoallclasses,includingthehighestrulers.
StateandChurchdignitariesweresenttoenquireintoitstruth.
II.
SiyyidYahy'87'sinterviewswiththeB'87b-173(171)MuhammadSh'87hdelegatedtheimpartialandmostlearned,influentialandeloquentsubjectofhis,SiyyidYahy'87y-i-D'87r'87b'92,toreportonHisclaims.
SiyyidYahy'87wasalwaysgiventhefloorandreverencedforhisviews.
ThekingsentwordthroughM'92rz'87Lutf-'Al'92,theSh'87h'sMasterofCeremonies,torequestSiyyidYahy'87'sinvestigation.
HehimselfhadwishedtovisitHimanddecidedtouponthisrequest.
OnthewayhedevisedvariousquestionsthatwouldsatisfyhimastoHistruth.
HemetShaykh'Al'92('Az'92m)whoencouragedhismeetingwiththeB'87bbutencouragedhimtoshowHimgreatcourtesy.
HemettheB'87batthehomeofhismaternaluncleandshowedhimcourtesyinaskingHimobscurequestions.
TheB'87bgaveconciseandclearanswerstohisquestionsandoverpoweredhimwithhumilityathispresumptuousness.
HeretiredfromtheB'87boutofabasementandexpressedhisintentiontosubmittherestofhisquestionstoHimlater.
Hemetwith'Az'92mwhoagainadvisedhimtobecourteous.
Hehadforgottenallofhisquestionsatthenextinterview,discussedirrelevantmatters,andwasawakenedfromhissleepinesstofindhisquestionsbeingansweredyetattributedthisasapossiblecoincidenceandaskedtoretire.
Heagainmet'Az'92mwhosternlycommentedontheconceitwhichschoolsleadtoandaskedhimtoaskGodtoattainHispresencewithhumilitysoastoberelievedfromdoubt.
HedeterminedthatifandonlyiftheB'87bweretoreveal,unasked,acommentaryontheS'9crihofKawtharwhichwouldbedistinctfromthecurrentcommentaries,HewouldembraceHisCause.
HewasovercomewithfearandtremblinguponmeetingHim.
Hearose,tookhishand,andseatedhimbesideHim.
HethentoldhimtoseekfromHimhisheart'sdesire.
Ashecouldnotrespond,theB'87bsmiledandaskedwhetherhewouldacknowledgeHimandbelieveitnottobemagicifHeweretorevealthesamecommentaryTearscametohiseyesandcouldonlyreciteaversefromtheQur''87nonmercy.
TheB'87baskedhisuncletobringhispen-caseandpaperandthenrapidlyrevealedthecommentarywithsoftnessandgentlenessofvoice,forcefulnessofstyle.
HethenlaiddownHispenandaskedfortea.
Soonafter,HereaditaloudwithsweetaccentscausingSiyyidYahy'873timestoalmostfaint.
HesprinkleddropsofrosewateronhisfacetorevivehimtobeabletofollowHisreadingtotheend.
HetoldHisunclethathewastobetheirguestuntilSiyyidYahy'87helpedMull'87'Abdu'l-Kar'92mwiththetranscribing.
Thesiyyidthengainedadeepcertitude.
HereturnedtothehomeofHusaynKh'87nafterhisprolongedabsence,whowonderedwhetherhehadbeensubjectedtotheB'87b'smagic.
SiyyidYahy'87repliedthatGodalonecouldcaptivatehisheartandHiswordisTruth,leadingthegovernortobelievehehadbeenconvertedandwritetheSh'87h.
ThekingwasreportedtohavenotedsignificanceofCausetoadvisorandcommandedthatSiyyidYahy'87notbespokenagainst,leadingHusaynKh'87ntoprivilyunderminehimbutfailedduetothefavorsoftheSh'87h.
HewascommandedbytheB'87btogotoBur'9cjirdtoinformSiyyidJa'far,hisfather,withtheCause.
Hisfatherdidnotdisputeitbutwishedtobeleftalone.
III.
ConversionofMull'87Muhammad-'Al'92y-i-Zanj'87n'92-178Hujjatu'l-Isl'87mnamedbytheB'87b,Hujjat-i-Zanj'87n'92,wasextremelyindependentofmindandcondemnedthevicesoftheentirehierarchyofecclesiastics(evencarelesslyforShaykhAhmadandSiyyidK'87zim)andcontroversieswithdivineswouldhaveledtobloodshedwithouttheSh'87h'sinterventionwhocalledhimtothecapitalandenabledhimtovindicatehisclaimandcompeltheoutwardacknowledgementofhisenemies.
HedeputizedMull'87IskandartoconductanindependentinquiryandhefelttheB'87b'spower,acquiringHisprinciplesaccordingtohiscapacityfor40daysandreturnedtoZanj'87nwhentheleading'ulam'87shadassembledinHujjat'spresence.
Uponbeingaskedabouthisbelief,hesubmittedtheB'87b'swritingstoHujjat,statinghewouldaccepthisverdicttowhichHujjatbecameangeredandrebukedhimforbeingdependentonothers.
Hujjat,uponperusingapageoftheQayy'9cmu'l-Asm'87,fellprostrateandborewitnessthatthewordswereDivine,thatwereHetodeclarethenightdayorthesunashadow,hewouldregarditastruth,andthatwhoeverdeniesHimdeniesGod.
Hethenfinishedthemeeting.
IV.
VisitsofQudd'9cstoKirm'87n,Tihr'87n,andM'87zindar'87n-179Afterpersecution,Qudd'9cswenttoKirm'87n,Mull'87S'87diqtoYazdtowork.
a.
HisrelationswithH'87j'92SiyyidJav'87d-i-Kirm'87n'92-180Hemettherenownedandskillfulscholarandwastreatedwithseatofhonouranddeference.
ThedisciplesofH'87j'92M'92rz'87Kar'92mKh'87nwereenviousofhispotentialinfluenceandincitedtheirmastertoappealtothegovernortocallforH'87j'92SiyyidJav'87dtodisassociatehisrelationship.
H'87j'92SiyyidJav'87dstronglyprotested,pointedoutKar'92m'sevilintentionsandactions,threatenedtohaveKar'92mexpelled,andwasassuredbythegovernorthathewouldinduceKar'92mtorepent.
Kar'92mthuslosthishopesforleadershipinKirm'87n.
H'87j'92SiyyidJav'87dgainedfaithfromQudd'9cs'accountsyetdesiredtoconcealhisfaithtopreservetheFaith'sinterests.
Qudd'9cspraisehisserviceandassuredhimofvictoryoverhisopponentsaccordingtoM'92rz'87'Abdu'll'87h-i-Ghawgh'87whotoldNab'92lhehadhearditfromH'87j'92SiyyidJav'87d.
b.
HisvisittoTihr'87n-182Qudd'9csleftforYazd,Ardik'87n,N'87yin,Ardist'87n,Isf'87h'87n,K'87sh'87n,QumandTihr'87nandsucceedingininstillingprinciplesintohearers,winningaffectionfromhischarmanddevotion,astestifiedby'e7q'87y-i-Kal'92meveninhisablutions.
HewasadmittedintoBah'87'u'll'87h'spresencethenleftforhome.
c.
HisstayinB'87rfur'9csh-183Helivedfortwoyearssurroundedbylovingdevotionofhisfamilyincludinghisfather'ssecondwifewhowasaskindasanymotherandlongedforhimtomarry.
HeprophesiedthathewouldbemarriedintheopenairoftheSabzih-Mayd'87nbeforethemultitude.
3yearslatersherecalledthis&understood.
HeremaineduntilMull'87HusayncamefromM'87h-K'9c.
BothleftforKhur'87s'87n.
V.
VisitofMull'87S'87diqtoYazd-184(183)HeenquiredintoprogressofFaithwhenhearrivedandheardofM'92rz'87Ahmad.
a.
HisrelationswithM'92rz'87Ahmad-i-Azghand'92-184S'87diqwassurprisedatseeminginactivityofonewhohadzealouslypreparedpeopleforHiscoming.
M'92rz'87Ahmadhadbeencompilingavolumeofover12,000recognizedtraditionsrelatingtothetimeandcharacterofHiscomingandsoughttodisseminateittodispelhindrancestoembracingCause.
M'92rz'87AhmadwenttoYazdpertherequestofhisuncle,SiyyidHusayn-i-Azghand'92inordertocombattheinfluenceofH'87j'92M'92rz'87Kar'92mKh'87n.
Hisbookwaswell-receivedbythe'ulam'87.
M'92rz'87Taq'92,awicked,proudmanelevatedrecentlytomujtahid,borrowedthebookandthrewitintoapond.
HisunclewishedtoattackM'92rz'87Taq'92forthis,butM'92rz'87AhmadpacifiedhimbyurgingthatanyattackwouldonlycreateproblemsandgiveH'87j'92M'92rz'87Kar'92mKh'87nanopportunitytodenouncehimasaB'87b'92andelevatehisownstation.
b.
HisexperienceintheMasjidofYazd-186Afterhearingthisstory,Mull'87S'87diqeagerlyattendedSiyyidHusayn'sprayer,embracedhim,andascendedthepulpit.
SiyyidHusayndidnotobjectandhereadapassageoftheB'87btowhichthecrowdcried"Blasphemy!
"SiyyidHusayntoldhimtodescendandholdhispeace.
ThecrowdattackedhimbutSiyyidHusaynrestrainedthemandpromisedtolookintohisintentions&punishhimifhiscallwaspremeditated.
Hewasthenconductedout.
VI.
SufferingsofMull'87Y'9csuf-i-Ardib'92l'92andothers-187Mull'87Y'9csufwassubjectedtoafiercerattackbutwaspreventedbyS'87diqandAhmad.
Mull'87Y'9csufandMull'87S'87diqunderwentsimilarattacksinKirm'87nbyH'87j'92M'92rz'87Kar'92mKh'87nbutwassavedbyH'87j'92SiyyidJav'87d(whohadprotectedQudd'9cs).
TheywentthentoKhur'87s'87n.
OtherssufferedsimilarlyandbyexampledemonstratedtheFaith'sinfluence.
VII.
ReferencetoH'87j'92SiyyidJav'87d-i-Karbil'87''92-189(188)WhileVah'92d(SiyyidYahy'87y-i-D'87r'87b'92)wasinSh'92r'87z,SiyyidJav'87dmettheB'87balsoandbothwerepraisedbyHimfortheirdevotionandcharacter.
SiyyidJav'87dhadknowntheB'87basachildandhadadmiredHistraits.
HemetBah'87'u'll'87hinBaghd'87dandreturnedtoPersia.
Hiskindliness,patience,andsimplicityledtohistitleSiyyid-i-N'9cr.
HemettheSh'87honstreet,salutedhimcalmlyandwithdignity,leadingtheSh'87htowarmlyreceivehim.
Thisincitedthecourtierstoenvy,implicatinghimasaB'87b'92evenbeforeHisdeclaration,leadingtheSh'87htorebukethemandremarkedhowstrangeitwasthattheuprightweretobedenouncedasB'87b'92sandcondemnedbyhim.
HewasastaunchsupporterinfaithandactionsoftheCausetillhisdeath.
VIII.
AccountrelatedbyShaykhSult'87n-i-Karbil'87''92-190(189)He,adescendentoftheleading'ulam'87sofKarbil'87alsomettheB'87binSh'92r'87z.
HelatersoughtforBah'87'u'll'87hinSulaym'87n'92yyihandwasmarriedtothedaughterof'e7q'87y-i-Kal'92m.
HearrivedwithShaykhHasan-i-Zun'9cz'92andtranscribedwithMull'87'Abdu'l-Kar'92m.
Afterhisarrival,hewasstillsick,buttheB'87bwrotethatHeHimselfwouldvisithim.
TheEthiopianservantwastoldtowalkaheadofHimwithalanternandextinguishitupontheirarrivaltodrawattentionaway.
ShaykhSult'87nwastoldtoextinguishhislamp.
UponHisvisit,heimploredtobesacrificedforHim,andtheB'87bdescribedHislongingformartyrdomaswell,assuredhimofHisprayerstoattainthepresenceofHis'Best-Beloved',andinsistedheacceptagift.
Atfirsthethought'Best-Beloved'referredtoT'87hirihbutknewwhenhemetBah'87'u'll'87hthatitcouldonlyrefertoHim.
IX.
AdventofthesecondNaw-R'9cz-191Duringthistimeoftranquilityin1846,HebestowedfavorsonHismotherandwife,withhiswisdom,tenderness,andbequeathalofallHispropertytothem.
X.
ReferencestothemotherandtothewifeoftheB'87b-191HismotherdidnotatfirstperceivethemagnitudeofHisRevelationbuttowardtheendofherlife,Bah'87'u'll'87hinstructedH'87j'92SiyyidJav'87d-i-Karbil'87''92andthewifeofH'87j'92'Abdu'l-Maj'92d-i-Sh'92r'87z'92,whobothknewherwell,toteachhertheFaith&shethenacknowledged&becameawareofHistruth&bounty.
HiswifehadperceivedHisgloryfromthebeginningofHisRevelationandonlyT'87hirihsurpassedherindevotionandfervor.
HeconfidedtoherHisfuturesufferings,hadhernotdivulgethesecrettoHismother,counselledhertobepatientandresignedtothewillofGod,andrevealedaprayerforhercomfort.
HemovedafterthistothehomeofH'87j'92M'92rz'87Siyyid'Al'92inanticipationofHissufferings.
HehaddisciplesofSh'92r'87z,includingMull'87'Abdu'l-Kar'92m,ShaykhHasan-i-Zun'9cz'92,andSiyyidHusayn-i-Yazd'92(oneofLetters)togotoIsf'87h'87n.
XI.
HusaynKh'87n'sactivities-194HewasenragedwiththefreedomoftheB'87btopursueHisactivitiesandassociatewithHiscompanionsandfamily.
a.
Reportofthechiefofhisemissaries-194HediscoveredcharacterandinfluenceofHisCausethroughhisagentsaswellasHisfollowers'motives,conduct,andnumbers.
Hischiefemissaryreportedonenightthatthenumbershadgrownsolargeastoendangerthecity'ssecurity.
(TheyfearedthattherebelliousmenofSh'92r'87zwouldriseupandcondemntheabusesofthegovernmentastheyhaddonetheclergy)HenotedtherankandlearningofthemenattendingHimandthathissubordinatesdidnotinformhimofthisbecauseHeissotactfulandgenerousinhisattitudetowardsthem.
HesuggesteddeliveringtheB'87b'sfollowerstocorroboratebutHusaynKh'87nrefused.
b.
HusaynKh'87n'sdirectionsto'Abdu'l-Ham'92dKh'87n-195HesummonedhischiefconstableandhadhimscaleHisuncle'swall,arresttheB'87bandconductHimandvisitor,SiyyidK'87zim-i-Zanj'87n'92(futuremartyrandbrotherofoneof7MartyrsofTihr'87n)toHusaynKh'87n,andconfiscateHisbooks.
HepromisedtoexecutetheB'87bandHiscompanions.
XII.
ArrestoftheB'87b,andoutbreakoftheplague-196TheB'87bwasnotphasedbutrecitedapassagefromtheQur''87nregardingtheimmanenceoftheirthreat.
Theconstablediscoveredpeoplefleeingallaroundinagonywithcoffinsbeingtransportedthroughthestreetstoshrieksofagonyandwasinformedofacholeraplaguewhichkilled100peoplethatnightandwasimpellingpeopletobegassistanceofGod.
a.
FlightofHusaynKh'87n-196TheconstablerantoHusaynKh'87n'shomeandfounditdeserted,with3ofhisservantsdead.
Hehadfledwithhisfamily.
HethentookHimtohishome,heardwailingastheyapproached&foundhissonwasalmostdead.
HefellatHisfeet,beggedforgiveness,imploredthathissonnotbetakenfromhim,andpromisedtopermanentlyresignhispost.
b.
Recoveryofthesonof'Abdu'l-Ham'92dKh'87n-197TheB'87bwasperformingablutionsanddirectedhimtohavehissondrinkofthewaterHehadusedinordertosavehislife.
c.
ReleaseoftheB'87b-197Theconstablewrotetohimofthesituationandbeggedhimtoceasehisattacks.
HusaynKh'87norderedHisreleaseandfreedom.
HusaynKh'87nwasdismissedbytheSh'87huponhearingoftheevents.
Hebecameevenunabletoearnhisdailybread.
HesentalettertoBah'87'u'll'87hduringHisexiletoBaghd'87dexpressingrepentanceandatonementwerehetoregainhisposition;hereceivednoreplyanddiedinmiseryandshame.
XIII.
FarewelloftheB'87btoHisrelatives,andHisdeparturefromSh'92r'87z-198HehadSiyyidK'87zimrequesthisuncle'spresenceandinformedhimofHisdeparture,entrustedhimwiththecareofHiswifeandmother,hadhimconveyHisaffectionandassuranceofassistancetothem,promisedtheirfuturemeetingandmartyrdoms.
SummaryofChapterIXI.
TheB'87bsentthebelieversoffaftertheirpresencebecameadangerenablingmanydignitariescametovisitHim.
A.
SiyyidYahy'87y-i-D'87r'87b'92(Vah'92d)wasthemostlearnedscholarandspeakeroftheSh'87hwhowassenttoinvestigateHisclaim.
Althoughatfirstassuminganairofpride,hewashumbledbytheB'87b'sanswers,laterbyHisansweringhisunstated(andforgotten)questions,andfinallybyHisrevealingofabeautifulcommentaryonaS'9crihwhichhehadaskedHimtorevealinhismind.
Hethenbecameanavidbeliever.
B.
Hujjat,anextremelyindependentscholarwhodetestedtheclergyandtheirvices.
Hesentadiscipletoinvestigate,rebukedhimwhenheconditionedhisbeliefonhismaster,andfellprostrateandacknowledgedHisCauseafterperusingonepageoftheB'87b'swork.
C.
(skiptop.
189)AnotherprominentsoulembracedtheFaith,ShaykhSult'87n,who,whensick,wasvisitedbytheB'87bWhopromisedtheywouldbothmeettheBest-Beloved-WhomhelaterdiscoveredtobeBah'87'u'll'87h.
II.
Qudd'9csconvertedH'87j'92SiyyidJav'87damongothersonhistravels.
H'87j'92SiyyidJav'87dpreferredtokeepsilenttobetterprotecttheFaith.
HefoiledaplanofH'87j'92M'92rz釃Kar'92mKh'87ntoincitegovernortodissociateassociationbetweenQudd'9csandH'87j'92SiyyidJav'87d.
Heprophesiedhismartyrdomduringhisstaywithfamilybyspeakingofhispublic"marriage.
"A.
Mull'87S'87diqheardofM'92rz'87AhmadwhohadbeenseeminglyinactivebutwhowascompilingtraditionsonthePromisedOneinordertopreparepeopleforHiscoming.
Mull'87S'87diqrecitedapassageoftheB釃btoM'92rz'87Ahmad'suncle'scongregation;theuncleescortedMull'87S'87diqsafelyoutfromtheangrymob.
B.
OthersincludingMull'87Y'9csufsufferedanddemonstratedtheFaith'sinfluence.
Mull'87Y'9csufwasprotectedbyM'92rz'87AhmadandMull'87S'87diqandthenbyH'87j'92SiyyidJav'87dfromH'87j'92M'92rz'87Kar'92mKh'87n.
C.
H'87j'92SiyyidJav'87dwaspraisedbytheSh'87h,incitingcourtiersenvyandtheSh'87htoremarkonthecontradictionoftheirprotestsoftheB'87b'92sgoodcharacter.
III.
TheB'87bstayedwithhismotherandwife,bothofwhombecame,thelattersoonerthantheformer,awareoftheFaith.
HiswifewasnexttoT'87hirihindevotionandardor.
A.
(skiptop.
198)TheB'87bgaveinstructionstoHisuncletocareforHismotherandwifeandpromisedtheirimmanentmartyrdoms.
IV.
Throughtheinstigationofhisemissaries,HusaynKh'87nbecameinflamedtopreventthespreadofHisinfluenceanddeterminedtoexecuteHim.
ThevillagewasafflictedwithaplagueupontheB'87b'sarrest,HusaynKh'87nhadfled,andthesonofthechiefconstablearrestingtheB'87bhadbecomedeathlyill.
Aftertheconstablebeggedforforgiveness,theB'87btoldtheconstablethathecouldsavehissonbygivinghimtodrinkoftheB'87b'sablutionwater.
Afterthisworked,theconstablecalledHusaynKh'87ntocalloffhisattacks,andhedid.
HusaynKh'87nlosthispositionanddiedinmiseryashepromisedatonementtoBah'87'u'll'87hwerehetoregainhisformerposition.
SummaryofContentsI.
DepartureofMull'87HusaynforKhur'87s'87n-170II.
SiyyidYahy'87'sinterviewswiththeB'87b-173III.
ConversionofMull'87Muhammad-'Al'92y-i-Zanj'87n'92-178IV.
VisitsofQudd'9cstoKirm'87n,Tihr'87n,andM'87zindar'87n-179a.
HisrelationswithH'87j'92SiyyidJav'87d-i-Kirm'87n'92-180b.
HisvisittoTihr'87n-182c.
HisstayinB'87rfur'9csh-183V.
VisitofMull'87S'87diqtoYazd-184a.
HisrelationswithM'92rz'87Ahmad-i-Azghand'92-184b.
HisexperienceintheMasjidofYazd-186VI.
SufferingsofMull'87Y'9csuf-i-Ardib'92l'92andothers-187VII.
ReferencetoH'87j'92SiyyidJav'87d-i-Karbil'87''92-189VIII.
AccountrelatedbyShaykhSult'87n-i-Karbil'87''92-190IX.
AdventofthesecondNaw-R'9cz-191X.
ReferencestothemotherandtothewifeoftheB'87b-191XI.
HusaynKh'87n'sactivities-194a.
Reportofthechiefofhisemissaries-194b.
HusaynKh'87n'sdirectionsto'Abdu'l-Ham'92dKh'87n-195XII.
ArrestoftheB'87b,andoutbreakoftheplague-196a.
FlightofHusaynKh'87n-196b.
Recoveryofthesonof'Abdu'l-Ham'92dKh'87n-197c.
ReleaseoftheB'87b-197XIII.
FarewelloftheB'87btoHisrelatives,andHisdeparturefromSh'92r'87z-198OtherSummariesofthisChapterRegardingtheenrollmentofVah'92d(DB171-177),seeGPB11;TN7-8.
RegardingtheenrollmentofHujjat(DB177-179),seeGPB12;TN8-9.
RegardingtheenrollmentofM'92rz'87Ahmad-i-Azghand'92(DB184-185,seealso125),seeGPB12.
RegardingHusaynKh'87n,thePlague,andhisdemise(DB193-198,seealso524),seeGPB13,83,84;TN9.
Overallfor171-179,184-185,193-198:GPB11-13,83,84;TN7-9.
CHAPTERX:THEB'e7B'SSOJOURNINISF'e7H'e7NI.
HislettertoMan'9cchihrKh'87n-199HewrotealetterwhenapproachingIsf'87h'87naskingwhereHemightreside.
II.
ThewelcomeextendedbytheIm'87m-Jum'ih-201(199)Afterreadingthebeautifullypenned&courteousletter,thegovernor(Mu'tamid)instructedtheIm'87m-Jum'ih(leadingecclesiastic)togenerouslyreceivetheB'87binhishome.
a.
HonoursaccordedbythepeopletotheB'87b-202(201)HewasceremoniouslyreceivedbythebrotherofandtheIm'87m-Jum'ihhimself.
b.
DeferenceshowntheB'87bbytheIm'87m-Jum'ih-202(201)Duetothesehonors,HisadmirersevensoughttoobtainthewaterofHisablutionsfortheirhealingpower.
TheIm'87mhimselfwassoenamouredastoattendtohimpersonally,pouringthewateroverHishands.
c.
TheB'87b'scommentaryontheS'9crihofVa'l-'Asr-202(201)TheIm'87m-Jum'ihrequestedacommentaryontheS'9crihofVa'l-'AsrtowhichtheB'87bagreed.
HerapidlyrevealedanilluminatinginterpretationdwellingfromaftersupperuntilmidnightonthemeaningofthefirstletterofthatS'9crih.
HerecitedthehomilybeforethecommentaryconfoundingandcharmingHishearerswhoafterwardskissedthehemofHisgarment.
Aneminentmujtahid,Mull'87Muhammad-Taq'92y-i-Har'87t'92declaredHispowertoreveal1/3oftheQur''87ninsuchashorttimetobegreaterthanthecleavingofthemoon.
d.
TheB'87b'sinterviewwithMan'9cchihrKh'87n-203AsHisfamegrew,manycametoseeHimoutofcuriosity,todeepentheirFaith,orforremedies.
ThegovernorhimselfvisitedandwhileseatedinthepresenceofthemostbrilliantaccomplisheddivinesofIsf'87h'87n,requestedaproofinsupportoftheNubuvvat-i-Kh'87ssih(Muhammad's"SpecificMission")towhichHeassented(byaskingwhetherhepreferredawrittenororaltestimony)althoughnoneofthedivineshadbeenabletorespondtoit.
Heimmediatelyconsentedtorespondinwritingandfilledabout50pagesonorigin,character,andinfluenceofIsl'87maswellastherelationtotheQ'87'imandreturnoftheIm'87mHusayn.
Thegovernorproclaimedhisnew-foundfaithinIsl'87mandadjournedthemeeting.
III.
FearsofH'87j'92M'92rz'87'e7q'87s'92-204ManysoughtsecretlytoundermineHisinfluencebutmanyspreadwildrumorswhichreachedH'87j'92M'92rz'87'e7q'87s'92.
HewasafraidtheB'87bmightbefriendtheSh'87hleadingtohisdownfallpossiblythroughaninterviewsetupbythefriendofthetender-heartedSh'87h,thegovernor.
HewrotetocriticizetheIm'87m-Jum'ihfornotopposingthe"contemptiblemovement,"leadingtheIm'87mnottobecomedisrespectfulbuttocurtailthenumberofvisitors.
TheGrandVaz'92rincitedthepreviouslyignored'ulam'87ofIsf'87h'87nwithfavorsleadingMuhammad-Mihd'92toslanderHimfromhispulpit.
IV.
TheB'87b'svisittoMan'9cchihrKh'87n-205Uponlearningofthis,thegovernorinvitedtheIm'87m-Jum'ih,theB'87b,andafewothers.
OneguestsoughttodiscourageothersfromattendingbyanticipatingHisvictoryatproducingthetruth&appealingtotheirfearsofbeingexposed.
Oneguestheededthisandothersignoredit,posingHimphilosophicalandreligiousquestions.
M'92rz'87HasanadmittedhislackofcomprehensionwhileMuhammadMihd'92wasdissatisfiedwithHisexplanationandwascutshortofcontendingwithhimbythegovernorwhohadhimconductedhome.
ThegovernorexpressedhisfearsfortheB'87banddecidedtokeepHimathishomedespitetheSh'87h'sordersforHimtobedeliveredtohim,untilcircumstanceswouldpermit.
V.
ReferencetoMull'87Muhammad-Taq'92y-i-Har'87t'92-208HemettheB'87beveryday&translatedoneofHisworksfromArabictoPersianbutlaterwasovercomebyfearandseveredhisconnectionswithbelievers.
VI.
BanquetofferedtotheB'87bbyM'92rz'87Ibr'87h'92m-208Hewasofferedabanquetofsuchmagnitudebeforetransferringtothegovernor'shomesuchthatnoofficialhadreceived.
TheKingandBelovedofMartyrswereboysandservingatthetime.
TheyreceivedspecialattentionfromtheB'87b.
HegaveM'92rz'87Ibr'87h'92manappleHehadbeenservedandsaidthatthewishofhisbrother(andwife)tohaveachildwouldbefulfilled.
Theirchildwaseventuallymarriedto'Abdu'l-Bah'87.
VII.
DeathwarrantoftheB'87bissuedbythe'ulam'87sofIsf'87h'87n-209Thesehonorsincitedthe'ulam'87stogatherandsignHisdeathwarrant.
2ofthemrefusedtosignit.
However,throughhiscowardice,theIm'87m-Jum'ihclaimedthatalthoughHewaspiousandloyal,HewasdevoidofjudgmentbyHiscontemptforworldlythings.
VIII.
TheplanofMan'9cchihrKh'87nforthedepartureandreturnoftheB'87btoIsf'87h'87n-211TheMu'tamidsoughttonullifytheirverdictbyescortingHimwith500ofhisownbodyguardhorsementoTihr'87nwiththemgraduallyreturninguntil20remained,10ofwhomwouldgotocollecttaxesandtherestshouldbringtheB'87bbackindisguise.
ThegovernorwaitedonHimpersonallyfor4months.
IX.
MeetingofthebelieverswiththeB'87b-212TheMu'tamidarrangedfortheB'87btomeetwithafewofHisfollowersandconveythesecurityofHisperson.
HegavecertainwritingstoSiyyidHusayn-i-Yazd'92andShaykhHasan-i-Zun'9cz'92fortranscription.
X.
TheB'87b'spredictionoftheapproachingdeathofMan'9cchihrKh'87n-213TheMu'tamidexpressedhisintentiontowinthesupportoftheSh'87h,tohavetheGrandVaz'92rdismissed,towinthemarriageoftheB'87bwithasisteroftheSh'87h.
TheB'87bpraisedhisnobleintentbutdeclaredthatthepoorandlowlywouldspreadHisCauseandthathisowndeathwasimmanent.
TheMu'tamidhadlefthispossessionstotheB'87bbutGurg'92nKh'87ndestroyedhiswillandstolehisproperties.
XI.
LastdaysofMan'9cchihrKh'87n-214HeexpressedhisfearatthesuccessorshipofGurg'92nKh'87nastohowitwouldaffecttheB'87b.
TheB'87breassuredhimHisfatewasinthehandsofGodandcouldalterHisfatebuthadchosentobeafflictedforGod'spurpose.
Ashisjoy&understandingincreasedtowardshisdeath,hediedinpeace.
XII.
Dismissalofthebelievers-214TheB'87bdismissedSiyyidHusayn-i-Yazd'92andMull'87'Abdu'l-Kar'92mafterdescribingHishost'ssoon-to-befate,havingthemtellthebelieverstoscatter,andawaitHisdecree.
XIII.
Gurg'92nKh'87n'scommunicationtoMuhammadSh'87h-215Gurg'92nKh'87nwasinformedofHisprotectionandhonorsandsentalettertotheSh'87hinforminghimoftheconcealmentoftheB'87bbythegovernor.
TheSh'87hunderstoodtheMu'tamid'sintention,however,andsummonedtheB'87btothecapitalindisguiseandwithhisprotection.
Gurg'92nKh'87nsummonedMuhammadBigtodeliverHimsecretlyandanonymouslytothecapital.
XIV.
DepartureoftheB'87bforK'87sh'87n-216TheB'87bleftpertheseinstructionssoonaftermidnight.
SummaryofChapterX(Hewaswell-received,enemiesbecamejealous,andwasescortedtothecapital)I.
TheB'87bwasceremoniouslyreceivedbytheIm'87m-Jum'ihandsubsequentlybythegovernorhimselfwhobothattendedtoHimpersonally.
A.
TheB'87b'sfamegrewasHerapidlyrevealedbeautifulandcaptivatingwritings.
ThegovernorrequestedacommentarywhichthebrightestdivinescouldnotdevisetowhichtheB'87bcompliedandstunnedhimintotrulyacceptingIsl'87mandHispower.
II.
H'87j'92M'92rz'87'e7q'87s'92wasfearfulthatameetingwouldbearrangedbythegovernorbetweentheB'87bandtheSh'87h,potentiallyleadingtohisdownfall.
Heincitedthe'ulam'87todenounceHim.
A.
Man'9cchihrKh'87ninvitedsome'ulam'87tomeetHim;afewdidandamongtheseafewacknowledgedHispower.
TheantagonismthatresultedledthegovernortotransfertheB'87btohisownhome.
B.
AtabanquetofferedforHim,HegaveanappleHehadbeenservedtoenablethemtohaveachild.
Theirchildwasmarriedto'Abdu'l-Bah'87.
C.
Suchhonorsincitedthe'ulam'87tosignHisdeathwarranttowhich,besides2individuals,eventheIm'87m-Jum'ihcowardlyclaimedtheunsoundnessoftheB'87b'smind.
III.
Man'9cchihrKh'87narrangedfortheB'87b'sseemingdeparturebutreturnedHimtohisownhouse.
HetheredeepenedhisloveforHimandexpressedhisintentiontobringtheB'87btotheSh'87h,castouttheGrandVaz'92r,andhaveHimmarriedtotheSh'87h'ssister.
TheB'87bpraisedhisintentionbutforetoldhisimpendingdeathandascendencyofthepoorandlowlyoftheland.
Gurg'92nKh'87nlaterconfiscatedwhatthegovernorhadwilledtotheB'87bA.
TheB'87bhadthebelieversdisperseasthegovernorwasabouttodie.
TheSh'87hhadtheB'87bescortedtothecapitalthroughGurg'92nKh'87nwhosentMuhammadBigtocovertlydeliverHimthere.
SummaryofContentsI.
HislettertoMan'9cchihrKh'87n-199II.
ThewelcomeextendedbytheIm'87m-Jum'ih-201a.
HonoursaccordedbythepeopletotheB'87b-202b.
DeferenceshowntheB'87bbytheIm'87m-Jum'ih-202c.
TheB'87b'scommentaryontheS'9crihofVa'l-'Asr-202d.
TheB'87b'sinterviewwithMan'9cchihrKh'87n-203III.
FearsofH'87j'92M'92rz'87'e7q'87s'92-204IV.
TheB'87b'svisittoMan'9cchihrKh'87n-205V.
ReferencetoMull'87Muhammad-Taq'92y-i-Har'87t'92-208VI.
BanquetofferedtotheB'87bbyM'92rz'87Ibr'87h'92m-208VII.
DeathwarrantoftheB'87bissuedbythe'ulam'87sofIsf'87h'87n-209VIII.
TheplanofMan'9cchihrKh'87nforthedepartureandreturnoftheB'87btoIsf'87h'87n-211IX.
MeetingofthebelieverswiththeB'87b-212X.
TheB'87b'spredictionoftheapproachingdeathofMan'9cchihrKh'87n-213XI.
LastdaysofMan'9cchihrKh'87n-214XII.
Dismissalofthebelievers-214XIII.
Gurg'92nKh'87n'scommunicationtoMuhammadSh'87h-215XIV.
DepartureoftheB'87bforK'87sh'87n-216OtherSummariesofthisChapterRegardingTheB'87b'ssojourninIsfah'87n(DB199-202),seeGPB13-16.
RegardingMan'9cchihrKh'87n'simpelledvisitwiththeB'87b(DB202-204),seeGPB14-15;TN9-11.
RegardingtheinterferenceofEcclesiastics(DB204-216),seeGPB15-16;TN9-11.
RegardingtheB'87bleavingforK'87sh'87n(DB216,seealso217-225),seeGPB16.
for199-216:GPB13-16;TN9-11.
CHAPTERXI:THEB'e7B'SSTAYINK'e7SH'e7NI.
DreamofH'87j'92M'92rz'87J'87n'92-217H'87j'92M'92rz'87J'87n'92(Parp'87),anotableofK'87sh'87ndreamedbeforeHisarrivalthathewasstandingatagateofthecitywhenhebeheldtheB'87bwearingthemerchanthatsurroundedbyhorsemen.
HewastoldinhisdreambytheB'87bthatHewastobehisGuestfor3nightsandtopreparetoreceiveHim.
Itsvividnessconvincedhimofitsreality.
HepreparedarrangementsforhishomeandofabanquetforHim.
HewaitedforHimatthisgateandsawthemapproachasinhisdream.
HejoyouslyapproachedandsoughttokissHisstirrups.
TheB'87bpreventedhimanddeclaredthattheywouldcelebrateNaw-R'9cztogetherinhishome.
MuhammadBigapprovedbutfirstdeferredtohiscolleaguewhodeniedtherequest.
AfteranargumentitwasagreedthatHewouldbedeliveredbackonthe3rdmorning.
TheB'87bpreventedParp'87frominvitinganyoneelseintohishomeandsaidthatwereitnotforGod'swill,Hecouldnothavebeendeliveredintohishands.
II.
TheB'87b'sthreedaysatthehomeofH'87j'92M'92rz'87J'87n'92-219a.
ReferencetoSiyyid'Abdu'l-B'87q'92-221SiyyidHusayn-i-Yazd'92wasalsoinvitedintohishome.
ThelearnedSiyyid'Abdu'l-B'87q'92,afriendofParp'87,arrivedwhileSiyyidHusaynwastakingthedictationofaTabletinhonorofParp'87.
TheB'87bpermittedhimtoenterbutdidnotdiscloseHisidentity.
Bythepoweroftheprayerrevealedforhim,Parp'87wasabletoimpressthemostaccomplisheddivines,despitehislackofschooling,andcompelhisenemiestoatleastoutwardlyacknowledgethetruthoftheCause.
Siyyid'Abdu'l-B'87q'92failedtobemovedbyHisspeech&,throughhisapathy,losttheopportunitytoseekHispresence.
Thesiyyidrenouncedsocietyanddiedinseclusion.
b.
ThemeetingofMihd'92withtheB'87b-221Mihd'92,wholaterbecameamartyr,metHimatParp'87'shome.
TheB'87bpraisedthehospitalitywhichParp'87gavetoMihd'92andafewothersaswellastheescort,winningtheirlastinggratitude.
HesadlyreleasedtheB'87bafterthe2nddayofNaw-R'9cz.
SummaryofChapterXII.
H'87j'92M'92rz'87J'87n'92(Parp'87)hadadreamthattheB'87bwishedhimtohaveHimasaguestfor3nights.
AfterhepreparedforHisarrival,theB'87bappearedasinthisdreamwithHisescortwhichatfirstrefusedbutthenallowedHimtostaythere.
TheB'87bdescribedthisasbeingduesolelytotheWillofGod.
II.
SiyyidHusayn-i-Yazd'92enteredHispresenceandHemetMihd'92andafewothers.
AfriendofParp'87,Siyyid'Abdu'l-B'87q'92,metthembut,throughhisapathy,didnotrecognizeHimorHiswords,anddiedinseclusionafterbeingunabletomeetHim.
III.
Parp'87waspraisedforhishospitality,wontherespectoftheguards,andsadlydeliveredHiminthemorningofthe2ndday.
SummaryofContentsI.
DreamofH'87j'92M'92rz'87J'87n'92-217II.
TheB'87b'sthreedaysatthehomeofH'87j'92M'92rz'87J'87n'92-219a.
ReferencetoSiyyid'Abdu'l-B'87q'92-221b.
ThemeetingofMihd'92withtheB'87b-221OtherSummariesofthisChapterRegardingtheB'87bleavingtowardnearQum,andQumr'9cdbeforeKin'87r-Gird)(DB217-222,seealso216,223-225),seeGPB16.
RegardingtheB'87bgoingtoK'87sh'87n(DB217-222,seealso216,223),seeGPB16.
Overallof217-222:GPB16.
CHAPTERXII:THEB'e7B'SJOURNEYFROMK'e7SH'e7NTOTABR'eaZI.
HisapproachtoQum-223HischarmhadtransformedtheguardswhoresignedthemselvestoHispleasure.
Despiteorderstothecontrary,theyofferedtodeliverHimtotheHaram-i-Ma's'9cmihinQumwhereIm'87mRid'87'ssisterisburiedandwhereeventhemostnotoriouscriminalswereimmunefromarrest.
TheB'87bremarkedthatthe(true)throneofGodistheheartofthetruebelieverandthatHewouldprefertotravelthroughthecountryratherthantheunholycitywheretheIm'87m'ssisterispraised,butbytheiractsbringshametoher,herbrotherandancestors.
SuchsentimentsastheseinstilledsuchconfidencethattheB'87bcouldhaveleftwithoutpursuit.
II.
HisstayatthevillageofQumr'9cd-224SkirtingcityofQum,theystoppedatQumr'9cd,wheretheywereinvitedbythevillageheadmanandreceivedbythepeople,touchingtheB'87bwiththeirwarmthandspontaneity.
HeinvokedtheAlmighty'sblessings,cheeredthemthroughassurancesofHisappreciationandlove,anddeparted.
III.
HisarrivalatthefortressofKin'87r-Gird-225TheyhadreachedavillageclosetoTihr'87nwiththeintenttoenterTihr'87nthenextday,whenMuhammadBigreceivedamessagefromH'87j'92M'92rz'87'e7q'87s'92,directingthemtothevillageofKulaynwhereatentwastobepitchedforHim.
IV.
HisstayatthevillageofKulayn-226TheB'87bwasgreatlypleasedbyitslocationontheslopesofahillamidwidestretchesofluxuriantorchardsandmeadowsandmurmuringstreams.
a.
Arrivalofanumberofbelievers-2272dayslater,SiyyidHusayn-i-Yazd'92,SiyyidHasan,hisbrother;Mull'87'Abdu'l-Kar'92m,andShaykhHasan-i-Zun'9cz'92wereinvitedtolodgenearHim.
b.
JoyoftheB'87batthegiftandmessagefromBah'87'u'll'87h-227Mull'87Muhammad-Mihd'92y-i-Kand'92cameadaylaterwithMull'87Mihd'92y-i-Khu''92,andpresentedHimaletterandgiftsfromBah'87'u'll'87h,provokingHissoultodelight,Hisfacetoglow,overwhelmingthebearerwithgratitudeandfavour.
HenolongershedtearsofanguishasHehadsinceHisarrestanddeparturefromSh'92r'87z.
Heregainedasolaceandstrengthwhichdispelledthesadnessaggravatedbytheperilsofcaptivity.
Hiscries"Beloved,MyWell-Beloved"gavewaytopraise&thanksgiving,hope&triumphwhichdidnotleaveuntilhearingofthedisasteratShaykhTabars'92.
c.
Anincidentofthejourney-228HorsemenawokeMull'87'Abdu'l-Kar'92mandcompanions,whowereconcernedattheB'87b'sdisappearance.
MuhammadBigassuredthemHewouldnotconsenttoembarrassothersforHisownsafety.
MuhammadBig,whowasjoinedbytheB'87b'scompanions,setoutonfootforTihr'87ntoassuretheguards.
Theyfollowedhimalso,anddiscernedtheB'87baboutamileintotheirjourney.
TheB'87baskedwhetherMuhammadBigbelievedHimtohaveescaped.
MuhammadBigimmediatelyreplied"Farbeitfrommetoentertainsuchthoughts"ashethrewhimselfatHisfeet.
Alookofconfidence,andwordsofpowerinstilleddeepreverenceandwonderinthem.
HedidnotelaborateonHischange.
d.
MuhammadSh'87h'slettertotheB'87b-229TheB'87b'stranquilitywasdisturbedbythereceiptofaletterfromtheSh'87hwhichexpressedthathewastobeleavingthecityandcouldnotreceiveHimbefittinglyandthatHewastobeconductedtothecastleofM'87h-K'9cwhereHewastobetreatedwithrespectandconsiderationuntilHemightlaterbesummonedtothecapital.
e.
Fears,designs,andmotivesofH'87j'92M'92rz'87'e7q'87s'92-231ThisletterwassurelyactuatedbyH'87j'92M'92rz'87'e7q'87s'92whowasfearfulthatthecontemplatedinterviewwouldrobhimofhispositionofpower.
TheB'87bhadwrittenalettertotheSh'87hencouraginghimtoreceiveHimsothatHemighthavetheopportunitytodisprovethedivinesandestablishHisCause.
HesoughttohaveHimbanishedtoaremotecorner,withholdinghiskingandcountryfromgreatbenefit&denyinghimselfapotentialspiritualascendancy.
HehadunderminedtheStatethroughhisvainness,meanness,follyandincompetence.
Nab'92lheredescribeshowtheVaz'92rdidnotlearnfromtheexampleofSa'd-i-Ma''87dhwhowithoutroyaltyorauthoritybecameexaltedinIsl'87mwhileBuzurg-Mihr,awiseandmostableadministratorwasdisgraced,thrownintoapit,&ridiculed,leadinghimtosuchlamentingthathebecameblind.
TheVaz'92r,too,losthisrankandrichesandwasabased.
ThepropertieshehadseizedalongwiththeircostlyimprovementswereconfiscatedbytheState2yearsafterHisdecreetoincarceratetheB'87bandhewasexpelledfromTihr'87n,felltodisease,povertyandamiserabledeath.
V.
LaststageoftheB'87b'sjourneytoTabr'92z-235Hehadbeenallowed1companionand1attendantforHisjourneytoTabr'92z.
HechoseSiyyidHusayn-i-Yazd'92andSiyyidHasan,hisbrother.
HerefusedthefundsofthegovernmenttopayforHisjourney,givingthemtothepoor&needywhilepayingforHisexpenseswithincomeearnedthroughtrade.
a.
ArrivalofthebelieversatthevillageofS'92y'87h-Dih'87n-235Upontheirarrival,theB'87bmetseveralofthebelieverswhohadsoughttomeetHimandreportedlyrevealedseveralTabletstotheleading'ulam'87sofQazv'92nandtotheGrandVaz'92r.
TheB'87bgaveamessagetoMull'87Iskandar(thedelegateofHujjat)todelivertoSulaym'87nKh'87n-i-Afsh'87rthatHewasthePromisedOne&commandedhimtodeliverHimfromtheoppressor.
Hefailedtorespond.
b.
InterventionofHujjat-i-Zanj'87n'92-236AfriendofMull'87IskandarinformedHujjat,whohadbeenincarceratedinthecapital,withtheB'87b'sappeal.
HujjatimmediatelyinstructedthebelieverstodowhatwasnecessarytodeliverHimattheappropriatemoment.
UponjoiningwithbelieversfromQazv'92nandTihr'87n,alldirectedbyHujjat,theyfoundtheguardsasleepandbeggedtheB'87btoflee.
Heconfidentlyrepliedthat"Themountainsof'e7dhirb'87yj'87ntoohavetheirclaims,"advisingthemtoabandontheprojectandreturnhome.
c.
TheB'87b'sfarewelltoHisguards-236UponHisimpendingdeparture,MuhammadBigappealedtoHimforforgivenessashehadnotassuredforHimaswiftandcomfortablejourney.
TheB'87brepliedthatHeconsideredhimabelieverandassuredhimthatHisadherentswilleternallyblesshisconductandname.
TherestoftheguardsimploredHisblessings,kissedHisfeet,andtearfullybadefarewell.
TheB'87brespondedwithappreciationandassuredthemofHisprayers.
TheseattendantsspreadtheRevelationthroughtheirrecountingofHiswondersontheirjourney.
d.
TheB'87bwelcomedbyHisyouthfuldisciple-237ThebelieversofTabr'92zsetouttomeetHimuponHisimpendingapproach.
ThegovernmentofficialsrefusedthemtodrawneartoHim.
Oneyouth,however,rushedforthbarefootedthroughthecitygate,joyouslywelcomedtheadvancinghorsemen,kissedhisstirrups,tearfullyexclaimedthatheconsideredthemastheappleofhiseye(ascompanionsoftheWell-Beloved),movingthemtoallowhimintoHispresence.
HecriedoutinexultationuponmeetingHim&weptprofusely,promptingtheB'87btodismount,putHisarmsaroundhim,wipeawayhistears,andsoothehisagitation.
TherestofthebelievershadtocontentthemselveswithadistantglimpseofHim.
VI.
TheB'87b'sarrivalatTabr'92z-238TheB'87bwasconfinedhere,guardedbytheN'87sir'92regiment(ofMuhammadSh'87h'sto-be-successor)wholaterwerechosentoexecuteHimwithonlySiyyidHusaynandhisbrother.
a.
EnthusiasticreceptionbythepeopleofTabr'92z-239ManycametoseeHim:thecurious,seekersandthefaithful.
AmultitudegatheredasHewalkeddownthestreet,leadingtocriesof"All'87h-u-Akbar"bymostwhosawHim,andbycheers,glorification,blessings,kissingthedustofHisfootstepsbyothers.
ThecrierwasorderedtowarnthatthosewhosoughtHispresencewouldhavetheirpossessionsseizedandcondemnedtoperpetualimprisonment.
b.
TheB'87b'smeetingwithH'87j'92Muhammad-Taq'92y-i-M'92l'87n'92andH'87j'92'Al'92-'Askar-239Theformer,anotedmerchant,withthelattersoughtHispresence,despitethewarningsoftheirfriendsthattheywouldbeexposedtogreatlossanddanger.
AstheyapproachedHisdoor,theywereimmediatelyarrested.
UponleavingHispresence,SiyyidHasaninstantlyintervenedandvehementlyprotestedthathehadbeencommandedbytheB'87btodeliverthemessagethatthevisitorsareallowedtoenterasHeHimselfhadinvitedthem.
c.
AccountrelatedbyH'87j'92'Al'92-'Askar-240TheguardswereimmediatelysilencedandusheredthemintoHispresence.
TheB'87bdeclaredthatthewretchedguardswereonlypresentasaprotectionfromthemultitudeandthatnoonecouldhinderHismeetingwiththosewhomHedesiredtomeet.
After2hours,H'87j'92'Al'92-'Askarwasentrustedwith2cornelianringstonesuponwhichwastobecarved2previouslygivenverses,andwhichwastobemountedandreturnedtoHim.
HepromisedtheirfreeaccesstoHim.
EachtimeheapproachedtoascertaincertaindetailsofHiswish,heencounterednoopposition,verbalorotherwise,norexpectedremuneration.
He,whohadjourneyedwithMull'87Husayn,hadbeenconfidentlypromisedbyhimthatheshouldnotgrieveabouthavingmissedhiminTabr'92zforhewouldbeenabledtomeetHim7timesinreturn.
TheB'87bsurprisedhimwithpraisetoGodonhisfinalvisitthathewasenabledtocompletethenumberofvisitsandbegivenGod'slovingprotection.
SummaryofChapterXIII.
TheB'87bwontheallegianceoftheguardsduringtheirjourney.
HewasorderedtothevillageofKulaynwhereHeenjoyedrelativetranquilityandwasoverwhelmedandHisjoyrestoredbythedeliveryofletterandgiftsfromBah'87'u'll'87h.
II.
UponHisdisappearanceonenight,MuhammadBigassuredtheguardsthatHewouldnotconsenttoembarrassthemforHissafety.
Uponleaving,theymetHimwalkingtheirdirectionandwereassuredofHismajesty.
III.
Here,theyreceivedaletterfromMuhammadSh'87hwhichstatedthatHewastobedeliveredtothecastleofM'87h-K'9cuntilthekingcouldbefittinglyreceiveHimuponhisreturnfromtravels.
ThisletterwassurelyactuatedbyH'87j'92M'92rz'87'e7q'87s'92whowasfearfulthattheirmeetingwoulddeprivehimofhispositionofpowerasthekingwouldsurelybewonover.
Asaresultofhisshortsightedness,hewastoppledfrompoweranddiedinmisery.
IV.
OnthewaytoTabr'92z,theB'87bhadonlybeenallowed2companions,andpaidHisownexpensesdespitetheallotmentfromthegovernment.
Ontheway,inthevillageofS'92y'87h-Dih'87n,theB'87bcalledforHisdeliverytoonewhodidnotrespond.
Uponhearingofthis,HujjatsoughttohaveHimfreed,yetHediscardedtheirplan,sayingthat"Themountainsof'e7dhirb'87yj'87ntoohavetheirclaims.
"V.
UpontheirapproachtoTabr'92z,theMuhammadBig,theheadguard,tearfullysoughtforgivenessfromHimandHeassuredthemofHiseternalglory.
TheotherguardsfollowedsuitandwereassuredofHisappreciationandprayers.
VI.
AyouthfromTabr'92z,despiteprohibitionstothecontrary,brokeoutofthecity,kissedthestirrupsofthehorsemen(ascompanionsoftheWell-Beloved)andwasallowedtomeetHim.
VII.
TheguardswhichwerelatertoexecuteHimwereassignedtoguardHim.
UponenteringTabr'92z,amultitudeofcurious,seekers,andfaithfulswarmedtowatchHisapproach,praisingGodandHimastheysawHim.
ThecrierwasorderedtowarnthatanyonewhosoughtHispresencewouldhavetheirpropertiesconfiscatedandcondemnedtoperpetualimprisonment.
VIII.
AmerchantandanotherdaredtoapproachHim.
Astheyweretobearrested,SiyyidHasanconveyedinstructionsoftheB'87bthattheyweretobeallowedinastheyhadbeeninvitedbyHim.
TheB'87bexplainedthattheguardswereonlyprotectingHimfromthemultitudeandnonewhomHedesiredtomeetcouldbewithheldfrommeetingHim.
SummaryofContentsI.
HisapproachtoQum-223II.
HisstayatthevillageofQumr'9cd-224III.
HisarrivalatthefortressofKin'87r-Gird-225IV.
HisstayatthevillageofKulayn-226a.
Arrivalofanumberofbelievers-227b.
JoyoftheB'87batthegiftandmessagefromBah'87'u'll'87h-227c.
Anincidentofthejourney-228d.
MuhammadSh'87h'slettertotheB'87b-229e.
Fears,designs,andmotivesofH'87j'92M'92rz'87'e7q'87s'92-231V.
LaststageoftheB'87b'sjourneytoTabr'92z-235a.
ArrivalofthebelieversatthevillageofS'92y'87h-Dih'87n-235b.
InterventionofHujjat-i-Zanj'87n'92-236c.
TheB'87b'sfarewelltoHisguards-236d.
TheB'87bwelcomedbyHisyouthfuldisciple-237VI.
TheB'87b'sarrivalatTabr'92z-238a.
EnthusiasticreceptionbythepeopleofTabr'92z-239b.
TheB'87b'smeetingwithH'87j'92Muhammad-Taq'92y-i-M'92l'87n'92andH'87j'92'Al'92-'Askar-239c.
AccountrelatedbyH'87j'92'Al'92-'Askar-240OtherSummariesofthisChapterRegardingtheB'87bleavingtowardnearQum,andQumr'9cdbeforeKin'87r-Gird)(DB223-225,seealso216,217-222),seeGPB16.
RegardingtheB'87b'stravelstothefortressofKin'87r-Gird/neighborhood(DB225-226),seeGPB16;TN11.
RegardingtheB'87b'stravelstoKulayn(outsidevillage)(DB226-227),seeGPB16;TN11.
RegardingasummaryofBah'87'u'll'87h'slifebeforetheassassinationattemptontheSh'87h(andimpliedfulfillmentoftheB'87b'sprophecies)DB227-228,seealso106-107,112-117,279,284-286,292-299,348-350,369-374,519-522,593-594),seeGPB40,66-70;TN34-37.
Regardingfromabout30kilometerstoTihr'87n,theB'87breceivingaletterfromtheSh'87htogotoM'87h-K'9c(HefirstwenttoSiy'87h-Dihan(nearQazv'92n)andTabr'92z))(DB235-239-242,seealso243),seeGPB16;TN11-12.
RegardingtheB'87b'sstayinTabr'92z(DB239-242,seealso243),seeGPB18;TN12.
RegardingH'87j'92M'92rz'87'e7q'87s'92andclericalopposition(DB231-234andnote2,seealso263,524-525),seeGPB18,36-37,82;TN15-18,29.
OverallofDB223-228,231-242:GPB16,18,36-37,40,66-70,82;TN11-12,15-18,29,34-37.
CHAPTERXIII:THEB'e7B'SINCARCERATIONINTHECASTLEOFM'e7H-K'f2I.
AccountrelatedbySiyyidHusayn-i-Yazd'92-243HeaskedtheB'87bwhetherHewouldstayinTabr'92zorbetransferredelsewhere.
TheB'87bremindedhimthatHehadforetoldthattheywouldbeconfinedintheJabal-i-B'87sit(OpenMountain)for9monthsandthentoJabal-i-Shad'92d(GrievousMountain),bothamongthemountainsbyKhuy.
5dayslaterHewastransferredtoM'87h-K'9c.
II.
SituationofM'87h-K'9c,andcharacterofitspeople-243Asolid4-toweredstoneedificeatthetopabovethetownwith1roadleadingdowntotheclosedgateofthegovernment,itwasusedbyitspositionforreconnosaince.
TheSunn'92Kurdinhabitantsdetestedthesh'92'ahs,especiallythesiyyids.
'Al'92Kh'87n'smotherwasaKurdandtheinhabitantstrustedhimasthecustodianofthecastle.
H'87j'92M'92rz'87'e7q'87s'92hopedtostifletheMovementthroughHisseclusioninthisremoteandinhospitableregion.
III.
AttachmentofinhabitantsofM'87h-K'9ctotheB'87b-244TheunrulypeopleweresubduedbyHisgentlemanners,softenedbyHisennoblinglove,humbledbyHismodesty,&theirarrogancemellowedbyHiswisewords.
TheywouldseektocommunewithHimwhilecatchingaglimpseofHisface,invokeHisname,&adjureoneanothertodeclarethetruth.
'Al'92Kh'87ntriedinvaintostemtheirenthusiasm.
HepracticedseverityinHisfunctionsanddisallowedHisfollowersfromstayingintown.
IV.
ArrivalofShaykhHasan-i-Zun'9cz'92,andtheB'87b'smessagetohim-245WhileSiyyidHasanpurchasednecessities,ShaykhHasan-i-Zun'9cz'92actedasintermediarybetweenB'87b'sfollowersandSiyyidHasanwhothenacquaintedtheB'87b.
TheB'87binformedSiyyidHusaynthatHewouldspeakwith'Al'92Kh'87ntoalterhisseverityandconductShaykhHasantotheirpresence.
'Al'92Kh'87nsurprisedhimbyknockingattheirdoorbeforesunrisewhenorderswerethatnoonebeadmittedatthattime.
Hehadappealedtotheguardsandinsistedonbeingallowedin.
'Al'92Kh'87nwasstandingatthedoorinuttersubmissionwhenSiyyidHusaynreachedhimafterhavingbeencommandedtousherhimin.
HehumblyandcourteouslyreturnedhissaluteandbeggedtobeallowedintoHispresence.
Hetrembledashefollowedhim.
V.
Dreamof'Al'92Kh'87n-i-M'87h-K'9c''92-247Hebowed,flunghimselfatHisfeet&askedtheB'87btoberelievedfromhisdoubts.
HerelatedhowhewatchedHiminadreamofferHisdevotions.
HewasabouttorebukeHimforleavingwithoutleave,butafterapproachingHimandcontemplatingHisaction,hewasseizedwithfear.
Helefttoreprovetheguardsbutthegateswereclosedbutopenedbyhisrequest.
HewasthenusheredintoHispresence.
TheB'87baffirmedthetruthofhisexperienceandexplainedthatGodwishedtorevealtheTruthtohiseyeswithoutpunishinghim,instillingtheloveandrecognitionofHiminhisheart.
VI.
Changeintheattitudeof'Al'92Kh'87n-247Hehenceforthdeterminedtoatoneforhisbehavior.
Heprayedtoallowapoorman(ShaykhHasan)desiringtomeetHimintoHispresenceasameansofwashinghiscrueltyawayandthiswasgranted.
HesoughttorelievetheB'87bashewasable,enablinganyHedesiredtoattainHispresenceinthedaytime.
VII.
ReferencetothePersianBay'87n-248Duringthistime,HerevealedthePersianBay'87n,themostweighty,illuminatingandcomprehensiveofallHisworkswithHislaws,announcementofthesubsequentRevelation,andurgingtoseek"HimwhomGodwouldmakemanifest"withoutbeingveiledbythemysteriesintheBay'87n.
HisvoiceasHedictatedcouldbeheardatthebottomofthemountain,withdeeplypenetratingchantedmelodiesandrhythmicflowofverseswhichre-echoedinthemountainandvalley.
VIII.
VisitfotheB'87b'sdisciplestoM'87h-K'9c-250ThegradualrelaxationofsterndisciplineencourageddisciplesfromallovertovisitHim.
Theyweredismissedafter3daystoworkfurther&consolidateHisFaith.
'Al'92Kh'87npaidhisrespectseachFriday,assuredHimofloyaltyandpresentedHimwithchoicestfruitsanddelicacies.
IX.
IncidentsinthelifeoftheB'87batM'87h-K'9c-252ThewinterwassoseverethatthecopperwasaffectedandtheablutionswaterfrozeuponHisface.
Afterprayers,hehadSiyyidHusaynreadaworkcomposedinpraiseofIm'87mHusaynandwhichlamentedhismartyrdom.
ThisbroughtcontinualtearstotheB'87bwhenHecompletedBah'87'u'll'87h'simmanentsufferingswhichtheIm'87mHusaynneverendured.
X.
DreamoftheB'87bpriortothedeclarationofHisMission-253TheyearofHisdeclarationHesawtheheadoftheIm'87mHusaynhangingonatreewithHisblooddrippingprofuselyfromHisthroat.
WithHishands,HedrankafewdropsdevoutlyandfeltHissoulpossessedbytheSpiritofGod,thrillingHisheartwithjoyandunfoldingmysteriesofHisRevelation.
XI.
MisfortunesbefallMuhammadSh'87handhisgovernment-253Misfortunesaffectedhimasneverbefore,leadingtorebellioninKhur'87s'87n(duetoH'87j'92M'92rz'87'e7q'87s'92'srecklessness).
TheforcesoftheSh'87hweredefeatedbytherebelswhomercilesslyputthecaptivestodeath.
XII.
DepartureofMull'87HusaynfromMashhadonhispilgrimagetoM'87h-K'9c-254Mull'87HusaynhadbeenendeavoringdespitetherebelliontoteachtheCause.
a.
Motiveofhisdeparture-254UponlearningofthedesireoftheS'87l'87rtowinhissupport,helefttoavoidimplicationinthechief'splots.
HewasattendedsolelybyQambar-'Al'92andintendedtovisittheB'87bin'e7dhirb'87yj'87n.
Hisfriendssoughttoprovideforhiscomfortonthejourneywhichhedeclinedoutofthedesiretoreachhisdestination.
HeevenattemptedtoinduceQambar-'Al'92toreturn.
Hewasenthusiasticallygreetedbybelieversalonghiswayandmadesimilaroffers,meetingwiththesamereply.
b.
HisvisittoTihr'87n-255'e7q'87y-i-Kal'92mdescribedhimasseemingembodimentofconstancy,pietyandvirtuewithsuchaforceofcharacterascapableofachievingthetriumphoftheFaithalone.
HewasusheredintoBah'87'u'll'87h'spresence.
c.
HisarrivalatM'87h-K'9canddreamof'Al'92Kh'87n-256ThenightbeforeMull'87Husayn'sarrival,'Al'92Kh'87ndreamtthatMuhammadwastoarriveandoffercongratulationstotheB'87bonNaw-R'9cz.
HerushedoutonfoottomeetHimandfoundHimapproachingwithacompanion.
HethrewhimselfatHisfeetandwokeuponbendingtokissthehemofhisrobe.
Hewasoverjoyedatthisdream,performedhisablutionsandprayer,dressedinrichestattire,putonperfume,andwenttothesamespotwithorderstohisattendantstobring3oftheirbeststeeds.
HesawMull'87HusaynapproachandofferedthehorsestowhichMull'87Husayndeclinedandrelatedhisvowtocompletethejourneyonfoot.
Afterthisdream,'Al'92Kh'87nbecameevenmorereverentialtotheB'87b.
Mull'87HusaynmetHim,bowedbeforeHim,stoodbyHissideandwasaffectionatelyembracedbyHimandwasconductedintoHischamber.
WithHisfriends,theycelebratedNaw-R'9czwithsweetmeats&thechoicestfruits.
'Al'92Kh'87nthensaidthathewaswillingtoabidebyHiswishifHedesiredMull'87Husayntospendthenightinthecastle.
Hisotherdisciplescontinuedtoarrivewithouttheleastrestriction.
XIII.
WordsoftheB'87btoMull'87Husayn-258TheB'87binterpretedthepoetryofH'87fizinreferencetothebanksoftheAraxesandtheabodeofSalm'87asM'87h-K'9candChihr'92qrespectively.
HeexplainedhowtheHolySpiritinfluencessuchwordsfromthetongueofpoets,leadingthemoftentonotunderstanditthemselves.
TheB'87balsoindicatedthattheversereferringtoatumultinSh'92r'87zandaYouthofsugar-tongueappearing,withHismouthpotentiallyagitatingBaghd'87dasamysterytoberevealedtheyearafterH'92n(theyearaftertheintimationofBah'87'u'll'87h'sRevelation.
)HealsodescribedhowthetongueofpoetsisthekeytothetreasureshiddenbeneaththethroneofGod.
TheB'87bpredictedHisimmanenttransferandthatthisnewswouldreachMull'87Husaynbeforereachinghisdestination.
XIV.
Accusationagainst'Al'92Kh'87n,andtheB'87b'sconsequenttransferencetoChihr'92q-259Thespieschargedtowatch'Al'92Kh'87nreportedtoH'87j'92M'92rz'87'e7q'87s'92reportedthatthewardenwasassociatingwithhiscaptivewithoutrestraintandinfriendliness.
TheyreferredtohisdesiretowedhisdaughtertotheB'87b(WhorefusedeventhoughheappealedtoMull'87Husayntointercedeforhim)thoughherefusedtheSh'87houtofrespecttohissunn'92relatives.
TheVaz'92r,outoffear&resentment,orderedHimtransferredtoChihr'92q.
TheB'87bbadefarewelltothepeopleofM'87h-K'9cwhohadsincerecognizedHisgreatness.
XV.
FarewelloftheB'87btoMull'87Husayn-260Hecommandedhimtoreturnonfoottohisdestinationashehadarrivedforhisdaysofhorsemanshipwereyettocome.
Heprophesiedhisfuturecourage,skillandheroismastoeclipsethedeedsdonebytheheroesofold.
HetoldhimtovisitthebelieversofKhuy,Ur'9cm'92yyih,Mar'87ghih,M'92l'87n,Tabr'92z,Zanj'87n,Qazv'92nandTihr'87nandconveyHisloveandtenderaffectiontoeachoneofthem.
HetoldhimtoinflametheirheartswithGod'slove,fortifytheirfaithandproceedtoM'87zindar'87nwhere"God'shiddentreasure"wouldbemademanifesttohim.
Heassuredhimofhismightyachievementstocome,aswellasstrengthandguidanceinhisservice.
TheB'87baddressedtoQambar-'Al'92thatoneofhisnameinapreviousagewouldgloryinhisnamesakewitnessingsuchaDayforwhichMuhammadsighedinvaintowitness,longingtowitnessthefacesofHisbrethren.
SummaryofChapterXIIII.
TheB'87bforetoldofHisimprisonmentintheOpenandGrievousMountains.
AttheinstigationoftheGrandVaz'92r,HewasimprisonedatM'87h-K'9c,aremoteregionofPersiawherethesunn'92inhabitantswerehostiletoshi'ahs,particularlysiyyidsasHim.
II.
Nevertheless,thepeopleweretransformedandloudlyclamouredtoseeHimandaskedforHisblessingsalthoughthewardentriedtorestraintheirenthusiasmandimposerestrictionsuponHim.
III.
TheB'87bforetoldthechangeinattitudeofthewarden.
ThewardencamethenextmorninginhumilityandatHisfeet,andrelatedadreamwherehecameupontheB'87bindevotionsoutofthecastleandwasstruckwithfearashewasabouttodisturbHim.
TheB'87bassuredhimthathisdreamwastrueandthatGodwishedtorevealthetruthforhimandnotpunishhim.
IV.
'Al'92Kh'87n,inturn,soughtHisforgivenessandtoatonebyallowingShaykhHasanintoHispresence(whomtheB'87bhadalreadyforetoldwastobebroughttoHim).
Afterthis,anyonetheB'87bdesired,hepermittedtoenter.
HealsoV.
TheB'87bhererevealedthePersianBay'87nwithHismelodiousvoicereachingandpenetratingtheheartsofthoseevenatthebottomofthemountain.
VI.
'Al'92Kh'87nalloweddisciplesfromallovertoenterHispresence,pledgedhisloyaltyeveryFridayandofferedchoicestfruitstoHim.
VII.
InthefreezingwintertheB'87baskedforaworkaboutthesufferingsoftheIm'87mHusayntobereadwhichbroughtHimtotearsasHereflectedonwhatwastobefallBah'87'u'll'87h.
Nab'92lrelateshowtheB'87bhadreceivedtheintimationofHisRevelationbyadreamwheretheseveredheadoftheIm'87mHusaynappearedhangingonatreewithblooddrippingoffwhichhedrank&awokewithsuperhumanjoy&knowledge.
VIII.
Mull'87Husaynpersisted,despiteasevererebellionintheregionagainstthekingwhichfollowedimmediatelyaftertheking'sconfiningoftheB'87b,toteachtheCauseuntilhereceivedwordhewasabouttobeappealedtobyoneoftherebelleaders.
IX.
Mull'87HusayndecidedtovisittheB'87bin'e7dhirb'87yj'87nanddeniedamenitieswhichthebelieversofferedhimalongtheway.
Heimpressed'e7q'87y-i-KalimbyhisbehaviorandwasusheredintoBah'87'u'll'87h'spresence.
X.
'Al'92Kh'87ndreamtofthearrivalofMuhammadandwasexcitedtomeetMull'87HusaynapproachingthecastlewhoreverencedtheB'87b.
Thisledtoanevengreaterdevotionof'Al'92Kh'87ntotheB'87b,relaxinhisrestrictionstoallowMull'87Husayntostayovernight.
XI.
TheB'87binterpretedsomeversesofH'87fizthepoetasinspiredtorefertoHisconfinement,impendingtransferandtoBah'87'u'll'87h'sstayinBaghd'87d.
XII.
SpiesoftheVaz'92rwatching'Al'92Kh'87n'streatmentoftheB'87b(includinghispersistentyetunaccepteddesiretobetrothhisdaughtertotheB'87b)promptedtheVaz'92rtotransferHimfurthertoChihr'92q.
XIII.
TheB'87bpredictedtoMull'87Husaynhisfuturecourageandunparalleledachievements,instructedHimtovisitandconveylovetoeachofthebelieversinseveraltowns,predictedhismeetingwith"God'shiddentreasure"inM'87zindar'87n,assuredhimofstrengthandguidance,andspoketoQambar-'Al'92ofhowhisnamesakeinapreviousageaswellasMuhammadwouldhaveyearnedtohavewitnessedthisDayandtheexpressionsonthefacesofthebrethren.
SummaryofContentsI.
AccountrelatedbySiyyidHusayn-i-Yazd'92-243II.
SituationofM'87h-K'9c,andcharacterofitspeople-243III.
AttachmentofinhabitantsofM'87h-K'9ctotheB'87b-244IV.
ArrivalofShaykhHasan-i-Zun'9cz'92,andtheB'87b'smessagetohim-245V.
Dreamof'Al'92Kh'87n-i-M'87h-K'9c''92-247VI.
Changeintheattitudeof'Al'92Kh'87n-247VII.
ReferencetothePersianBay'87n-248VIII.
VisitfotheB'87b'sdisciplestoM'87h-K'9c-250IX.
IncidentsinthelifeoftheB'87batM'87h-K'9c-252X.
DreamoftheB'87bpriortothedeclarationofHisMission-253XI.
MisfortunesbefallMuhammadSh'87handhisgovernment-253XII.
DepartureofMull'87HusaynfromMashhadonhispilgrimagetoM'87h-K'9c-254a.
Motiveofhisdeparture-254b.
HisvisittoTihr'87n-255c.
HisarrivalatM'87h-K'9canddreamof'Al'92Kh'87n-256XIII.
WordsoftheB'87btoMull'87Husayn-258XIV.
Accusationagainst'Al'92Kh'87n,andtheB'87b'sconsequenttransferencetoChihr'92q-259XV.
FarewelloftheB'87btoMull'87Husayn-260OtherSummariesofthisChapterRegardingM'87h-K'9c(DB243-260,seealso261-323),seeGPB16,TN12.
RegardingtheB'87bgoingtoM'87h-K'9cfromTabr'92z(DB243,seealso237-239),seeGPB16,TN11-12.
RegardingtheB'87b'sstayinTabr'92z(DB243,seealso239-242),seeGPB18,TN12.
RegardingtheB'87b'sarrivalinM'87h-K'9c(DB243-245),seeGPB18-19,TN12-13.
Regardingtherelaxingoftheseveredisciplineof'Al'92Kh'87n(DB246-248),seeGPB19,TN13.
RegardingthedemiseofMuhammadSh'87h(DB253,seealso539,299-300),seeGPB82.
RegardingMull'87Husayn'sjourneytoM'87h-K'9cDB254-259,seeGPB19,TN13.
RegaridingthetransferoftheB'87btoChihr'92q(predictedbyHimbeforethis)(DB259-260,seealso261,301-303),seeGPB19-20;TN13.
OverallofDB243-260:GPB16,18-20,82;TN11-13.
CHAPTERXIV:MULL'e7HUSAYN'SJOURNEYTOM'e7ZINDAR'e7NI.
DepartureofMull'87HusaynforTihr'87n-261'Al'92Kh'87nsoughttoprovideforMull'87Husayn'scomfortbyprolonginghisstaybutMull'87Husaynrefusedtodelay.
Mull'87HusaynvisitedeverytownandvillagetheB'87bhaddirectedhimto,conveyedtheloveandassurancesoftheB'87b,quickenedtheirzeal,exhortedthemtoremainsteadfast.
InTihr'87nhemetBah'87'u'll'87handreceivedfromHishandsthespiritualsustenanceneededtobravetheperilshewastoface.
II.
HisstayatthehomeofQudd'9csinB'87rfur'9csh-261InM'87zindar'87nMull'87Husaynsought"God'shiddentreasure.
"Qudd'9cswaslivinginB'87rfur'9cshinwhathadbeenhisfather'shome.
Throughhisgentleassociationwithallclassesandhiswiderangeoflearning,hewontheaffectionandadmirationofthepeopleofthetown.
Mull'87Husaynwentdirectlytohishomeuponarriving&wasaffectionatelyreceivedbyhim,removingthedustfromhisfeetwithhishandsandwashingtheblisteredskinofhisfeet.
Heofferedhimtheseatofhonourinthecompanyoffriendsandreverentlyintroducedthebelieverstohim.
Afterallhadleft,Qudd'9csaskedMull'87HusaynabouthisexperienceswiththeB'87batM'87h-K'9c.
Mull'87Husayninformedhimthathehadheardandwitnessedmuchduringhis9daysassociationbutwasassuredofsomehiddentreasurewhichwillunveilthetaskheisdestinedtoperformwhichhehadnotyetdiscovered.
AshewasnotpromisedthistimebytheB'87bthattheywouldmeetagain(hewouldbefollowedbytheB'87binhisdestination)andbyHiswordsforetellingsacrifice,hesurmiseditwasthetimeforhismartyrdomQudd'9csaskedhimwhetherhehadanyofHiswritingswithhim,andherespondedthathedidnot.
Qudd'9csthenpresentedhimwiththepagesofamanuscriptwhichledMull'87Husayntosuddenlyandcompletelychangehiscountenance,showingadmirationandsurpriseatitsloftinessandprofundityandcausingagitationinhisheartandpraisefromhislips.
Mull'87Husaynthentestifiedtotheinspirationofthewordsandhisacceptanceofitstruth.
ByQudd'9cs'silence,heconcludedthatheinfactpennedthewords.
HethenstoodwithbowedheadatthethresholdofthedooranddeclaredthathehaddiscoveredthehiddentreasureandthereflectionofHisglory.
III.
ObservationsregardingH'87j'92M'92rz'87'e7q'87s'92andMull'87Husayn-263Nab'92lhereremarksaboutthefoolishbeliefoftheVaz'92rthathecouldconcealtheFlameofGod'sFire,andthathewasinfacthelpingtodiffuseitslight.
Nab'92lalsopraisesMull'87Husaynforhischarm,integrityandcouragewhocouldhavewontheauthorityofSiyyidK'87zim'sdiscipleshadheclaimedtobetheQ'87'im.
Mull'87Muhammad-i-M'87m'87q'87n'92hadprovedthisashehadtestifiedtoMull'87Husayn'scharacterandknowledge(thoughhehadrefusedtoheedMull'87Husaynsincehechoseto"subordinatehimselftoanotherperson.
").
SiyyidB'87qir-i-Rasht'92hadbeenhumbledbyMull'87Husaynwhodemonstratedsuchstrengthtohimthathebelievedhimcapableofprovingthedaytobenighttothelearneddivines.
Nab'92lrelatesthatthoughMull'87HusaynwasatfirsttemptedtobelittletheclaimsofthesonofamerchantofSh'92r'87z,hewasabletoperceivethebenefitslatentinHisRevelationoncetheB'87bhadbeguntorelateHisthemetohimanddiscardedhisownsenseofhinderingsuperiorityandchampionedtheCause.
Mull'87HusaynwaslikewisesagaciousinrecognizingtheworthandmeritofthepersonandutteranceofQudd'9cs.
Mull'87HusaynthenbecametransformedthroughhisloyaltyanddeferencetoQudd'9csanddesiretoensurehiswelfareandsafety.
Thiswassolelyduetohisrecognitionofhislatentpowerandnoblecharacter.
IV.
InstructionsofQudd'9cstoMull'87Husayn-265ThebelieversweresurprisedtofindMull'87Husaynthenextmorninginthepositionofhumblyattendingtohishostwhowasintheplaceofhonour.
Qudd'9csinstructedhimtotaketherodofwisdomandmightandsilencetheevilplotterswhosoughttodiscredittheFaith,facingthemultitudeandconfoundingtheirforces.
HewastoplacehisrelianceuponGod'sgraceandregardtheirplottingsasfutileattemptstoobscuretheCause'sradiance.
HealsoinstructedhimtointerviewtheSa''92du'l-'Ulam'87',thenotoriousandfalse-heartedtyrant,&disclosethedistinguishingfeaturesoftheRevelationtohim.
HeinstructedhimthentogotoKhur'87s'87n&buildahouseforthem&guestsinMashhad&inviteeveryreceptivesoultoittopreparetoproclaimtheCause.
V.
InterviewofMull'87HusaynwiththeSa''92du'l-'Ulam'87'-266FearlesslyandeloquentlyMull'87HusaynaroseandpleadedtheCauseamidsttheSa''92du'l-'Ulam'87''sandhisdiscipleswithanappealforhimtodisentanglehismindfromthepasttowardeternalsalvation.
Hevigourouslydefeatedeveryargumenthewasgivenbyhimwithunanswerablelogic.
Fearfuloflosinghisdisciples,theSa''92du'l-'Ulam'87attackedhim,ignoredhisproofsandassertedthefutilityoftheCause.
Mull'87Husaynremarkedonhis"sleepofnegligence"andvehementlyandemotionallyassertedthathewastodemonstratethetruthoftheMessagethroughhisdeedsinthefuture,confoundinghishearer.
VI.
DepartureofMull'87Husayn,andhisarrivalatMashhad-267(cont.
onp.
288)Mull'87HusaynchargedamemberoftheaudiencetorelatetoQudd'9csthat,lackingfurtherinstructions,hewasgoingtoproceedtoKhur'87s'87nandtocarryouthisinstructions.
HesetoutaloneforMashhad,preoccupiedsolelywithhisheartonGod,thewishesofQudd'9csonhismind,andsustainedbyhispromise.
HeboughtahouseintheneighborhoodofM'92rz'87Muhammad-B'87qir-i-Q'87'in'92inB'87l'87-Kh'92y'87b'87nandnameditB'87b'92yyih.
Qudd'9csarrivedshortlythereafterandvisitorspouredintoQudd'9cs'presence,acknowledgedtheCause,andenlistedunderitsbanner.
ThroughMull'87Husayn'svigilanteffortstodiffusetheknowledgeoftheRevelationandQudd'9cs'masterlymannerofedifyingitsincreasingadherents,enthusiasmsweptthroughMashhadevenoutofKhur'87s'87n.
ThishousebecameacenterforrallyingdevoteesfiredwithinflexibleresolvetodemonstratetheenergiesoftheFaith.
SummaryofChapterXIVI.
Mull'87HusaynimmediatelycarriedoutthewishesoftheB'87binleavingdespite'Al'92Kh'87n'saccommodations,conveyinglove,assurance,zeal,andtheimportanceofsteadfastnesstothebelieversinvarioustownshewasdirectedtovisit.
HealsometBah'87'u'll'87hinTihr'87n.
II.
Mull'87HusaynhadcometoM'87zindar'87nlookingfortheB'87b'spromiseofGod'shiddentreasure.
AfterbeinggraciouslyreceivedbyQudd'9cs&tellinghimofthispromise,Qudd'9csaskedhimwhetherhehadanyoftheB'87b'sWritings&whenhesaidhedidnot,hepresentedhimwithwritingsthatdeeplyimpressedhim.
AfterdiscoveringthesewerefromQudd'9cs,hebecameardentlyloyal&deferentialtoQudd鷾s.
Hereversedtheroleofguestofhonourwithhishost&attendedtohiminstead.
III.
Nab'92lherenotesthefoolishnessofH'87j'92M'92rz'87'e7q'87s'92inattemptingtoobscurethelightoftheB'87b(mirroredbyQudd'9cs)andpraisesthewisdomofMull'87HusayninrecognizinghimasasuperiorreflectionofHislight.
IV.
Qudd'9csinstructedMull'87HusayntointerviewtheSa''92du'l-'Ulam'87',conveytohimitsmessage,&proceedtoKhur'87s'87n&buildahouseforthem&gueststowhichreceptivesoulsweretobeinvitedforpreparationtowardtheproclamationoftheCause.
V.
Mull'87HusaynfearlesslyandeloquentlyconfoundedtheSa''92du'l-'Ulam'87'whoattemptedtorefutehisargumentsandhadtoresorttoabusiveness.
HewassilencedbyMull'87Husayn'svehementandemotionalcondemnationofhisnegligenceandassertionofdemonstratingthetruthofhiswordsinthefuturethroughhisdeeds.
VI.
Mull'87HusaynthendispatchedamessagetoQudd'9csofhisimpendingdeparturetocompletehisassignedtasksviaoneoftheSa''92du'l-'Ulam'87''sdisciplesandlefttopurchasethelandforandbuildthehousehenamedtheB'87b'92yyih.
Qudd'9csandnumerousguestssuccessivelyarrived.
ThroughMull'87Husayn'sdiffusionofitsknowledgeandQudd'9cs'masterlymannerofedifyingitsincreasinginherents,theCausegainedenthusiasticanddevotedsupporters.
SummaryofContentsI.
DepartureofMull'87HusaynforTihr'87n-261II.
HisstayatthehomeofQudd'9csinB'87rfur'9csh-261III.
ObservationsregardingH'87j'92M'92rz'87'e7q'87s'92andMull'87Husayn-263IV.
InstructionsofQudd'9cstoMull'87Husayn-265V.
InterviewofMull'87HusaynwiththeSa''92du'l-'Ulam'87'-266VI.
DepartureofMull'87Husayn,andhisarrivalatMashhad-267(cont.
onp.
288)OtherSummariesofthisChapterRegaridingthetransferoftheB'87btoChihr'92q(predictedbyHimbeforethis)(DB261,seealso259-260,301-303),seeGPB19-20;TN13.
RegardingH'87j'92M'92rz'87'e7q'87s'92andclericalopposition(DB263,seealso231-234andnote2,524-525),seeGPB18,36-37,82;TN15-18,29.
RegardingthepersecutionsoftheSa''92du'l-'Ulam'87(DB265-267,seealso347,408-411,338-339note1),seeGPB83.
Overallof261,263,265-267:GPB18-20,36-37,82,83;TN13,15-18,29.
CHAPTERXV:T'e7HIRIH'SJOURNEYFROMKARBIL'e7TOKHUR'e7S'e7N(268)Nab'92lcorrelatestheflameignitedbyQudd'9csinKhur'87s'87nwiththecorrespondinglightofT'87hirihinKarbil'87(whoselightwasdestinedtoshineonallofPersia).
I.
AllusiontoBah'87'u'll'87h-269TheybothweretoconvergeinTihr'87ninBah'87'u'll'87h'shomeandwerebiddentoseekHisadvice,reinforceHisefforts,andpreparethewayforHiscoming.
II.
EpistleoftheB'87btothebelievers-269TheB'87bwroteaTablet(whileQudd'9cswasstillinMashhad)enjoiningallloyaladherentstohastentotheLandofKh'87(Khur'87s'87n).
III.
ResponseofT'87hirihtotheappealoftheB'87b-269a.
HeractivitiesinKarbil'87-270(269)T'87hirihhadbeenspreadingtheFaithinKarbil'87,sharingHisS'9crihofKawthar.
ShehadleftQazv'92ninordertoawaitthesignsforetoldbySiyyidK'87ziminKarbil'87.
TheB'87b'sresponsetoherdeclarationanimatedherzealandvastlyincreasedhercourage,movedhertospreadHisteachings,denouncingthecorruption&perversityofhergeneration&advocatingarevolutioninpeople'shabits.
(270)Allwereamazedbyhercharacter,eloquence,charm,personality&convictions.
ShewonSiyyidK'87zim'swidowtotheCausewhoregardedherasaspiritualguideandaffectionatecompaniontothedegreethat,asnarratedbyShaykhSult'87nwhopraisedthewidow'scharacter,shewasreluctanttoallowT'87hirihtoevenbrieflyleaveherpresence.
Shedied,however,1yearafterembracingtheCause.
ShaykhS'87lih,anArab,embracedtheFaithasaresultofT'87hirih'seffortsandbecamethe1sttoshedhisbloodfortheFaithinTihr'87n.
Shepraisedhimagreatdealandthroughher,heboldlyandassiduouslypromoteditsinterestsandfollowedherinstructions.
ShaykhMuhammad-i-Shibl(thefatherofMuhammad-Mustaf'87,anArabnativeofBaghd'87d,whorankedhighamongthe'ulam'87ofBaghd'87d)wasanotheradmirer.
T'87hirihrespondedtothecalloftheB'87btoproceedtoKhur'87s'87n.
The'ulam'87ofKarbil'87soughtinvaintodissuadeher.
Shesetforthhermotivesandexposedtheirdissimulationinanepistle.
b.
HeractivitiesinBaghd'87d-271(272)Adelegationofsh'92'ah,sunn'92,ChristianandJewishleaderssoughttoconvinceherofherfollyyettheywereconfoundedandbecameconsciousoftheirimpotence.
c.
HerstayinKirm'87nsh'87handHamad'87n-272Shewaswell-receivedinKirm'87nsh'87hbyprinces,'ulam'87sandofficials.
InHamad'87ntheecclesiasticsweredividedintheirattitudetowardher.
Somepubliclypraisedhervirtues,courageandknowledgeandotherssoughttoprivilyundermineher.
d.
HerconfinementinQazv'92n-273H'87j'92Mull'87S'87lih,herfather,hadsentforhertoreturnhometowhichshereluctantlyconsentedandbadehercompanionsreturnhome(ShaykhSult'87n,ShaykhMuhammad-i-ShiblandyouthfulsonMuhammad-Mustaf'87,''e7bid&hissonN'87sir(H'87j'92'Abb'87s),SiyyidMuhammad-i-Gulp'87yig'87n'92(T'87'irorFata'l-Mal'92h)).
ShaykhS'87lih&Mull'87Ibr'87h'92m-i-Gulp'87yig'87n'92,bothofwhomwerelatermartyred,stayedwithhertheentirewaywhileM'92rz'87Muhammad-'Al'92(oneofherkin),oneoftheLettersoftheLiving,herbrother-in-law&Siyyid'Abdu'l-H'87d'92(marriedtoherdaughter)travelledwithhertoQazv'92n.
(1)HerreplytoMull'87Muhammad-273SherepliedtotheproudsonofMull'87Taq'92whohadsentladiesofhishouseholdtopersuadeT'87hirihtotransferfromherfather'stohishousethat,ifhehadintendedtobefaithfulmateandcompanionthathewouldhavemetandescortedherfromKarbil'87andshewouldhaveshownhimthewayoftruth.
Theyhadseparated3yearsagoandshesternlyandunyieldinglystatedsheexpressedthatshecouldnotbeassociatedwithhimforever-inthisworldorthenext.
Afterhe&hisfatherdenouncedherasaheretic&soughttoundermineherposition,shedefendedherself&exposedtheircharacter.
Herpeace-lovingfatherattemptedinvaintosolvethisdispute.
(2)ArrivalofMull'87'Abdu'll'87h,andmurderofMull'87Taq'92-276Mull'87'Abdu'll'87h,anadmirerofShaykhAhmadandSiyyidK'87zimarrivedinQazv'92nin1847andsoughttoinvestigatetheCauseoftheB'87b.
Hesawamanbeingstrippedofhishead-dressandshoes,histurbanwoundaroundhisneckandwithitbeingdraggedthroughthestreets.
WhenhediscoveredthatthemanwasbeingabusedforpubliclypraisingShaykhAhmadandSiyyidK'87zim,herefrainedfromhittingtheinstigator,Mull'87Taq'92infrontofhisdisciples,insteadresolvedtostabhiminthemouthtopreventhimfromsayingsuchthingsanyfurther,&purchasedadaggerandspear-headtoaccomplishthis.
Mull'87'Abdu'll'87hquietlyapproachedhimwhilehewasprostratedinprayerandstabbedhimthroughthebackoftheneckwithaspear(leadingtoaloudcry),threwhimonhisback,drovehisdaggerintohismouth,stabbedhiminhisbreastandside,andlefthimbleeding.
Hefledtotheroof,watchedacrowdtransporthimhomeandastheycouldnotidentifyamurderer,theygratifiedtheirbasestinstinctsbyattackingandaccusingoneanother.
Asmanyinnocentpeoplewerethrownintoprison,Mull'87'Abdu'll'87hwasmovedtoaskthegovernorwhetherhewouldfreetheinnocentpeople,ifhecoulddeliverthemurderer.
Heconfessedoncehewasassuredtheywouldbefreed.
ThegovernordidnotbelievehimevenafteranoldwomantestifiedtohavingseenhimuntilMull'87Taq'92identifiedhiminagitationonhisdeath-bed,signaledforhimtobetakenaway,anddied.
(3)ImprisonmentoftheaccusedinTihr'87n,andinterventionandconfine-mentofBah'87'u'll'87h-278Mull'87'Abdu'll'87hwasarrested,convictedofmurder,andimprisonedthoughtheotherprisonerswerenotreleased.
TheS'87hib-D'92v'87n,impressedbyhiscandour&sincerity,arrangedforhisescapetothehomeofRid'87Kh'87n-i-Sard'87r(recentlymarriedtosisterofSipah-S'87l'87r)&wasconcealeduntilthestruggleofShaykhTabars'92whenhe&hishostsetoffforM'87zindar'87nwheretheyweremartyred.
TheheirsofMull'87Taq'92hadT'87hirihconfinedunderwatchbywomentheychargedwithnotallowingT'87hirihtoleavetheroomexceptforablutions.
TheseheirsaccusedT'87hirihofbeingthesupposedinstigatorofhisassassination.
ThosewhohadbeenarrestedwereconductedtoTihr'87n&incarceratedinoneofthehomesofoneofthevillageheadmanofTihr'87n.
Mull'87Taq'92'sheirsspreadtodenouncethecaptives&callfortheirexecution.
Bah'87'u'll'87hheardoftheprisoners'plightanddecidedtointerveneintheirbehalf.
TheofficialsoughttoderivematerialadvantageoutofBah'87'u'll'87h'sgenerositybyexaggeratingtheirplightinclaimingtheirlackofbasicnecessities.
ThroughHisfinancialassistance,afewwhowereunabletobearitsweightwererelievedoftheweightoftheirchains.
Theofficialthen,outofgreed,emphasisedtohissuperiorsthatBah'87'u'll'87hwassupplyingfoodandmoneytotheprisoners.
Bah'87'u'll'87hwassummonedandaccusedbytheseofficialsofcomplicity.
Bah'87'u'll'87hthenrepliedthatthekad-khud'87(villageheadman)hadpleadedtheircause,maintainedtheirinnocence&outlinedtheirplighttowhichHereadilyresponded&wasnowbeingthreatenedforit.
Bah'87'u'll'87hwasnotallowedhome,markingHisfirstafflictionintheCauseandHisfirstimprisonmentforHislovedones.
HewascaptiveforafewdaysthenfreedbyJa'far-Qul'92Kh'87n,thebrotherofM'92rz'87'e7q'87Kh'87n-i-N'9cr'92(laterappointeeasGrandVaz'92r)intervenedbythreateningthekad-khud'87soastoeffectHisrelease,totheextentthattheydidnotevenextractanyrewardforcomplying&surrenderedHimwithprofuseapologies.
(4)AppealtoMuhammadSh'87h-280WhentheyappealedtotheSh'87h,herespondedthattheirfatherwassurelynotgreaterthanIm'87m'Al'92whoadvocatedthatevenbyhisowndeath,themurdereraloneshouldbeputtodeath.
Hedeclaredthathewouldorderhimintotheirhandsweretheytodeclarehismurderer.
(5)ExecutionoffirstBah'87''92martyrinPersia-280ThisledthemtoabandontheirhopesyettheydeclaredShaykhS'87lihtobethemurderer&puthimtodeathasthefirstmartyronPersiansoil.
Hemethismartyrdomwithzealandjoy,meetinghisexecutionerasawelcomefriend,declaringtriumphandhopeanddiscountingthehopesandbeliefsofmenupontherecognitionofHim.
(6)AttitudeofH'87j'92M'92rz'87'e7q'87s'92,andinterventionofSadr-i-Ardib'92l'92-280TheVaz'92r,swayedbytheS'87hib-D'92v'87n,refusedtheirfurtherappealsthoughthearrogantSadr-i-Ardib'92l'92wasmadefearfulofhisownsafetythroughthepromptingsofMull'87Taq'92'sheirsandsoughtsuccessfullytopersuadetheSh'87htoallowthecaptivestobeledbacktoQazv'92nbytheheirsunderthepretensethatitwouldreestablishtheircredibilityandwiththeassurancethattheywouldnotbeharmed.
(7)MassacreofQazv'92n-282(281)Aftertheprisonerswerehandedover,oneofthem,H'87j'92Asadu'll'87h,anotedmerchantknownforhispietywasputtodeathoutofQazv'92n,claimingthatillnesshadcausedhisdeath.
Mull'87T'87hir-i-Sh'92r'87z'92andMull'87Ibr'87h'92m-i-Mahall'87t'92,esteemedfortheirlearningandcharacter,wereputtodeathafterarrivinginQazv'92n.
Thepopulationhadbeeninstigatedtoclamorfortheirexecution,uponwhichabandofthemarmedwithknives,swords,spears,andaxestorethemtopieceswithsuchbarbaritythattheirscatteredmemberscouldnotbefoundforburial.
Nab'92lcommentshereontheironyofthepresenceinQazv'92nof100+ecclesiasticalleadersofIsl'87myetnonecouldbefoundtoprotestthissavageryornoteitsentirecontradictionwiththepreceptsofIsl'87m.
Healsoblamesthegenerationforallowingtheseim'87ms,whomustbepureinorderforGodtoacceptthecongregation'sprayers,totakeovertheirCause&mastertheirdestinies.
(8)EffectsofthemassacreinTihr'87n-283ThenewscametoTihr'87nandspreadrapidly.
H'87j'92M'92rz'87'e7q'87s'92andMuhammadSh'87hexpressedtheirdisapproval,resultinginthebanishmentoftheSadr-i-Ardib'92l'92,theGrandVaz'92rdoingsolargelybecauseoftheresultantremovalofathreattohisauthority.
ThefailureoftheSh'87h&governmenttopunishtheevil-doersencouragedthemtoseekthesamefateforT'87hirih.
T'87hirihwrotealettertoMull'87Muhammaddeclaringthatshewouldbedeliveredin9daysfromhistyrannyifherLord'sCausewastheCauseoftruthwhichMull'87Muhammadignored.
e.
HerdeliverancebyBah'87'u'll'87h-284Bah'87'u'll'87hdeterminedtoestablishthetruthofherwordsbyhavingherfreedandbroughttoTihr'87n.
HehadMuhammad-H'87d'92y-i-Farh'87d'92deliverasealedlettertohiswife,Kh'87t'9cn-J'87nwhowastoproceeddisguisedasabeggartoT'87hirih'splaceofconfinementwiththeletter,waitforherandleavewithhertoTihr'87n.
(1)HerremovaltoTihr'87n-284Bah'87'u'll'87hhadanattendantwith3horseswaitoutsideofQazv'92nandhadtheemissaryconductheronanunfrequentedroutetoreachthecapitalbydaybreak,enterthecity,andproceedtoHishouse,allthewhileconcealingheridentity.
Bah'87'u'll'87hassuredhimofdivineprotection.
(2)EffectsofherdeparturefromQazv'92n-285Herfriendsandfoeswerebaffledbyherdisappearance.
Asaresult,afewrealizedthesupernaturalcharacteroftheFaithincludingherbrother,M'92rz'87'Abdu'l-Vahh'87b,thoughhedidnotdemonstratehissinceritysubsequently.
(3)HerattitudetowardstheB'87bandBah'87'u'll'87h-285Shewaswellawareofthesacrednessofthehospitalitygivenher.
(Atthistime,uponVah'92d'svisit,with'Abdu'l-Bah'87onherlap,shecalleduponVah'92dtodemonstratehisfaiththroughdeedsnotwords.
)SherecognizedHimwiththesameintuitiveknowledgethatledhertorecognizetheB'87b,alludingtoherrecognitionevenin1844andherconfidentpredictionofherdeliveryduringherconfinement.
f.
HerdepartureforKhur'87s'87n-286(1)InstructionsofBah'87'u'll'87hto'e7q'87y-i-Kal'92m-286Bah'87'u'll'87hhad'e7q'87y-i-Kal'92mensureT'87hirih'ssaferemovalwithherwomanattendant,Q'87nitih,toaplaceoutsidethecapitalfromwheretheyweretolaterdepartforKhur'87s'87n.
Hecautionedhimtotheutmostvigilancelesttheguardswhowerenottoallowwomentopasswithoutapermitmightdiscoverheridentity.
(2)HerdeparturefromTihr'87n-287Theguardsdidnotraisetheslightestobjectionorquestioningoftheirdeparture.
Theycameuponawateredorchardwithaseeminglyabandonedhouseandfoundanoldmanwateringhisplants.
Heexplainedthatadisputearosebetweentheownerandtenantsleadingtoitsabandonmentandhiscustodianshipuntiltheresolutionofthedispute.
HeagreedtoguardT'87hirihandtheattendantwhile'e7q'87y-i-Kal'92marrangedfortherequirementsofherjourney.
HesentMull'87B'87qir(aLetteroftheLiving)withanattendanttojoinher.
WhenBah'87'u'll'87hwasinformedofherdeparture,Henamedtheorchard"B'87gh-i-Jannat"(GardenofParadise)andstatedthatithadbeenprovidentiallypreparedforthelovedonesofGod.
After7days,sheleftwithMuhammad-Hasan-i-Qazv'92n'92(Fat'87)&afewotherstoKhur'87s'87n.
SummaryofChapterXVI.
Nab'92lcorrelatesthelightofQudd'9cstoT'87hirih.
T'87hirihreachedthenewsoftheB'87b'sinjunctionforthefaithfultoproceedtoKhur'87s'87nwhenshewasinKarbil'87.
ShehadleftQazv'92nforKarbil'87inanticipationofeventsforetoldbySiyyidK'87zim.
Shehadalsowontheconversionofseveralsignificantbelievers,includingthewidowofSiyyidK'87zimwhoinsistedonT'87hirih'spresenceandthemanwhowouldbecomethefirstmartyrfortheFaithinPersia.
Shehadbecomeknownforheroutstandingeloquence,characterandconvictions.
The'ulam'87sofKarbil'87soughtinvaintodissuadeherfromleavingandrespondingtoHiscall.
InKirm'87nsh'87hshewaswell-receivedbyprinces,'ulam'87sandofficialsandinHamad'87nshewaspraisedbysomeandunderminedbyothers.
II.
Shereluctantlyreturnedhomeatthebiddingofherfather.
SherespondedtoMull'87Muhammad'scalltojoinhishouseholdthathadhebeensincerehewouldhavemetheruponherreturntoQazv'92nandshemighthaveguidedhim.
Instead,shecouldnolongerassociateherselfwithhim.
Asaresultofthis,heandhisfathersoughttoundermineher,thoughshedefendedherselfandexposedtheircharacter.
Herfathertriedinvaintoresolvethisdispute.
III.
AfterMull'87'Abdu'll'87h,aseekerfondofShaykhAhmad&SiyyidK'87zimarrivedinQazv'92nandsawonewhohadpraisedthetwotwinlightsbeingdraggedthroughthestreetsbarefootwithhisturbanaroundhisneck.
AfterheinquiredastotheinstigatorofthisanddiscoveredthatMull'87Taq'92condemnedShaykhAhmadandhisfollowers,heresolvedtostabhimforhisblasphemy.
Helatersnuckuponhim,stabbedhimthroughtheneckandmouthandfledtotheroofofthemasjidinwhichMull'87Taq'92hadbeenpraying.
AsMull釃'Abdu'll'87hwatchedmanyinnocentpeoplebeingaccusedandimprisoned,hesecuredapromisefromthegovernortofreetheprisonersuponthedeliveryofthemurdererandhimselfconfessed.
Mull'87'Abdu'll'87h'sstorywascorroboratedbyawitnessbuthewasnotbelieveduntilthedyingMull'87Taq'92indicatedhimashisassailant.
Mull'87'Abdu'll'87hwasinturnimprisonedbutwithoutthedeliveranceoftheotherprisoners.
IV.
TheS'87hib-i-Div'87nwasimpressedbyhiscandourandhadhimfreedandconcealed(untillaterwhenMull'87'Abdu'll'87handhishostwenttoShaykhTabars'92andweremartyred).
However,theenemiesaccusedT'87hirihasbeingtheinstigatorofthisassassinationandhadherconfined.
TheprisonersweretransferredtoTihr'87nandtheheirsofMull'87Taq'92spreadtocallfortheirexecution.
Bah'87'u'll'87hextendedfinancialassistancetoamelioratetheconditionsoftheirimprisonment.
ThoughBah'87'u'll'87hinsistedthattheofficialhadhimselfdescribedtheirinnocenceandplight,theofficialskeptHimconfinedthere,markingHis1stafflictionintheCauseandimprisonmentforHislovedones.
HewasfreedbythethreatsofJa'far-Qul'92Kh'87nsuchthattheofficialsdidnotreceiveanyoftheirexpectedreward.
V.
TheSh'87hinsistedthatonlyonecouldbeheldresponsibleforthecrimetowhichtheheirsliedandhadShaykhS'87lihputtodeath,thefirstBah'87''92martyronPersiansoil.
VI.
Mull'87Taq'92'sheirssucceededinhavingtheSadr-i-Ardib'92l'92,anarrogantandfearfulecclesiastic,deceivetheSh'87hintoallowingthecaptivestobedeliveredintotheirhands.
Oncethisoccurred,theyputtodeathonebeforearrivingbackinQazv'92nandinstigatedthemassestomassacretwoothers.
OncethisnewsspreadthroughTihr'87n,theSadr-i-Ardib'92l'92wascondemnedbythepower-hungryVaz'92randasaresult,theSh'87h.
Since,theevil-doerswerenotpunishedhowever,theheirswereemboldenedtohaveT'87hirihimprisonedandseekasimilarfateforher.
VII.
T'87hirihboldlydeclaredthatshewouldbefreedbyherLordbefore9daysiftheCausewastheCauseoftruth.
Bah'87'u'll'87harrangedforMuhammad-H'87d'92y-i-Farh'87d'92todispatchawomandisguisedasabeggartodeliverT'87hirihoutofQazv'92nandHehadarrangedforhorsesandanattendanttowaitoutsideofQazv'92ntobringherintoTihr'87n.
Herdisappearancebaffledherfriendsandenemies,causingsometoacknowledgethesupernaturalcharacteroftheFaith.
VIII.
SherecognizedthesignificanceofBah'87'u'll'87h'shospitalityandduringherstay,hadheld'Abdu'l-Bah'87onherlapwhilecallingVah'92dtodemonstratehiseloquentwordsinaction.
Bah'87'u'll'87harrangedforherdeliverytoKhur'87s'87nvia'e7q'87y-i-Kal'92mwhohadherandherwomanescortQ'87nitihescortedoutofthecitywithcautionthattheguards,whowereonwatchforanywomenwithoutapermit,mightdiscoverher.
IX.
Notonlydidnotguardsnotevenquestionthemastheyleftthecity,buttheyalsofoundahousewhichhadbeenabandonedasaresultofadisputebetweentheownerandtenants.
Itwasinawell-wateredorchardandanoldmanwasattendingtoitandagreedtowatchoverthemuntil'e7q'87y-i-Kal'92mcoulddispatchMull'87B'87qirwithanattendantandensuretheirrequirementsforthejourneytoKhur'87s'87n.
SummaryofContentsI.
AllusiontoBah'87'u'll'87h-269II.
EpistleoftheB'87btothebelievers-269III.
ResponseofT'87hirihtotheappealoftheB'87b-269a.
HeractivitiesinKarbil'87-270b.
HeractivitiesinBaghd'87d-271c.
HerstayinKirm'87nsh'87handHamad'87n-272d.
HerconfinementinQazv'92n-273(1)HerreplytoMull'87Muhammad-273(2)ArrivalofMull'87'Abdu'll'87h,andmurderofMull'87Taq'92-276(3)ImprisonmentoftheaccusedinTihr'87n,andinterventionandconfinementofBah'87'u'll'87h(4)AppealtoMuhammadSh'87h-280(5)ExecutionoffirstBah'87''92martyrinPersia-280(6)AttitudeofH'87j'92M'92rz'87'e7q'87s'92,andinterventionofSadr-i-Ardib'92l'92-280(7)MassacreofQazv'92n-282(8)EffectsofthemassacreinTihr'87n-283e.
HerdeliverancebyBah'87'u'll'87h-284(1)HerremovaltoTihr'87n-284(2)EffectsofherdeparturefromQazv'92n-285(3)HerattitudetowardstheB'87bandBah'87'u'll'87h-285f.
HerdepartureforKhur'87s'87n-286(1)InstructionsofBah'87'u'll'87hto'e7q'87y-i-Kal'92m-286(2)HerdeparturefromTihr'87n-287OtherSummariesofthisChapterRegardingT'87hirihandhermartyrdom(DB268-272,285,seealso292-297,621-631),seeGPB23,66,72-77;TN19-20.
RegardingasummaryofBah'87'u'll'87h'slifebeforetheassassinationattemptontheSh'87h(andimpliedfulfillmentoftheB'87b'sprophecies)DB279,284-286,seealso106-107,112-117,227-228,292-299,348-350,369-374,519-522,593-594),seeGPB40,66-70;TN34-37.
Overallof268-272,279,284-286:GPB23,40,66-70,72-77;TN19-20,34-37.
CHAPTERXVI:THECONFERENCEOFBADASHTI.
DepartureofBah'87'u'll'87hfromTihr'87n-288SoonafterT'87hirihparted,Bah'87'u'll'87hhad'e7q'87y-i-Kal'92mmakepreparationsforHiscontemplateddepartureforKhur'87s'87n.
HehadhimprovideforHisfamily'srequirementsandsafety.
II.
ThedisturbancesatMashhad-288HewasmetbyQudd'9csinSh'87h-R'9cdwhenheheardofHisapproach.
TheactivitiesofQudd'9csandMull'87Husaynhadstirredpeoplefromlethargyintofaithanddevotionandprovokedfanaticismandmalicefromothers.
Theirnumbersswelledtothedegreeofalarmingtheauthorities.
Thechiefconstable,inwitnessingthesteadystreamsofcrowdsandinwishingtoasserthisrightsandintimidateMull'87Husayn,orderedthearrestofhisattendant,Hasan.
Theypiercedhisnose,passedacordthrough&ledhimthroughstreetsbyahalter.
UponhearingofthisnewsandsoasnottodisturbQudd'9cs,Mull'87Husaynretiredquietlyfromhispresence.
Hiscompanionsgatheredaroundhim&urgedrevenge.
HeenjoinedthemnottobedisturbedbyhisafflictionandassuredthemhewoulddeliverHasanthenextday.
Theyburnedwithimpatience,however,&cried"Y'87S'87hibu'z-Zam'87n!
"astheirvoicesreverberatedthroughouttheregion,signallingthetremendouseventstocome,killedthoseholdingthehalterofHasanwithswords&broughtHasanintoMull'87Husayn'spresence.
Mull'87Husaynnotediftheycouldn'ttolerateHasan'strials,howcouldtheyacceptHusayn'smartyrdom(hisown).
S'87l'87r'srebellionhadjustended,butthecitywasbroughtagainintoturmoil.
PrinceHamzihM'92rz'87wasstationedwithhismenandmunitions12-15milesoutsideofthecityincaseofanemergencywhenhewascalledtoassistinMull'87Husayn'sarrestanddeliverancetothegovernor.
'Abdu'l-'Al'92Kh'87n-i-Mar'87ghiy'92,thecaptainoftheprince'sartilleryintervenedandaskedhimtokillhimifhehadanyintentionsofharmingMull'87Husayn,sincehecouldnotlivewithtoleratinganydisrespecttowardshim.
Theprince,whorecognizedhisneedforthisofficer,wasembarrassedathisdeclaration&assuredhimofhisdevotiontoMull'87Husayn&intenttorestrictthemischiefcaused&protecthim.
HewrotealetterexpressinghiswishthatMull'87Husaynbetransferredtohisheadquarterstobeprotectedfromattacksofhisopponents.
Heorderedforhisowntenttobeplacedtoreceivehim.
III.
DepartureofQudd'9csforM'87zindar'87n-290Qudd'9csassuredhimnoharmcouldbefallhim&declaredhisleavingthatnightwithM'92rz'87Muhammad-'Al'92y-i-Qazv'92n'92(oneoftheLetters)forM'87zindar'87n.
HesaidthatbythewillofGodMull'87Husaynwouldlaterjoinhimattheheadofalargecompanyofthefaithfulprecededbythe"BlackStandards"&departfromMashhad&joinhimwherevertheAlmightydecrees.
WithjoyMull'87Husaynthrewhimselfathisfeet&assuredhimofhisresolvetodischargehisobligations.
Qudd'9cstookhiminhisarms,kissedhiseyes&forehead,andcommittedhimtotheAlmighty'sprotection.
Withdignity&calmMull'87Husaynsetoutthatafternoononhorsetotheprince'scamp,wasceremoniouslyconductedbyhiscaptainwithanumberofofficersappointedbytheprincetowelcomehimtothetentsetasideforhim.
(cont.
onp.
324)Qudd'9cssummonedM'92rz'87Muhammad-B'87qir-i-Q'87'in'92(whobuilttheB'87b'92yyih)withanumberofmostprominentofhiscompanionsandenjoinedthemtobearunquestionedallegiancetoMull'87Husaynandobeyhimimplicitlyinanythinghewished.
Heforetoldtheimmanentdaysofstressandviolence,&warnedthemtocleavetohimandobeyhiminordertobesaved.
Withthesewordshebadefarewell&leftMashhad.
AfewdayslaterhemetM'92rz'87Sulaym'87n-i-N'9cr'92whoinformedhimofT'87hirih'sdeliverance&her&Bah'87'u'll'87h'sdeparture.
HealongwithhiscompanionremainedwithQudd'9csuntiltheyarrivedatBadashtwheretheymetatdawnaalargegatheringoffellow-believers.
TheycontinuedontoSh'87h-R'9cdwhenM'92rz'87Sulaym'87n,followingbehindthem,metMuhammad-i-Han'87-S'87bonhiswaytoBadashtwhoinformedhimofBah'87'u'll'87h&T'87hirih'sdeparturefromSh'87h-Rudforthathamlet&thearrivalofalargenumberofbelieversfromassortedtownstoaccompanyHimonHisjourneytoKhur'87s'87n.
Mull'87Sulaym'87nhadhimtellMull'87Ahmad-i-Ibd'87lwhowasinBadashtthathehadfailedtorecognizethelight(Qudd'9cs)whichhadshoneuponhimthismorning.
IV.
MeetingofBah'87'u'll'87hwithQudd'9csinSh'87h-R'9cd-292UponhearingofQudd'9cs'arrivalBah'87'u'll'87hresolvedtojoinhim.
AttendedbyMull'87Muhammad-i-Mu'allim-i-N'9cr'92,HesetoutonhorsebackthateveningandreturnedwithQudd'9cstoBadashtthenextmorningatsunrise.
V.
TheirarrivalatBadasht-293(292)Itwasthebeginningofsummer.
Bah'87'u'll'87hrented3gardens,oneforQudd'9cs,oneforT'87hirihandherattendant,oneoneforHimself.
81guestswerehostedbyBah'87'u'll'87hduringthisconference.
EverydayHerevealedaTabletwhichM'92rz'87Sulaym'87n-i-N'9cr'92chantedtotheassembledbelievers.
Hebestowedanewnameoneach,uponHimselfthenameBah'87,upontheLastLetter,Qudd'9cs,andtoQurratu'l-'Ayn,T'87hirih.
TheB'87balsolaterrevealedaTabletforeachofthemusingtherecentlygivennames.
WhenlatersomeofthemorerigidandconservativeaccusedT'87hirihofindiscreetlyrejectingtime-honouredtraditions,theB'87breplied"WhatamItosayregardingherwhomtheTongueofPowerandGloryhasnamedT'87hirih[thePureOne]"a.
SignificanceofthegatheringinBadasht-293Eachdaytherewitnessedanabrogationofanewlaw&long-timetradition.
ThesanctityofIslamicordinanceswererentasunder,theidolsofblindworhsipweredemolished.
NooneknewtheSourceoftheseinnovationsortheidentityofHimbestowingthenames.
Few,ifany,suspectedBah'87'u'll'87h.
b.
IncidentrelatedbyShaykhAb'9c-Tur'87b-293HerelatesthatBah'87'u'll'87hhadbeenconfinedtobedoneday&immediatevisitofQudd'9csuponhearingofthis.
HeseatedhimselfonHisrighthand.
TheothercompanionscameinandgatheredaroundHim.
Assoonastheyhadassembled,Muhammad-i-Hasan-i-Qazv'92n'92,T'87hirih'smessenger(nownamedFata'l-Qazv'92n'92)cameinsuddenlywithapressinginvitationfromherforQudd'9cstovisitherinherowngarden.
Qudd'9csboldlyrepliedthathehadseveredhimselffromher&refusedtomeether.
Themessengerleftandreturnedwiththesamemessageandappealedtohimtoheedherurgentcallasshewasgoingtocomeherselfifhedidnot.
Themessengerunsheathedhissword,laiditatQudd'9cs'feet,refusedtogo,anddemandedQudd'9cseitherjoinhimorcuthisheadoff.
Qudd'9csangrilyretortedhehadalreadystatedhisdecisionandthathewaswillingtocomplywithhisalternative.
AsMuhammad-Hasanstretchedhisneckforthispurpose,T'87hirihcameinadorned&unveiled,shockingthegatheringastheyhadfeltthattolookuponher,whomtheyregardedastheincarnationofF'87timih(thedaughterofMuhammadandnoblestemblemofchastitytothem),orevenuponhershadowwasimproper.
Somewerereportedtohavehidtheirfaceswiththeirhands,othersprostratedthemselves,otherscoveredtheirheadswiththeirgarmentssoastoavoidseeingherfeatures.
Insultscameuponheraccusingherofindecency,shamelessness&losinghermind,whilefewdefendedher.
Withdignityshequietlysteppedforwardtowardhimandseatedherselfonhisright-handside.
Herserenitycontrastedwiththefearfulnessofthosearound.
'Abdu'l-Kh'87liq-i-Isf'87h'87n'92wassoshakenhecuthisthroatwithhisownhands,&coveredwithbloodandshrieking,hefledfromherface.
HewasfollowedbyothercompanionswhoforsooktheirFaith.
Afewotherswerestandingspeechlessbeforeherinwonder.
Qudd'9csremainedseatedholdingtheunsheathedsword,withhisfaceshowinginexpressibleanger,seemingtowaitforamomenttostrikeher.
Shewasunmovedbyhisthreateningattitudebutshowedjoyandtriumphonherface.
SheaddressedtheremnantoftheassemblyandeloquentlydeclaredthatthepiouswoulddwellamidgardensandriversinthepresenceofthepotentKing,whileglancingfurtivelyinthedirectionofBah'87'u'll'87handQudd'9cs,makinguncleartowhomshewasreferring.
ShethendeclaredherselftheWordwhichtheQ'87'imistoutterwhichwillputtoflightthechiefsandnoblesoftheearth.
(ItwasalsoreportedthatT'87hirihhadfirstattendedtheconferenceveiled,butdiscardeditshortlyafterwardsandexclaimedherselftobethetrumpetblast,thebugle'scalltoawakenthesleepingsouls.
Bah'87'u'll'87hreportedlyrecitedtheS'9crihofResurrectionafterherdeclaration.
Seefootnoteonp.
297)SherebukedQudd'9csfornothavingperformedwhatshefeltheshouldhaveinKhur'87s'87nfortheFaith.
Herespondedthathewasnotsubjecttothewillofhisfellow-disciples.
Shethenturnedtowardtheothersandannouncedthatthisdaywasforfestivityandrejoicing,callingforeveryonetoembraceintheachievementofbreakingfromthefettersofthepast.
Afterwards,thefollowersunderwentatransformationintheirmannerofworship.
Theprayers&ceremonyinwhichtheyhadbeendisciplinedwerediscarded.
c.
Differencesamongthebelievers-297Afewcondemnedthisradicalchangeasheresy&refusedtoannulthepreceptsofIsl'87m.
SomeregardedT'87hirihasthesolejudgeandobjectoftheirobedience,othersregardedQudd'9cs,andstillothersrecognizedbothoftheirauthorityasaGod-senttesttoseparatethefaithfulfromthedisloyal.
d.
ReconciliationachievedbyBah'87'u'll'87h-297T'87hirihhadherselfclaimedtorepudiateQudd'9cs'authorityasapupilwhomtheB'87bwishedhertoinstruct,whileQudd'9csdenouncedherastheauthorofheresyandherfollowersthevictimsoferror.
Bah'87'u'll'87hintervenedafterafewdays,effectedareconciliation,healedthewoundsthecontroversyhadcaused,&directedtheireffortstowardservice.
Dr.
CheynesuggeststhatT'87hirihreceivedherinsightfromBah'87'u'll'87handinstructedtheheroicQudd'9cswhilemaintainingthatherquarrelwithhergreatestfriendwasmerelydelightfulirony.
ManyhadexpectedthatMuhammad'ssuccessorwastobringaboutrighteousnessandpeacethroughbloodanddivinejudgementswhiletheB'87bdealtlargelywithmoralsuasion.
e.
DeparturefromBadasht-298Bah'87'u'll'87h'sstaylasted22days.
OntheirjourneytoM'87zindar'87n,afewfollowerssoughttoabusetheirlibertyandindulgetheirselfishdesires.
Theirexcessesbroughtaboutseveretestsandinjuriesattheirenemies'handsinN'92y'87l'87,therebyextinguishingthoseseekingtotarnishtheFaith'shonour.
VI.
TheincidentinN'92y'87l'87asrelatedbyBah'87'u'll'87h-299HerelatedthattheywerepeltedbystonesfromthoseonamountaincausingHiscompanionstofleeinterror.
HeclothedQudd'9csinHisowngarments&dispatchedhimtoaplacewhereHeintendedtojoinHim.
However,onlyT'87hirihandtheyoungM'92rz'87'Abdu'll'87hcouldbefound.
Theyoungmanwithdeterminedcouragehadhisswordinhandandattemptedtopreventtheplunderoftheirpropertythoughhehadbeenwounded.
Bah'87'u'll'87hhadhimstop,convincedthevillagersoftheircrueltyandshamefulbehaviour,andrestoredpartoftheirproperty.
Bah'87'u'll'87hwentwithT'87hirihandherattendanttoN'9crandappointedShaykhAb'9c-Tur'87btowatchoverandprotecther.
VII.
Outcomeofthatincident-300(299)Themischief-makerssoughttoangerMuhammadSh'87hagainstBah'87'u'll'87hastheinstigatorofthecommotioninShah-R'9cdandM'87zindar'87n,inducedhimtohaveHimarrested.
TheSh'87hclaimedtohavegivenBah'87'u'll'87hthebenefitofthedoubtbecauseofHisfather'sservices,butwasnowresolvedtoputHimtodeath.
HeinstructedonehisofficerstoTihr'87ntohavehissonarrestHim&bringHimtothecapital.
ThissonhadpreparedareceptionforBah'87'u'll'87h,wasattachedtoHim,andwithdistresswithheldthisnews.
Bah'87'u'll'87hperceivedhisgrief&advisedHimtotrustinGod.
Thenextday,whilewithHisfriend,ahorsemancamewithnewsthatMuhammadSh'87hwasdead.
ThefriendexclaimedthistoHimafterbrieflymeetingwiththemessenger.
Thesummonshadlostitsefficacyandthenightwasspentincalmandgladness.
Qudd'9cshadfallenintohandsofopponentsinS'87r'92inM'92rz'87Muhammad-Taq'92'shome,theleadingmujtahidofS'87r'92.
TheothercompanionshadscatteredwithnewsofBadashtafterbeingdispersedinN'92y'87l'87.
SummaryofChapterXVII.
Bah'87'u'll'87hdepartedforKhur'87s'87n.
II.
TheeffortsofMull'87HusaynandQudd'9cshadgainedsuchfollowerssoastopromptthechiefconstabletoarrestMull'87Husayn'sattendant,Hasan,paradehimthroughthestreetswithahalterpiercedthroughhisnose.
Mull'87HusaynurgedhiscompanionstopatiencebuttheycriedoutthecalltotheLordoftheAgeandkilledthoseholdingHasanbythesword.
Mull'87HusaynremarkedthatiftheycouldnotbepatientwiththetrialsofHasan,howcouldtheyacceptthemartyrdomofHusayn(foretellinghisownmartyrdom).
III.
PrinceHamzihM'92rz'87stationedwithmenandarmsoutsideofthecitywascalledupontoarrestMull'87Husayn,yethiscaptain,'Abdu'l-'Al'92Kh'87n-i-Mar'87ghiy'92,byhisrefusaltopartakeindisrespectingMull'87Husayn,evenwereittomeanhisowndeath,inducedtheprincetoceremoniouslyreceiveMull'87Husayn,ostensiblyforhisprotection.
Beforeleaving,Qudd'9csassuredMull'87Husaynhewouldnotbeharmed,foretoldtheirfuturemeetingbyMull'87Husayn'scarryingoftheBlackStandards,andlovinglybadefarewell.
Hewasreceivedintheprince'sowntentbythecaptain&otherofficers.
Qudd'9csadmonishedthebelieversincludingM'92rz'87Muhammad-B'87qir-i-Q'87'in'92,aLetteroftheLiving,oftheviolentteststocome,andthattheironlysalvationlayinobediencetoMull'87Husayn.
IV.
Qudd'9csmetM'92rz'87Sulaym'87n-i-N'9cr'92whoinformedhimofBah'87'u'll'87handT'87hirih'sdepartureandwholaterfoundoutfromMuhammad-i-Han'87-S'87bandconveyedtoQudd'9csthatBah'87'u'll'87hwaswithotherbelieversincludingT'87hirihwhohadjoinedHimonHiswaytoKhur'87s'87n,andwasinthevillageofBadasht.
Bah'87'u'll'87hwentonhorsetomeethimandreturnedwithhimtoBadasht.
V.
Bah'87'u'll'87hhadrented3gardensthere,oneforHimself,oneforQudd'9cs,andoneforT'87hirihandherattendant.
Hebestowednewnamesonthe81believersthereincludingHimselfwhichwerechantedbyM頀rz'87Sulaym'87n-i-N'9cr'92.
TheB'87blaterconfirmedthesenamesandtheirDivineAuthorbyHisuseofthemincludingwhenHedefendedtheintegrityofT'87hirih.
EverydayanewlawwasabrogatedthoughnoneknewtheSource.
VI.
WhileBah'87'u'll'87hwassickinbed,Qudd'9csjoinedHimwhenT'87hirih'smessengerburstinandconveyedthemessageinvitingQudd'9cstojoinherinhergarden.
Herefused,andwhenthemessengerreturnedagainwiththesamemessageandrefused,evensoastoinsistonQudd'9cscuttinghisheadoffratherthannotgowithhim.
AsQudd'9csindicatedhiswillingnesstoaccepthisalternative,T'87hirihappearedadornedandunveiled,shockingthegroup(asshehadbeenseenastheemblemofchastitybreakingasacredordinanceofIsl'87m),promptingmanytoinsultherforshamelessnessandlosinghermind,someforsooktheirFaith,somecoveredtheirfaces,onecuthisthroatwithhisownhandsandfled,whilefewdefendedher.
Qudd'9csappearedangryandreadytokillherwhileT'87hirihshowedserenity,joy,andvictory,recitedaprophecywhichspokeofthepiousdwellingingardensandriversinthepresenceofthepotentKing,hintingwithintentionaldeceptionthatshewaseitherreferringtoBah'87'u'll'87horQudd'9cs,declaredherselftheWordtheQ'87'imwastoutterwhichwouldputthechiefsandnoblestoflightandtheTrumpetBlastawakeningpeoplefromtheirsleep.
SheoutwardlycriticizedQudd'9csfornothavingdonefortheFaithwhatshefeltheshouldhave,herepliedhewasnotdependentonthewillofhisdisciples,andthenshecalledeveryonetocelebratethefestiveoccasionofbreakingfromthepast.
Themannerofprayerandworshipwassubsequentlytransformedasnewprayerswereread.
VII.
SomefeltthatT'87hirihwastheonetoturnto,othersconsideredQudd'9cs,whileothersrecognizedboth,asrepresentingatestoftheirFaith.
Inafewdays,Bah'87'u'll'87hbroughtthecontroversytoanendbyreconcilingthetwo.
ThistrumpetblastandusheringofthenewDaymostlythroughmoralsuasionwascontrarytowhatmostexpectedwouldbebroughtinbybloodanddivinejudgements.
VIII.
TheexcesseswhichsomeofthefollowersindulgedinafterthisdeclarationbroughtabouttheirdispersalthroughattacksinN'92y'87l'87bysomevillagerspeltingstonesfromamountain-topandseekingtotaketheirpossessions.
Qudd'9cswassentawaybyBah'87'u'll'87hatthistimewhiletheyoungM'92rz'87'Abdu'll'87hcourageouslyputupadefenseagainstthemuntilBah'87'u'll'87hintervened,hadhimdesist,convincedthevillagersoftheircrueltyandrestoredsomeoftheproperty.
Bah'87'u'll'87hwentwithT釃hirihtoN'9crandensuredherprotection.
IX.
Themischief-makerssoughttoangerMuhammadSh'87hintohavingBah'87'u'll'87harrestedastheinstigatorofthecommotioninShah-R'9cdandM'87zindar'87ntowhichtheSh'87hagreed,orderedhisdeliverancebyanofficer'ssoninTihr'87n,andindicatedhiswishtoputHimtodeath.
Thisofficer'ssonwasfondofBah'87'u'll'87handdistressedbythis,butBah'87'u'll'87hassuredhimtotrustinGod.
Thenextday,theyreceivedwordthatMuhammadSh'87hwasdead,nullifyingthesummons.
X.
Qudd'9cshadfallenintohandsofopponentsinS'87r'92inM'92rz'87Muhammad-Taq'92'shome,theleadingmujtahidofS'87r'92.
TheothercompanionshadscatteredwithnewsofBadashtafterbeingdispersedinN'92y'87l'87.
SummaryofContentsI.
DepartureofBah'87'u'll'87hfromTihr'87n-288II.
ThedisturbancesatMashhad-288III.
DepartureofQudd'9csforM'87zindar'87n-290IV.
MeetingofBah'87'u'll'87hwithQudd'9csinSh'87h-R'9cd-292V.
TheirarrivalatBadasht-293a.
SignificanceofthegatheringinBadasht-293b.
IncidentrelatedbyShaykhAb'9c-Tur'87b-293c.
Differencesamongthebelievers-297d.
ReconciliationachievedbyBah'87'u'll'87h-297e.
DeparturefromBadasht-298VI.
TheincidentinN'92y'87l'87asrelatedbyBah'87'u'll'87h-299VII.
Outcomeofthatincident-300OtherSummariesofthisChapterRegardingT'87hirihandhermartyrdom(DB292-297,seealso268-272,285,621-631),seeGPB23,66,72-77;TN19-20.
RegardingBadasht(DB292-297),seeGPB17,31,68,72,74.
RegardingaccusationstowardBah'87'u'll'87h(DB299-300,seealso591,602,604),seeGPB70-71;TN31.
RegardingasummaryofBah'87'u'll'87h'slifebeforetheassassinationattemptontheSh'87h(andimpliedfulfillmentoftheB'87b'sprophecies)DB292-299,seealso106-107,112-117,227-228,279,284-286,348-350,369-374,519-522,593-594),seeGPB40,66-70;TN34-37.
RegardingthedemiseofMuhammadSh'87h(DB299-300,seealso253,539),seeGPB82.
RegaridingthetransferoftheB'87btoChihr'92q(predictedbyHimbeforethis)(DB301,seealso259-261,302-303),seeGPB19-20;TN13.
Overallof292-300:GPB17,23,31,40,66-70,72-77,82;TN13,19-20,31,34-37.
CHAPTERXVII:THEB'e7B'SINCARCERATIONINTHECASTLEOFCHIHR'eaQ(ShortlyaftertheattackatN'92y'87l'87,theB'87bwasbroughttoTabr'92zwhereHesufferedahumiliatinginjury(describedlater).
)HehadbeentransferredtoChihr'92qpertheGrandVaz'92r'sordersandwasconsignedtoYahy'87Kh'87n-i-Kurd'skeeping(thebrotherofthewifeofMuhammadSh'87h)withordersthatnoonebeallowedtoenterHispresenceas'Al'92Kh'87nhadallowed.
I.
AttitudeofthepeopleofChihr'92qtowardstheB'87b-302Yahy'87Kh'87n,however,alsofellunderHischarm.
TheKurdslivingthere,whowereevenmorenotoriousthantheM'87h-K'9cinhabitantsfortheirfanaticism&hatredofsh'92'ahs,werealsotransformedbyHislovinginfluence.
TheywouldstopeverymorningbeforeworkandgazeatHisprison,invokingHisnameandblessingandprostratingthemselvestoberefreshedwithHisremembrance.
TheyrelatedHiswondersandtheirdreamsofHim.
Yahy'87Kh'87ndidnotrefuseanyoneadmittance.
TheincreasingvisitorscouldnotbeaccommodatedinChihr'92qalone,leadingIsk'92-Shahr,anhouraway,tobeusedforlodging.
II.
TheB'87b'sinstructionstoanattendant-303TheB'87b'sprovisionswereboughtfromthere.
TheB'87brefusedsomehoneywhichHedeemedtobepricedtoohigh.
HedeclaredthatHeastheirExamplewasamerchantandthattheymustneitherneitherdefraudnorbedefraudedasHewasnotdupedbytheshrewdestmennordidHeactungenerouslytowardsthemeanestandmosthelpless.
HeinsistedthathoneyofsuperiorqualityandcheaperpricebebroughttoHim.
III.
AcceptanceoftheMessageby'ulam'87sandgovernmentofficials-303a.
M'92rz'87Muhammad-'Al'92andhisbrother-303Anumberofeminentsiyyids(includingthefervid&distinguishedproponentsM'92rz'87Muhammad-'Al'92andhisbrotherB'9cy'9ck-'e7q'87),'ulam'87s,andofficialsofKhuyhadespousedHisCause.
Thisandthestreamofseekers&believersdisturbedthegovernment.
b.
M'92rz'87Asadu'll'87h-304(303)Aprominentofficialofhighliteraryability,latersurnamedDayy'87nbytheB'87b,hadvehementlydenouncedHimtothosewhosoughttoconverthim.
Hehadadream,however,whichhedidnotrecounttoanyoneandwhichmovedhimtoasktheB'87b3thingsrelatingto2Qur''87nicverses.
Hewasaskedtosubmitthiswrittenrequest.
Afewdayslaterhereceivedinthe(304)B'87b'shandwriting,adetaileddescriptionofhisdreamandtheexacttextofthoseverses.
Thisconvertedandmovedhimwhohadbeenunusedtowalkingtowalkonfootupthesteep,stonypathtothecastle,refusingahorse.
Hismeetingconfirmedhimfurtherinhisfieryardouruntilhisdeath.
TheB'87bexpressedwishto40companionsshouldcomposeatreatiseusingversesandtraditionstoestablishthevalidityofHisMission.
Hiswisheswereimmediatelyobeyed,andDayy'87nwonHishighestadmirationpromptingtheB'87btobestowthisnameonhimandrevealtheLawh-i-Hur'9cf'87tinhisname,aTabletwhichHedeclaredwassufficientproofofHisstationasnolearningcouldhaveproducedit.
ThisTablet,whichseeminglydealtmerelyasanexpositionofthescienceofJafr(adivinationscience)alludedtowhatBah'87'u'll'87hlaterunveiledasareferencetothetimerequiredtoelapsebeforeMan-Yuzhiruhu'll'87h(HimWhomGodwillmakemanifest")wouldappear(19years).
Dayy'87n'sfatherwasinducedbyhisson'szealtoreporttotheVaz'92rhowhissonhadbeenconverted,hadneglectedhisStateduties,andhadablychampionedthenewCause.
c.
AdervishfromIndia-305AnIndiandervishacceptedtheB'87buponmeetingHim,wasnamedQahru'll'87h,anddisplayedawarmenthusiasm,tenaciousconviction,andcharmtoallhemet,causingtheiracknowledgementoftheFaith'spower,eventoascribetohimthestationofaRevealer,whichhecompletelydenied.
Herelatedhowasanexaltednavv'87binIndia,hedreamtoftheB'87bWhowonhisheart,hadhimdivesthimselfofhisgorgeousattire,lefthisnativeland,andmetHiminChihr'92q.
IV.
BelieversdismissedfromChihr'92q-306Thenewsofthedervish'sconversion(andDayy'87n's)ledtheKurdishleadersinChihr'92qtoreachTabr'92zandthenTihr'87nwhenorderswereissuedforHistransfertoTabr'92z.
TheB'87bhad'Az'92mtellQahru'll'87htoreturntoIndiaonfoot&servetherewiththesameardorhecametoPersia.
TheB'87bhadM'92rz'87'Abdu'l-Vahh'87b-i-Tursh'92z'92(inKhuy)togotoUr'9cm'92yyihwhereHewouldsoonmeetHim.
'Az'92mwastogotoTabr'92z,informSiyyidIbr'87him-i-Khal'92lofHisarrivalandthatthefireofNimrodwouldbekindledthereatnorisk,however,tothefriends.
Qahru'll'87hleftandwarnedthosewhowishedtojoinhimthattheycouldneverendurethetrialsthatwouldafflictthemashewastoldtoreturnalone.
Herefusedmoneyandclothingandwithhisstaffreturnedtohiscountryonfoot.
V.
IncidentconcerningM'92rz'87Muhammad-'Al'92-307(306)Muhammad-'Al'92y-i-Zun'9cz'92(An'92s)heardofHismessageinTabr'92z,longedtomeetHiminChihr'92qandsacrificehimselfinHispath.
Hisstepfather,Siyyid(307)'Al'92y-i-Zun'9cz'92objectedandconfinedhimuntilHereachedTabr'92zandwastakenbacktoChihr'92q.
ShaykhHasan-Zun'9cz'92relatedthatafter'Az'92m'sdismissalhewastocollectallHisavailableTabletsrevealedduringHisincarcerationandbringthemtoSiyyidIbr'87h'92m-i-Khal'92llivinginTabr'92zwhowastoconceal&preservethem.
HealsorelatedthatAn'92s'stepfatherlamentedhisson'sseeminglossofreason&thereproachandshamebroughtonhim.
Hetriedtohavehimconcealhisconvictions.
WhenShaykhHasanvisitedhim,hewitnessedAn'92s'continuoustearsuntilonedayhesawhimjoyful.
An'92stoldhimthatHisBelovedhadbeheldhisfaceandhegazedonHiscountenance.
HehadtearfullybesoughtHimduringHisreturntoChihr'92qtodispelhisgloomandlookonHisfacethathealmostlostconsciousness.
HeheardthevoiceoftheB'87bandwasbiddentoarise.
HebeheldHisfacewhichsmiledasHelookedathim,andhethrewhimselfatHisfeet.
HewastoldtorejoiceasthehourwastocomewhenHewouldbesuspendedbeforethemultitudeandthatnonebuthimwouldsharethemartyrdomwithHim.
Hewokeimmersedinajoywhichwipedawayallsorrows,withtheB'87b'sassuranceringinginhisearsandHissmileinhismind.
HeexpressedhisconvictionthatHispledgecouldnolongerbedelayed.
ShaykhHasanurgedhimtobepatient&concealhisemotionswhileAn'92stoldhimnottodivulgethesecretandkepthispatiencewithSiyyid'Al'92.
ShaykhHasansecuredhisreleasefromhisstepfather.
Theyouthkepthisserenityandjoywithhisparentsandkinsmen,somuchsothatathismartyrdomthepeopleofTabr'92zwept&bewailedhisloss.
SummaryofChapterXVIII.
TheB'87btransformedhiskeeper(despitethestrictordersforhisconfinement)andtheinhabitantstotheextentthatHewasallowedtohavevisitorsandpeopleswarmedintoHispresence,andthepeopleofthetowncallingonHimforblessings.
II.
TheB'87brefusedsomehoneythatwasoverpricedandinsistedthatHisservantsnotdefraudnorbedefrauded&thatthehoneybereturnedforbetterandcheaperhoney.
III.
M'92rz'87Muhammad-'Al'92andhisbrotherB'9cy'9ck-'e7q'87,distinguishedsiyyids,aswellasofficialsand'ulam'87sflockedtoseeHim,disturbingthegovernment.
IV.
M'92rz'87Asadu'll'87h(laternamedDayy'87n),thoughatfirstopposedtotheCause,wasconvincedaftertheB'87bdescribedindetailadreamhehadhadalongwiththeversesoftheQur''87ninthedream.
WhenhereceivedtheresponsefromtheB'87b,hewent,despitehistendencynottowalk,&walkedupthesteep,stonymountaintomeetHim.
V.
TheB'87bexpressedHiswishfor40believerstocomposeatreatiseestablishingtheCause'svalidity,towhichtheyresponded&Dayy'87n'swonthemostesteem.
TheB'87bstatedthattheTabletHerevealedinDayy釃n'snamewassufficientproofofHisMission.
InitwasanallusiontothetimeofBah'87'u'll'87h'sdeclaration,19yearsfromHisown.
Dayy'87n'sfatherwasinducedtoinformtheVaz'92rofhisson'sconversionandzeal.
VI.
AnIndiandervish(Qahru'll'87h)whohadbeenanexaltednavv'87binIndiahadmetHiminadreamWhotoldhimtodiscardhisfancyattireandproceedtomeetHiminChihr'92q.
Uponmeetinghim,hebecamesowarmandenthusiasticthatallwereinfluencedtoadmittheCause'spower.
VII.
ThisconversionbroughttheauthoritiestoreportittoTabr'92zandTihr'87nwhichinducedordersforHistransfertoTabr'92z.
VIII.
TheB'87bgaveinstructionstoHisbelievers,includingtoQahru'll'87hwhowastotravelonfootalonebacktoteachinIndia.
HedidsoandwarnedanywhowishedtojoinhimoftheB'87b'sdecree.
HealsotoldbelieverstotellofHisimmanentarrivalinTabr'92zandhadonehavecollectallHisTabletsandanotherconcealthem.
IX.
Muhammad-'Al'92y-i-Zun'9cz'92(An'92s)hadbeenunabletomeettheB'87bWhomhelongedtoseeduetoaconfinementimposeduponhimbyhisstepfatherandbytheB'87b'sleavingforTabr'92zandChihr'92q.
An'92s'stepfatherlamentedtoShaykhHasan-i-Zun'9cz'92thathissonhadlosthisreasonandbroughthimshame.
ShaykhHasan-i-Zun'9cz'92sawhissoninconstantsorrowuntilonedayhefoundhimhappy.
HerelatedprivatelythatHehadmettheB'87binadreamaftertearfullyimploringtomeetHimWhohadassuredhimtorejoiceinthatAn'92salonewouldbemartyredwithHim.
ShaykhHasanpromisedtoconcealthisandheaskedAn'92stobepatient.
Fromhisagreementandnewfoundjoy,ShaykhHasanwasabletosecurehisreleasefromhisstepfather.
Hewassooverpoweredwithjoythathisparentsandkinweptathislatermartyrdom.
SummaryofContentsI.
AttitudeofthepeopleofChihr'92qtowardstheB'87b-302II.
TheB'87b'sinstructionstoanattendant-303III.
AcceptanceoftheMessageby'ulam'87sandgovernmentofficials-303a.
M'92rz'87Muhammad-'Al'92andhisbrother-303b.
M'92rz'87Asadu'll'87h-304c.
AdervishfromIndia-305IV.
BelieversdismissedfromChihr'92q-306V.
IncidentconcerningM'92rz'87Muhammad-'Al'92-307OtherSummariesofthisChapterRegaridingthetransferoftheB'87btoChihr'92q(predictedbyHimbeforethis)(DB302-303,seealso259-261,301),seeGPB19-20,TN13.
Regardingnotables(includingDayy'87nandIndiandervish)espousingthenewCause(DB303-305),seeGPB20,TN13.
RegardingaTabletinDayy'87n'sname(DB304),seeGPB27.
RegardingtheB'87bbeingsummonedtoTabr'92z(viaUr'9cm'92yyihavoidingKhuy)(DB305-308,seealso309-315),seeGPB20-21;TN14.
Overallof302-308:GPB19-21,27;TN13-14.
CHAPTERXVIII:EXAMINATIONOFTHEB'e7BATTABR'eaZI.
HisvisittoUr'9cm'92yyih-309TheB'87bhadanticipatedHisaffliction,dispersedHisdisciples,&waitedcalmly.
HiscustodianssoughttocircumventKhuywhoseinhabitantsmightprotesttheirtyranny,andgothroughUr'9cm'92yyih.
HewasceremoniouslyreceivedbytheprinceMalikQ'87simM'92rz'87whotreatedhimwithdeference&refusedanytoshowHimtheleastdisrespect.
OnedaywhenHewasgoingtothepublicpath,theprincewishedtotestHiscourageandpowerandorderedhisgroomtoofferHimawildhorse.
TheB'87b'sattendantwasafraidofHimbeingharmed,buttheB'87bassuredandenjoinedhimtotrustinGod.
TheinhabitantsofUr'9cm'92yyihwhohadbeeninformedoftheprince'sintentions,gatheredtowatchHim.
WhenthehorsewasbroughttoHim,Hequietlyapproachedit,tookitsbridle,gentlycaresseditandplacedHisfootinthestirrup.
ThehorsestoodstillandsilentasifconsciousofHispower.
Theonlookersconsideredthislittleshortofamiracle,rushedtokisshisstirrups,andwererestrainedbytheprince'sattendantswhowishedtoprotectHim.
Hedismissedallbuttheprince'sprivateattendantandSiyyidHasanwhowaitedonHimandwasescortedbackbytheprince.
ThepeoplerushedtotakeawaytothelastdropHisablutionswater.
TheB'87bnotedthetraditionoftheIm'87m'Al'92referringto'e7dhirB'87yj'87nandthelakeofUr'9cm'92yyihwhichwouldboiloverandinundatethetown.
HealsoobservedwhenHewasinformedofthemajorityofthetownproclaimingtheirfaithaversefromtheQur''87nindicatingtheirfaithmustbetested.
WhennewsofHissentencereachedthem,onlyahandfulperseveredintheirallegiancetoHim.
Mull'87Im'87m-Vard'92whosetenaciousfaithcouldnotbesurpassedexceptbyMull'87Jal'92l-i-Ur'9cm'92(aLetter).
HelaterattainedBah'87'u'll'87h'spresence,recognizedHim,andearnestlystrovetopromotetheB'87b'sCauseuntilhisdeathat80.
Bah'87'u'll'87hpraisedhim&hisfamilyinnumerousTablets.
NewsoftheB'87b'swondersspreadthroughTihr'87n,leadingtheclergytorenewtheirattacks,basedonthefearoftheextinctionoftheirauthorityandthejealousyattheloyaltyHehadevoked.
II.
HisarrivalatTabr'92z-311(312)Tabr'92zwasparticularlyinflamed.
AllexcepttheecclesiasticsgratefullyhailedHisreturnsothattheauthoritiesplacedHimoutsidethecitygates.
OnlythoseHedesiredcouldmeetHimwhileallotherswererefused.
Onthe2ndnightofHisarrival,Hesummoned'Az'92m,proclaimedHimselftheQ'87'im,andafterfindinghimreluctant,promisedtodeclareHisMissionthenextdayinthepresenceoftheheirtothethrone(Val'92-'Ahd),the'ulam'87s,¬ables,andassertedthatifanychoseanothertestimonybesidesHisWord,heshouldseektheQ'87'imofhisidlefancy.
'Az'92mwasrestlessuntilsunrise,foundhimselftransformed,andfeltrequiredtoaccepttheB'87bwholeheartedlyifheweretobefaithfultoMuhammad.
HebeggedHisforgiveness.
TheB'87brespondedthateven'Az'92m(Great)feltcompelledbyitsclaimandassuredhimthathewouldfortifythewaverer'scertitudeandbecomesostronginfaiththatanenemywishingtolessenhislovebytearinghimapartwouldfail.
Henolongerfeltanyfear.
HisdetentionoutsideTabr'92zdidn'tallaythecity'sexcitementbutaggravatedit.
TheVaz'92rsummonedtheecclesiasticstothegovernor'sresidencetoarraignHimandextinguishHisinfluence.
H'87j'92Mull'87Mahm'9cd(Niz'87mu'l-'Ulam'87,thetutorofVal'92-'Ahd),N'87siri'd-D'92nM'92rz'87(Val'92-'Ahd),Mull'87Muhammad-i-M'87m'87q'87n'92,M'92rz'87'Al'92-Asghar(Shaykhu'l-Isl'87m),M'92rz'87Ahmad(Im'87m-Jum'ih),&othershaykh'92s&doctorsattended.
III.
Hisexaminationbythe'ulam'87s-315TheNiz'87mu'l-'Ulam'87'hadthepresidencyofthemeetingandcalledanofficertobringintheB'87batthebeginning.
ThemasseshadimpatientlycrowdedintoseeHim,requiringthatapassagebeforcedforhimtopassthroughthecrowdatthegate.
TheB'87bgreetedtheassemblyandwalkedtotheonevacantseat,reservedfortheVal'92-'Ahd.
Hismajestywasoverpowering,causingadeepsilenceuntiltheNiz'87mu'l-'Ulam'87askedHimWhoHewas&whatHisclaimwas.
TheB'87bdeclaredHimselfthepromisedOneWhohadtheyhadbeencallinguponfor1000years&statedthatthepeoplesofEast&WestweretoobeyHim.
Mull'87Muhammad-i-M'87m'87q'87n'92(theone-eyed,white-beardeddiscipleofSiyyidK'87zimthatShaykhHasan-i-Zun'9cz'92recalledafterheheardtheconversationoutinthehallhadbeentearfullypitied&condemnedbySiyyidK'87zimwhoforesawhisfuturebehavior),seatedtotheleftoftheVal'92-'Ahd(theB'87bwasinaseatbetweenthem),brokethesilentconfusionandagitation&criticizedtheB'87basawretched&immatureladandquestionedwhetherHewishedtocauseaturmoilin'e7dhirb'87yj'87nasHehad'Ir'87q.
TheB'87brepliedHehadnotbeenbroughttherebyHisownaccord.
Mull'87MuhammadtoldHimtoholdHispeaceandcalledHimacontemptilbefollowerofSatan,towhichtheB'87bstatedthatHemaintainedHisclaim.
TheNiz'87mu'l-'Ulam'87challengedHimopenlybystatingthatsuchastupendousclaimrequiredincontrovertibleevidence.
TheB'87brepliedthatthemightiestproofswasHisWord,astestifiedintheQur''87n,&thatHecouldrevealthetheQur''87n'sequivalentin2days&2nights.
TheNiz'87mu'l-'Ul'87m'87requestedtheB'87bdescribethegathering'sproceedingsorallyinlanguageresemblingtheQur''87ninordertodemonstrateHisclaim.
TheB'87bagreed,startedinpraiseofGod,&wasinterruptedbyMull'87MuhammadwhocriticizedHisgrammarviolation.
TheB'87bpleadedthattheQur''87ndidn'tfollowgrammar,thatthegrammarruleshavebeendeducedfromtheWorditself,&thattheQur''87nitselfhadover300errors,forcingitsdiscoverstoresigntoHiswill.
TheB'87brepeatedHiswords,wasobjectedtoagain,andanotheraskedtowhichtensethewordIshtartannabelonged.
TheB'87bquotedtheQur''87nicversethatthegloryoftheLordwasfarfromwhatthepeopleimputetoHim,thenleftthegathering.
TheNiz'87mu'l-'Ulam'87'andotherslaterexpresseddispleasureattheirirrelevantquestionsthoughMull'87Muhammadpersisted&warnedthattheB'87bwouldcontinuetogainallegianceuntiltheythemselvesmightbeexpelledbyHimfromthecity.
IV.
IndignityinflicteduponHim-319(320)Mull'87Muhammad'spersistentattacksinducedtheauthoritiestocallHimtoconsiderholdingasimilargathering&punishHimfortakingtheVal'92-'Ahd'sseat¬obtainingconsentfromthechairmantoleavebutN'87siri'd-D'92nM'92rz'87refusedthis.
InsteadHewastobebroughttoM'92rz'87'Al'92-Asghar'shome(theShaykhu'l-Isl'87mofTabr'92z)andstruckbythegovernor'sbody-guard.
Thebody-guardrefusedtointerfereinmattersofthe'ulam'87s,sotheShaykhu'l-Isl'87mdecidedtohimself,applyingrods11timestoHisfeetaftersummoningHimtohishome.
Withintheyearthistyrantwasparalyzed,enduredgreatpain,anddiedmiserably.
Allwereremindedbyhisdeathofthepunishmentawaitingthecruel.
HehadbeensocrueltohispeoplethatthepositionofShaykhu'l-Isl'87mwasitselfabolished&scornedinTabr'92z.
TheB'87bsufferedothersuchvillainousconductdespitetheProphetandIm'87m'sprophecythatifaYouthfromBan'92-H'87shimweretomanifestanewBook&laws,allshouldembraceHisCause.
ThepeopleinsteadfollowedtheirleadersdespitethewarningthatmostofHisenemiesweretobethe'ulam'87s.
Onfootnote1,p.
320Dr.
Cormick'saccountisrecordedwhereHedescribeshowuponmeetingHimHedidnotansweranyquestionsputtoHimby2PersiandoctorsdecidingtodetermineHissanity,butHeintentlyregardedhimuponsayingthathewasnotaMusulmanandmightconsideradoptingHisreligion.
HerepliedHehadnodoubtallofEuropewouldbewonovertoHisfaith.
Uponbeingstruck(intentionally)inthefacewhenHewastobebastinadoed,Dr.
CormickwasrequestedbyHimbuttheyhadnochancetotalkfurther.
Dr.
CormickpraisedHisfeatures,spokeofHisspeakingwithArmeniancarpentersreadingtheBible&praiseditslackoffanaticismandsuppressionofwomen.
V.
HisreturntoChihr'92q,andHisepistletoH'87j'92M'92rz'87'e7q'87s'92-323(322)HewasreturnedtoYahy'87Kh'87n'skeeping.
AlthoughthedignitarieshopedthattheirmeetingwouldinduceHimtoabandonHisMission,itenabledHimtoproclaim,defend,&distinguishHisclaimaswellasspreaditsfame,stiritsdisciples,andforetellfuturehappenings.
TheB'87bwroteadenunciationoftheVaz'92r'scharacterandaction,namingitsopeningpassagestheQahr'92yyih(SermonofWrath),andproclaiminghisdisbeliefinanepistleforwardedtoHujjattodeliverpersonallytotheVaz'92r.
Bah'87'u'll'87hrelatedtoNab'92lthatMull'87Muhammad-'Al'92y-i-Zanj'87n'92,afterdeliveringtheTablet,visitedHim.
HewaswithM'92rz'87Mas'92h-i-N'9cr'92&otherbelieversandherecitedthetexttothembymemoryandrelatedtheincidentsofitsdelivery.
Bah'87'u'll'87h'sreferenceidicatedhowpleasedHewaswithhisnobleandpurelife,hiscourage,will,unworldliness&constancy.
SummaryofChapterXVIIII.
TheB'87b'scustodiansbroughtHimthroughUr'9cm'92yyihonthewaytoTabr'92zinordertocircumventKhuywheretheirtyrannywouldlikelybeprotested.
HewaswellreceivedbytheprinceMalikQ釃simM'92rz'87.
TheprinceonedaysoughttotestHiscouragebyhavinghisgroomofferHimoneofhiswildesthorsestoride.
TheB'87baccepteddespitehisattendant'spleaandimpressedthemultitudewhichwatchedHimapproachthehorseasittamelywaitedforHim.
TheyswarmedtoseeHimforcingtheprince'smentorestrainthem.
TheyalsosoughttotakeawayHisablutionswater;however,theB'87bhintedthattheirbeliefwouldbetested.
WhennewsofHistreatmentinTabr'92zarrived,onlyafewmaintainedtheirnew-foundfaith.
II.
NewsoftheB'87b'swondersspreadandinflamedtheclergy.
TheclergyconfinedHimoutsidethecitytodispeltheexcitementawaitingHimbythemasses.
When'Az'92mhesitatedtoaccepttheB'87bafterHedeclaredittohim,theB'87bpromisedtomakeHisdeclarationthenextdayinfrontoftheheirtothethrone(Val'92-'Ahd)andthatanyothertestimonybesidesHisWordwouldbetheseeker'sidlefancy.
'Az'92mfeltrestlessuntilsunrisethenextmorning,whenhewastransformed.
TheB'87bcommentedonhowthepoweroftheFaithwassuchastochangeeventhe'Az'92m(Great).
Hepromisedhewouldbecomesostronginfaiththathewouldnotwaverevenwerehecuttopieces.
III.
Asthepopulace'srestlessnessdidnotdissipate,theauthoritescalledameetingofdignitariesincludingtheVal'92-'Ahd.
WhentheB'87bwasorderedinbythechairmanandHewalkedinsatintheonevacantseatthathadbeenreservedfortheVal'92-'Ahd,allwereoverpoweredbyHispresence.
FinallythechairaskedtheB'87bWhoHewasandwhatHisclaimwas.
TheB'87bmadeHisdeclarationtobethePromisedOnewhosenamestheyhadfor1000yearsinvoked&statedthatitwasincumbentonthepeoplesofEastandWesttoacceptHisFaith.
HewasattackedbyMull'87Muhammad-i-M'87m'87q釃n'92,adiscipleofSiyyidK'87zimwhohadbeenpitiedandcriticizedbyHismasterforwhathewastodohere.
HecalledtheB'87bwretched,accusedHimofstirringupturmoil,andtoldHimtoholdHispeaceashecalledHimSatan'sfollower.
IV.
Thechairchallengedthatsuchaclaimrequiredseriousevidence.
TheB'87bdeclaredthatthemightiestproofwasHisWordandthatHecouldrevealtheequivalentoftheQur''87nin2daysandnights.
TheB'87bagreedtotherequestofthechairtoorallydescribetheproceedingsthereinalanguageresemblingtheQur''87n.
AsHebegan,HewasinterruptedbyMull'87MuhammadwhocriticizedHisgrammar.
TheB'87bmaintainedthatsucherrorswerepresentintheQur''87nitselfandthatitwasincumbentonthepeopletoacceptthese,astheirgrammarhadbeenderivedfromtheHolyBooksthemselves.
Whenanotheraskedanothergrammaticalquestion,theB'87bquotedtheQur''87nicversethatthegloryoftheLordwasfarfromwhatthepeopleimputetoHim,thenleftthegathering.
V.
Thechairwasdisappointedatthepettinessofthepeople'sobjectionsbutthedignitariesweremadetofeartheB'87bbyMull'87MuhammadwhoinsistedthatHisgrowinginfluencecouldleadtotheirdownfall.
The'ulam釃sconsideredHispunishmentforoccupyingtheVal'92-'Ahd'schairandleavingwithouthispermissionanddecidedtohavehisfeetthrashed(11timeswitharod),whichtheShaykhu'l-Isl釃mdidafterhisbody-guardrefusedtointerfere.
Hesufferedothercrueltreatmentfromthe'ulam'87.
TheShaykhu'l-Isl'87m,whohadalsobeencrueltohissubjects,wasparalyzed,diedamiserabledeath,andservedasareminderforthefateawaitingthecruel.
VI.
DuringHisstayinTabr'92z,HewasvisitedbyaEuropeandoctor,Dr.
CormickwhocommentedfavorablyontheB'87b'sfeatures&Faith,anddescribedhisbriefencounterinwhichtheB'87bindicatedHisassuranceofHisFaithconvertingallofEurope.
VII.
AfterthisincidenthadallowedHimtoproclaimHisFaithandspreaditsinfluence,HewasreturnedtoYahy'87Kh'87n'skeepingandwroteanepistledenouncingH'87j'92M'92rz'87'e7q'87s'92'sbehaviorandhaditdeliveredbyHujjat.
Bah'87'u'll'87htoldNab'92lhowHujjatvisitedHimafteritsdelivery,HistoneindicatedhowwellBah'87'u'll'87hthoughtofhim.
SummaryofContentsI.
HisvisittoUr'9cm'92yyih-309II.
HisarrivalatTabr'92z-311III.
Hisexaminationbythe'ulam'87s-315IV.
IndignityinflicteduponHim-319V.
HisreturntoChihr'92q,andHisepistletoH'87j'92M'92rz'87'e7q'87s'92-323OtherSummariesofthisChapterRegardingtheB'87bbeingsummonedtoTabr'92z(viaUr'9cm'92yyihavoidingKhuy)(DB309-315,seealsoDB305-308),seeGPB20-21;TN14.
RegardingtheexaminationoftheB'87binTabr'92zandHispublicproclamation(DB315-319),seeGPB17,21-22,35;TN14-15.
RegardingthepersecutionsoftheShaykhu'l-Isl'87m(DB320-322,note1)andhisdemise(DB321),seeGPB83-84.
RegardingHujjat'sdeliveryoftheB'87b'sTablettoH'87j'92M'92rz'87'e7q'87s'92(DB323),seealsoGPB27.
Overallof309-323:GPB17,20-22,27,35,83-84;TN14-15.
CHAPTERXIX:THEM'e7ZINDAR'e7NUPHEAVALI.
Mull'87Husayn'sdeparturefromMashhad-324(cont.
fromp.
291)HereturnedtoMashhadfromtheprince'scampandwastoleave7dayslatertoKarbil'87.
Theprinceandofficerbothofferedtopayforhisexpenses,thoughhedeclinedallbutaswordandhorsefromtheofficer.
Mull'87Husaynhadinspiredindescribabledevotioninthepeopletotheextentthatcrowdsbesiegedhishousehopingtobeallowedtoaccompanyhimonhisjourneytowardsacrifice-includingmothersandsistersurgingtooffertheirsons&brothersasofferings.
AmessengerbroughthimtheB'87b'sturban,newshehadbeengivenbyHimanewname,Siyyid'Al'92,&wastoldtowearthegreenturban,unfurltheBlackStandardandhastentoJaz'92riy-i-Khadr'87'(VerdantIsle)toassistQudd'9cs.
Mull'87Husaynobeyed,wentonhorse&marchedwith202companionstoJaz'92riy-i-Khadr'87'.
TheyproclaimedtheCauseineveryvillage&hamlettheypassed,invitedthemtoembraceit,&amongtheseafewwereaskedtojoin.
H'87j'92'Abdu'l-Maj'92d,Bad'92'sfather,notedmerchant,&sonofownerofbest-knownturquoisemineofN'92sh'87p'9cr,enlistedthere&forsookmaterialhonors&riches.
InM'92y'87may30declared(allbutMull'87''eas'87weremartyredatTabars'92).
ThechiefoftheseM'92rz'87Zaynu'l-''e7bid'92n(ShaykhAhmad'spupil)hadencouragedhisnew18-year-oldson-in-lawtojoinhimonhislastjourneyasatruefathertoenabletopartakeofthejoyofsalvation(footnote1,p.
326)AtChashmih-'Al'92nearD'87mgh'87nonhighroadtoM'87zindar'87n,Mull'87Husaynbrokejourneyfor3daysundershadowofabigtreebyarunningstream.
Hetoldthemtheystoodatthepartingofways&thattheywouldawaitHisdecreeastothedirectiontheyshouldtake.
II.
DeathofMuhammadSh'87h-327(326)Laterastormstruckdownalargebranchfromthetree&Mull'87HusaynobservedthatMuhammadSh'87h'ssovereigntyhadbeenuprooted&throwntotheground.
Amessengerarrived3dayslaterannouncingtheking'sdeath.
Mull'87HusaynpointedtowardM'87zindar'87n,statedthatitwasthewaytoKarbil'87,andinformedthosewhowereunpreparedforthetrialsaheadtoreturnhome.
Herepeatedthiswarningseveraltimes,announcedthat72ofhiscompanionsandhimwoulddiefortheWell-Beloved,andagainaskedthoseunabletorenouncetheworldtodepartfortheywouldlaterbeunabletoescape.
20companionsreturned.
III.
TheSa''92du'l-'Ulam'87'sappealtothepeopleofB'87rfur'9csh-328(cont.
from14,p.
267)Mull'87Husayn'sapproach,growingpopularity,mannerofdeparturewiththeBlackStandard,andthenumber,discipline,andenthusiasmofhiscompanionsarousedthehatredoftheSa''92du'l-'Ulam'87'.
Hehadthecriercallthepeopletothemasjid,announcingamomentoussermonnoneofthefaithfulcouldignore.
Oncethere,hethrewhisturbanontheground,toretheneckofhisshirt,bewailedtheplightoftheFaith,calledthemtoawakeagainsttheenemieswhowereabouttowipeoutallthattheycherishedaspure&holyinIsl'87m,decriedthatMull'87Husaynhadinsultedhimamidsthisdisciples&hadexpectedhonors,andcalleduponalltoattackthematdawn.
IV.
AttackbythepeopleofB'87rfur'9cshonMull'87Husaynandhiscompanions-329(328)Duetohiseloquence,authority,andfearoflosingtheirlives&property,theyallfoundorcreatedanyweapontheycould,anddeterminedtokillthem&taketheirproperty.
Mull'87Husayn,afterofferingmorningprayer,hadhiscompanionsdiscardtheirpossessions,todemonstratetheirrenunciationofearthlythings(includingtheirsteeds).
Bad'92'sfatherwasthe1sttodiscardhissatchel(includingvaluableturquoise).
TheymettheirenemiesafewmilesfromB'87rfur'9cshwhomenacinglyblockedthem&insultedthem.
Mull'87Husaynpreventedhiscompanionsfromunsheathingtheirswordsuntiltheyweretobeforcedtoprotectthemselves.
Justthen,shotsbrought6totheground.
Onebeggedhimtoallowthemtodefendthemselvesbutherefusedasthenumberwasnotyetcomplete.
WhenabulletkilledasiyyidfromYazdwhohadwalkedfromMashhadandwasofhisstaunchestsupporters,Mull'87Husaynlookedup&prayedtoGod,describingtheirwelcomebythesepeople,expressedhisintentiontoguidethemtoTruth&howhewishedtoobeyHiscommandtodefendthemselves.
V.
RepulseoftheattackbyMull'87Husayn-330Heunsheathedhissword,spurredhischargerintotheirmidst,pursuedhisassailant&cuthisswordthroughthetree,themusketthatthemanhadheldupasashield&theman'sbody(withhislefthandaccordingtoM'92rz'87J'87n'92.
EventheMuslimsdidnotdenytheeventoccurred.
,p.
331,note1).
Theyallfledafterseeingthis.
TheB'87b&Qudd'9csbothlaterpraisedhimforthis.
M'92rz'87AhmadrelatedthestoryofTabars'92toNab'92lamonthafteritoccurred.
VI.
AccountrelatedbyM'92rz'87Muhammad-i-Fur'9cgh'92-332WhilestayingatMull'87S'87diq-i-Khur'87s'87n'92'sinMashhadwherehehadbeeninvitedtoteachtheCause,Nab'92laskedM'92rz'87Muhammad-i-Fur'9cgh'92ofthenatureofthisaccount.
M'92rz'87Muhammadstatedthathewouldneverhavebelieveditifhehadn'tseenit.
HetoldhowthecruelandsuppressingM'92rz'87Taq'92Kh'87n(Am'92r-Niz'87m,I'tim'87du'd-Dawlih,GrandVaz'92r,successortoH'87j'92M'92rz'87'e7q'87s'92)rebukedPrinceMihd'92-Qul'92M'92rz'87forhislosstosuchahandfulofyoungcontemptiblestudents(andquestioningwhatwouldhavehappenedhadheorderedhimtodefeattheRussian&Ottomangovernmentforces).
Theprincehadamessengerbringintheriflebarreltodemonstratethestrengthofhisopponent&describedhowhehadcutthetree,musket,&maninto6pieceswith1stroke.
Theministerwascompelledbysuchachallenge,anddespiteoverwhelmingforces,wasonlyabletodefeathimbypledgingontheQur''87ntoabstainfromattackingthemandrenegingonhispledge.
Nab'92lnarrateshowthisactofMull'87Husaynwonmanyadmirersincludingpoetswhospreadknowledgeofthisdeed,includingRid'87-Qul'92Kh'87n-i-Lalih-B'87sh'92whopraisedhisstrengthandskillinT'87r'92kh-i-N'87sir'92.
Nab'92lrelated&M'92rz'87Muhammad()refutedtheclaimintheN'87sikhu't-Tav'87r'92khthatMull'87Husaynhadbeenextensivelytrainedinswordsmanshipasayouth.
M'92rz'87()Muhammadexplainedhowasalong-timeclassmate&friendofMull'87Husayn,heknewthathehadbeenevenweakerthanhimself,hishandtrembledashewrote,limitinghowmuchandoftenhecouldwriteevenuntilgoingtoM'87zindar'87n.
Fromthatmoment,however,Mull'87Husaynwastransformedandwaslateralwaysthefirsttospringforwardintobattle,&winthebattlealone.
Hiscompanionswereleftwiththosewhohadbeendisabledandweakenedbyhisattacks.
Hisnamecouldstriketerrorintotheheartsoftheenemyleadingthemtofleeandtrembleathisapproach.
EvenhiscompanionsweremutedwithwonderbeforehimandrecognizedhispossessionofaspiritfromGod.
M'92rz'87MuhammadrelatedhowMull'87Husaynhaddisappearedafterdealingthatblow,andhadbeenfollowedonlybyQambar-'Al'92.
Thisservantrelatedtothemhowhehadbeenabletostrikedownin1strokeeachwhohadattackedhim.
HewenttoB'87rfur'9cshdespitethebulletsrainingonhimtotheSa''92du'l-'Ulam'87'shouse,circledthehouse3times,criedforhim,astheinstigator,toemergeanddemonstratethesincerityofhisappeal,andremindedhimoftherequirementforthecallerofaholywartodemonstratehiscallbyexample.
VII.
SurrenderofthepeopleofB'87rfur'9csh-336Oncehiscrydrownedtheirclamor,theycriedoutforpeace.
Justthenhiscompanionscalledout"Y'87S'87hibu'z-Zam'87n!
"atthetopoftheirvoices,strikingdismayintotheirhearer'shearts.
Theywereamazedtofindhimalive,unhurtonhishorse,andtheyreverentlyapproached&kissedhisstirrups.
Thepeacewasgranted,andMull'87HusayncalleduponthefollowersoftheProphetandsh'92'ahsoftheim'87ms,askingthemwhytheyhadarisenagainstthem,andquestionedwhethertheyhadeverrepudiatedthetruthofIsl'87m&whethertheydeservedthehospitalitytheyhadgiven.
HecommentedthathehadonlyreceivedascratchonhisfacedespitetheirattackandthatitwasthewillofGodtoestablishtheascendancyofHisFaith.
Mull'87HusaynwenttothecaravanseraiofSabzih-Mayd'87n,dismounted,waitedforhiscompanions&sentthemtogetbread&waterontheirarrival.
Theyreturnedempty-handedunabletoprocurethemfromthebakerorpublicsquareandindicatedtheirresignationtoandconfidenceinGod'swill.
Mull'87Husaynorderedthegatestobeclosed,assembledthem,beggedthemtoremaingathereduntilsunset,andaskedwhetheranywerewillingtogivetheirlifeandsoundtheadh'87n.
VIII.
RenewedattemptsbyMull'87Husayn'scompanionstosoundtheadh'87n-338(337)Ayouthrespondedandwaskilledbyabulletaftersaying"All'87h-u-Akbar.
"He(338)calledanothertoarisewithrenunciationtoproceed,ayouthrespondedandwaskilledaftersaying"IbearwitnessthatMuhammadistheApostleofGod.
"Hecalledathirdyouthwhofelldeadtowardstheendoftheprayersaying"ThereisnoGodbutGod.
"IX.
SortiefromthecaravanseraioftheSabzih-Mayd'87n-338ThisledMull'87Husayntoopenthecaravanseraigate,arisewithhisfriends,andrepulsetheirattack.
Onhorse,hegaveorderstoattack,anddecimatedtheirforces,afewwhohadescapedfledinpanic,pleadingforpeace,bringingtheSabzih-Mayd'87nfromfulloccupationtodesertionanddeadbodies.
X.
IntercessionofthenotablesofB'87rfur'9csh-339SuchavictorypromptedthenoblesandchiefstobeseechMull'87HusaynonbehalfofthepeopleofB'87rfur'9cshtohearthemoutandrestorepeace.
Theycontrastedtheirintentionswiththewelcomegiventhembythepeople,implicatedtheSa''92du'l-'Ulam'87'astheinstigatorandbesoughthimtoforgetthepastandleavefor'e7mulforhissupposedprotection.
Mull'87Husaynhintedattheirinsinceritybutconsented,'Abb'87s-Qul'92Kh'87n-i-L'87r'92j'87n'92andH'87j'92Mustaf'87Kh'87naroseandsworebytheQur''87ntoregardthemasguestsandensuretheirsafepassagethenextdaythroughSh'92r-G'87hwithKhusraw-i-Q'87d'92-Kal'87''92&100horsemen.
TheystatedthatthemaledictionofGodwouldbeontheminbothworldsiftheyallowedthemanyinjury.
Themenwhohadgonetogetfoodforthemen&horsescame&Mull'87Husaynhadthembreakfastsincetheyhadnoteatensincedawnnoreventakentheteaofferedthem(duetothegreatnumberofnotables&attendantsthere).
4hoursaftersunsetthatnightMull'87Husaynandfriendsdinedwith'Abb'87s-Qul'92Kh'87n&H'87j'92Mustaf'87Kh'87n.
XI.
InstructionsgiventoKhusraw-i-Q'87d'92-Kal'87''92-339Thatnight,theSa''92du'l-'Ulam'87'summonedKhusraw-i-Q'87d'92-Kal'87''92&expressedhiswishthattheB'87b'92spropertyshouldbeseized&theyexecuted.
KhusrawquestionedtheappropriatenessofthemattackingpeopleofIsl'87mwhoinsistedoncompletingthecalltoprayer,whiletheyperpetratedsuchacts.
Theulam'87insistedhisordersbeobeyed,toldhimnottofearashewouldtakeresponsibilitybeforeGodfortheact&thattheyinauthorityknewbest.
'Abb'87s-Qul'92Kh'87ncalledinKhusrawatsunrise,andcalledhimtotreatMull'87Husaynandcompanionswell,deliverthemsafely,andrefuseanyrewardstheymightofferhim.
Khusrawpretendedtoobey,assuredhimtheywouldnotflinchintheirvigilanceordevotiontothem,andpromisedtobringbackawrittentestimonyfromhimregardingtheirservices.
WhenKhusrawwasbroughtintohispresencebythenotables,Mull'87HusayncommentedthathisactionswouldeitherbehisrewardorpunishmentandcommittedtheirwilltoGod's.
Qambar-'Al'92raisedMull'87Husayn'scall"Mountyoursteeds,OheroesofGod!
"&theyallhurriedtothem.
SomehorsemenprecededthemandKhusraw&Mull'87Husaynrodeabreastinthecenter.
Behindweretheothercompanions&totheirright&leftwerethearmedhorsemen.
2hoursaftersunrisetheyleftbywayoftheforest(Khusraw'sdesign).
XII.
IncidentintheforestofM'87zindar'87n-342Onceintheforest,hesignaledforattack.
Themenseizedtheirproperty,killedsomeincludingthebrotherofMull'87S'87diqandcapturedtherest.
Uponhearingthis,Mull'87Husaynstopped,protestedhisbehavior,andrefusedtocontinuealongwithhim.
HehadQambar-'Al'92spreadouthisprayer-mat&begantopreparehisablutionswhenKhusrawdismounted,hadanattendantdemandMull'87Husayn'sswordandhorsefortheirsafedelivery,andwasrefusedareply.
M'92rz'87Muhammad-Taq'92y-i-Juvayn'92y-i-Sabziv'87r'92,aliterary&fearlessmanrequestedandwasallowedtotaketheqaly'87n(waterpipe)toKhusraw,andwhenkindlingthefireforitsuse,heplungedadaggerfromhisrobeintohisvitals.
ThecompanionscriedthecalltotheLordoftheAgeandkilledallbuttheattendantwhohadpreparedtheqaly'87n.
HebeggedMull'87Husayn'sassistance&wastoldtobringthebejeweledqaly'87ntoB'87rfur'9csh&tellallto'Abb'87s-Qul'92Kh'87n.
Hedeclaredthatnothingcouldwresthissword&horsefromhimuntiltheyhadaccomplishedtheirwork.
Theywaitedthereuntildawn,whenafterofferinghisprayer,Mull'87Husayngatheredthefriends,announcedtheimmanenceofreachingthedestination,&orderedthefewwhohadtriedtotakeKhusraw's&hismen'sbelongingstoarrivethereinutterdetachment.
XIII.
ArrivalattheshrineofShaykhTabars'92-343Hewalkedalittlefurther&arrivedattheshrineoftheShaykhTabars'92whohadtransmittedtraditionsoftheim'87ms)&askedforGod'sblessingofhisarrival.
XIV.
DreamoftheguardianoftheshrineofShaykhTabars'92-344TheguardiandreamtthattheSiyyidu'sh-Shuhad'87',theIm'87mHusaynhadarrivedtherewith72warriorsandcompanions,engagedinmostheroicbattles,triumphedineveryencounter,theProphetHimselfarrivedonenight.
TheguardianrecognizedMull'87Husaynasthehero,threwhimselfatanddevoutlykissedhisfeet.
Mull'87Husayninvitedhimtobeseatedandheardhimrelatethestory.
Mull'87Husaynassuredhimofthetruthofthedream.
Thismanlaterbecameamartyrthere.
XV.
AttackandrepulseofthehorsemenofQ'87d'92-Kal'87-345Mull'87HusayninstructedthebuilderoftheB'87b'92yyih,M'92rz'87Muhammad-B'87qirhowtoconstructthefort.
Laterthatday,horsemenemergedfromtheforesttoattackthem.
TheystatedthattheywishedtoavengeKhusraw'sdeathandkillthemall.
Thecompanionsaroseinself-defence,raisedthecall,andrepulsedthemwiththeircryevenastheyhadappeared.
M'92rz'87Muhammad-Taq'92y-i-Juvayn'92had,athisownrequest,assumedcommandthistime.
Fromfearoftheirreturn,theypursuedthemtowhattheythoughtwastheirvillage,inducingthementofleeattheirsight.
Themotherofthevillageowner(NazarKh'87n)wasaccidentallykilledintheconfuseddarknight,anduponthewomen'sprotestoftheirlackofconnectiontoQ'87d'92-Kal'87,theirchiefdesistedanddiscoveredtohisdistressthemistakenidentity.
Heapologisedsincerely.
WhenNazarKh'87nheardhissincerity,heemergedfromhiding,invitedhimindespitehissorrow,requestedtomeetMull'87HusaynandinquiredintotheCause.
TheyvisitedMull'87Husaynatdawnwhilehewasleadingcongregationalprayer.
HisrapturewonNazarKh'87novertojointhemandrepeattheprayers.
Afterwards,Mull'87Husayntouchinglysympathizedwithhisloss,expressedtheirintentionstoprotectlives,relatedhowtheycamethere,andagainassuredhim.
HazarKh'87n,however,repliedthathewishedhehad100sonstooffertotheLordoftheAge,pledgedhisloyalty,andreturnedtothisvillagetobringthemneededprovisions.
Mull'87Husaynhadeveryoneworktowardthefort'scompletion.
TheywereconstantlydisturbedbytheneighboringvillagesinstigatedbytheSa''92du'l-'Ulam'87buttheywithstoodtheirattacks,completedtheconstruction,andmadepreparationsforitseventualsiege.
XVI.
VisitofBah'87'u'll'87htothefortofShaykhTabars'92-348ShaykhAb'9c-Tur'87bsooncamewithnewsofBah'87'u'll'87h'sarrivalatNazarKh'87n'svillage,toldthemofHiscommandtohimtoinformthemthattheyweretobeHisgueststhatnight,andHewouldjointhemthatafternoon.
HehadthemimmediatelyprepareforHisreception&hehimselfevenswept&sprinkledtheapproachestotheshrinewithwater.
UponHisapproachwithNazarKh'87n,herushedtoembraceHimandbroughtHimtobereceivedthoughnonerecognizedHimatthetimedespitehisevidentjoyattheirmeeting.
Bah'87'u'll'87hbadethembeseated&theyfeltthecharmofHiswords.
Bah'87'u'll'87hinspectedandexpressedsatisfactionattheirworkandindicatedthenecessityofQudd'9cs'presence.
HehadMull'87HusayndespatchMull'87Mihd'92y-Khu''92with6toS'87r'92,anddemandM'92rz'87Muhammad-Taq'92deliverQudd'9csassuringhimthatthefearofGodwillprompthimtoreleasehim.
HestatedHisintenttovisitagain,describedhowhewaschosentobehost'svanguard,assuredhimofcompleteandcertainvictory,andreturnedtothevillagewithNazarKh'87n&ShaykhAb'9c-Tur'87blefttoN'9crthenTihr'87n.
XVII.
LiberationofQudd'9cs-350Mull'87Husaynsentthemen&obtainedhisrelease.
M'92rz'87MuhammadTaq'92toldhismessengersthathehadonlyconsideredhimanhonoredguestandwasfreetoleave.
Mull'87HusaynurgedthefriendstoshowQudd'9cssuchreverenceastheywouldtotheB'87b,whileconsideringhimselfasonlyQudd'9cs'lowlyservant,eventoobeyhimwerehetocommandthetakingofMull'87Husayn'slife.
Heurgedthemtonotintrudeonhim,obeyhiswill,andrefrainfromkissinghishandsorfeet(ashedislikessuchevidencesofreverentaffection).
Heurgedthathisglorymustberecognizedbyeventhelowliestofthemandwarnedofthepunishmentawaitingthosewhowoulddisobeyinletterorspirit.
XVIII.
ReferencetotheBlackStandards-351Qudd'9csincarcerationhadlasted95days&hadbeentreateddeferentiallyandallowedtoseethosefromBadashtthoughheurgedallwhovisitedtoenlistundertheBlackStandardofMull'87HusaynforetoldbyMuhammad,andheldaloftfortheir11monthjourney.
XIX.
ConfinementofQudd'9csinthehouseofM'92rz'87Muhammad-Taq'92-351Qudd'9cssoughttowinhimovertotheFaithwithhisgentlelanguage&humour.
Despitehislatercruelbehaviorandexterminationofthefort'sdefenders,M'92rz'87Muhammad-Taq'92feltwithheldfromdisrespectingQudd'9csonhisstay.
Heevenprevented&rebukedtheS'87r'92inhabitantsforintendedtoharmhim.
XX.
ArrivalofQudd'9csatthefortofShaykhTabars'92-352Qudd'9csimmanentarrivalregeneratedtheircourage,includingMull'87Husaynwhoirrepressiblyjumpedupwith100tomeethim.
Helit2candlesinthehandofeach,andhadthemgotomeetQudd'9cs.
Theyinstantlyrecognizedhimintheforest,paidtributetotheirallegiance,andfollowedhimonfootwithQudd'9csridingalongasastarwithitssatellites.
Theybrokeoutahymnofglorification,Mull'87Husaynraisedtherefrain,theyresponded,andtheforestechoedwiththeiracclamations.
Uponarrival,Qudd'9csleanedagainsttheshrineandsaid"TheBaq'92yyatu'll'87hwillbebestforyouifyeareofthosewhobelieve.
"fromtheQur''87n,fulfillingthetraditionthatforetoldwhattheMihd'92wouldsaytoHis313followers.
XXI.
AccountrelatedbyM'92rz'87Muhammad-i-Fur'9cgh'92-353HerelatedhowQudd'9csthenmentionedBah'87'u'll'87handaskedaboutHimanddiscoveredHisintentiontoreturn,GodwillingbeforeMuharram.
Qudd'9cslaterhadMull'87Husaynrecitesomehomilies,thefirstfortheB'87b,the2ndforBah'87'u'll'87h,the3rdreferringtoT'87hirih.
ThefriendswereunsureofthereferencetoBah'87'u'll'87h&heapproachedhimseveraltimesforitsmeaning,andthoughfirstreluctant,Qudd'9csilluminatedthemwithhisexplanation&heightenedtheirawe.
HerelatedhowMull'87HusayncircledtheshrinewhereQudd'9csslept,recitedtheversetheyhadrecitedatQudd'9csarrival,andwhisperedtoMull'87M'92rz'87MuhammadduringhisdevotionstobanishhisperplexitiesandariseformartyrdomasHissecretwouldberevealedintheyear'80(1863).
XXII.
IncidentsinthefortofShaykhTabars'92concerningQudd'9cs-355(354)Qudd'9cshadMull'87Husayncountthecompanions.
HehadenteredtheforttotellhimthetotalwhenayouthcameinfromB'87rfur'9cshseizinghisgarmentandbeggingtobeallowedtobemartyredintheBeloved'spath.
Thiswasgranted,andQudd'9csremarkedthattheProphet'spropheciesregardingthepromisedOnehadtocometrueinordertofulfillthetruthintheeyesofthedivinesinorderforthepeopletorecognizethetruththroughthem.
(355)Qudd'9cscalledMull'87HusaynandthemostdistinguishedamongthemtochanttheB'87b'swritings.
HewouldsitintheMayd'87n(thesquareadjoiningthefort),listeningintentlyandoccasionallycommenting.
Hewouldcontinuehisdevotionsdespitethemostfervidattacksoftheenemy.
Hemaintainedhislaborsunruffleddespitethebulletsrainingonthemexclaiming"MysoulisweddedtoThymention!
"and"RemembranceofTheeisthestayandsolaceofmylife!
IgloryinthatIwasthefirsttosufferignominiouslyforThysakeinSh'92r'87z.
IlongtobethefirsttosufferinThypathadeaththatshallbeworthyofThyCause.
"Hehadhis'Ir'87q'92companionschanttheQur''87nandwouldunfolditsmeaning.
Ononeverseregardingtests,Qudd'9csindicateditsreferencetoJobandapplicabilitytothem,warningthatonlythosewithconstancyandpatiencecouldsurvivetheirfuturetests.
AftersuchdemonstrationsandQudd'9cs'writingsandbehaviordispelledthethoughtsthatMull'87Husaynwasonlyshowingdeferencefortheneedofthemoment.
Qudd'9cscontinuedherehisS'9crihofQulHuva'll'87hu'l-AhadhebeganatM'92rz'87Muhammad-Taq'92'srequesttotalingagainacommentary3timesaslongastheQur''87n.
Hecontinueddespitetheattacksoftheenemies&theamounthewrotewontheirwonderandrespectforhisleadership.
Mull'87Husaynbroughtthiscommentarytothemeachdaytowhichhepaidtribute.
Thefort'scompletionanimatedtheirzealandexcitedthevillagepeople'scuriositytotheextentthatmanytriedtobeadmitted;however,once313werethere,Qudd'9csallowednonemorein.
XXIII.
TheSa''92du'l-'Ulam'87'sappealtoN'87siri'd-D'92nSh'87h-358ThepraiseofthefortbyitsvisitorsinflamedtheSa''92du'l-'Ulam'87'tojealousy.
Afewdisobeyedhisordersandlentthemassistance-arrivingjustaftertheyfeltthedirestneedforbasicnecessities.
ThemannerinwhichtheycontinuallywererelievedpromptedhimtoappealtothenewSh'87hclaimingthathehadconvertedthevillagersandbuiltaforttorunacampaignagainsthim.
Hesoughttopersuadehimthattheirexterminationwouldbeabefittingbeginningtohiscareerandthatwerehetoignorethem,theywouldconquerPersia.
TheSh'87hdelegatedthistoarmyofficersofM'87zindar'87ncallingforwhateverwasnecessarytoeradicatethem.
H'87j'92Mustaf'87Kh'87n-i-Turkam'87npersuadedtheSh'87hthattheycouldovercometheuntrainedandfrail-bodiedstudentshehadseenwithasmallsegmentoftheirarmy,andobtainedhisconsenttocalluponhisbrother,'Abdu'll'87hKh'87n-i-Turkam'87ntocrushthemin2days.
XXIV.
Encampmentofthearmyof'Abdu'll'87hKh'87n-i-Turkam'87nnearthefortofShaykhTabars'92-360TheSh'87hordered'Abdu'll'87hKh'87ntorecruitforthis&gavehimaroyalbadgeindicatinghisconfidence.
Hewasmovedtoraiseandarmyof12,000(mostlyUsanl'9c,Afgh'87n,andK'9cd'87r),stationedtheminAfr'87&determinedtointercepttheirdailybreadthenwater.
Thearmyorderedtofireonanyoneleaving.
Qudd'9csforbadeanyonetogetwater.
Ras'9cl-i-Bahnim'92r'92complainedthattheirwatermightbeintercepted.
Qudd'9cswhowasatsunsetviewingthearmywithMull'87Husaynfromthefortterrace,acknowledgedtheirdistressandindicatedthat,Godwilling,adownpourofrainwouldovertaketheiropponents,andaheavysnowfalltoaidtheminrepulsingthem.
Thisdownpourruinedmuchoftheirammunition,gavethefriendssufficientwater.
Afterthesnowfall,Qudd'9cspacedbythegateandremarkedtoRas'9cl-i-Bahnim'92r'92inpraiseofGodforansweringtheirprayerinrefreshingthefriendsandbringingdesolationtotheirenemies.
XXV.
FirstsortiefromthefortofShaykhTabars'92-362(361)Asthearmypreparedtoattackdespiteitslosses,Qudd'9csrodeoutwithMull'87(362)Husaynand3others2hoursaftersunrisewiththerestfollowingonfoot,withtheircryringingoutanddispersingtheaffrightedenemywaitinginambush,leavingtheirpossessions.
In45minutes,Qudd'9csandMull'87Husaynhaddefeatedtherest.
'Abdu'll'87hKh'87n-i-Turkam'87n,2officers(Hab'92bu'll'87hKh'87n-i-Afgh'87n&N'9cru'll'87hKh'87n-i-Afgh'87n)and430mendied.
Qudd'9csreturnedtothefortasMull'87Husaynfinishedtheirwork.
Siyyid'Abdu'l-'Az'92m-i-Khu''92calledhimbackonbehalfofQudd'9cs.
Qudd'9csexplainedthattheyneednotpunishthemfurther,thattheirintentwasonlytoprotectthemselvestobeabletoworkforman'sregenerationandnotharmanyone,&theirachievementwasalreadysufficientproofofGod'spower.
NoB'87b'92swerekilledandonlyQul'92(whorodeinfrontofQudd'9cs)hadbeenbadlywounded.
Theywereorderedtotakenothingbesidesswords&horses.
Qudd'9cshadthemdigamoataroundthefort,taking19daysoflabor,andgivingthemenjoymenttoworkdayandnighttocompletetheworkwithwhichtheywereentrusted.
PrinceMihd'92-Qul'92M'92rz'87camewithanumerousarmyandcampedatSh'92r-G'87h.
XXVI.
MessageofPrinceMihd'92-Qul'92M'92rz'87toMull'87Husayn-363WhenhetransferredheadquarterstoV'87s-Kas,hesentamessagetoMull'87HusayninforminghimofhiscommandfromtheSh'87handenquiringintohispurpose.
Mull'87Husayndisclaimedanyintentionofsubvertingthemonarchy,thattheCausedealslargelywiththeQ'87'im&ecclesiasticorder&thattheycoulddeduceproofsforitstruth.
Themessengerwasmovedtotearsbyhissincerityanduponhisaskingwhattheyweretodo,hesaidtheprinceshoulddirectthe'ulam'87sofS'87r'92andB'87rfur'9cshtogathertoascertainhistruth,usingtheQur''87nasthebasisofargument,andallowingtheprincetojudge.
Themessengerpromisedthattheywouldbegatheredin3days.
3dayslater,theprinceattackedwith3infantryregimentsandseveralcavalry,gatheringtheminaspotoverlookingthearea,andopenedfire.
XXVII.
SecondsortiefromthefortofShaykhTabars'92-366Qudd'9cscalled"Mountyoursteeds,OheroesofGod!
"beforedaybreak,orderedthegatetobeopened,andMull'87Husaynand212othersrantotheirhorsesfollowingQudd'9cstoV'87s-Kas,undauntedbytheforcesorsnowandmudontheroad,theychargedtohisstrongholdinthedark.
Theprinceorderedfire,butMull'87Husaynwasnotstoppedandpursuedhimintohisprivatequarters.
Theprinceescapedthroughabackwindow&panicked.
Hishostfleddespitetheirnumbersandresources.
2or3otherprinceswerekilledinthissortie.
Theydisdainedtotakecoffersofgold&silvertheyfound.
Theyonlybroughtagunpowderpot&theprince'sfavoriteswordasasignoftheirvictorytoMull'87Husayn.
HehadreplacedhisswordwhichhadtakenabulletwithQudd'9cs'anduseditontheenemy.
Theyopenedtheprisongateoftheenemy&heardMull'87Y'9csuf-i-Ardib'92l'92whointercededforhisfellow-prisonersrelease.
ThatmorningMull'87HusayngatheredthefriendsaroundQudd'9csoutsideofV'87s-Kas,waitingonhorseexpectingarenewedattack.
Theyweresuddenlyrushed,respondedwiththeircry,andfacedthem.
Mull'87Husaynwentoneway,Qudd'9csandtheothersanother.
XXVIII.
InjurysustainedbyQudd'9cs-367ThoseafterMull'87HusaynrejoinedthoseagainstQudd'9cs'anddischarged1000bulletsagainstthem,oneofwhichknockedoutseveralofQudd'9cs'teethandinjuredhistongueandthroat.
Mull'87Husayncametotheirrescue,leavinghishorsetoQambar-'Al'92'scare,&ranwithfear&dismaytohisbleedingchief.
HewasabouttobeathimselfupontheheadwhenQudd'9cshadhimstop.
Heobeyed,beggedforhissword,unsheathedit,scatteredthemassesaroundhim,followedby110disciples,wieldingalsotheprince'ssword,androutedthemallinunder30minutes.
Theywereabletoreturntothefortthoughwithpainandsorrow.
Qudd'9cscomfortedthem,encouragingthemtosubmittoGod'swill.
callingthemtoremainsteadfast,indicatedtheparallelofthestonebreakingtheProphet'steethwithhisbythebullet,indicatedhisownjoy,andrequestedthemnottodisturbitbytheirsorrow.
XXIX.
Bah'87'u'll'87h'sattempttojointheoccupantsofthefortofShaykhTabars'92-368Thatsamemonth,Bah'87'u'll'87hsetoutfromN'9crtovisitthemwithH'87j'92M'92rz'87J'87n'92y-i-K'87sh'87n'92,Mull'87B'87qir-i-Tabr'92z'92,oneoftheLetters&M'92rz'87Yahy'87andinsistedonnotstoppingasordershadbeengivenby'Abdu'll'87hKh'87nnottoassistthemandguardswerepostedforthis.
Thefriendsinsistedonstopping,theyfellasleepwhileHereluctantlyconsentedandremainedawake.
Theenemies'secretemissariesinformedtheneighborhoodguardsoftheirarrival&theguardsorderedtheseizureoftheirpossessions&indicatedtheirorderstoconductthemtothegovernorin'e7mul.
Bah'87'u'll'87hcalmlyremarkedthatthematterhadbeenmisrepresented,thattheirpurposehadbeenmisconstrued,andthattheyshouldactinamannerwhichwouldnotleadtoregret.
Heconductedthemwithdignityto'e7mulandcalledHiscompanions(ridingadistancefromtheguards)tothrowwhatevermanuscriptstheyhadintothewater.
Amessagehadbeensentaheadtotheactinggovernor(thegovernorhadbeenappointedtojointheprincewentwithhisbody-guard).
Hecalledthe'ulam'87sandleadingsiyyidstomeetthem,wassurprisedtoseeBah'87'u'll'87h,regrettedhisorders&pretendedtoreprimandHim.
Bah'87'u'll'87hrespondedthattheywereinnocentandcalledonthemtoactinsuchawayasnottocauseregret.
Theactinggovernoraskedthe'ulam'87stopresentanyquestionstoHim.
Hereturnedconvincingreplies.
TheyfoundamanuscriptfromoneofHiscompanions,readitthinkingitthewritingsoftheB'87b,andcriticizedthemforitsviolationoforthography.
Bah'87'u'll'87hrespondedthatthewordswerenotoftheB'87bbutoftheIm'87m'Al'92,silencingthemujtahid.
AsiyyidangrilyindicatedthatBah'87'u'll'87hmustbeaB'87b'92andshouldbeputtodeathasaswornenemyoftheStateandIsl'87m.
Hewassecondedbyothersiyyids,callingonthegovernortocomply.
Fearfuloflosinghisposition,hehadhisattendantspreparerodstopunishthem&indicatedtheywouldbekeptinprisonuntilthegovernorreturned,thensenttoTihr'87nfortheirpunishment.
Mull'87B'87qirwastoreceivethefirstbastinado,claimingtobeonlyHisgroom.
Bah'87'u'll'87hintervenedforhim,forH'87j'92M'92rz'87J'87n'92whoHesaidwasameretradesmanandHisguest,andforM'92rz'87Yahy'87whoHesaidwasHisattendant.
Hesaidthatiftheyinsistedonpunishing,HeshouldbetheirVictim.
Theactinggovernorwasreluctantlycompelledtocomply.
XXX.
ReferencetoBah'87'u'll'87h'sactivitiespriortothedeclarationofHisMission-372Nab'92lrelateshowtheB'87bhadsufferedsimilarlyinTabr'92z5monthsbeforeinTabr'92z&comparessomeofTheirimprisonmentsandsufferings,indicatedtheB'87b'sprecededBah'87'u'll'87h'sinmostcases,asaransomtoHisBeloved,thoughBah'87'u'll'87hdidnotwishfortheB'87btobethesoleSufferer.
Thislove,hedescribescouldnotbeexploredifeverytreewereapen,alltheseasink,andtheheavensparchment.
Bah'87'u'll'87hwasconfinedwiththefriendsinaroomofthemasjid.
TheactinggovernorsoughttodeliverBah'87'u'll'87hthroughapassagetotheirroomintohishome.
HewasbringingBah'87'u'll'87hhimselfwhenasiyyidsprangforwardwithaclubtohitHim.
Theactinggovernorinterposed,adjuredhimbytheProphettostop&wascriticizedforreleasingaswornenemyoftheFaith.
Acrowdgathered&addedabusethoughthegovernor'sattendantswereabletoconductHimsafelyandwithsurprisingcourage&presenceofmind.
Theotherprisonersweretakentothegovernmentseat&saved,thegovernorprofuselyapologized,statedthatGodalonehaddeliveredHim&thathewouldhaveperishedwereitnotforthevowhemadetoriskhislifeforHim.
Hecomplainedofthesiyyids'behavior,servedHimwithkindness&devotion&statedhedidnotseeHimasaprisonerbutratherasbeingprotected.
Bah'87'u'll'87hreferredtoHisnobletreatmentdespitethefearofhishostthatthegovernor(relatedto'Abb'87s-Qul'92Kh'87n-i-L'87r'92j'87n'92)mightreturn.
Bah'87'u'll'87hattemptedtoassurehimthatthesameGodwhohaddeliveredthemfromthemischief-makersintohishospitablecare,isabletochangethegovernor'shearttotreatthemaswell.
Therealgovernorreturnedto'e7mulonenight,withHiscompanionsexpectingarenewedattack.
Herebukedthosewhohaddenouncedthem,however.
Hequestionedhowsuchawelcome&callforexecutioncouldbejustified.
HecalledthemtogotoShaykhTabars'92iftheywerefaithfultoIsl'87m.
Thegovernorhadchangedhisopinionbytheheroismofthefort'sdefenders.
Hiswrathwasdisarmed&hispridechastened.
HeapologizedtoBah'87'u'll'87hfortheirbehavior,servingHimdevotedlydespitehisrank,paidtributetoMull'87Husayn'scourage,skill,andnobility,andarrangedforBah'87'u'll'87handfriends'departuretoTihr'87n.
Bah'87'u'll'87h,despiteHisintentiontothrowinHislotwiththem,waspreventedbyProvidenceandpreservedtocompleteHiswork.
Nab'92lhererelatesHisgloriouseffortsandachievements,andindicateshowHehadbeentheMoveroftheforcesdestinedtoreshapetheirland,steeredtheircourse,harmonisedtheiraction,andconsummatedtheminHisCause.
SummaryofChapterXIXI.
AfterhavinginspiredthebelieversinMashhad,Mull'87HusaynfollowedordersoftheB'87btowearHisturban,unfurltheBlackStandard,andgotoassistQudd'9cs.
Alongtheway,manywerebroughtintotheCauseandafewwereallowedtojointhem.
UponreceivingnewsofMuhammadSh'87h'sdeath,Mull'87Husaynannouncedhissovereigntyhadbeenuprooted,warnedthemoftheperilstheywouldface,andafewwerecompelledtoleave.
II.
Outofjealosyandfear,theSa''92du'l-'Ulam'87'instigatedthepeopleagainstthem.
Mull'87Husaynhadhisfollowersdiscardtheirearthlypossessionstodemonstratetheirdetachment.
Whenthepeopleattackedthem,Mull'87HusaynallowedsomeofhismentobekilledandthenprayedtoGodandexpressedhisintentiontoguidethepeople,butreadinesstoobeyHiscommandtodefendthemselves.
Hethenchargedforthandcuthisassailant,musket,&treebehindwhichhewashidingallinhalfwith1stroke.
A.
M'92rz'87Taq'92Kh'87nblamedtheprincefornotdecimatingtheweakstudents,buttheprinceshowedhimthemusketandinducedhimtodeterminetoannihilatethem(Thoughthisonlyworkedthroughtreachery&swearingfalselyontheQur''87n.
)Manyincludingpoetsdiffusedthisnews.
Along-timefriendofhisrelatedhowMull'87Husaynhadnotrainingwithswordsandhaddifficultywriting,letalonewieldingaweapon.
B.
Mull'87HusaynrushedafterthistotheSa''92du'l-'Ulam'87'shouse,killingthosewhoopposedhimonthewaywith1stroke,circledthehouse,andcriedfortheinstigatortodemonstratehiswordsinaction.
Hiscryinducedtheenemytocallforpeace.
Hiscompanionsmadethecry,scaringtheenemy,wereamazedtofindhimalive,andapproachedhimwithreverenceandkissedhisstirrups.
Hequestionedthebasisoftheenemy'sattackonthem&claimedthattheirvictorywasonlythroughGod'swill.
C.
Theyreturnedempty-handedtothecaravanserai,resignedtoGod'swill.
Mull'87Husaynsuccessivelycalled3youthtosoundthecalltoprayer,andeachwasshot&killedbytheenemyastheyrecitedapartofit.
Mull'87Husaynthenhadthemleavethefortandrepulsetheenemy,killingallbesidesthosewhocalledforpeace.
ThenoblesofthevillagesintercededandsecuredatentativepeacewithMull'87Husayn.
TheywerepromisedasafepassagethroughtheforestbyKhusraw.
TheSa''92du'l-'Ulam'87',however,inducedtheheadguardtoconfiscatetheirpossessionsandkillthem,acceptingresponsibilityforhisactions.
DespiteMull'87Husayn'swarningtoKhusraw,heproceededtoattackhisfriends(ridingbehindhim).
Mull'87Husaynrefusedtodrophisweapon&continuedwithhisdevotions.
D.
M'92rz'87Muhammad-Taq'92y-i-Juvayn'92y-i-Sabziv'87r'92askedanattendanttobeabletotakeKhusraw'swaterpipetohimpersonally,thenstabbedhiminhisgut.
Thecompanionskilledallbuttheattendantwho,inwishingtoservethem,wastoldtoreturntothenotablesbringingthiswaterpipeandthatnothingcoulddisarmhimuntilhispurposewasachieved.
E.
TheyproceededtotheshrineofShaykhTabars'92withouttaking,perMull'87Husayn'sorders,anyofKhusraw'smen'spossessionstheyleftbehind.
Theguardianoftheforteagerlyjoinedthemafterhehaddreamtoftheirarrival,theheroicbattlestheyweretofight,andthattheProphetHimselfwastovisittheshrine.
Astheybegantobuildafortthere,theywereattackedbythehorsemenseekingrevengeforKhusraw'sdeath.
TheyrepelledthesehorsemenandatthecommandofM'92rz'87Muhammad-Taq'92y-i-Juvayn'92(approvedbyMull'87Husayn),theypursuedthemintotheforest.
Inwhatturnedouttobethewrongvillage,theyattackedand,inthedark,confusednight,accidentallykilledthevillageowner'smother.
Thevillageowner,uponhearingthesincereapologiesofthecommander,emergedfromhiding,learnedoftheCause,andsoughttofindoutmore,despitehisloss.
OnhearingMull'87Husayn'srecitationofthecongregationalprayerandMull'87Husayn'scomfortingwords,hebecameenamoredoftheFaithandjoinedthecompanions.
III.
TheywereconstantlydisturbedbyvillagersinstigatedbytheSa''92du'l-'Ulam'87'butwithstoodthem,andcompletedthefort.
Uponitscompletion,Bah'87'u'll'87hvisitedthefort,wasreverentlyandjoyouslyreceivedbyMull'87Husayn(thoughnoneelsetrulyrecognizedHimthen)approveditsconstruction,calledforadelegationtofreeQudd'9cs,assuredthemofhisdeliverance,indicatedHisfuturereturn,assuredthemofvictory,andleftforN'9crandTihr'87n.
A.
Qudd'9cshadbeenconfined95days,thoughhisgentlenessandprodigiouswritingsimpressedhishosttotheextentthatheallowedhimtoleavewhenhisfriendsarrivedalthoughthishostlatercruellykilledthefort'sinhabitiants.
Mull'87Husaynpreparedthefriendstoreceivehimbefittinglyandenjoinedthemtorespecthiminfinitelymorethantheydidhimself.
Theymethimonfootholding2candleslitbyMull'87Husaynineachhand,surroundinghim(hewasonhorse),andrecitinghymnsthatechoedintheforestastheyapproachedtheshrine.
B.
Uponarrival,Qudd'9csleanedagainsttheshrineandsaid"TheBaq'92yyatu'll'87hwillbebestforyouifyeareofthosewhobelieve.
"fromtheQur''87n,fulfillingthetraditionthatforetoldwhattheMihd'92wouldsaytoHis313followers,thenimplyingBah'87'u'll'87hwastheonebyaskingofHim.
Mull'87HusaynenjoinedMull'87M'92rz'87Muhammadtoariseformartyrdom,ceaseseekingtounravelthemysteryofQudd'9csreferencestoBah'87'u'll'87hastheywouldbecomeclearintheyear'80(1863).
Qudd'9cshadthenumberoffollowerscounted,whenayouthburstinbeggingtojointhem,therebyfulfillingtheprophecyof313,forthetruthtobeestablishedtothedivines.
C.
Qudd'9cswouldlistentoversesfromtheQur''87nandtheB'87breadtothem&commentontheirmeaning,andproceedcalmlywithhisdevotionsdespitetheattacksoftheenemy.
HisextremelyprodigiousandinsightfulwritingsandbehaviorwontheesteemofMull'87Husayn'scompanions.
D.
Uponthefort'scompletion,thefriendsgainedzealandvillagersevenwishedtojointhem,thoughtheywerenotallowedafter313hadentered.
Asthevillagersprovidedfortheirbasicneedsjustwhenhopeseemedlostandthefortwasbeingpraisedbythevillagers,theSa''92du'l-'Ulam'87'wasenragedandappealedtotheSh'87hclaimingthattheyintendedtosubverthisruleandthattheywouldeventuallysucceed,iftheyweren'tcrushed.
TheSh'87hsentsomeofhisarmytocrushthem.
'Abdu'll'87hKh'87nwascalledon,andheraisedanarmyof12,000forthis.
E.
Uponcomplaintsthattheycouldnotleaveandtheirwatersupplywastobetakenover,Qudd'9csprayedforarainstorm&snowfalltoactintheirfavor.
TheseoccuredandQudd'9cspraisedGodastherainhadruinedmuchoftheenemy'sammunition,andgavethemtheirneededwaterwhilethesnowhadhamperedtheenemy.
Astheenemyprepareditsattack,Qudd'9csrodeoutwithMull'87Husayn,3others,andtherestonfoot,and,withtheircries,routedtheenemywholefttheirbelongings.
In45minutes,theyhadkilledthechiefofficer,2otherofficers,and430othermen.
AsMull'87Husaynpursuedthem,Qudd'9cscalledhimbacktothefortastheirpurposehadbeenachieved,andhadthembeginconstructionofamoat.
Thislasted19daysandthemenjoyfullyworkedforitscompletion.
F.
PrinceMihd'92-Qul'92M'92rz'87arrivedinaneighboringvillage,informedMull'87Husaynofhisorders&inquiredintohispurpose.
Mull'87Husaynexplainedhisintentionnottosubvertthemonarchy,andexpressedawillingnesstodemonstrateitstruthamongthe'ulam'87subjecttotheprince'sjudgement.
Thoughthemessengerwasmovedbyhissincerityandpromisedhiswishwouldbefulfilled,theprinceinsteadattackedthem.
G.
Qudd'9cscalled"Mountyoursteeds,OheroesofGod!
"beforedaybreakastheycharged,despitethemudandsnowontheroadsandbulletsuponthem,allthewaytoprince'sprivateapartments.
Despitetheirnumbersandresources,theprinceandhisarmyfled.
Thecompanionsdidnottakeanyofthegold&silvercofferstheyfound,butonlybroughtbacktheprince'sswordandapotofgunpowder.
Mull'87HusaynwasusingQudd'9cs'swordashishadbeenshotwithabullet.
Mull'87HusayngatheredthefriendsaroundQudd'9cswhentheywereattackedanddivided.
ThegrouppursuingMull'87HusaynrejoinedtoattackQudd鷾s,raining1000bulletsuponhim,andleadingonetostrikeoutsomeofhisteethandinjurehistongueandthroat.
Mull'87Husaynrantohiscare,wasassuredbyQudd'9cs,andobeyedhimbytakingtheprince'sandQudd'9cs'swordandroutedtheenemy.
Upontheirreturntothefort,Qudd'9csassuredthemamidsttheirsorrowofGod'swill(astheProphethadlostteethbyastone),thattheyshouldremainsteadfast¬stainhisgratitude&joybytheirsorrow.
V.
Bah'87'u'll'87hwishedtoproceedtothefort,butthefriendsaccompanyingHim,insistedonresting.
Theywereovertakenbyguardsoftheactinggovernor,whohadbeentippedoffhissecretemissariesandweretoreportanyoneapproachingthefort.
TheyweretreatedwithrespectafterBah'87'u'll釃hexpressedtheirintentions&admonishedthemnottotakeactionstheymightregret.
Astheywerebeingconductedaway,Bah'87'u'll'87horderedthefriendstodiscardtheirmanuscriptsintheriver.
Theactinggovernor,whodidnotknowBah'87'u'll'87hwaswiththem,calledameetingofthe'ulam'87s&leadingsiyyidsandfeltcompelledtopretendtoreprimandHimsoasnottojeopardizehisposition.
DespiteBah'87'u'll'87h'scompetentdefenseoftheirinnocence,andafteronesiyyidcriticizedtheorthographyofapassagehesupposedtotheB'87b'sanddiscoveredthatitwasinsteadoftheIm'87m'Al'92,ordersweregiventopunishthemandtheycalledforHisexecution.
Bah'87'u'll'87hintercededforthefriends,andHimselfreceivedtheblowsofthebastinado,despitetheactinggovernor'swishes.
Thispunishment,asothers,paralleledandfollowedthoseoftheB'87b's,HisForerunner.
A.
TheactinggovernorsoughttodeliverBah'87'u'll'87hHimselfintohishomebutwasintheprocessthreatenedbyanangrysiyyidwithaclubandacrowdthatgathered.
Thegovernor'sattendantsweresurprisinglyabletoadeptlyusherHimawayfromthescene,andthegovernorhimselflavishedhisdevotiononBah'87'u'll'87hasHestayedthere,thoughhewouldnotletBah'87'u'll'87hleaveforfearofHissafetyupontherealgovernor'sreturn,despiteBah'87'u'll'87h'sassuranceoftheirDivineprotection.
Oncethegovernordidreturn,hehadbecomeimpressedbythefortitudeoftheB釃b'92defenders,criticizedthereceptionaccordedBah'87'u'll'87h,hintedattheirhypocrisyandlackoffaith.
B.
Nab'92lrelatedherehowBah'87'u'll'87hhadbeensaveddespiteHisintentiontojointhedefendersoftheforttobeabletoconsummateHisworkandsteerthecourseofHisCause.
SummaryofContentsI.
Mull'87Husayn'sdeparturefromMashhad-324(cont.
fromp.
291)II.
DeathofMuhammadSh'87h-327III.
TheSa''92du'l-'Ulam'87'sappealtothepeopleofB'87rfur'9csh-328(cont.
from14,p.
267)IV.
AttackbythepeopleofB'87rfur'9cshonMull'87Husaynandhiscompanions-329V.
RepulseoftheattackbyMull'87Husayn-330VI.
AccountrelatedbyM'92rz'87Muhammad-i-Fur'9cgh'92-332VII.
SurrenderofthepeopleofB'87rfur'9csh-336VIII.
RenewedattemptsbyMull'87Husayn'scompanionstosoundtheadh'87n-338IX.
SortiefromthecaravanseraioftheSabzih-Mayd'87n-338X.
IntercessionofthenotablesofB'87rfur'9csh-339XI.
InstructionsgiventoKhusraw-i-Q'87d'92-Kal'87''92-339XII.
IncidentintheforestofM'87zindar'87n-342XIII.
ArrivalattheshrineofShaykhTabars'92-343XIV.
DreamoftheguardianoftheshrineofShaykhTabars'92-344XV.
AttackandrepulseofthehorsemenofQ'87d'92-Kal'87-345XVI.
VisitofBah'87'u'll'87htothefortofShaykhTabars'92-348XVII.
LiberationofQudd'9cs-350XVIII.
ReferencetotheBlackStandards-351XIX.
ConfinementofQudd'9csinthehouseofM'92rz'87Muhammad-Taq'92-351XX.
ArrivalofQudd'9csatthefortofShaykhTabars'92-352XXI.
AccountrelatedbyM'92rz'87Muhammad-i-Fur'9cgh'92-353XXII.
IncidentsinthefortofShaykhTabars'92concerningQudd'9cs-355XXIII.
TheSa''92du'l-'Ulam'87'sappealtoN'87siri'd-D'92nSh'87h-358XXIV.
Encampmentofthearmyof'Abdu'll'87hKh'87n-i-Turkam'87nnearthefortofShaykhTabars'92-360XXV.
FirstsortiefromthefortofShaykhTabars'92-362XXVI.
MessageofPrinceMihd'92-Qul'92M'92rz'87toMull'87Husayn-363XXVII.
SecondsortiefromthefortofShaykhTabars'92-366XXVIII.
InjurysustainedbyQudd'9cs-367XXIX.
Bah'87'u'll'87h'sattempttojointheoccupantsofthefortofShaykhTabars'92-368XXX.
ReferencetoBah'87'u'll'87h'sactivitiespriortothedeclarationofHisMission-372OtherSummariesofthisChapterRegardingtheM'87zindar'87nupheaval(DB324-377,seealso378-429),seeGPB17,37,38-41,62,63;TN19,22-24)RegardingMull'87Husaynandhismartyrdom(DB328-383,seealso48),seeGPB38-41,50;TN19,22-24.
RegardingthefrenzyoftheSa''92du'l-'Ulam'87(DB328,seealso410),seeGPB39.
RegardingtheAm'92rNiz'87m'sruthlessness(DB332-353,seealso446-452,500-502,504,526),seeGPB47,51-52,82;TN20-22,28-29.
RegardingthepersecutionsoftheSa''92du'l-'Ulam'87(DB338-339note1,347,seealso265-267,408-411),seeGPB83.
RegardingasummaryofBah'87'u'll'87h'slifebeforetheassassinationattemptontheSh'87h(andimpliedfulfillmentoftheB'87b'sprophecies)DB348-350,369-374,seealso106-107,112-117,227-228,279,284-286,292-299,519-522,593-594),seeGPB40,66-70;TN34-37.
Regardingthedeliveranceofdocuments,seals,andringsforBah'87'u'll'87h(DB368,seealso504-505),seeGPB51,69;TN25-26.
RegardingQudd'9cs(DB349-377,seealso378-415),seeGPB40-42.
Overallof324-383:GPB17,37-42,47,50-52,62,63,66-70,82-83;TN19-26,28-29,34-37.
CHAPTERXX:THEM'e7ZINDAR'e7NUPHEAVAL(Continued)PrinceMihd'92-Qul'92M'92rz'87'scompanyrecovered&wasrejoinedby'Abb'87s-Qul'92Kh'87n-i-L'87r'92j'87n'92&Sulaym'87nKh'87n-i-Afsh'87r-i-Shahr'92y'87r'92&theirregimentsofinfantry&cavalry.
Theyerectedaseriesof7barricadesaroundthefort.
Theyfirstflauntedtheirnumbersandarmsaftertheyhadassembled.
Thelackofwaterintheforthadledthefriendstodigawellinside.
Mull'87Husaynpromisedthemthattheywouldreceivewaterthatdayfortheirearthlycleansing,inordertohastenundefiledtothenextworld.
Hecalledthosewishingtobemartyredtojoinhimbeforedawntoscattertheenemyandascenduntoglory.
(413-415)ItwasrelatedthatPrinceAhmadM'92rz'87and'Abb'87s-Qul'92Kh'87nlaterspokeofthewaragainstQudd'9csandMull'87Husaynand'Abb'87s-Qul'92Kh'87nmarveledatMull'87Husayn'spowerandprowessdespitehislackoftrainingandincontrasttohisvastlearning,weakbuild,lowsuppliesaswellasthebesieged'sfearlessandjoyouscourage.
I.
Thirdsortie,andfallofMull'87Husayn-378(379)ThatafternoonMull'87Husaynperformedhisablutions,worenewgarments&theB'87b'sturban,preparedforhismartyrdomwithjoy,calmlyalludedtothefriendshisimmanentdeath,animatedtheirzeal,spenthislasthourswithQudd'9cs,chargedforthaftermidnightandtherisingofthemorningstar,signalledforthegatetobeopened,andleftwith313companionscallingthecrytotheLordoftheAgethatvibratedtheforest,campandfortwithitsecho.
HechargedZakar'92yy'87y-i-Q'87d'92-Kal'87''92'sbarricade.
Hequicklykilleditsvaliantcommanderandscatteredhismen.
Thefriendsproceededtocaptureordestroytheremainingbarricades.
Whilethisoccured,'Abb'87s-Qul'92Kh'87n-i-L'87r'92j'87n'92climbedatree,hidhimselfinambush,shotMull'87Husayninthebreast(thoughunawareofhisidentity)whilehishorsehadbecomeentangledinatentrope.
Mull'87Husaynbledprofusedly,dismounted,staggeredafewsteps,fellexhaustedtotheground&wasrescuedbyQul'92andHasanbacktothefort.
II.
Mull'87Husayn'slastmoments-379(381)Mull'87S'87diqandMull'87M'92rz'87Muhammad-i-Fur'9cgh'92remainedwithQudd'9csandsawMull'87Husaynbroughtin,seeminglyunconscious.
TheywereorderedtoretireasQudd'9csbadeM'92rz'87Muhammad-B'87qirclosethedoorandinformedthemhewishedtoinformhimaloneofcertainconfidentialmatters.
Afterthedoorwasshut,theyheardMull'87HusaynansweringQudd'9cs'questions.
M'92rz'87Muhammad-B'87qirlatertoldthemhehadlookedthroughthedoor,sawMull'87Husaynarise&sitasusualonbendedkneesbesideQudd'9cs.
Qudd'9cstoldhimhehadabandanedhimtothemercyofhisfoes&thathewouldsoon,pleaseGod,joinhim&tasteofheaven'sdelights.
M'92rz'87Muhammad-B'87qiralsoheardMull'87HusaynofferhislifeforhimandaskedwhetherQudd'9cswaswellpleasedwithhim.
III.
Referencetohisburialandachievements-381Afteralongtime,Qudd'9cshadM'92rz'87Muhammad-B'87qiradmitthefriends.
TheybidtheirlastrespectsasMull'87Husaynhaddiedwithapeaceful,faintsmileonhisface.
Qudd'9csathisburialclothedhiminhisownshirt&hadhimburiedoutsidetheshrinetothesouth.
HeremarkedhowgooditwasforhimtohaveremainedfaithfultotheCovenanttohislasthour,kissedhiseyes&forehead,andprayedthatnodivisionwouldevercomebetweenthem.
The7companionsthereweptandwishedtheyhadbeensacrifiedinstead.
(382)Nab'92lhererecountsMull'87Husayn'scourageousencounterswiththeenemy.
The1stoutsideofB'87rfur'9csh,the2ndnearShaykhTabars'92against'Abdu'll'87hKh'87n-i-Turkam'87n'sforces,the3rdinV'87s-KasagainstprinceMihd'92-Qul'92M'92rz'87's,the4th&lastagainsttheforcesof'Abb'87s-Qul'92Kh'87n,PrinceMihd'92-Qul'92M'92rz'87,Sulaym'87nKh'87n-i-Afsh'87r&45able&experiencedofficers.
Mull'87Husaynemergedunscathedwithcourage,skill,strength,andchivalry.
Hisintelligence,learning,faith,resolve,justice,devotiontestifiedtotheFaith.
Hewas36yearsoldathisdeath.
HemetSiyyidK'87zimat18andsatathisfeetfor9years,spendingthenext9infeverishactivityuntilhismartyrdom.
Inthe1stfootnoteonpp.
383-385,Mull'87Husayn'ssisterisdescribedashavingbeentransformedbytheB'87bandT'87hirihintoabrilliantreligiousscholar,withpatienceandresignation,refrainingfromdwellingonthepastoraskingformoney.
HismotherispraisedforherdetachmentatprayingfortheAlmightytoacceptherson'ssacrifice,eventonotdeprivethemofit.
Hisbrotherispriasedforhisdignityandvirtueaswell,andismentionedashavingbeenappointedbyQudd'9csastheircaptainafterhisbrother'sdeath.
IV.
Qudd'9cs'warningtohiscompanions-382Qudd'9cslaidthebodytoresthimself&warnedthemnottorevealtoanyonethespotofhisrestingplace.
Theyburiedthe36othermartyrswhodiedthatdayinamassgravetothenorth.
Qudd'9cscalledthelovedonesofGodtoheedtheirexamples&remainasunitedinlifeasthemartyrsarenowindeath.
Mostofthe90otherswhohadbeenwoundeddiedbringingthetotalto72sincethefirstattack,116daysearlier.
(384)Suchahumiliatingroutandtheintensecoldparalyzedtheenemyfor45days.
Reinforcements,materialandhuman,wereblocked.
Qudd'9cswarnedthefriendstoleaveiftheyhadanyfearastheywouldsoonbegreatlytestedandunabletoleave.
V.
BetrayalbySiyyidHusayn-i-Mutavall'92-384M'92rz'87Husayn-i-Mutavall'92bretayedthefriendsthesamenightasthiswarning.
Hewroteto'Abb'87s-Qul'92Kh'87n-i-L'87r'92j'87n'92tofinishthejob,promisedthathecoulddefeatthemwithonly100menin2daysastheywereworndownbyfamineandtests.
Siyyid'Al'92y-i-Zargar,whoknew'Abb'87s-Qul'92Kh'87ndeliveredtheletteratmidnight.
Hereachedhimatatimehewasdebatingwhethertoleaveaftersuchadefeat.
VI.
Attackby'Abb'87s-Qul'92Kh'87n-i-L'87r'92j'87n'92-386ReceivingthenewsofMull'87Husayn'sdeathatsunrise,hearosewithnewresolve,killedthemessengertocontainthisnewsevenfromhisclosestofficersinordertowinhimselfthecreditfortheireventualsurrender,fabricatedanexcuseabsolvinghimofmurder,verifiedMull'87Husayn'sdeathbyobservingthefort,marchedinaheadof2regimentsofinfantry&cavalry,encompassedthefort,andorderedthefort'ssentinelsbefiredupon.
VII.
Fourthsortie,andcompleteroutoftheenemy-387(386)UponbeinginformedbyM'92rz'87Muhammad-B'87qiroftheirbeingsurrounded,Qudd'9cstoldhimofthebetrayal,letterto'Abb'87s-Qul'92Kh'87n,andhismotivetotakecreditfortheconquest.
HeorderedM'92rz'87Muhammad-B'87qirtopunishtheaggressorwith18menanddemonstratethecontinuityoftheFaith'spower.
Withtheircall,themenchargedthearmycausingthewholearmytofleeandallowingonlyafewtoescape.
Theyreturnedshamedanddemoraliized.
'Abb'87s-Qul'92Kh'87n,shakenwithutterfear,fellfromhishorse,leavingonebootinthestirrupandrunningawaywherethearmyhadgone.
Heconfessedtheirreversetotheprince.
'Abb'87s-Qul'92Kh'87nwaslikewisefearfulthatthecomplaintsandexcusesofthemull'87stoavoidjoiningthebattlewouldsimilarlyaffecthissoldierssoheallowedthemtoleave.
M'92rz'87Muhammad-B'87qirwiththe18friendsemergedunscathed,returningtheenemy'sabandonedstandardtotheirbelovedchief.
Thissuccesscementedthefriends'unity&remindedthemoftheFaith'spower.
Theirfoodhadbeenreducedtohorse'sfleshfromtheenemy'scampyettheyenduredalltests&soughttopleaseQudd'9csandremainfaithful.
Afewlaterfalteredinadversitybutthestout-heartednessofthemassshinedbrighter.
TheprincewaspleasedtolearnofthedefeatofhisrivaldespitehishopesatdefeatingtheB'87b'92sasitprovidedanopportunityforblamingthedefeatsonanother,whileheescapedtheblameandwasallowedanotheropportunity.
VIII.
DespatchofartilleryfromTihr'87n-389HewrotetoTihr'87nforbomb-shells,camel-artillery&equipment,determinedtowipethemoutthistime.
IX.
Distressofthebesieged-389Thefriends,despitetheirgnawingdistress,joyfullycelebratedNaw-R'9cz.
Theysanghappysongsinpraise&thanksgiving,day&night,heedlessofdanger.
Theverse"Holy,holy,theLordourGod,theLordoftheangelsandthespirit,"wasutteredunceasingly&increasedtheirenthusiasmandcourage.
H'87j'92Nas'92ru'd-D'92n-i-Qazv'92n'92hadkeptonecowfromwhosemilk,puddingwasmadeforQudd'9cs.
Aftertakingafewteaspoonfuls,Qudd'9cswoulddistributetherestamongthefriends.
Qudd'9csannouncedhislackofenjoymentofmeatordrinksinceMull'87Husayn'sdeath,andthesightofhisfamishedandworncompanions.
Neverthelesshecontinued,hiscommentaryoftheS'87dofSamad,andexhortedthefriendstopersevere.
M'92rz'87Muhammad-B'87qirwouldchanttheseversestothem,raisingtheirenthusiasmandhopes.
Mull'87M'92rz'87Muhammad-i-Fur'9cgh'92testifiedtothelossoftheirhunger&totheirenchantmenttohismelody.
M'92rz'87Muhammad-B'87qirwouldhastentoinformQudd'9cswhenevertheywereweakening,andhisface&wordswouldbringthemjoywhichcoulddefeatanyenemy.
Qudd'9csalludedtotrialswhichwouldmartyranumberoffriends.
Afewdayslater,PrinceMihd'92-Qul'92M'92rz'87,Sulaym'87nKh'87n-i-Afsh'87r,'Abb'87s-Qul'92Kh'87n-i-L'87r'92j'87n'92,Ja'far-Qul'92Kh'87n,40otherofficersencampednearby&constructedtrenchesandbarricades.
Theprincedirectedsometoobtainsupplies&otherstowatchtheenemy'soperations.
Theprincehadcannonsfireuponthemdestroyingtheirconstructions.
Theybuilttowerstoovertakethewalls,butthefriendsraisedtheirownheightstoovertaketheattackingtowers.
Thekingtiredofthefruitlessattackson"theseweak&defenselessmen,"andeventuallycalledAfsh'87rSulaym'87nKh'87ntodealwiththem.
X.
ExhortationsofQudd'9cstohiscompanions-391Qudd'9cswalkedtothecenterofthefortwithsmilesandtranquility.
Whilehewaspacing,acannonfellbeforehim&hecalmlyrolledtheballwithhisfoot,remarkingonhowboastfultheenemywas,forgettingthepowerofagnattodestroyNimrod,atempesttodestroythepeople''e7dandTham'9cd,anddisbelievingGod'sdetachedheroescouldwithstandtheircruelty.
Qudd'9cspraisedthecompanionsofwhomMuhammadspoke,longingtobeholdtheirfacesattheendoftheworld.
Hewarnedthemnottostainsuchastationwithself&desire.
Hecalledthemnottofearthewickedorungodly,notedthatneithertheirenemiesorfriendscouldhastenorretardtheirdeathby1moment,andthatiftheyweretoallowtheirheartstobeagitatedforamomentbytheboomingofgunswhichwouldincreaseandfireuponthefort,theywouldbedeprivedofDivineprotection.
Afewhuddledinacornerwithfearandvacillationviewingthefriends'resultingnewzealwithenvyandsurprise.
AfewwentouttogetsometeaandsugarforQudd'9cs.
Mull'87Sa''92dofZarkan'87dwasone.
HewasaccomplishedinsciencethatQudd'9cstoldhimtowriteabriefresponsetoMull'87Muhammad-Taq'92rofN'9cr'squestionondivinationandastrologysoasnottokeepthemessengerwaitinguntilhecouldwritealongerreply.
Despitethemessenger'spresence,andthesiege,pennedaneloquentaddressintroducing100well-authenticatedtraditionsonthenewManifestation,includingthehaltingofthoseatTabars'92&theirmartyrdom.
ThelearnedofN'9crwerecompelledtoadmitMull'87Sa''92dthathistalentmusthavebeenbestowedonhimfromonhighashehadformerlybeenincapableofsuchastatement.
Mull'87Sa''92dandfriendswerecaptured,andbroughttotheprince,whoofferedMull'87Sa''92dhislifebyrepentingwhereuponMull'87Sa''92drefusedtorepentforobeyingGod'scommandandtoldtheprincetoinsteadrepentforsuchunprecedentedevil.
TheysenthimtoS'87r'92,cruellykillinghimandhisfriends.
Thefailureofthearmy'sgunfiretosilencetheirprayerandjoysurprisedtheprince'smen.
Insteadofsurrender,theyheardthemuadhdhhin,chantedversesoftheQur''87n&hymnsofthanksgivingandpraise.
Tostopthisfervour,Ja'far-Qul'92Kh'87nbuiltatowerwithacannontofireintothefort'scenter.
XI.
Fifthsortie,anddeathofJa'far-Qul'92Kh'87n-394Qudd'9cssummonedM'92rz'87Muhammad-B'87qirtoinflictabefittinghumiliationonthe"boastfulnewcomer"ashehadto'Abb'87s-Qul'92Kh'87n,signifyingtohimthatGod'swarriorswhendrivenbyhungerandexasperationwouldmanifestsuperhumanheroism.
Withtheircryheexitedwith18friendsandwithmoreferocity,causingtheenemypanic,killingJa'far-Qul'92Kh'87n&30ofhismen,capturingtheirguns,demolishingmostoftheirbarricades,andreturningunhurtwiththeirbeststallions.
XII.
Increasingdistressofthecompanions-395(394)Theenemy'sattacksweresuspended1monthafterdeathsfromexplosionsin(395)theirammunitionstores.
Thefriendswereabletoemergeenoughtogetgrassfromthefieldforfood.
Theyhadresortedtoeatingtheleatheroftheirshoes,thehorseswiththeirleathersaddles,andboilingandeatinggrass.
TheyevenhadtodisinterMull'87Husayn'shorsetoeatandcookeditwithflourmadefromthedead'sbonesthenaroseagain.
Qudd'9cssoughttolightentheirloadbyincreasedvisits&wordsofcheer&hope.
XIII.
AdeclarationbyQudd'9cs-396(395)Astheenemybeganfiringagain&rushedtostormthefort,Qudd'9cssummonedM'92rz'87Muhammad-B'87qirtoemergewith36&repulsetheattack.
Hedeclaredthattheyhadonlydefendedthemselveswhenattacked,&thattheywouldn'thaveremainedinthefortiftheyintendedholywarbutwouldhaveconvulsedthenationsasMuhammadhad.
TheirpurposeinsteadwastovindicatetheFaith'scharacterbytheirwillingnesstoshedtheirblood.
Hethennotedtheimmanenceofthefulfillmentofthisintention.
XIV.
Sixthandlastsortie-396M'92rz'87Muhammad-B'87qirscatteredtheirforcesagainwith36cryingthecall,andreenteredwiththeenemy'sabandonedbanner.
5weremartyredthenwhomhebroughtbackandburiedin1tombclosetotheothers'grave.
XV.
Deliberationoftheprincewithchiefsofhisstaff-396Hedeliberatedfor3dayswithhischiefsofstaffinordertofinishthejobquickly.
Hedeterminedtosuspendhostilitiesinthehopesofinducingthemthroughhungertosurrender.
AmessengercametohimwithanorderfromtheSh'87hallowingthismanofKandtoenter&induceMull'87Mihd'92&hisbrotherMull'87B'87qir-i-Kand'92toescape.
HecalledtheguardstoinformMull'87Mihd'92y-i-Kand'92ofhiswishtoseehim.
Mull'87Mihd'92toldQudd'9cs&waspermittedtomeethim.
XVI.
Incidentrelatedby'e7q'87y-i-Kal'92m-397'e7q'87y-i-Kal'92mwastoldbythismessengerthathesawMull'87Mihd'92appearabovethewallwithalookofsternresolve,aswordonoveralongwhiteshirt&awhitekerchiefaroundhishead.
Mull'87Mihd'92askedhimtohurrythathemightreturntoQudd'9cs,whilethemessengersoughttostirhimtoleavebyremindinghimofhisinfantRahm'87nheleftbehind.
Mull'87Mihd'92repliedthatthetrueRahm'87n'slovehasremovedallotheraffections.
ThemessengerwasmovedtotearsandcursedthosewhocalledthemtraitorstotheFaith.
Themessengeraskedhimwhetherhemightjoin.
Herepliedthathewouldshowhimhospitalityifhisintentionweretojoinasafriend,whereasifitweretoharmhim,hewouldhurlhimfromthefort'swalls.
Hisfriendwishedhimtheblessingshesoughtashesawthefutilityofdissuadinghim.
Hisfriendtoldhimtheprincepromisedanyonewishingtoleavesafepassage.
Mull'87Mihd'92askedwhetherhewishedtotellhimanythingelsebeforemeetinghismaster.
ThemessengercalledonGodtoassisthim,whereonhepraisedthathehadbeenassistedbybeingbroughtfromhishometothefort.
Hethenleft.
XVII.
Desertionandcaptureofanumberofthecompanions-398SiyyidM'92rz'87Husayn-i-Mutavall'92withhisserventlefttojointheprince.
Ras'9cl-i-Bahnim'92r'92&afewothers,unabletoresistthefamine,andtemptedbyhisassurances,sadly&reluctantlyleft.
Theywereallkilledby'Abb'87s-Qul'92Kh'87n'sordersastheyleft.
XVIII.
Oathtakenbytheprincetoensuresafetyofthebesieged-399Afewdayslateranemissaryoftheprincecametorequest2representativestonegotiateconfidentiallytocometoapeacefulsettlement.
Qudd'9cssentMull'87Y'9csuf-i-Ardib'92l'92&SiyyidRid'87y-i-Khur'87s'87n'92tobehisrepresentativesandtelltheprinceofhisreadinesstosettle.
TheyrejectedtheteatheprinceofferedthemsoasnottobetrayQudd'9csashelanguishedinthefort.
TheprincenotedtheirmutualexhaustionwiththefightingandsworeontheQur''87nandMuhammadthathissolepurposewastobringaboutpeace&thattheywouldbeguaranteedprotectionunderGod,Muhammad&theSh'87hfromanyman&thatGod'smaledictionwouldrestonhimifhehadanyotherdesire.
Heputhissealonthisstatement,gaveittoMull'87Y'9csuf,askedhimtoconveyhisgreetingstoQudd'9csandpresenthimwithhiswrittenassurance.
Hepromisedtodispatchhorses&pitchatent&holdareceptionforthem,thendeliverthemhome.
Qudd'9cskissedtheQur''87ngivenhim,askedGodtojudgebetweenthem&hadthefriendspreparetoleavetheforttodemonstratetheirsincerity.
XIX.
Abandonmentofthefort-400HeworetheB'87b'sgreenturban,mountedtheprince'sfavoritesteed,leftwithsomesiyyids&learneddivinesfollowingandtherestbehindthem,marchingwiththeremnantoftheirarmsandbelongings.
The202ofthemreachedthecampoverlookingtheenemy'scamp&weresoontoldbyQudd'9cstoshowrenunciationforthesakeoftheCause,tobeutterlydetachedfortheCause'spurity&topraytobesteadfasttotheend.
Theywereofferedpoor&scantyfoodfromtheprince'scampafewhoursaftersunset.
9ofthemweresummonedbyQudd'9cstohavethisdinnerthoughtheyrefusedsincehehadnone.
Theattendantsdevouredthefood,whileafewofthefriendsoutsideofferedtobuythebreadatahighpricefromthem.
Qudd'9csrebukedthemforthisrequest&wouldhavepunishedthemseverelywereitnotforM'92rz'87Muhammad-B'87qir'sintercession.
AtdaybreakamessengercameandsummonedM'92rz'87Muhammad-B'87qirtotheprince'spresence.
HerespondedwithQudd'9cs'approval&mettheprincewhoreiteratedhisoathinSulaym'87nKh'87n'i-Afsh'87r'spresenceandcitedJa'far-Qul'92Kh'87n'spardonbytheSh'87hdespitehisformerrebellion.
Theprinceexpressedanintentiontojointhemthenextday&distributehorsesforthemtoleave.
HereturnedwiththisnewstoQudd'9cs,indicatinghisdisbelieftowhichQudd'9csalsoagreed.
Qudd'9cstoldthemtodispersethatnight&thathewouldsoongotoB'87rfur'9csh.
Theybeggedhimnottoleave,buthereassuredthemthattheirreunionwouldbeeternal.
Theprincereneged:hecalledQudd'9cs&someofthefriendstohisheadquarters&whentheyreachedtheheadattendant'stent,informedthemhewouldcalltheminatnoon.
XX.
Captureofanumberofthecompanions-403Someoftherestofthefriendsweredeceivedbytheprince'sattendantsintobelievingQudd'9cshadpermittedthemjointhem,butinsteadtheywerecaptured.
TheattendantsthenpressuredMull'87Y'9csuftotellthefriendsthatQudd'9cswishedthemtodisarm.
Whenhewasaskedwhathewouldsaytothem,hesaidthatwhatevertheyspokeonbehalfoftheirleaderwasfalsehood.
Hewasimmediatelykilled.
Theythenplunderedthefort,demolishedit&hopedtotherebysilencehistory.
XXI.
Generalmassacre-404Theyencompassedthefriendsatthefort(thosenotdeceived),shotthem&madesportofliningthemup(theremaining)&cuttingopentheirstomachs,amusingthemselveswiththeundigestedgrassthatcameout.
Themartyrsrecitedthechantofpraiseeventotheirdeath.
Asmallfew,however,wereabletoescapeintotheforest.
()Qudd'9cs,M'92rz'87Muhammad-HasanKh'87n(brotheroftheB'87bu'l-B'87b),Akh'9cndMull'87Muhammad-S'87diq-i-Khur'87s'87n'92,M'92rz'87MuhammadS'87diq-i-Khur'87s'87n'92,H'87j'92M'92rz'87Hasan-i-Khur'87s'87n'92,ShaykhNi-matu'll'87h-i-'e7mul'92,H'87j'92Nas'92r-i-Qazv'92n'92,Mull'87Y'9csuf-i-Ardib'92l'92,'e7q'87Siyyid'Abdu'l-'Az'92m-i-Khu''92andotherswereparadedinchainsatthecenterofaparadewhichstartedwithtrumpetsandwerestruckbythevictorseverytimetheypassedaninhabitedsection.
(Someof)thecaptives(thosedeceived)(beforebeingparadedorafter)werebroughtintotheprince'spresence.
H'87j'92'Abdu'l-Maj'92d-i-N'92sh'87b'9cr'92(thefatherofBad'92eventuallymartyredinKhur'87s'87n),M'92rz'87Muhammad-i-Fur'9cgh'92,&H'87j'92Nas'92r-i-Qazv'92n'92weresenttobesoldinTihr'87nproportionaltotheirwealth.
Mull'87Akh'9cndMull'87Muhammad-S'87diq-i-Khur'87s'87n'92,Mull'87Muhammad-i-Mahval'87t'92y-i-D'9cgh-'e7b'87d'92,'e7q'87Siyyid'Az'92m-i-Khu''92,H'87j'92N'87s'92r-i-Qazv'92n'92,H'87j'92'Abdu'l-Maj'92d-i-N'92sh'87b'9cr'92andM'92rz'87Husayn-i-Matavall'92y-i-Qum'92foundkindmasters.
Theyweretherebyabletopassthestorytoothers.
Therestwerelineduplyingdownandcutopenbytheswordexposingtherawgrassintheirintestinesortornapart,boundtotreesandriddledwithbullets,blownfromcannonsorenflamed.
Thefugitiveswhohadbeenpardonedbefore()werethenalsokilled.
Womenandchildren'sthroatswereevencutQ'87'in'92,uponseeingMull'87Nimatu'll'87h'sexecutionat'e7mul,brokehisbonds,jumpedupontheexecutioner,tookhisswordandstruckhimwithsuchrageastoknockhishead15feetaway.
Hemoweddownthecrowdwhichthenrushedhimuntilhewasshotwitharifle.
Inhispocketwassomeroastedhorseflesh,provingthemiseryhehadsufferedfortheFaith.
XXII.
Fateofthreeofthecompanions-404(405)3ofQudd'9cs'companionsofSang-Sar(SiyyidAhmad,Abu'l-Q'87simandMuhammad-'Al'92)werebroughtintotheprince'spresence.
SiyyidAhmad'sfatherM'92rMuhammad-'Al'92wasadistinguishedlearnedadmirerofShaykhAhmadwenttoKarbil'87withSiyyidAhmadandhisbrother(M'92rAbu'l-Q'87sim,whodiedthesamenightMull'87Husaynhad)theyearbeforetheB'87b'sDeclarationtointroducethemtoSiyyidK'87zim,butSiyyidK'87zimdiedbeforetheyarrived.
HedeterminedthentoleaveforNajafanddreamtthatMuhammadhadtheIm'87m'Al'92tellhimthatafterhisdeathbothhissonswouldmeettheQ'87'imandbemartyredforHim.
Assoonasheawoke,hegaveSiyyidAhmadhiswillandlastwishesanddied7daysafterward.
Karbil'87''92'Al'92andKarbil'87''92Ab'9c-Muhammadknownfortheirpietyandspiritualinsightsoughtin1264A.
H.
(1847-8A.
D.
)topreparethepeopleforwhattheyfeltwastheimmanentRevelation,announcingthatonenamedSiyyid'Al'92wouldsetforthwithsomecompanionsfromKhur'87s'87ntoM'87zindar'87nprecededbytheBlackStandardoftheQ'87'imhoistedbyHislieutenantandchiefpromoter.
TheyenjoinedeveryadherentofIsl'87mtoariseandassistthemtobeofthesaved.
Karbil'87''92Ab'9c-MuhammadurgedhissonsAbu'l-Q'87simandMuhammad-'Al'92toariseandsacrificeeverymaterialconcernforthisCause.
HeaswellasKarbil'87''92'Al'92thendiedthatsameyearinspring.
Mull'87Zaynu'l-''e7bid'92n-i-Shahm'92rz'87d'92,atrustedandlearnedcounselorofthegovernment,informedtheprinceoftheirfathersandstory.
SiyyidAhmadwasthenaskedwhyhechosetodisgracehimselfandkininsuchwretchedcircumstancesandnotcontenthimselfwiththeillustriousdivinesofthearea.
Hefearlesslyrelatedthathisfaithwasnotbornofidleimitationbutofdispassionateinvestigation.
Also,herelatedthatthepreeminentmujtahidofNajaf,ShaykhMuhammad-Hasan-i-Najaf'92,hadrefusedtoanswerandbecameangrywithhisappealforhimtoexpoundcertaintruthsrelatingtosecondaryprinciplesunderlyingIsl'87m.
SiyyidAhmadquestionedwithsuchanexperiencehowhecouldexpecttoseekenlightenmentonIsl'87m'sabstruseaspects.
TheprincethenquestionedSiyyidAhmadofhisbeliefinH'87j'92Muhammad-'Al'92.
HestatedhisbeliefthatMull'87Husaynwasthestandard-bearerreferredtobyMuhammadandforthisreason,theyhaverenouncedtheworldtoflocktoHisstandard,ameresymboloftheFaith.
Hethenexpressedthatitwouldbeafavorforhimtobeputtodeaththathemightmeethisimmortalcompanionsastheworldanditscharmshadceasedtoallurehim.
Theprincewashesitanttokillasiyyid,butdidimmediatelyhavehis2companionsexecuted.
SiyyidAhmadwithhisbrother,SiyyidAb'9c-T'87libweredeliveredtoMull'87Zaynu'l-''e7bid'92nwhowastotakethemtoSang-Sar.
M'92rz'87Muhammad-Taq'92with7'ulam'87sofS'87r'92setouttopunishQudd'9cs'companionsandwhentheyfoundtheyhadalreadybeenexecuted,urgedtheprincetoreconsiderhisdecisionaboutSiyyidAhmad,thathisarrivalatS'87r'92wouldbringaboutmoredisturbances.
TheprinceeventuallyyieldedontheconditionthathebehisguestuntilarrivalatS'87r'92topreventhimfromdisturbingthepeace.
AssoonasM'92rz'87Muhammad-Taq'92leftforS'87r'92,hevilifiedSiyyidAhmadandhisfather.
HewasrousedtofuryafterhiscaptivepointedouttheProphet'sinjunctiontohonourguestsandheand7companionscuthimtopiecesbysword.
SiyyidAhmadinvokedtheaidoftheS'87hibu'z-Zam'87ntohisdeath.
HisbrotherSiyyidAb'9c-T'87libwassafelybroughttohisbrotherSiyyidMuhammad-Rid'87wheretheyarebothsupportingtheCause.
TheprincereturnedwithQudd'9cstoB'87rfur'9cshandwaswelcomedbytheSa''92du'l-'Ulam'87'andallthe'ulam'87softhetownandcongratulatedforhistriumph.
Thetowncelebratedwithbonfiresatnightfor3days.
Theprincevacillatedandwasveryreluctanttoill-treathimandwishedtodeliverhimtotheking,buttheSa''92du'l-'Ulam'87'diligentlysoughttoalterhisposition.
Hefuriouslyappealedtothemobprotestinghewoulddenyhimselffoodandsleepuntilbeingallowedtokillhimpersonally.
Theprinceconsultedtheleading'ulam'87s(exceptMull'87Muhammad-i-Hamzihwhohadpleadedtobeexcused,hadpreviouslysoughttodissuadethemobfromviolenceandhadbeengivenQudd'9cs'interpretationoftheS'87dofSamadandotherwritings(itsfateistodayunknown)beforetheyleftthefort)inordertoallaythemasses.
Qudd'9cshadbeenentrustedtotheFarr'87sh-B'87sh'92duringhiscustodyuntilthismeetinginwhichtheprincecalledhimin,aroseandinvitedhimtobeseatedbyhisside.
HetoldtheSa''92du'l-'Ulam'87'toconversedispassionatelyandenjoinedthattheirdiscussionsrevolvearoundversesoftheQur''87nandtraditionsinordertodemonstratetheirclaims.
TheSa''92du'l-'Ulam'87askedwhyhehadchosentowearagreenturbanreservedforthedescendantsoftheProphets.
Qudd'9cscalmlyrepliedthroughaquestionaskingwhethertheesteemedSiyyidMurtad'87wasalinealdescendentthroughfatherormother,towhichitwasagreedtobethroughthemother.
Hethenaskedwhyhisactionshouldbequestionedwhenhismother'sdescentwasveneratedbyall.
TheSa''92du'l-'Ulam'87'angrilyindespairthorughhisturbantothegroundandcomplainedthatheconvincedthemofhisdescentandwouldsoonjustifyhisclaimtobetherevealerofGod'swill.
Theprincethendeclaredthathewashedhishandsofhisresponsibilityforhim,statedtheywouldbeanswerabletoGodonJudgmentDay,calledforhishorse,andleftforS'87r'92intimidatedbythe'ulam'87simprecationsandforgetfulofhisoath.
XXIII.
MartyrdomofQudd'9cs-410Bah'87'u'll'87hHimselftestifiedthatthisyouthhadenduredsuchtorturesanddeaththatnotevenJesushadfacedinHisgreatestagony.
Thecomplicityofthegovernment,thebarbarityofthetorture-mongers,theinhabitants'fanaticism,thesupportofthedignitariesoftheChurchandStateofthecapital,andtheheroicactsoftheirvictims,addedtotheirferocityinmartyringQudd'9cs.
Hewasstrippedofhisclothes,histurbanwasbefouled,andbarefoot,bareheaded,andloadedwithchains,hewasparadedthorughthestreets,followedandscornedbytheentirepopulation.
Hewasexecratedandspatuponbythehowlingmob.
Amidstthis,Qudd'9cswhisperedforgivenesstohisfoesandaskedGodtohavemercyonthemfortheyhadnotdiscoveredwhattheycherished,andaskedGodtoturntheirignoranceintofaith.
Siyyid-i-Qum'92passedbyQudd'9csinhishelplessnessandhithiminthefaceproudlytauntinghimtobreakfromhischainsifhisvoicewasfromGod.
Qudd'9cssteadfastlylookedathim,sigheddeeply,andaskedGodtorequitehimforhisdeedofaddingtohisafflictions.
Qudd'9csuponapproachingtheSabzih-Mayd'87n,raisedhisvoicesaying"Wouldthatmymotherwerewithme,andcouldseewithherowneyesthesplendourofmynuptials!
"Justafterspeakingthesewords,themobfellonhim,hewasassailedwithknivesandaxesofthetown'sfemalescum,hisbodywaspierced,mutilated,andtorntopiecesandthescatteredmemberswerethrownintothefirestartedforthatpurpose.
Adevotedfriend(H'87j'92Muhammad-'Al'92y-i-Hamzih)gatheredhisremainingfragmentsandinterredthem(hadthemgatheredandinterred)closetothesiteofhismartyrdom.
ThisfriendwasdescribedbytheB'87binthePersianBay'87nastheonewhomadethepilgrimagewithhimanduponwhom8unitieshavepassedandGodwashonoredamongHisangelsintheheavensandpraisedhimforthemannerinwhichhewithdrewhimselffromallandwaswithoutblameinGod'ssight(heatfirstcursedtheSa''92du'l-'Ulam'87''sconductthenlaterwassilentwhenthetroubleincreased.
ShortlyafterwardtheSa'idu'l-'Ulam'87wasafflicteddespitehisfursandfireinhisroom,withshiverswhilehavingahighfever,causinghimintolerablethirst.
Hisbeautifulhousewasabandoned,crumbled,andrefusewasdumpeduponitleadingtoaM'87zindar'87n'92insultwishinganother'shousetomeetthesamefateastheSa''92du'l-'Ulam'87's.
TheB'87bwasunabletowriteordictatefor6monthsafterthisduetohisgrief.
Hesurelyhadsuchcriesofanguishatthetalesofthesiege,theirsufferings,betrayalandmassacre.
XXIV.
Listofthemartyrs-414(413)Nab'92l'spurposeincollectingthelistofmartyrsisto"evokealikespiritofenthusiasmanddevotionintheheartsofthosetowhomthispricelessheritagehasbeentransmitted.
"***Pages414-427and427-429dealwiththesignificantheroesandopponentsrespectivelyoftheseeventsandarebestconsulteddirectlyforanyin-depthcharacterdevelopmentinanyartisticportrayal,astheyarealreadysuccinctlysummarizedthere.
(429)Nab'92lexpresseshishopethatfuturepromotersoftheFaithwouldarisetoresearchthenamesandcircumstancesofothermartyrsnotmentioned.
SummaryofChapterXXI.
Astheprince'sforceswerereinforcedbythoseof'Abb'87s-Qul'92Kh'87n-i-L'87r'92j'87n'92,theyhopedinvaintointimidatethebelievers.
II.
Mull'87Husayntoldthosediggingawellthattheywouldreceiveallthewatertheyrequiredthatnightandinvitedthemtojoinhiminbeingmartyred.
HelaterworenewgarmentsandtheB'87b'sturbanandleftwith313companionswiththeircry.
Theywerescatteringtheenemywhen'Abb'87s-Qul'92Kh'87n-i-L'87r'92j'87n'92inatreeshotMull'87Husaynwhilehishorsewascaughtinarope,causinghimtodismountandfalldown.
HewasbroughtbackbyQul'92andHasantoQudd'9cs.
III.
Inhisprivatecompany,Mull'87HusaynconversedwithQudd'9csandansweredhisquestions.
Qudd'9csannouncedhisownimpendingmartyrdom&theirreunion.
Mull'87HusaynofferedhislifeforQudd'9cs&askedhimwhetherhewaswell-pleasedwithhim.
IV.
Qudd'9csallowedthefriendsbeadmittedastheywitnessedMull'87Husayn'sremainingsmile.
Qudd'9csburiedhimwithhisownshirt,praisedhissteadfastnessintheCovenanttotheend,kissedhiseyesandforehead&prayedtheyneverwouldbeseparated.
Thebelieversweptwishingtheyhadbeeninsteadsacrificed.
Qudd'9cswarnedthemnottorevealhisgravesiteandtheyburiedtheother36inamassgrave.
Heexhortedthemtobeasunitedastheotherswereindeath.
V.
Duetotheirdefeatandthecold,theenemystoppedfor45days.
Qudd'9cswarnedthefriendsiftheyhadanyfeartoleavethenastheycouldnotchangeafter.
VI.
M'92rz'87Husayn-i-Mutavall'92betrayedthefriendswritingto'Abb'87s-Qul'92Kh'87n-i-L'87r'92j'87n'92forhimtofinishthejobastheywereweakened.
'Abb'87s-Qul'92Kh'87nwasencouragedbythisnews,killedthemessengertoobtainallcreditfortheprojectedvictory,madesomeexcuseforhisdeath,andbroughtinforcestodestroythem.
VII.
Qudd'9csorderedM'92rz'87Muhammad-B'87qirtochastisetheaggressoranddemonstratethecontinuinginvinciblepoweroftheFaith.
Theymadethecry,andcausedthewholearmytofleeinconfusion.
'Abb'87s-Qul'92Kh'87nwassoafraidthathefellfromhishorseandleftrunningwithonebootleftinthestirrup.
Heconfessedhisfailuretotheprince.
Thedivineswhoweretofightwiththemmadeexcusesoutoffear,and'Abb'87s-Qul'92Kh'87nwasforcedtoacceptforfeartheirfearwouldspreadtohissoldiers.
VIII.
ThesuccessemboldenedthefriendsastheybroughtbackthestandardtoQudd'9cs.
Theypersistedamidsttheirdistressthoughtheyonlyhadhorsefleshtoeat.
Qudd'9csrefusedmorethanafewteaspoonsofthepuddingofferedtohimofonefriend'scowoutofhislackofjoyatMull'87Husayn'sdeath.
HecontinuedhiscommentaryontheS'87dofSamad,however,whichM'92rz'87Muhammad-B'87qirwouldchantforthefriends.
Thefriendspossessedsuchjoyandthemselveslostthepleasureoffood.
Qudd'9csalludedtothemartyrdomofagoodnumberofthefriends.
IX.
Theprincegratefullyused'Abb'87s-Qul'92Kh'87n'sfailureasapretextforabsolvinghimselfandrequestingmoreresources.
Heamassedtheseforcesoutsidetheirwalls.
Theyfiredcannonsandbuilttowerstoovertakethem,butthefriendsbuilttheirownheightsandQudd'9cswasunnervedbutsmiledwhenacannonballlandedbeforehimandrolleditaway.
HepraisedthemastheholyonesspokenofbyMuhammadbutwarnedthemthatanyfearwouldremoveGod'sprotection,inspiringmost,andcausingthesurpriseofthefearfulbythezealwithwhichitinspiredthem.
X.
Mull'87Sa''92dhadbeenaskedbyQudd'9cstogiveabrieftemporaryreplybeforehecouldrespondonquestionsofdivinationandastrology.
Hisreplyastonishedthemtorecognizehisnewpowersasadivinegift.
Later,hesoughttoobtaintea&sugarforQudd'9cswascaptured,andrefusedtorecant,andinsteadtoldhiscaptortoinsteadrepentforhisevil.
Hewassentawayinchainsandwasslainwith5friends.
XI.
Ja'far-Qul'92Kh'87nbuiltatowertofirehiscannonandsilencetheircallofthemuadhdhhinandsingingofhymnsandversesoftheQur''87n.
Qudd'9cscalledM'92rz'87Muhammad-B'87qirtoinflictabefittingpunishmentonthe"boastfulnewcomer,"hewentoutwith18friends,killingJa'far-Qul'92Kh'87n,capturingtheirguns&beststallions,anddestroyingtheirbarricades.
XII.
Astheenemiessuspendedattackduetoammunitionexplosions,thefriendsemergedforgrassastheyhadbeeneatinggrass,shoeleather&disinterredhorseflesh.
XIII.
M'92rz'87Muhammad-B'87qirwassentbyQudd'9cswith36mentodefendthemagainstanotheronslaughtandtheysuccessfullyrepelledthem,but5weremartyredandbroughtbackforburial.
XIV.
AmessengerwaspermittedbythekingtoinduceMull'87Mihd'92&hisbrotherMull'87B'87qir-i-Kand'92toleavethefort,asMull'87Mihd'92'sinfantRahm'87nyearnedforhim.
HerepliedthatthetrueRahm'87nhadremovedallhisaffectionsforanyoneelse.
Mull'87Mihd'92reassertedhisintentiontostay,andindicatedhisdesiretoreturntoQudd'9cs.
Themessengerleftafterhavingfailedtopersuadehimtoleave.
XV.
SiyyidM'92rz'87Husayn-i-Mutavall'92andafewothers,inthemidstoffamine,wereunabletoresisttheassurancesofbeingdelivered.
However,theywereallkilleduponleavingthefortby'Abb'87s-Qul'92Kh'87n'sorders.
XVI.
Qudd'9cssentMull'87Y'9csuf-i-Ardib'92l'92&SiyyidRid'87y-i-Khur'87s'87n'92ashis2representativestotheprincewhohadindicatedhisdesiretonegotiateapeace.
TheprinceassuredthemofpeaceandprotectionbyswearingtheirdeliveryontheQur''87nandpromisedtoreceivetheminhistent.
Qudd'9csaskedGodtojudgebetweenthemthensenthisacceptanceoftheoffer.
XVII.
Qudd'9cslatertoldthefriendstodisperse,thathewouldbegoingtoB'87rfur'9csh,andthathewouldmeetthemagainintheKingdom.
Somefriendsweredeceivedbytheprince'sattendants'thatQudd'9cshadwishedthemtojointhem.
Theywerecaptured,somebeingsoldintoslaverytocarryonnewsoftheseevents.
TheseattendantsthensoughttopressureMull'87Y'9csufintotellingthefriendsthatQudd'9cswishedforthemtodisarm.
Whenherefused,theykilledhim.
XVIII.
Thefriendsremainedsteadfasttotheircruelend.
Thesoldiersshotthem,andcutopentheirstomachs,jokingattheundigestedgrasswhichcameout.
Othersweretornapart,boundtotreesandriddledwithbullets,blownfromcannonsorenflamed.
Thosewhohadbeenpardonedwerekilledaswellaswomenandchildrenwhosethroatswereevencut.
XIX.
Q'87'in'92choppedofftheheadofanexecutionerwhohadkilledafriend,andmoweddownthecrowdwhichrushedhimuntilbeingshotwitharifle.
XX.
SiyyidAhmad'sfather,afollowerofSiyyidK'87zim,soughttobringhissonstomeettheSiyyid.
However,hediedbeforetheycouldreachhim.
ThefatherthendreamtthatMuhammadhadtheIm'87m'Al'92saythattheSiyyid'ssonswouldmeettheQ'87'imandbemartyredforHisCauseafterhisdeath.
Hediedafewdayslater.
XXI.
Karbil'87''92Ab'9c-MuhammadandKarbil'87''92'Al'92hadpreparedthepeople,urgingthemtofollowthehoistingoftheBlackStandardwhichwouldoccursoon.
Ab'9c-Muhammad'ssons,Abu'l-Q'87sim&Muhammad-'Al'92.
Mull'87Zaynu'l-''e7bid'92n-i-Shahm'92rz'87d'92toldtheprinceoftheirfathers'story.
XXII.
WhenaskedwhyhedidnotcontenthimselfwiththedivinesofNajaf,SiyyidAhmadrelatedthathisfaithwasnotofidleimitationandthatitslearnedexponentshowedhisignorancebyhisimpatiencetoanswerabasicquestionhehadhad.
Heexpressedtotheprincethathisexecutionwouldbeafavorinhiseagernesstoleavetheworldandreturntothisfriends.
Hehesitatedtokillasiyyidbutkilled2ofhiscompanions.
However,M'92rz'87Muhammad-Taq'92with7'ulam'87sofS'87r'92urgedtheprincetoreconsider,and,thoughnotagreeing,consentedtodeliverhimtotheircustody.
Afterabusingtheirguests,SiyyidAhmadpointedouttheQur''87nicversetorespectone'sguest,uponwhichM'92rz'87Muhammad-Taq'92andthe'ulam'87scuthimtopiecesashemadethecalloftheLordoftheAge.
Hisbrotherwasspared,however.
XXIII.
AftertheprincereturnedtoB'87rfur'9csh,theSa''92du'l-'Ulam'87'andtheulam'87swelcomedandcongratulatedhim.
Thepeoplehadbonfiresfor3days.
TheSa''92du'l-'Ulam'87'appealedtothereluctantprincetohandhimovertobeexecuted,rousingamobbythreateningtogowithoutfoodorsleepuntilhedidso.
TheprincebroughtinQudd'9cswhohadbeenquarantinedandrespectfullyaskedhimandtheSa''92du'l-'Ulam'87'todefendtheirpositionssolelythroughuseoftheQur''87n.
WhentheSa''92du'l-'Ulam釃'askedQudd'9cswhyheworethegreensiyyidturban,herepliedthatSiyyidMurtad'87hadworntheturbanashehaddescendedfromMuhammadthroughhismother&Qudd'9cswaslikewisedescendedthroughhismother,whichallrecognized.
XXIV.
TheSa''92du'l-'Ulam'87'threwhisturbantotheground,complainedtheywouldsoonrecognizehisclaimtobetherevealerofGod'swill,whentheprincethendroppedhisoath,"washedhimself"ofresponsibility&lefthimtotheSa''92du'l-'Ulam'87'.
XXV.
Hewasstrippedofhisclothes,histurbanbefouled,andbarefoot,bareheaded,andloadedwithchains,hewasparadedthorughthestreets.
Hewasinsultedandspatuponbythehowlingmob.
Amidstthis,Qudd'9cswhisperedforgivenesstothem.
XXVI.
Siyyid-i-Qum'92passedbyQudd'9csinhishelplessnessandhithiminthefacetauntinghimtobreakfromhischainsifhisvoicewasfromGod.
Qudd'9cssteadfastlylookedathim,sigheddeeply,andaskedGodtorequitehimforhisdeed.
XXVII.
Qudd'9csuponapproachingtheSabzih-Mayd'87nglorifiedhis"nuptials"andwasthenattackedbythemobwithknivesandaxes(thetown'sfemalescum),whopiereced,mutilated,andtoretopieceshisbodyandthrewthescatteredmembersintothefirestartedforthatpurpose.
One'ulam'87'whohaddeploredtheSa''92du'l-'Ulam'87''sactions,gatheredhisremainsandburiedthem.
XXVIII.
TheSa'idu'l-'Ulam'87waslaterafflicteddespitehisfursandfireinhisroom,withshivers&ahighfever,causinghimintolerablethirst.
Hisbeautifulhousewasabandoned,crumbled,andrefusewasdumpeduponitleadingtoaM'87zindar'87n'92insultwishinganother'shousetomeetthesamefateastheSa''92du'l-'Ulam'87's.
XXIX.
TheB'87bwasunabletowriteordictatefor6monthsafterthisduetohisgrief.
Hesurelyhadsuchcriesofanguishatthetalesofthesiege,theirsufferings,betrayalandmassacre.
SummaryofContentsI.
Thirdsortie,andfallofMull'87Husayn-378II.
Mull'87Husayn'slastmoments-379III.
Referencetohisburialandachievements-381IV.
Qudd'9cs'warningtohiscompanions-382V.
BetrayalbySiyyidHusayn-i-Mutavall'92-384VI.
Attackby'Abb'87s-Qul'92Kh'87n-i-L'87r'92j'87n'92-386VII.
Fourthsortie,andcompleteroutoftheenemy-387VIII.
DespatchofartilleryfromTihr'87n-389IX.
Distressofthebesieged-389X.
ExhortationsofQudd'9cstohiscompanions-391XI.
Fifthsortie,anddeathofJa'far-Qul'92Kh'87n-394XII.
Increasingdistressofthecompanions-395XIII.
AdeclarationbyQudd'9cs-396XIV.
Sixthandlastsortie-396XV.
Deliberationoftheprincewithchiefsofhisstaff-396XVI.
Incidentrelatedby'e7q'87y-i-Kal'92m-397XVII.
Desertionandcaptureofanumberofthecompanions-398XVIII.
Oathtakenbytheprincetoensuresafetyofthebesieged-399XIX.
Abandonmentofthefort-400XX.
Captureofanumberofthecompanions-403XXI.
Generalmassacre-404XXII.
Fateofthreeofthecompanions-404XXIII.
MartyrdomofQudd'9cs-410XXIV.
Listofthemartyrs-414OtherSummariesofthisChapterRegardingtheM'87zindar'87nupheaval(DB378-429,seealso324-377),seeGPB17,37,38-41,62,63;TN19,22-24)RegardingQudd'9cs(DB378-415,seealso349-377),seeGPB40-42,49-50.
RegardingthemarytrdomofMull'87Husayn(DB378-379),seeGPB50.
RegardingthefrenzyoftheSa''92du'l-'Ulam'87(DB410,seealso328),seeGPB39.
RegardingthepersecutionsoftheSa''92du'l-'Ulam'87(DB408-411,seealso338-339note1,347,265-267),seeGPB83.
Overallof378-429:GPB17,37-42,49-50,62,63,83.
CHAPTERXXI:THESEVENMARTYRSOFTIHR'e7NI.
EffectsoftheM'87zindar'87ndisasterontheB'87b-430HewatchedtheirprogresswithanxietyhadprayedwithzealfortheirvictorybutwasovercomewithwhenHelearnedoftheenemies'betrayalandbutchery,causingHimnottomeetwiththefriendsoreatordrinkfor9days,toweepandanguishasHecommunedbehindthecurtaininHiscell,andtolanguishfor5months.
Atonepoint,HisamanuensisattemptedtojotdownHislamentations,butHebadehimdestroythem.
AtMuharram,theB'87bcontinuedHiswriting,dedicatingthefirstpagetoMull'87Husaynanddescribinghisfidelity,magnanimousconduct,exploits,meetingwithQudd'9csinthenextworld,andforetellingHisimmanentjoiningwiththem.
HecontinuedforaweektowritepraisesofthemartyrsofTabars'92.
II.
DespatchofSayy'87htotheshrineofTabars'92-432(431)On''e7sh'9cr'87(Im'87mHusayn'sanniversaryofmartyrdom),HethensummonedMull'87'e7d'92-GuzalofMar'87ghih,Hisrecentlyactingattendant(insteadofSiyyidHasan,SiyyidHusayn-i-'Az'92z'sbrother)titledhimSayy'87h,entrustedhimwiththevisitingTabletsrevealedforthemartyrsthathewouldmakeapilgrimagetherewithdetachmentanddisguisedasatraveler,andwhenarrivingtakingoffhisshoes,bowinghisheadinreverence,invokingtheirnames,circletheshrine,andbringbacktoHim,outofremembrance,ahandfuloftheholyearthcoveringQudd'9cs'andMull'87Husayn'sgraves,toreturntojoinHimforHislikelylastNaw-R'9cz.
III.
ThevisitofSayy'87htoTihr'87n,andmeetingwithBah'87'u'll'87h-433(432)Sayy'87hacquittedhimselfofthismissionthenproceededtoTihr'87n.
HearrivedatBah'87'u'll'87h'shomethereinthedepthofwinterwearingonlyadervishgarb,barefootanddishevelledbuthisheartenkindled.
SiyyidYahy'87y-i-D'87r'87b'92(Vah'92d),thenaguestthere,flunghimself,despitehiseminentposition,atthepilgrim'sfeet,heldhislegswhichwerecoveredwithmudtotheknees,inhisarmsandkissedthemdevoutly.
Bah'87'u'll'87hevincedsuchevidencesoflovingsolicitudetoVah'92dthatdayas'e7q'87y-i-Kal'92mhadneverseenHimevincetoanyone.
HisconversationconvincedhimthatVah'92dwouldsoondistinguishhimselfbysimilarlyremarkabledeedsasthoseofTabars'92.
Sayy'87h,however,didnotperceiveHishost'spower,despitethefavorsHeshoweredonHim.
Sayy'87hlaterrecountedhisexperiences,described(433)Bah'87'u'll'87h'sfavorstoHimandthepreferenceVah'92dextendedtohim,andhisownignorancethenofnotsuspectingBah'87'u'll'87h'sposition.
Bah'87'u'll'87hentrustedSayy'87hwithanepistle,dictatedtoandsentinM'92rz'87Yahy'87'snametowhichtheB'87brepliedinHisownhandwritingthatM'92rz'87Yahy'87becommittedtoBah'87'u'll'87h'scareforhiseducationandtraining.
ThisletterwaslatermisconstruedasanevidenceoftheB'87b'sfavorstoM'92rz'87Yahy'87'sposition,insteadofhisbeingmerelyafigureheadunderBah'87'u'll'87husedtodetractoutsiders'andgovernmentagents'attentionthoughitcontainednosuchindication,butinsteadhaspraisesofBah'87'u'll'87h.
IV.
AccountofNab'92l'searlylife-434Nab'92lcametoaccepttheFaiththissameyear(1265A.
H.
).
HisfatherwasanomadoftheT'87hir'92tribeofKhur'87s'87n,namedGhul'87m'Al'92(sonofHusayn-i-'Arab)whosewifewasKalb-'Al'92bywhomhehad3sonsand3daughters,the2ndsonofwhichwasNab'92l,namedY'87r-Muhammad.
Hewasbornonthe18thofSafarin1247A.
H.
inZarand.
Hewasashepherd,ofamostrudimentaryeducation.
Thoughunabletostudy,hereadtheQur''87neagerly,memorizedcertainpassagesandchantedthemwhilefollowinghisflock.
Helovedsolitudeandwatchedthestarsatnightwithwonder&delight.
HerecitedprayersattributedtotheIm'87m'Al'92facingtheQiblih,supplicatingtheAlmightyforguidancetotheTruth.
HisdevoutfatherbroughthimtoQum,wherehisfatherwouldpiouslyperformalltherites.
Nab'92lheardthelecturesofmujtahidsandgraduallybegantoperceivetheirinsincerityandbasecharacterbuthecouldnotfindthetimetoascertainthetrustworthinessoftheirassertions.
Hisfatherexpressedhisfearthathisaversionforthemujtahidswouldleadhimtodifficultiesandshame.
In1263A.
H.
inRub'87b-Kar'92mheoverheardaconversationontheB'87b,discussingHisbeingconductedtoKin'87r-GirdtowardTihr'87n.
Asthefriendwithwhomthemanwasspeakingdidnotknowaboutthis,heelaboratedthecircumstancesoftheB'87b,HisDeclaration,arrestinSh'92r'87z,departureforIsf'87h'87n,receptionoftheIm'87m-Jum'ihandMan'9cchihrKh'87n,Hiswonders,theverdictoftheIsf'87h'87n'ulam'87s.
ThisstoryexcitedNab'92lforhowaMancouldsoinfluenceHiscountrymen.
Nab'92lthenreturnedtoZarand,andhisfathernotedhisrestlessnessandbehaviorleadingtohislossofappetiteandsleep.
Hesoughttoconcealthisfromhisfatherthatitwouldnotinterferewithhishopes,whenaSiyyidHusayn-i-Zav'87r''92arrived,befriendedhim,andtowhomNab'92lexpressedhislonging.
Tohissurprise,hewasalreadyenthralledbythissecret,asoneofhiscousins,SiyyidIsm'87''92l-i-Zav'87ri''92,whohadmettheB'87bintheIm'87m-Jum'ih'shouseinIsf'87h'87nandwitnessedthestunninglyrapid,forceful,andoriginalrevelationofthecommentaryontheS'9crihofVa'l-'Asr(Qur''87n,103)whileHeansweredquestionsposedtoHimconvincedhimoftheB'87b'smission.
Thekad-khud'87s(villagehead)andsiyyidsofZav'87rihbecamehostileathisfearlesspreachingandinducedhimtoreturntoIsf'87h'87n.
SiyyidHusaynlefttooandmetH'87j'92M'92rz'87J'87n'92spokenofbyhiscousin,andgavehim"Ris'87liy-i-'Adl'92yyih'oftheB'87btoreadcarefully.
Hewassoimpressedthathetranscribedit.
HemissedtheB'87b,however,WhoarrivedonNaw-R'9czandstayedatH'87j'92M'92rz'87J'87n'92sfor3daysthenleftforTihr'87n.
HethenleftfromK'87sh'87ntoafortressnearKin'87r-Gird.
Amanemergedandaskedhimwherehewasgoingtowhichherepliedhewasapoorwanderingsiyyid.
ThemansaidheimaginedhimtobeafolloweroftheSiyyidWholeftfor'e7dhirb'87yj'87nofWhomhehimselfwasafollower,namedH'87j'92Zaynu'l-''e7bid'92n.
TheB'87btoldhimtostaytheretodissuadeanyofthefriendshemightmeetfromfollowingHimbuttoconsecratetheirlivestoservingHisCausethatthebarriersmayberemovedtoallowingthemtoworshipGodandobserveitsprecepts.
SiyyidHusayn-i-Zav'87r''92thencametoZarandinsteadoftoQum.
ThisrelievedNab'92landhewasgivenacopyofRis'87liy-i-'Adl'92yyihwhichgavehimstrengthandrefreshment.
SiyyidHusaynadvisedhimtomeetSiyyidIsm'87''92l-i-Zav'87ri''92whowouldbevisitingtheshrinesofQum.
HetoldhisfatherthathewishedtogotheretostudyArabic(soastoavoidhimbeingpreventedbytheQ'87d'92(judges)and'ulam'87sfromgoing.
Hewasvisitedbyhismother,sister,andbrotherduringNaw-R'9cz.
Hetaughthismotherandsister,whoacceptedtheFaith.
SiyyidIsm'87''92larrivedafewdaysaftertheyreturnedtoZarandandwasabletowinhimovercompletelytotheCauseindiscussingthethecontinuityofDivineRevelation,theonenessofthepastProphetsandTheirassociationwithHisMission,andthenatureofShaykhAhmadandSiyyidK'87zim'smissions(withwhomNab'92lhadbeenunacquainted).
HeaskedandwastoldthatthefaithfulshouldgotoM'87zindar'87nandlendassistancetoQudd'9cs.
HeadvisedNab'92l,however,toremaininQumwithM'92rz'87Fathu'll'87h-i-Hakk'87k(ayouthofthesameagewhohadjustdeclared)untilreceivinghismessagefromTihr'87n.
Asnowordcame,hedecidedtoleaveforthecapital,wasfollowedbyM'92rz'87Fathu'll'87h(whowasarrestedandwaseventuallyexecutedbecauseoftheattemptontheSh'87h'slife),metSiyyidIsm'87''92l-i-Zav'87r''92(whosaidhehadjustwrittentheletter),anddiscoveredthesaddeningnewsthatthatthefortanditsinhabitantshadbeendestroyed.
Nab'92l'smaternaluncleNaw-R'9cz-'Al'92cametogethimandSiyyidIsm'87''92ladvisedhimtoreturn.
Uponhisreturn,hewonoverhisbrotherandinducedhisfathertoallowhimtoleaveforTihr'87nwherehemetMull'87'Abdu'l-Kar'92m(titledM'92rz'87AhmadbyBah'87'u'll'87h)whoreceivedhimaffectionatelyasthetemporarytrustofSiyyidIsm'87''92l.
HeintroducedhimtotheB'87b'sdiscipleswhotaughthimmoreoftheFaith'steachings.
M'92rz'87Ahmadatthetimewasascribe&spenteveningscopyingthePersianBay'87n&otherofHiswritingsasgiftsforhisfellow-disciples.
Nab'92lboresuchgiftsfromhimtoMull'87Mihd'92y-i-Kand'92'swife(themotheroftheinfantsonwhosefatherhadlefttojointhefriendsatTabars'92).
HewasinformedofT'87hirih'stransferfromN'9crtoacourteousconfinementinTihr'87n.
Bah'87'u'll'87h'swife,theVaraqatu'l-'Uly'87(MostExaltedLeaf)hadhealedhiseyeswithanointmentshepreparedandsentthroughM'92rz'87Ahmad.
HethenwasconductedtotheHolyFamily'shousebyM'92rz'87Ahmad.
Hefirstmet'Abdu'l-Bah'87Whowasthen6butremainedunawareofHisstation.
HesmiledHiswelcomeasHestoodatBah'87'u'll'87h'sdoor.
HewasstartledattheunworthinessofM'92rz'87Yahy'87'sfeaturesandconversation.
Anothertime'e7q'87y-i-Kal'92mrequestedNab'92ltoconduct'e7q'87(theMaster)totheMadrisiy-i-M'92rz'87-S'87lih(asIsfand'92y'87rhadnotyetreturnedfromthemarket).
'Abdu'l-Bah'87(achildofexquisitebeauty)emergedfromHisFather'sroom,wearingthekul'87handacloak(jubbiy-i-hiz'87ri''92),anddescendedthehousestepstothegate.
AsNab'92lofferedtocarryHim,Hesaidtheyshallwalktogether,Hetookhishand,andtheywalkedtotheP'87-Min'87rmadrisihwhereHetoldhimtoreturnlaterasHisFatherwouldneedIsfand'92y'87r.
Backatthehouse,M'92rz'87Yahy'87gaveNab'92lalettertobringtoBah'87'u'll'87hataroomwhereMull'87B'87qir-i-Bast'87m'92wasattheMadrisiy-i-Sadrandreturnimmediately.
Afterthis,Nab'92lreturnedwith'Abdu'l-Bah'87.
M'92rz'87AhmadinvitedhimonedaytomeetH'87j'92M'92rz'87Siyyid'Al'92whohadreturnedfromChihr'92qinMuhammadBig-i-Chap'87rch'92'shomeneartheShim'92r'87ngate.
Hewasimpressedbyhisnoblefeaturesandlaterbyhis,temper,piety,andcharacter.
Herecalledonetimewhen'e7q'87y-i-Kal'92murgedhimtofleefromTihr'87nwhenherepliedthathetoowishedhecouldshareinthebanquetpreparedbyGodforHischosenones.
Later,asiyyidofK'87sh'87nlivingintheMadrisiy-i-D'87ru'sh-Shaf'87'whomSiyyidMuhammadclaimedtohaveconvertedthoughSiyyidMuhammad'steacher,M'92rz'87Muhammad-Husayn-i-Kirm'87n'92,awell-knownlectureronIsl'87m'smetaphysicaldoctrines,hadurgedhimtorefusethisunreliablesiyyid'sadmittance.
ThissiyyidwenttoSiyyidHusayn('ulam'87ofK'87sh'87n)andgavehimalistofabout50believers'addressesinTihr'87n,whointurnsubmittedthemtoMahm'9cdKh'87n-i-Kalantarwhoorderedtheirarrest.
14werebroughttotheauthorities.
Nab'92lwaswithhisbrotherandmaternalunclethatdayoutsidetheNawgate.
ThewentbackthenextmorningtoZarandwhileNab'92lreturnedtotheMadrisiy-i-D'87ru'sh-Shaf'87'wherehefoundaletterfromM'92rz'87Ahmadinforminghimofthesiyyid'sreportofthem,entrustinghimwiththesacredwritingshehadinpossessiontobringtoH'87j'92N'87d-'Al'92'scaravanseraifordeliveringthepackageandletter,andencouraginghimtomeethimattheMasjid-i-Sh'87h.
Whenhedidthis,M'92rz'87Ahmadtoldhimhowhehadbeenattackedandfoundrefugeandimmunityinthemasjid.
Bah'87'u'll'87hsentM'92rz'87AhmadaletterinforminghimoftheAm'92r-Niz'87m'sdemandoftheIm'87m-Jum'ihforhisarrestandhisintenttoignoretherightofasylum.
M'92rz'87AhmadwasurgedtoleaveindisguiseforQumwhileNab'92lwastogotoZarand.
Nab'92l'srelationspleadforhimtoreturn,withparticularconcernforhisfatherwhohadbeenmisinformedastohisarrestandimpendingexecution&wasdistressed.
AtM'92rz'87Ahmad'surgingatthisGod-sentopportunity,helefttoZarand&celebratedNaw-R'9czwithhisfamily.
ThiswastheB'87b'slastNaw-R'9czasforetoldinoneoftheB'87b'slastworks.
Nab'92lwaitedthere&worriedaboutthefateofthosefriendsinTihr'87n.
S'87diq-i-Tabr'92z'92camefromTihr'87nandwasreceivedinhisfather'shouseand,thoughrelievinghimofhisuncertainty,toldhimofevenmoreanxiety-provokingcruelhappenings.
14discipleswhohadbeencapturedwereincarceratedinMahm'9cdKh'87n-i-Kalantar'shouse(whereT'87hirihwasontheupperfloor)andweresubjectedtoeveryilltreatment,toobtaininformation.
Muhammad-Husayn-i-Mar'87ghi''92,oneofthese,didnotutteranythingdespiteseveretorture,causingtheoppressorstothinkhewasdumb.
H'87j'92Mull'87Ism'87''92l(whohadconvertedhim)saidheismutebutnotdumb,fluent&freeofimpediment.
Whenhecalledhimbyname,thevictimrespondedassuringhimhewasreadytoabidehim.
V.
ExecutionoftheSevenMartyrs-436(446)TheyreferredtheirmattertoMahm'9cdKh'87nwhoreferredittotheAm'92r-Niz'87m,M'92rz'87Taq'92Kh'87n(N'87siri'd-D'92nSh'87h'sGrandVaz'92r)whowasinvestedwithfullpowerstoconductaffairswithoutthethesh'87h'sknowledge.
Afterthreateningthemtodeath,7yieldedwhile7othersweremartyred.
a.
H'87j'92M'92rz'87Siyyid'Al'92-436(446)Kh'87l-i-A'zam(theGreatestUncle),theB'87b'smaternaluncle,wasaleadingmerchantofSh'92r'87ztowhomtheB'87bhadbeenentrustedafterHisfather'sdeath(whoassumedresponsibilityforHimafterHispilgrimageandarrestbyHusaynKh'87n,actedasintermediarybetweenHimandthehostsoffollowerscomingtoSh'92r'87z).
HewasQurb'87n'sson(theheadcookoftheQ'87'im-Mag'87m,predecessorofH'87j'92M'92rz'87'e7q'87s'92)ashisonlychild,SiyyidJav'87ddiedininfancy.
HehadleftSh'92r'87zforChihr'92qtovisittheB'87bthenwenttoTihr'87nwithoutaspecialoccupationuntiltheseditionwhichcausedhismartyrdom.
Heremainedtillthelastmomentregardlessofhisfriends'warnings.
Someaffluentmerchantsofferedtopayhisransom,thoughherejected.
TheAm'92r-Niz'87msoughttopersuadehimtogiveonewordofrecantationtosecurehissafeandhonorablereturn.
Heindicatedhiswishtofollowinthepathsofthemartyrsbeforehim,hisdesirenottorejectthisRevelationandthereforealltheRevelationsbeforeit--Muhammad's,Jesus',Moses',etc.
,givenhiswitnessingofallTheirwonders(ineveryway)intheB'87b,andhisonerequesttobethefirst(there)tolaydownhislifeinHispath.
TheAm'92rwasstunnedbyhisanswer,andoutofdespair,motionedhebetakenoutandbeheaded.
ThevictimutteredthewordsofH'87fizingratitudetoGodandcalledthepeopletonotehiswillingsacrifice(asthoseoftheprovinceandbeyondwouldtestifytohisuprightconduct&noblelineage),notedtheironyoftheirrefusaltoacknowledgewhattheyhadprayedfora1000years,andaskedtheirforgiveness,despitethewraththeydeserved.
Theexecutionerwasstirred,pretendedhisswordneededresharpeningandleft.
HestatedhowhehadonlybeenchargedbeforetokillthoseconvictedofmurderandhighwayrobberyandwascompelledtoshedthebloodofonenolessholythantheIm'87mM'9cs'87y-i-K'87zim(7thIm'87m).
BecomingaporterandcrierinKhur'87s'87n,hetoldthebelieversthereofhisrepentanceandcriedatthementionofhisvictim'snamewhohadinstilledsuchloveinhisheart.
b.
M'92rz'87Qurb'87n-'Al'92-449Ni'matu'll'87h'92ofB'87rfur'9cshwaspious,noble,andpuresuchthatseveralnotablesofM'87zindar'87n,Khur'87s'87n,andTihr'87nhadpledgedhimtheirloyaltyandhewaspaidhomageonhiswaytopilgrimageandelsewhere,thoughhedisdainedtheirpomp.
AshaykhinMandal'92jhadrenouncedhisfriendsanddisciplesandfollowedhimtoYa'q'9cb'92yyihthoughM'92rz'87Qurb'87n-'Al'92inducedhimtoreturntocontinuehiswork.
ItwasonpilgrimagethathemetMull'87HusaynandembracedtheCause.
Duetoillnesshecouldnotjointhefortdefenders,despitehispreeminenteagernesstogo.
HewasveryattachedtoVah'92daswellasMull'87Husayn.
HeyearnedtojoinMull'87HusaynandwishedtomakeupforitbyjoiningVah'92dwhenhewasarrested.
HewaswalkingthestreetsdressedinhumbleclothingwhileadheringtoallobservancesanddevotionsoftheFaithsoasnottoneglectwhattheB'87bHimselfdidandenjoined.
M'92rz'87Qurb'87n-'Al'92wasarrestedandbroughttoAm'92r-Niz'87mitcausedagreatcommotion.
TheAm'92rmentionedthemanyappealsforintercessionhewasreceivingandstatedthatitwouldhavebeenbetterforhimtoassumeleadershipthansubmittooneoflessknowledge.
M'92rz'87Qurb'87n-'Al'92retortedthathisknowledgeandjusticeledhimtobowdownbeforeHimandtodenyHispower(towhichenemiesandfriendsaliketestified)wouldimplytherejectionofeveryProphet.
Hetestifiedthatthoughhispowercouldnotmoveanyoftheirhearts,Hispowertransmutedeventhemostdegradedtothedegreethattheywishedtosacrificetheirlivesastheireffortshadbeeninadequate.
TheAm'92rhesitatedtokillhimbecauseofhisstationwhileM'92rz'87Qurb'87n-'Al'92insistedthattheB'87bhaddeclaredhimamartyrandassuredhimhewouldnotblamehimbutinfactthankhim.
WhentheAm'92raskedtoremovehimforfearoffallingunderhisspell,herespondedthat,unlikemenastheAm'92r,onlythepureofheartcouldbeaffected.
TheAm'92rthenaroseshakingwithanger,statedthatonlytheswordcouldsilencethem,andtoldthemtobeheadanywhodidnotrecant.
M'92rz'87Qurb'87n-'Al'92rejoicedattheprospectofhismartyrdomthathemightobtaineverlastinglifeandbeinfinitelycompensatedwithlivesforhisonedeath.
HesaidthatMuhammadhadreturnedintheformof'Al'92-Muhammad,thataroseisaroseinwhichevergardenortimeitblooms,andthendeploredhowhecouldnotsharewithanyheartormindthecharmandgloryoftheimperishableRose.
HerejoiceduponseeingtheGreatestUncle'sbody,embracedit,saidthathisfriendrefusedtoreleasehimselfwishingtojoinhimtotheWell-Beloved'scourt,andthenwasstruckintheneck,causinghisheadtobow,histurbantorollof,andevokingfeelingsofindignation,sorrowandsympathyfrommanyoftheonlookerscomparabletohowtheymeetthedayof''e7sh'9cr'87.
c.
H'87j'92Mull'87Ism'87''92l-i-Qum'92-453H'87j'92Mull'87Ism'87''92l-i-Qum'92ofFar'87h'87nsoughtthetruthinhisyouth,satatSiyyidK'87zim'sfeetleadingtohisrecognitionoftheB'87b'sRevelationinSh'92r'87zafewyearslater.
HedistinguishedhimselfbyhisfaithandfervorandhastenedtoKhur'87s'87n,joinedthefriendsgoingtoBadasht,wastitledSirru'l-Vuj'9cdthere,deepenedhisunderstanding&zealwhilewiththem,andbecomingmoreimpatienttodemonstratehisnewspiritbefittingly.
HeexplainedQur''87nicandtraditionalverseswithgreatinsightandeloquence,andatthetimeofthesiegeofTabars'92,helanguishedsickinbed,andwhenhediscoveredtheirmassacre,hearosetoaddtohislaborsfortheCause.
Whenhecametothebodiesofthetwinmartyrs,hepraisedthem,wishedhehadprecededthem,askedtheexecutionertotakehiscoinandpurchasesomethingsweet,tooksomeofit,andgavetheresttotheexecutioner,forgivinghimandcallinghimtohastenhisblow.
Whenonehadpointedoutoneofhisfriendshadofferedmoneytosavehimshouldherecant,hesaidhecouldbesafewithoutmoneybutrecitedapoemindicatingthatthosewhowouldbesacrificeddonotturnbackoutoflove.
HeaskedGodtoaccepthisunworthyselfandwhileofferinghisdevotions,cutthemshortbyhisrequest.
d.
SiyyidHusayn-i-Tursh'92z'92-455SiyyidHusayn-i-Tursh'92z'92,themujtahidofTursh'92zinKhur'87s'87nknownforhispietyanduprightconduct,wasthenbroughtin.
HehadstudiedinNajaf,wascommissionedbyothermujtahidstheretopropagatetheseprinciples,andmetintheprocessH'87j'92Muhammad-Taq'92y-i-Kirm'87n'92anoldacquaintanceofhis,whomhedecidedtojoingoingtoPersia.
ThisacquaintancewasaclosefriendoftheB'87b'smaternalunclethroughwhomhewasconvertedin1264A.
H.
onhiswaytopilgrimageforKarbil'87.
HeexpressedhisdesiretojointhisuncleinvisitingtheB'87bbuttheuncleadvisedhimtogoontoKarbil'87andawaitinstructions.
WhileinChihr'92q,theuncleexpressedhisreluctancetoreturntoSh'92r'87zduetothearrogancethereandHewassenttoTihr'87nthathemightlaterrejointheB'87b.
H'87j'92Muhammad-Taq'92wasrequestedtojoinHimonthisjourney.
SiyyidHusaynjoinedhimfromBaghd'87dandwastherebyconverted.
Athisimmanentmartyrdom,SiyyidHusayndeclaredhimselftothepeopleadescendentoftheIm'87mHusayn,notedthetestimonyoffellowmujtahidstohisauthorityontheQur''87n,arguedthathisknowledgeofIsl'87mledtohisrecognitionoftheB'87b'sMessage,andstatedthatanydenunciationwouldbearejectionofeveryRevelationbeforeHim.
Hecalleduponthepeopletogatherthe'ulam'87sandmujtahidsthathemightdemonstratetheCause'struthtothem,thatinnocentbloodmightnotbeshedwerehetoconvincethem.
AnofficeroftheAm'92r-Niz'87minterjectedthathehadadeath-warrantby7mujtahids,declaredhimselfanswerabletoGodforhisblood,laidtheresponsibilityonthoseleaders,thenstabbedhimwithhisdagger.
e.
H'87j'92Muhammad-Taq'92y-i-Kirm'87n'92-457AsHaj'92Muhammad-Taq'92sawhisfriend'sbody,hebecameviolentlyindignant,andtoldthetyranttoquicklykillhimthathemayjoinhisbelovedHusaynandnotendurethetortureoflivingafterhim.
f.
SiyyidMurtad'87-458Ashisfriendsaidthis,SiyyidMurtad'87thenflunghimselfoverhisfriend'sbody,andpleadedtobeexecutedfirst,statinghismartyrdomasasiyyidwouldbemoremeritoriousandcallingtomindhismartyredbrotherwhohadstruggledwithMull'87Husayn,astonishingtheonlookerswithhisdeepfaith.
g.
Muhammad-Husayn-i-Mar'87ghi''92-458Muhammad-Husaynthenaskedtobemartyredbeforethem,threwhimselfonthebodyofhisfriendH'87j'92Mull'87Ism'87''92l-i-Qum'92&declaredhewouldneverbeseparatedfromthisdearfriend.
Theireagernesstoprecedeoneanother,whichgreatlyastonishedthemultitude,ledtotheirbeingbeheadedatthesamemoment.
Thoughtheycouldhaveeasilyboughttheirliveswithalip-denialjustifiedunderkitm'87nortaq'92yyih,andthoughnotdriventodesperationasthoseatTabars'92orZanj'87n,theyremainedfaithful,inspiringmanysecretfollowersandadmirers,evenamongimportantofficialsdespitethedishonortheactsagainstthembroughttoIsl'87m.
VI.
IncidentsrelatedbyBah'87'u'll'87h-459Nab'92lhererelateshowBah'87'u'll'87hhadreviewedhisworktothispointandhowhewasconfirmedbyHisfavors,blessings,andpresence.
HethenrecordshisrecollectionofhismeetingwithBah'87'u'll'87h.
AccordingtoIsl'87mictradition,F'87timihwillappearunveiledcrossingthebridgeSir'87tonJudgmentDay&willdeclareforthepeopletoturntheireyesaway.
Bah'87'u'll'87hexplainedthemeaningoftheseversesincontextofthegatheringatBadasht.
HewascelebratingthemarriageofaprinceinTihr'87nwhenSiyyidAhmad-i-Yazd'92,fatheroftheB'87b'samanuensis(SiyyidHusayn)appearedatthedoor,beckoningHimwithanimportantmessage.
AsHewasthenunabletoleave,HemethimafterwardswhoinformedHimofT'87hirih'sconfinementinQazv'92nandherdanger.
HethensummonedMuhammad-H'87diy-i-Farh'87d'92rightawayandgavehimdirectionstogetherreleasedandbringhertothecapital.
ThoughHewasunabletohostherindefinitelyatHishome,HearrangedforhertogototheMinisterofWar'shouse(M'92rz'87'e7q'87Kh'87n-i-N'9cr'92)(whohadbeendisgracedbythesovereignandwasdeportedtoK'87sh'87n)tobehostedbytheminister'ssister.
SheremainedthereuntilthecalltoproceedtoKhur'87s'87ncame.
M'92rz'87('e7q'87y-i-Kal'92m)wassenttobringhertoaplaceoutsidethecitygateandthentoanysuitablelocalityintheneighborhood.
Hebroughthertoanorchardnearadesertedbuildingunderthecareofanoldman.
M'92rz'87M'9cs'87returnedandtoldHimoftheirreceptionandbeautifullandscape.
HeinturnarrangedforherdeparturewhichHewastofollowinafewdays.
HejoinedheratBadashtwhereHerentedagardenforherandappointedMuhammad-H'87d'92asherdoorkeeper.
Theywerejoinedby70friendswhostayedinthearea.
AsBah'87'u'll'87hwassickinbed,T'87hirihcalleduponHim,andHewasatalossastowhattoreply.
Sheappearedatthedoorunveiled.
HepraisedM'92rz'87'e7q'87J'87n'ssummaryofthisashedescribedF'87timih'sfaceappearingunveiled.
Hespokeofthegreatfearandbewildermentaffectingthosewitnessingit,leadingtosome(includingSiyyid-i-Nahr'92(M'92rz'87Muhammad-'Al'92y-i-Nahr'92),andHisbrotherM'92rz'87H'87d'92)fleeinginhorrortoadesertedcastleintheneighborhood.
Bah'87'u'll'87hsentwordthatthisdesertionofthefriendswasnotnecessary.
Asthefriendsleft,HewaslefttoHisenemies'mercy.
WhenHelaterwentto'e7mul,4000peoplecongregatedinthemasjidandtherooftopswhiletheleadingmull'87denouncedHimasaperverterofIsl'87manditsfame.
HedreamtthenightbeforethataneagermultitudesawHimarrivewhiletheQ'87'imwatchedHimwithgreatsurpriseandbelievedthistobeasignofBah'87'u'll'87hdeviatingfromthepathofTruth.
Bah'87'u'll'87hassuredhimitwasdisapprovalattheirtreatmentofHim.
HeaskedHimoftheB'87b'sMissiontowhichBah'87'u'll'87hsaidthat,thoughneverhavingmetHimfacetoface,HepossessedagreataffectionforHimneverthelessanddeeplybelievedHehadnotactedcontrarytoIsl'87m.
Themull'87andfollowersrefusedtobelieveHim,however,confinedHim,andforbadeHisfriendsmeetingwithHim.
Theactinggovernorof'e7mulobtainedHisreleasebyorderinghismentomakeaholeinthewallofHisroomandbringHimtohishouse.
Whenthepeoplelearnedofthis,theybesiegedthegovernor'sresidence,peltedHimwithstones,andshoutedinsults.
AtthesametimeHewasseekingtoobtainT'87hirih'sdeliverancetoTihr'87n,ShaykhAbu-Tur'87bwrotethatsuchanattempthadgraverisksandcouldcauseagreattumult.
Bah'87'u'll'87hwasnotdeterred,however.
Bah'87'u'll'87hdescribedHimaskind-hearted,simpleandlowlyintemper,behavingwithgreatdignitybutlackingcourageanddeterminationandbetrayingweaknessoncertainoccasions.
VII.
BurialoftheSevenMartyrs-463For3daysandnights,theirbodieswereabandonedintheSabzih-Mayd'87nandexposedtountoldindignitiesassh'92'ahsspatontheirfaces,kicked,pelted,cursed,mocked&dumpedrefuseonthem(sayingthatwastherecompenseofpeopleofaffectionandthosewhopursueWisdomandTruth)withoutanyprotestbeingmade.
Thebodieswereburiedoutsidethecapitalgate(inapittheyfilled)beyondthelimitsofapubliccemetery,adjoiningthemoat,betweenthegatesofNawandSh'87h'Abdu'l-'Az'92m,unitedinthesamegrave(astheyhadinlife).
TheirmartyrdombroughtanaddedblowtotheB'87b,alreadysadabouttheTabars'92martyrs.
HerevealedadetailedTabletreferringtothemastheSevenGoats(ofatradition)thatwouldwalkinfrontoftheQ'87'im(diebeforeHim,theirShepherd),havinglivedheroicallyanddyingbyHiswill(4monthsbeforeHisdeath).
ThatsameyearsawTabars'92(eastPersia)theeventsofNayr'92z(southPersia),Vah'92d'sdeath,thestorminZanj'87n(northPersia--asTihr'87n)whichledtothemartyrdomofmanyoftheB'87b'sstaunchestdisciples,aswellasHisownmartyrdomofmarvelousandgloriouscircumstancesinTabr'92z(westPersia),coveringthewholenationindarkness,heraldingthemightierRevelationoftheexpectedHusayn.
ThesuperstitiousandignorantpeopleweredumbfoundedbytheaccountsofcontinuousmiracleswhiletheMull'87swerefearfuloflosingtheircontrol,increasedtheirslandersandcruelliescausingbothterrorandadmirationamongthemasses.
SummaryofChapterXXII.
TheB'87banguishedatnewsofthefriends'martyrdoms.
Herefusedtohavefood,ordrinkfor9daysandlanguishedfor5months,refusingthathislamentationsberecorded.
Eventually,HewasabletowriteTabletsintheirmemory,describingtheircharacterandforetellingHisownimmanentmartyrdom.
II.
TheB'87bsummonedMull'87'e7d'92-Guzal,titledhimSayy'87h,senthimonapilgrimagetoreverentlyvisittheirresting-places,hadhimbringbacksomeoftheearthcoveringtheirgravesoutofremembrance.
III.
Afterundertakingthismission,Sayy'87hwenttoBah'87'u'll'87h'shomeinTihr'87narrivingwithmodestclothingdespitethedeepwinter.
Vah'92d,whowasaguestthere,showedgreatrespecttothisvisitor,kissinghisfeetasheappeared,despitehiseminentposition,asSayy'87h'spilgrimagesymbolizedtheloveanddeathofthemartyrs.
(Bah'87'u'll'87hshoweredsuchdeeploveforVah'92das'e7q'87y-i-Kal'92mhadneverseen,indicatingtohimthefutureheroismandmartyrdomofVah'92d.
)Sayy'87hdidnotrecognizeHishostthen,despiteHisfavors.
HewasgivenanepistlebyHim(inM'92rz'87Yahy'87'sname)towhichtheB'87brepliedcommittingM'92rz'87Yahy'87toBah'87'u'll'87h'straining.
ThiswaslatermisconstruedasfavorsuponM'92rz'87Yahy'87(itwasactuallyapraiseofBah'87'u'll'87h).
IV.
Nab'92lacceptedtheFaiththesameyear.
Thoughhehadhadbutabasiceducation,hewasfondofrecitingandstudyingtheQur''87nashisshepherdinglifeallowedhim.
HisdevoutfatherbroughthimtothemujtahidsofQum,whomhebegantobelievewereinsincereandofbasecharacter.
Hisfatherfearedhisaversionforthemwouldleadhimtotrouble.
V.
Nab'92lonedayoverheardsomemendiscussingthecircumstancesoftheB'87b'simprisonmentandsufferingaswellasHisgreatwonders.
ThisexcitedNab'92l'sinterest,preoccupyinghimtothedegreethatwhenhereturnedhome,helostappetiteandsleepuntilSiyyidHusayn-i-Zav'87r''92appearedandbefriendedhim.
Nab'92lsharedhislongingwithhim,who,tohissurprise,wasalsoenthralled.
VI.
SiyyidHusayn'scousin,SiyyidIsm'87''92l-i-Zav'87ri''92,hadmettheB'87bandwitnessedHisrevealingofverses.
Hewasinducedtoleavebecauseofhispreaching,andSiyyidHusaynlefttoo.
SiyyidHusaynmetH'87j'92M'92rz'87J'87n'92whogavehimsomeoftheB'87b'sWritings.
Hewassoimpressed,hecopiedthewholething.
HemissedseeingtheB'87b,WhohadstayedatH'87j'92M'92rz'87J'87n'92's,butwasdirectedinHisdirection.
Hecametoafortresswhereamancameout&inquiredastowhohewas.
Whenherespondedthathewasapoorwanderingsiyyid,themanstatedhesuspectedhimtobeaB'87b'92,whichhealsowas,andthathehadinstructionstodissuadeanyofthefriendsfromfollowingHim,buttoinsteadconsecratetheirlivesinservicetoHisCause.
VII.
Nab'92lwasrelievedbythis,refreshedbytheB'87b'sWritingsthesiyyidgavehim,andwasmovedtocatchupwithSiyyidIsm'87''92l-i-Zav'87ri''92inQum.
Nab'92ltoldhisfatherhewantedtogotostudyArabic(toavoidbeingpreventedfromgoingbytheMuslimjudges).
Hisrelativeswerewonoveraftertheyvisitedhimthere.
Nab'92lwasgivencertitudebySiyyidIsm'87''92lwhenhearrivedbyexplainingthecontinuityandonenessofreligion.
HeadvisedNab'92ltostaythereuntilreceivingwordfromTihr'87n.
VIII.
Nab'92lcaughtupwithhimbutdiscoveredthatthedefendersofTabars'92hadalreadybeenmassacred.
Hethenreturnedhomewithhisconcernedfatherandfamily.
Afterwinningoverhisbrother,hewentwithM'92rz'87Ahmad(whomSiyyidIsm'87''92lhadchargedwithwatchingoverhim).
M'92rz'87AhmadcopiedtheWritingsformanyofthefriends.
Nab'92lborethesegiftsfromhimtoMull'87Mihd'92y-i-Kand'92'swife(themotheroftheinfantsonwhosefatherlefttojointhefriendsatTabars'92).
IX.
ThroughvisitstotheHolyFamily'shousebyM'92rz'87Ahmad,hemetM'92rz'87Yahy'87whoseunworthyfeaturesstartledhimandmet'Abdu'l-Bah'87(thoughunawareofHisstation)Whowas6.
Hewasaskedtotake'Abdu'l-Bah'87out,andHetookhishand(insteadofbeingcarried).
HereturnedlaterbytheMaster'srequestandwasgivenaletterfromM'92rz'87Yahy'87tobringtoBah'87'u'll'87handwastoreturnHisreply.
HemetH'87j'92M'92rz'87Siyyid'Al'92laterandwasimpressedbyhisnoblefeaturesandcharacter(confirmedbyhisunwillingnesstofleefromdanger).
X.
ASiyyidMuhammadhadcontinuedassociationwithasuspicioussiyyidwhoendedupgivingalistofabout50believers'namestoMahm'9cdKh'87n-i-Kalantarwhoorderedtheirarrest,bringing14in.
Asaresult,M頀rz'87AhmadleftNab'92lawarningletterencouraginghimtoleave,takesomeofhiscopiesofsacredWritings,andtomeethimlater.
WhenhemetM'92rz'87Ahmad,Nab'92lwasinformedthathehadbeenattackedandthatBah'87'u'll'87hhadsentM'92rz'87Ahmadaletterinforminghimthatthe'e7m'92rintendedtoviolatetherightofasylum,andthatheandNab'92lshouldleavetown.
Throughthisletter,andtheconcernedentreatiesofNab'92l'srelations,Nab'92lreturnedtohisfamilyinZarandandenjoyedNawR'9czwiththem,whichwastheB'87b'slast.
XI.
Nab'92lfoundouttohisduressthat14discipleshadbeendetainedatMahm'9cdKh'87n-i-Kalantar'shouseand(some)weresubjectedtoilltreatmentincludingtorture.
Muhammad-Husayn-i-Mar'87ghi''92refusedtogiveanyofthebelievers'names,causinghisoppressorstothinkhewasmute.
WhenH'87j'92Mull'87Ism'87''92informedthemhewasnotbycallinghisname,Muhammad-Husaynresponded.
XII.
WhenthematterwasreferredtoM'92rz'87Taq'92Kh'87n,7yieldedtothepressurewhile7othersweremartyred.
XIII.
TheB'87b'smaternaluncle,H'87j'92M'92rz'87Siyyid'Al'92,wasoneofthosemartyred.
HehadwatchedovertheB'87bafterHisfather'sdeath.
Hehadoneson,SiyyidJav'87dwhodiedininfancy.
AfteracceptingtheFaith,heleftforChihr'92q,andthenwenttoTihr'87n.
Severalaffluentmerchantssoughttopurchasehisreleasewhichhereleased.
AftertheAm'92r-Niz'87msoughthisrecantation,herefused,statedhiswishtojointheothermartyrs,declaredsuchadenunciationtobeadenunciationofeverypreviousRevelation,andrequestedtobethefirstofthesemartyrstodie.
TheAm'92rwasstunnedanddespairinglymotionedforhisbeheading.
ThevictimutteredwordsofgratitudetoGod,notedhisacknowledgedcharacterandwillingsacrificeandironyoftheirfailuretorecognizewhattheyprayedfor,andaskedfortheirforgiveness,despitetheirmerits.
XIV.
Theexecutionerwasaffectedtothedegreethathepretendedhisswordneededresharpeningandleft.
HeexpressedhisdeepsorrowandrepentanceathavingcommittedsuchanactofsuchaninnocentmanasholyastheIm'87mM'9cs'87y-i-K'87zim(7thIm'87m)andcriedatthementionofhisvictim'snamewhohadsomovedhim.
XV.
M'92rz'87Qurb'87n-'Al'92wassoreveredbyothernotables,totheextentonelefthisfollowersandjoinedhimonpilgrimage.
He,however,disdainedtheirpomp.
ThoughunabletojointhemartyrsofTabars'92duetoillness,helongedtojoinVah'92d.
HewasdressedinhumbleclothingenjoinedbytheB'87b.
TheAm'92rbroughttohisattentionthenotable'sappealsandstatedheshouldatleastclaimastationabovetheB'87b.
HeretortedthathisknowledgecausedhimtoacceptHim,thatrejectingHisCausewouldrejecteachpreviousone,thatthoughhecouldnotmoveanyofhisadmirers,theB'87bhadinducedthelowliesttosacrificetheirlivesforHisCause.
WhentheAm'92rhesitatedtokillhimbecauseofhisstation,heinsistedthathebemartyredastheB'87bhaddeclaredhimtobeone.
WhentheAm'92rinsistedhebetakenawayforfearoffallingunderhisspell,heindicatedthatonlythepureinheartcouldbeaffected.
ThisinducedtheAm'92rtoorderhisbeheadingaswellasanyafterhim.
XVI.
Herejoicedathiscomingmartyrdom,butdeplorednonecouldbefoundtosharehisjoyinrecognizingthat'Al'92-MuhammadwasthereturnofMuhammadasaroseisaroseinwhatevergardenitappears.
HeembracedtheGreatestUncle'sbody,statedtheirinseparability,andwasstruckintheneck,causinghisturbantofalloffandtheonlookerstolamentaswasdoneonthedayof''e7sh'9cr'87.
XVII.
H'87j'92Mull'87Ism'87''92l-i-Qum'92hadbeenadiscipleofSiyyidK'87zim,andbecamedeepenedbyfellowbelieversatBadasht,andgainingzealanddesiretosacrificehimselfbefittinglyfortheCauseafterbeingunabletojointhedefendersofTabars'92duetoillness.
Hepraisedthe2martyrsbeforethem(thoughregrettingnothavingbeenfirst),askedforsomethingsweet,andgavesometotheexecutioner,forgivinghimandrequestinghimtostrike.
Herefusedanoffertosavehimstatingthatthosewhowouldbesacrificeddonotturnback,outoflove.
HeaskedforGod'sforgiveness,andwasexecutedinthemidstofhisdevotions.
XVIII.
SiyyidHusayn-i-Tursh'92z'92wasalearnedmujtahidwhohadbeencommissionedbyothermujtahidstopropagatetheseprinciples.
OnhiswaytoPersiahemetandjoinedH'87j'92Muhammad-Taq'92y-i-Kirm'87n'92whohadbeenconvertedbytheB'87b'sunclewhomhelateraccompaniedtoTihr'87n.
SiyyidHusaynwasconvertedonthisjourneybyH'87j'92Muhammad-Taq'92.
Athiscomingmartyrdom,hespokeofhislineage,learning,dedicationtotheCauseastherequirementofeveryFaith,andcalledthepeopletogatherthelearnedthathemightbejudgedbythem.
Anofficerbroughtforthhisdeath-warrantfromthelearned,laidtheresponsibilityonthoseleaders,andstabbedhim.
XIX.
H'87j'92Muhammad-Taq'92y-i-Kirm'87n'92becameviolentlyindignantatseeinghisfriendkilled,andtoldthetyranttoquicklykillhimthathemayjoinhisbelovedHusaynandnotendurethetortureoflivingafterhim.
XX.
Ashisfriendsaidthis,SiyyidMurtad'87thenflunghimselfoverhisfriend'sbody,andpleadedtobeexecutedfirst,arguinghismartyrdomasasiyyidwouldbemoremeritoriousandcallingtomindhismartyredbrotherwhohadstruggledwithMull'87Husayn,astonishingtheonlookerswithhisdeepfaith.
XXI.
Muhammad-Husayn-i-Mar'87ghi''92thenaskedtobemartyredbeforethem,threwhimselfonthebodyofhisfriendH'87j'92Mull'87Ism'87''92l-i-Qum'92&declaredtheywouldneverbeseparated.
Theireagernesstoprecedeoneanother,whichgreatlyastonishedthemultitude,ledtotheirbeingbeheadedatthesamemoment.
XXII.
Theirrefusaltomakeajustifiedlip-denialandremainfaithful(whilenotunderthreatasthoseatTabars'92orZanj'87n),inspiredmanysecretfollowersandadmirers,evenamongimportantofficials,despitethedishonortheactsbroughttoIsl'87m.
XXIII.
Bah'87'u'll'87hhadjustrevealedaTabletexplainingtheIsl'87mictraditionofF'87timihappearingonJudgmentDayandwasholdingamarriageceremonyforaprinceinTihr'87nwhenSiyyidAhmad-i-Yazd'92,fatheroftheB'87b'samanuensis(SiyyidHusayn)appearedbeckoningHimwithanimportantmessagethoughHecouldnotleaveatthemoment.
WhenHedid,HelearnedofT'87hirih'sconfinementanddangerinQazv'92nandimmediatelysummonedMuhammad-H'87diy-i-Farh'87d'92togetherreleasedandbringhertothecapital.
ThoughunabletohostherindefinitelyatHishome,HearrangedforhertogototheMinisterofWar'shouse(M'92rz'87'e7q'87Kh'87n-i-N'9cr'92)hostedbytheminister'ssisteruntilthecalltoproceedtoKhur'87s'87ncame.
M'92rz'87('e7q'87y-i-Kal頀m)wassenttobringheroutsidethecitygateandthentosomewheresuitablenearby.
Hebroughthertoanorchardnearadesertedbuildingunderthecareofanoldmanandupontheirreturn,Bah'87'u'll'87harrangedforherdeparturewhichHewastofollowinafewdays.
XXIV.
HejoinedheratBadashtwhereHerentedagardenforher&hadMuhammad-H'87d'92asherdoorkeeper.
70friendsjoinedtheminthearea.
AsBah'87'u'll'87hwassickinbed,T'87hirihcalleduponHim,andHewasatalossastowhattoreply.
Sheappearedatthedoorunveiledcausinggreatfear&bewildermentthatsome(includingSiyyid-i-Nahr'92(M'92rz'87Muhammad-'Al'92y-i-Nahr'92),andHisbrotherM'92rz'87H'87d'92)fledtoadesertedcastlenearby.
Bah'87'u'll'87hsentwordthatthisdesertionwasnotnecessary.
XXV.
WhenBah'87'u'll'87hwentto'e7mul,massescongregatedtoseehimwhiletheheadmull'87denouncedHim,forhisunderstandingofadreaminwhichtheQ'87'imwatchedhimwithgreatsurpriseasBah'87'u'll'87harrived.
Bah'87'u'll'87hassuredhim,however,itwasdisapprovalattheirtreatmentofHimthatcausedHissurprise.
ThoughBah'87'u'll'87hspokeoftheB'87b'spuremission,themanandfollowersdidnotbelieveHimandconfinedHim.
WhentheactinggovernorobtainedHisrelease(enteringthroughawalltogetHim)thepeoplecongregated,peltedHimwithstonesandinsults.
MeanwhileBah'87'u'll'87hwasnotdeterredfromseekingT'87hirih'sdeliverance,despitetherisks.
XXVI.
For3daysandnights,themartyrs'bodieswereleftintheSabzih-Mayd'87nwhilethesh'92'ahsspatontheirfaces,kicked,pelted,cursed,mocked&dumpedrefuseonthem(sayingthatwastherecompenseofpeopleofaffectionandthosewhopursueWisdomandTruth)withoutanyprotestbeingmade.
Thebodieswereburiedoutsidethecapitalgate(inapittheyfilled)beyondthelimitsofapubliccemetery,adjoiningthemoat,betweenthegatesofNawandSh'87h'Abdu'l-'Az'92m,unitedindeathasinlife.
XXVII.
TheirmartyrdombroughtanaddedblowtotheB'87b,alreadysadabouttheTabars'92martyrs.
HerevealedadetailedTabletreferringtothemastheSevenGoats(ofatradition)thatwouldwalkinfrontoftheQ'87'im(diebeforeHim,theirShepherd),havinglivedheroicallyanddyingbyHiswill(4monthsbeforeHisdeath).
SummaryofContentsI.
EffectsoftheM'87zindar'87ndisasterontheB'87b-430II.
DespatchofSayy'87htotheshrineofTabars'92-432III.
ThevisitofSayy'87htoTihr'87n,andmeetingwithBah'87'u'll'87h-433IV.
AccountofNab'92l'searlylife-434V.
ExecutionoftheSevenMartyrs-436a.
H'87j'92M'92rz'87Siyyid'Al'92-436b.
M'92rz'87Qurb'87n-'Al'92-449c.
H'87j'92Mull'87Ism'87''92l-i-Qum'92-453d.
SiyyidHusayn-i-Tursh'92z'92-455e.
H'87j'92Muhammad-Taq'92y-i-Kirm'87n'92-457f.
SiyyidMurtad'87-458g.
Muhammad-Husayn-i-Mar'87ghi''92-458VII.
BurialoftheSevenMartyrs-463(switchedorder)VI.
IncidentsrelatedbyBah'87'u'll'87h-459OtherSummariesofthisChapterRegardingtheeffectsofthedisasterontheB'87b(DB430-431),seeGPB49.
RegardingSayy'87htomeetBah'87'u'll'87h(thoughhedidnotrecognizeHim)(DB431-433),seeGPB28.
RegardingtheB'87bforeshadowingHisdeath(DB444-445),seeGPB50.
RegardingtheAm'92rNiz'87m'sruthlessness(DB446-452,seealso332-353,500-502,504,526),seeGPB47,51-52,82;TN20-22,28-29.
RegardingbriefreferencestoTihr'87n(DB446-459,462-463),seeGPB46-48,50,62,82.
Overallof430-433,444-459,462-463:GPB28,46-52,62,82;TN20-22,28-29.
CHAPTERXXII:THENAYR'eaZUPHEAVALI.
JourneyofVah'92dtoTihr'87nandYazd-465DuringTabars'92'searlydaysofsiege,Vah'92dwasteachingtheCauseinBur'9cjirdandKurdist'87n,resolvedtowinthemajoritytheretotheFaiththengoontoF'87rs.
However,afterlearningofMull'87Husayn'sleavingforM'87zindar'87n,hepreparedtogotherealso,butwasinformedbyBah'87'u'll'87h,uponHisarrivalofitsimpossibility.
Thoughdeeplysaddened,hewasconsoledbyfrequentvisitstoBah'87'u'll'87handHiswisecounsel(HisresultinglynewspiritindicatedtoM'92rz'87J'87n'92thatVah'92dwasabouttodepartthisworld.
HealsoheardhimsayhowGod'ssaintsareabletoforetellcomingevents,andthatheknewthedetailsofhismartyrdom.
)Vah'92dwenttoQazv'92ntocontinuehiswork,thenwenttoQumandK'87sh'87ntostimulatethebelievers.
InIsf'87h'87n,Ardist'87nandArdik'87n,hefearlesslytaughtandwonoversupportersoftheFaith.
HecametoYazd(wherehiswifeandher4sonslived)afewdaysbeforeNawR'9cz,whichfellontheB'87b'sDeclarationthisyear.
II.
CelebrationoftheFeastofNaw-R'9czinYazd-466Withhiswealthandinfluence,heowned2otherwellfurnishedhouses,andprovidedabanquetforthe'ulam'87sandnotablesofthecity.
III.
ActivitiesoftheNavv'87b-i-Radav'92-467Navv'87b-i-Radav'92,themostprominentofhisrivals,hintedatitsextravaganceinquestioningwhethertheSh'87h'sbanquetswouldcompareandvoicedhissuspicionofhiscelebratinganotheranniversary.
Vah'92d'sboldandsarcasticreplytothisgreedyandwickedNavv'87bprovokedothers'laughterandenflamedhisantagonism.
Vah'92dsoughtthentopubliclyteach(inthespiritofthepoemwhichsaystoloveandconcealone'ssecretisimpossible,Vah'92dbegantoopenlyteachintheMosques,streets,bazaars,publicsquares,andeverywheretherewerelistenersbringingforthnumerousandsincereconversions).
Somewereattractedandembracedit,whileothersprivatelywishedtodestroyitandhim.
Theylaterspreadthenewsofhischallenge,Qur''87nicandtraditionalproofs,andtheinabilityoftheeminentmujtahidstospeakagainsthim,resultinginanenthusisamwhichhasledtosupportersandconverts.
Theirspreadingofthisnewshadsimiliarresults,despiteenflaminghatredamongsome.
PeoplefromArdik'87ntoMansh'87dandfurthercametohishousetohearhismessagethenreceiveguidanceastowhattodotodemonstratetheirfaith.
For40days,hishousewasfullofcountlessdevotees,incitingtheNavv'87b-i-Radav'92toinfluencetheyoung,experiencedgovernor'e7q'87Kh'87ninsendingaregimenttohishouse&alsotoinstigateamobtointimidatetheinhabitants.
V.
DeclarationofVah'92dtothepeopleofYazd-469(switchedorderwithIV.
)Vah'92dcontinuedtoanimate&guidehissupportersfromawindowoftheupperfloorofhishousebyremainingtranquilandstatingthattheQ'87'imhadHimselfgivenhimtheswordhehadthere,thatwithHispermissioncouldhavealonedefeatedtheenemy,butthathewascommandedagainstit.
HerecountedthechargehehadbeengivenbyMuhammadSh'87htodeterminetheB'87b'struth,andthatdespitehisinitialarroganceatattemptingtochangetheB'87b'sposition,upontheirmeeting,hebecameatfirstconfoundedthencompletelyhumbledandwonovertothemanifestationofGod,yearningtobemartyredforHim.
Seeingtheiragitation,heassuredthefriendsthatGodwouldimposeadefeatontheenemy.
IV.
Tumultanddispersaloftheenemy-469Assoonashesaidthis,newsarrivedthatMuhammad-'Abdu'll'87hemergedwithsomecomrades(allthoughtdead)cryingthecalloftheLordoftheAge,attacked,andinducedtheenemies'abandoningofarmsandflighttotheN'87r'92nfort.
Muhammad-'Abdu'll'87hmetVah'92d&expressedhisintentionofsubjugatingtheenemy.
Vahid,thoughnotinghispreventingofacalamity,contrastedwhathadbeentillthenlimitedtoanargumentabouttheB'87bwiththeconflicttheywouldfacebecauseofwhattheNavv'87bwasabouttoaccusehimof-plottingtotakeovertheprovince&Persia,andadvisedhimtoleavethecity,allowingGodtoprotecthimastheycouldnotbeinjureduntiltheirtime.
VI.
RepulseoftheforcesnearthefortofN'87r'92n-470(471)Muhammad-'Abdu'll'87hignoredthis,innotwishingtoabandonhisfriends,andhopedfortheAlmighty'sforgiveness.
Hewenttothefort,compellingtheenemytohidewithin,andwatchedtointerceptreinforcements.
VII.
ProclamationofVah'92dtotheinhabitantsofYazd-472(471)WhiletheinhabitantspoisedtoattackVah'92d'shouse,Vah'92dsummonedSiyyid'Abdu'l-'Az'92m-i-Khu''92(Siyyid-i-Kh'87l-D'87r)whohaddefendedTabars'92forafewdays,andattractedattentionbyhisbearing,andtoldhimtotakehisown(472)horse,beseechthepublicinthestreetstoembracetheCause,informthemofVah'92d'swillingnesstoresorttoself-defenseiftheydidnotrespecthislineage&send7companionstorepulsethoseinfluencedbyNavv'87b,despitehisreluctancetoenterholywar.
TheSiyyidalsoaddedinhisboomingvoicethatiftheyweretoignorehisplea,hisvoicewouldcausetheirfort'swallstocrumble,andhisarmwouldbreaktheirgates.
Outoffear,thepopulationconsented,thoughtheywereincitedbyNavv'87btoattackMuhammad-'Abdu'll'87h.
Thegovernorcameforth&instructedhisdetachmenttojointhatofNavv'87b.
WhileMuhammad-'Abdu'll'87hwasdispersingtheNavv'87b'smob,thegovernor'stroopsfired,struckhimonthefoot,andthrewhimtothegroundwhilesomeofhissupporterswerealsowounded.
HisbrothergothimawayandbroughthimtoVah'92d'shouse.
VIII.
SortieorderedbyVah'92d-472(473)Astheenemyfollowedhim,Vah'92dsentMull'87Muhammad-Rid'87y-i-Mansh'87d'92(enlightened'ulam'87ofMansh'87dtitledRada'r-R'9chbyBah'87'u'll'87h)whohaddiscardedhisturbanandservedashisdoorkeeper,togowith6ofhischosencompanionstocallout'All'87h-u-Akbar7timesthendiveintoattack.
Thoughthecompanionswerefrail&inexperiencedinswordsmanship,theybroughtterrortotheenemy,killing7ofthemostredoubtableenemies&routingtheenemy.
ButwhentheyreturnedtoVah'92d'shouse,theyfoundMuhammad-'Abdu'll'87hwounded.
TheybroughthimtoVah'92d,whoservedhimfood.
Thoughhewasconcealedtorecover,hewaseventuallyfound&killed.
IX.
DepartureofVah'92d'swifeforherfather'shome-473AsVah'92dhadthefriendsleaveandtakecarefortheirsafety,headvisedhiswifetotaketheirchildrenandherbelongingstoherfather'shome.
HewishedhertokeephisbelongingsthereasithadbeenhiswishthatallitspossessionswouldbedemolishedfortheCausethatitmightinspirethepeopletofollowinthepathhefollowed(renouncingtheworldlyforthespiritual).
X.
Vah'92d'sinstructiontohisservantHasan-474Vah'92dtookthewritingsoftheB'87bhehad,hisowntreatises,andorderedHasantotakethemoutsidethecitygatewiththeroadheadingtoMihr'92z,warninghimthatfailuretodosowouldpreventtheirmeetingagain.
WhenHasanheardthesentinels,hetookadifferentroute,wasrecognized,hishorsewasshot,andhewascaptured.
XI.
Vah'92d'sdepartureforNayr'92z-474Whileleavinghis2sonswiththeirmother,SiyyidIsm'87''92landSiyyid'Al'92-Muhammad,heleftwithhissonsSiyyidAhmadandSiyyidMihd'92and2friends,Ghul'87m-Rid'87,Ghul'87m-Rid'87y-i-K'9cchiktakingthepathadvisedtoHasan.
Forhisnegligence,asofMuhammad-'Abdu'll'87h',Hasanmetwithinjury.
Hewasblownfromacannon(asapiousim'87m,M'92rz'87Hasan,wasalsokilledthatday),demonstratinghisfaithbyrequestingtobeboundfacingtheguntoseeitbeingfired.
Vah'92d'sdeparturerelievedtheenemyaspursuitwouldbemoredifficultandlessfruitfulthanexecutingandpillagingtheremainingB'87b'92s-whichtheydid.
Theyespeciallytookfromthewealthy,notasmuchtovindicatetheirFaithasfortheirmaterialgain.
Vah'92dwalkedwithhissonsandcompanions7farsangsthatnight,andhidinamountainuntilhisbrotherlearnedofhisarrivalandsenthimprovisions.
Thegovernor'stroopsarrivedtosearchthebrother'shouse,appropriatemuchofhisproperty,andreturninvaintoYazd.
Vah'92dwentthroughmountainstoBav'87n'87t-i-F'87rs,wherehisadmirersembracedtheFaith,includingH'87j'92SiyyidIsm'87''92l,theShaykhu'l-Isl'87m,andmanyjoinedhimeventoFas'87village,thoughtheseinhabitantsdidnotrespond.
Alongtheway,hecalledthepeopleateverymasjidtohearthenewsoftheNewDayandascendedthepulpittodoso.
Hewouldonlystayanightiftherewereanyreliablesoulswhowouldteach.
HestayedafewdaysinR'9cn'92zvillagewherehetaughtreceptivesouls.
TheentirepopulationofChin'87r-S'9ckhtihquarterofNayr'92zandothersofotherquarterswenttomeethimwhentheyheardofhisapproach,leavingatnightsoastoavoidobjectionfromthegovernorZaynu'l-'Abid'92n.
Over100studentsfromChin'87r-S'9ckhtihledbyH'87j'92Shaykh'Abdu'l-'Al'92(Vah'92d'sfather-in-lawandrespectedjudge)joinedsomeofthemostdistinguishednotablesofNayr'92z,includingMull'87'Abdu'l-Husayn,Mull'87B'87qir,M'92rz'87Husayn-i-Qutb,H'87j'92Muhammad-Taq'92,M'92rz'87Nawr'87andM'92rz'87'Al'92-Rid'87,someconvertingsecretly(atnight)andotherspublicly(byday).
Vah'92dwaslefttoenlightenthepeopleofthebasicprinciplesoftheB'87b'sTabletforthenewlyconvertedofthatcity.
Whenthegovernorheardofthisexodus,hesentamessengertotellthoseleavingthatthosepersistinginallyingwithVah'92dwouldbekilled,theirwivescaptured&propertyconfiscated.
Thisonlyincreasedtheirdevotion,causingthegovernordismaythattheywouldariseagainsthim.
Heleftforhisoriginalhomewheretherewasafortressofrefugewhoseinhabitantsweretrainedmarksmen.
Vah'92dleftfortheP'92r-Mur'87dshrineoutsideofIstahb'87n'87tvillage.
20inhabitantsjoinedhimtoNayr'92zdespitethevillage'ulam'87sprohibitions.
XII.
Vah'92d'sappealtothepeopleofNayr'92z-479(478)Uponarriving,Vah'92dwentstraighttothemasjidtosummonthemtotheB'87b,withoutreturninghomeorchanginghisdust-ladenclothing.
Heelectified(479)1000peopleofChin'87r-S'9ckhtihquarterand500othersfromNayr'92ztoallywithhimbyreferringtohisexampleofguidance,hislackofdeviationfromtheirreligion,hisloveforthemdespitetheirattacks,andthesadnesswhichwouldredoundtoMuhammadbytheiractionsbecauseofhisrelationtoHim.
Aftertheinitialexcitementsubsided,hesaidthathenolongerneededtostaythere,thoughtheirheartsweretouchedbytheMessage,hedidnotwishthemtobebadlytreatedbecauseofthegovernor.
However,thepeoplestatedtheirresignationtoGodandbroughtVah'92dhomeintriumphregardlessofconsequences.
Vah'92dconsentedtostayafewdayswhereheeloquentlytaughtinthemasjid.
Thegovernorwasenragedforfearoflosinginfluence.
Herecruited1000well-armedandtrainedcavalryandinfantrytodetainVah'92d.
Vah'92dinturnorderedthose20friendswhohadgreetedandfollowedhimtooccupytheKh'87jihfortwithShaykhH'87d'92(ShaykhMuhsin'sson)asleaderandurgedtheresidentstheretofortifythatfort'sgates,turrets,andwalls.
Thegovernorhadtransferredtohisownhousethereandcompelledthekad-khud'87&oneofVah'92d'scompanionstoevacuatethehousewherehefortifiedit,givingorderstoMuhammad-'Al'92Kh'87ntohavetheirmenfire.
Mull'87'Abdu'l-Husayn,theoldmanwhohadwalkedtowelcomeVah'92d,wasthefirsttosufferashewasshotintherightfootwhileprayingonhisroof.
Vah'92dwrotetothesufferertoexpressgriefathisinjurybuttocheerhimasthefirsttosufferdespitehisage.
Theattackcausedsomeofthenewlyconvertedtowaverandafewevenjoinedtheenemyatnight.
Vah'92dleftatdawnwithsomesupporterstoKh'87jihwherehesetupresidence.
Thegovernorsenthiselderborther,'Al'92-AsgharKh'87nand1000mentoattackthe72there.
XIII.
FirstsortiefromthefortofKh'87jih-481(482)AnumberofthoseinthefortleftatsunrisebyVah'92d'sinstructionsanddispersedtheenemy,leadingtoonly3casualitesontheirside(fearlesskul'87hmanufacturer,T'87ju'd-D'92n,agriculturistZayn'92l(Iskandar'sson),andthedistinguishedM'92rz'87Abu'l-Q'87sim.
PrinceF'92r'9czM'92rz'87(Nusratu'd-Dawlih,governorofSh'92r'87z)wasunnervedbythisnews,andorderedtheirextermination.
ThegovernorofNayr'92zsentoneoftheprince'sattendantstourgeVah'92dtoleaveNayr'92z.
Vah'92dindicatedhis2sonswerehisonlycompany,andquestionedwhy,asadescendantoftheProphet,hewasreceivingsuchahostilewelcome.
Healsowarnedthathewouldsend7companionstohumiliatetheirforcesiftheypersistedtodenyhimnecessitiesoflife.
XIV.
SecondsortiefromthefortofKh'87jih-483Asthiswarningwasignored,Vah'92dsentthem,thoughtheywereyoungandinexperienced,toattackanddemoralizethetrained,organizedarmy.
'Al'92-Asgh'87rKh'87nwaskilled,2ofhissonswerecaptured,andthegovernorretreatedtourgetheprinceforreinforcements.
XV.
Divisionoflabourinthefort-483Astheenemypersisted,Vah'92dorderedthestrenghteningofthefort'sdefenses,theconstructionofawater-cisternwithin,andthepitchingoftentsoutsideitsgates.
Karbil'87''92M'92rz'87Muhammadwasmadegatekeeper,ShaykhY'9csuf,fundcustodian,Karbil'87''92Muhammad(Shamsu'd-D'92n'sson)gardensuperintendent,M'92rz'87Ahmad('Al'92y-i-Sard'87r'suncle)milltower(Chin'87r)officer,Shaykh'87y-i-Sh'92vih-Kashexecutioner,M'92rz'87Muhammad-Ja'far(thegovernor'scousin)chronicler,M'92rz'87Fadlu'll'87hasreaderofthese,Mashhad'92Taq'92-Baqq'87lgaoler,H'87j'92muhammad-Taq'92registrar,Ghul'87m-Rid'87y-i-Yazd'92forcescaptain.
Vah'92dwasinducedtoadmitsomeB'87z'87rquarterresidentsandhiskindred.
XVI.
InterceptionofZaynu'l-''e7bid'92nKh'87n'smessage-484Thegovernorappealedagaintotheprince,thistimewith5000t'9cm'87nsdeliveredonhisownsteedbyhisgoodfriend,thecourageous,fluent&tactfulMull'87B'87qir.
Ontheway,hestoppednearafortwhererovingtribespitchedtheirtents.
H'87j'92SiyyidIsm'87''92l(Shaykhu'l-Isl'87mofBav'87n'87t)wasintheareawhenheaskedofandlearnedthattherichlyornamentedhorsetetheredoutsidethetentswasafriendofthegovernor's.
Hemountedthehorse,burstinwithswordunsheathed,andcommandedthetentoccupantstotieMull'87B'87qir'shandsanddeliverhimashehadfledbeforetheLordoftheAge'sface.
TheyobeyedandgavehimtheropewhichheusedtocompelthecaptivetofollowhimbacktowardNayr'92z,deliveringhimtoakad-khud'87(H'87j'92Akbar)onthewayforhimtobringtoVah'92d.
WhenVah'92dquestionedhimashisjourney'spurpose,hewasgivenafrank&detailedreply.
DespiteVah'92d'swillingnesstoforgivehimwaseventuallyputtodeathbythecompanions.
XVII.
RenewedappealtoPrinceF'92r'9czM'92rz'87-485ThegovernorincreasedhisappealstotheprinceandsentsomeofhistrustedmentoSh'92r'87ztobribehimwithpresentstoactpromptly.
Healsoappealedto'ulam'87sandsiyyidsofSh'92r'87ztointercedewiththeprince,misrepresentingVah'92d'saimsassubversive.
Theprincesent'Abdu'll'87hKh'87n(Shuj'87'u'l-Mulk)withtheHamad'87n'92andS'92l'87khur'92regiments,headedbyseveralofficersandwithadequateartillery.
TheprincealsohadhisrepresentativeinNayr'92zrecruitmenfromsurroundingvillages(Istahb'87n'87t,'earaj,Panj-Ma''87din,Qutrih,Bashnih,Dih-Ch'87h,Mushk'87n,andRast'87q)andanothertribe(V'92sbaklar'92yyih).
Thelargehostsurroundedthefort,dugtrenches,andsetupbarricadesthere(Theywerehesitanttofight(&poorlytrainedperp.
485,note1butseeGPBp.
42.
).
Theythenopenedfire.
AbullethitthehorseofoneofVah'92d'sattendantsongatewatch.
Anotherbulletstruckthroughtheturretabovethegate.
Acompanionaimedandkilledtheartilleryofficer,therebysilencingthegunsandleadingtotheenemy'sretreat.
XVIII.
ThirdsortiefromthefortofKh'87jih-486Thoughneitherattackedfurtherthatnight,Vah'92dsentGhul'87m-Rid'87y-i-Yazd'92with14others,mostlyofoldage(therestbeingunpreparedyouth)includinga90-year-oldshoemakerwiththeenthusiasmofayouth,todriveofftheenemy.
Theyweretodivideafterleavingthefortcoverandcry"All'87h-u-Akbar!
"takingtheirsteedsandriflesandspringingintotheenemy,despitethecannon&bulletfire.
Thisencounterlasted8hoursastheirfearlessnessandskillamazedtheenemy.
Reinforcementswerebroughtin.
ThewomenofNayr'92zbravelycheeredtheirheroismontherooftops,addingtotheroarofgunsandshoutof"All'87h-u-Akbar!
"demoralizedandparalyzedtheenemy.
XIX.
Namesofmartyrs-487Thevictorsbroughtback60dead(including27listedonp.
487-488).
XX.
Oathtakenbyenemytoconcludepeace-488Thoughtheirlosseswerealmosteven,theywereafraidofconfusion.
DespitetheirresourcesandmoralsupportoftheF'87rsgovernorandpeople,theycouldnotfairlydefeataseeminglyuntrainedandcontemptiblepeople.
Theyceasedhostilityforafewdays,thensentasolemnwrittenappealtothebesiegedascribingtheirattacksasduetotheinfluenceofmischief-makersinducingthemtobelievetheyhadviolatedIsl'87m.
TheymaintainedthattheyhadlearnedoftheirintentnottosubverttheStateandthattheirteachingsdidnotdepartfromIsl'87m.
TheyrequestedthatsomerepresentativesmeetthemforafewdaystoattempttoconvincethemoftheFaith'svalidityasthewerenotenemiesofTruth.
TheyacknowledgedVah'92d'sexampleandguidetoIsl'87m.
TheyborewitnessontheQur''87nasthejudgeoftheirclaim,assertedthepurityoftheirintentions,urgedthemtosavethedestructionofallthosemenbeforeattemptingtoestablishtheirCause'svalidity,pledgedtheirdevotionshouldtheybeconvincedoftheirFaith'struth,andensuredtheirfreereturntotheforttocontinuefightingifnot.
XXI.
Vah'92d'sresponsetotheenemy'sinvitation-489Vah'92dreceivedtheQur''87nreverentlyandkisseditdevoutly,announcedthecomingoftheirtime,andhiswillingnesstoaccepttheircalltounfoldtheFaith'sverities,despitehisawarenessoftheirdesigns.
Hehadthefriendscontinuetheirwork,ignoringtheenemy'sprofession,butstoppinghostilitiesuntilfurthernotice.
Heleftwith5attendants(asMull'87'Al'92y-i-Mudhahhib&H'87j'92Siyyid''e7bid).
ThegovernorcamewithShuj'87'u'l-Mulkandallhisstaff,andreceivedVah'92dceremoniously,broughthimtoatentforhisreception,andintroducedtheremainingofficers.
Vah'92dsat,motionedthegovernor,Shuj'87'u'l-Mulk,andanotherofficertobeseatedwhilethereststood,andaddressed,withbearingandeloquence,adeeplypowerfulstatementassertingthemessagefromGodhebrought,andquestionedwhy,asadescendantofMuhammad,hewassentencedtodeathregardlessofhisrights.
Thoughtheylavishlyentertainedandrespectedhimfor3daysandnights,followedhisleadincongregationalprayerandlistenedattentivelytohisdiscourse,theywereplottingtokillhimandhiscompanions.
Theyfearedattackinghimwhilethecompanionswereinthefort.
Theyalsofearedthefearlesswomen.
XXII.
Vah'92d'smessagetohiscompanions,andtreacheryofH'87j'92Siyyid''e7bid-490ThegovernorandfriendsrequestedandeventuallyinducedVah'92dtowriteofsettlingtheirdifferencesandurgethemtojoinhimorreturnhome.
Healsosentanotherletter,warningthemnottobedeceived,inH'87j'92Siyyid''e7bid'shands,charginghimtodestroythefirstletterandselectthebestmentoattackanddispersetheenemyatnight.
H'87j'92Siyyid''e7bidbroughtthistothegovernor,whosoughttorewardthemessengerifhewouldinducetheoccupantstoleave.
Themessengertoldthemtheentirearmyhadbeenconverted,andthatVah'92dthereforewishedthemtoreturnhome.
XXIII.
Captureofthecompanions-493(492)Thefriendsreluctantly(believingitobedience)leftthefortunguardedand(493)severaldiscardedtheirarmsandwenttoNayr'92z.
Thegovernorsentforcestosurroundthem.
ThemensoughttorepulsethemandquicklytaketheMasjid-i-J'87mi'.
Theycried'All'87h-u-Akbar!
"andattackedwithswordsandriflesorsticksandstones.
Afewweremartyredandtherest,besetbyreinforcements,gainedthemasjid.
TheofficerMull'87Hasan(sonofMull'87Muhammad-'Al'92)wentfurther,hidinaminaret,andfiredonthemwhentheyarrived.
AMull'87Husayncried"All'87h-u-Akbar!
"scaledtheminaret,aimedhisrifleattheofficer,andhurledhimtotheground.
Hisfriendsbroughthimawaytorecover.
Thecompanionshidwherevertheycould,andhelplesstofindVah'92d,fearedhisdeath.
Thegovernor&staffwereemboldenedbytheirdispersalandsoughttoevadetheiroath.
As'Abb'87s-Qul'92Kh'87ndidnotparticipateintheoath,hefeltfreetoarrestandkillwhomeverhadviolatingtheland'slaws.
HecalledonthosewhosekinhaddiedtokillVah'92d.
Mull'87Rid'87(Mull'87B'87qir'sbrother),thenSafar(brotherSha'b'87ndied),and'e7q'87Kh'87n(nephewofgovernor&whoseelderbrother(hisfather)died)arose.
XXIV.
MartyrdomofVah'92d-494ThesementookVah'92d'sturbanoff,wounditaroundhisneck,andattachedittoahorse,dragginghimthroughthestreets,remindingtheobserversthereoftheIm'87mHusayn'send(whosebodywastrampledonbyamultitudeofhorsemen).
Beforedying,heutteredwordstheIm'87mHusaynhaduttered,testifyingtohisabandonmentoftheworld,trustinGod,eagernesstomeetHim,andrefusaltoallywiththewickedenemy.
ThewomenofNayr'92zdancedaroundhiscorpsetothedrumsandcymbalsandshoutsoftriumphofthemurderousenemy.
XXV.
FateofVah'92d'scompanions-495Thedeathofthelearned(hehadmemorizedatleast30,000traditions,knewphilosophyandsciences,andcommemoratedinthe'eaq'87nbyBah'87'u'll'87handintreatisesoftheB'87b),courageous,andself-sacrificingVah'92dledtothecommissioningof5000mentoseize,chain(manybeingthusbroughttoSh'92r'87z,ill-treat,andeventuallyslaughterthemen,confiscatetheirpropertyanddestroytheirhouses.
TheyburnedtheKh'87jihforttotheground.
Theycapturedandbrutalizedthewomenandchildrenasbringing40-50womenandachildascaptivestoSh'92r'87z,thrownoverthemule,donkey,orcamelsaddlelikeabundle,somealmostnaked,withtheheadsofthemalevictimsincludingVah'92d's(stuffedwithstraw)carriedonlonglances.
Sh'92r'87zhadbeeninafestivemoodwithfood,drinking(wine),music,andscreamingandlaughteroflewdwomenaswellasflagsadorningthebazaars.
Thecaptiveswereparadedintothestreetsandbazaars(thoughthecelebratorymoodinthetownwasruinedbythissight)andbroughttoPrinceF'92r'9czM'92rz'87whowasholdingafeastinhisgardenentertainingrichSh'92r'87z'92citizens.
Themusic&dancingwasstoppedtohearMihr-'Al'92Kh'87n,M'92rz'87Na''92m,andotherofficerstelloftheirvictory.
Theprincethencongratulatedthem.
Thesoldiersthenbroughtthemtoanoldcaravanserai&didGodknowswhattothem.
TherichwhohadbeenkeptbackfromSh'92r'87zandimprisonedinsubterraneandungeons,werecruellyparadedthroughtheNayr'92zstreets,andtorturedtoobtaintheirfunds.
Theyweredeprivedofbreadandwater,brandedwithhotirons,theirnailspulledout(burningweedsplacedunderthem),theirbodieslashed,anincisionmadeintheirnosesthroughwhichastringwasdriven,draggedthroughthestreetswithnailsintheirhandsandfeetbeingbeatenastheywentandsubjectedtothemasses'derision.
OneofthesewasSiyyidJa'far-i-Yazd'92hadformerlybeenhonoredbeforebythepeopleandshowndeferenceevenbythegovernor.
Thesamegovernororderedhisturbantobebefouledandflungintothefire,exposed,despitehislineage,tothepublicwhomarchedbeforehimandabused&ridiculedhim.
Hisexecutionersalsotookhimdoortodoortobegformoney.
H'87j'92Muhammad-Taq'92hadlikewisebeenrespectedforhishonestyandjustice,andhisopinionacceptedbythecourtjudgesasthedeterminingword.
Hewasstrippedofhisclothes,thrownintoapond,andlashedseverely.
SiyyidJa'farandShaykh'Abdu'l-'Al'92(Vah'92d'sfather-in-lawandleadingdivineandrespectedjudgeofNayr'92z)withthenotableSiyyidHusaynalsosufferedthisfate.
Theywereexposedtothecold,withhiredscumheapingcruelitesontheirshiveringbodies.
Manyapoormancommissionedtocarryouttheseacts,inhasteningtoobtainthepromisedreward,becamerevolted,rejectedthemoney,andturnedawayinloathingcontempt.
Thewealthy'e7q'87SiyyidAb'9c-T'87libwaschainedandsentbythegovernortoMa'danwherehewaspoisonedbyH'87j'92M'92rz'87Nas'92rwhohadorderedtheB'87btokissShaykhAb'9c-Tur'87b'shand.
2B'87b'abwomenthrewthemselvesinawellratherthanbecaptured.
SomeBab'92s(Karbil'87''92Abu'l-Hasan,'e7q'87ShaykhH'87d'92(uncleofVah'92d'swife),M'92rz'87'Al'92andAbu'l-Q'87sim-ibn-iH'87j'92-Zayn'87,Akbar-ibn-i-''e7bid,M'92rz'87HasanandhisbrotherM'92rz'87B'87b'87)wenttoTihr'87ntoprotesttotheSh'87haboutthegovernor.
Uponalmostarriving,theyrestedandwererecognizedbyacaravanofSh'92r'87z'92peoplewhoarrestedthem.
ThegovernoralonereachedTihr'87nwhilethecaptivesweretakentoSh'92r'87zandexecutedbythePrince'sorders.
TheB'87bwasshot10daysafterVah'92d'smartyrdominTabr'92z.
SummaryofChapterXXIII.
Vah'92dwasteachinginBur'9cjird&Kurdist'87nwhenheheardofthecalltoM'87zindar'87n.
ThoughsaddenedwhentoldbyBah'87'u'll'87hoftheimpossibilityofgoing,hewasreinvigoratedbyHispresenceandcounsel.
II.
Hecontinuedhisfearlessteaching,andwenttoQum,K'87sh'87n,Isf'87h'87n,Ardist'87nandArdik'87n,winningsupporters.
HecametoYazdandwasabletocelebrateNawR'9czwithhisfamily(wasalsotheB'87b'sDeclaration)inoneofhiswell-furnishedhomesandholdabanquetforthe'ulam'87sandnotablesofthecity.
III.
Navv'87b-i-Radav'92questionedwhethertheSh'87h'sbanquetswouldcompareandwhetherVah'92dwascelebratinganotheranniversary.
Vah'92d'sboldandsarcasticreplytothewickedNavv'87bprovokedothers'laughter&embitteredhim.
IV.
Vah'92dbegantoboldlyteachintheMosques,streets,bazaars,publicsquares.
Thoughsomewereattracted&embracedit,othersprivatelywishedtodestroyit&him.
V.
Theylaterspreadthenewsofhischallenge,Qur''87nicandtraditionalproofs,andtheinabilityoftheeminenttorefutethem,resultingingreaterenthusisamandconversions.
Theirspreadingofthisnewshadsimiliarresults,despiteenflaminghatredamongsome.
VI.
Manyflockedtohishousefor40daystohearhismessagethenlearnwhattodotodemonstratetheirfaith.
ThisledtheNavv'87b-i-Radav'92toinstigateamobtointimidatethemandtoinfluencetheyoung,inexperiencedgovernor'e7q'87Kh'87ntosendaregiment.
VII.
Vah'92dremainedtranquilandresignedtoGod'swilldespitetheupheaval.
HerecountedhischargefromtheSh'87handhowhebecamewonoverbytheB'87b.
HealsoassuredtheagitatedfriendsthatGodwouldimposeadefeatontheenemy.
NewsthenarrivedthatMuhammad-'Abdu'll'87hemergedfromobscurity,andattackedinthenameoftheLordoftheAgeandinducedtheenemytoflee.
VIII.
ThoughMuhammad-'Abdu'll'87hexpressedhisintentionofsubjugatingtheenemy,Vah'92dsoughttoinducehimtodesistandleavethecity,asthiswasgoingtonowbeseenasaplottoconquer.
ThoughVah'92dassuredhimthatGodwouldprotecthim,andadvisedhimtoleavethecity,Muhammad-'Abdu'll'87hignoredthis,outofawishnottoabandonhisfriends,andhopedforGod'sforgiveness.
IX.
Siyyid'Abdu'l-'Az'92m-i-Khu''92wassentbyVah'92dtobeseechthepeopletoembracetheCause&informthemofVah'92d'swillingnesstoresorttoself-defense,despitehisreluctancetoenterholywar,andaddedaboomingwarningthatiftheydidnotheedthewarning,theirfort'swallswouldcrumble,andhisarmwouldbreaktheirgates.
X.
ThegovernorhadhisdetachmentjoinNavv'87b's.
ThisaddedforcefiredonMuhammad-'Abdu'll'87hashewasdispersingNavv'87b'smob,knockinghimtotheground.
Vah'92dsentMull'87Muhammad-Rid'87y-i-Mansh'87d'92with6others,despitetheirfrailty,todispersetheoncomingenemy.
TheyrescuedMuhammad-'Abdu'll'87h,andthoughVah'92dservedhimfoodandwasconcealed,hewaseventuallykilled.
XI.
Vah'92dsentthefriends,hiswifeandchildrenaway,thoughinsistingthathispossessionsbekepttobedemolishedfortheCausetopotentiallyinspirethepeopletofollowinhispathofrenunciation.
Theirpropertywasindeeddemolished.
XII.
Vah'92dtooktheB'87b'swritings&hisowntreatises,andorderedHasantomeethimonacertainroute,warninghimthatfailuretodosowouldpreventtheirmeetingagain.
Hasan,however,wasdeterredbysentinels,capturedintakingadifferentroute,andblownfromacannon,requestingtobeboundsoastoseethegunbeingfired.
XIII.
Vah'92dwalkedthatnight,andhiduntilhisbrotherlearnedofhisarrivalandsenthimprovisions.
Thegovernor'stroopsarrivedtosearchthebrother'shouse,appropriatemuchofhisproperty,andreturninvaintoYazd.
XIV.
Alongtheway,heannouncedateverymasjidanddeliveredthenewsateverypulpit,movingonthesamedayunlesstherewerereceptivesouls.
AlargepopulationofNayr'92zwenttomeethimonhearingofhisapproach,manyleavingatnight,includingnotablesandstudents,toavoidobjectionfromthegovernorZaynu'l-'Abid'92n.
Vah'92denlightenedthemontheB'87b'sTabletforthenewlyconvertedofthatcity.
XV.
Whenthegovernorheardofthisexodus,hesentsomeonetothreatenthoseleavingtoallythemselveswithVah'92d,withdeathandtheseizureoftheirwives'&property,thoughitonlyincreasedtheirdevotion.
Outoffearofrebellion,heleftforhishomenearafortresswhoseinhabitantsweretrainedmarksmen.
XVI.
InNayr'92zVah'92dwentstraighttothemasjidtosummonthemtotheB'87b.
Heelectified1500peopletoallywithhimbyreferringtohisexampleofguidance,hislackofdeviationfromtheirreligion,hisloveforthemdespitetheirattacks,andthesadnesswhichwouldredoundtoMuhammadbytheiractionsbecauseofhisrelationtoHim.
XVII.
ThoughVah'92dwishedtoleaveforfearofbringingbadtreatmentonthembythegovernor,thepeopleinsistedhestay.
Heusedthetimetocontinueteaching.
XVIII.
Outoffearoflosinginfluence,thegovernorrecruited1000well-preparedsoldierstodetainVah'92d.
Vah'92dinturnorderedthetaking&reinforingoftheKh'87jihfort.
XIX.
SettingupathishousethegovernororderedMuhammad-'Al'92Kh'87ntohavethemenfire,injuringanoldman.
Vah'92dsentthismansympathyandconsolationtohim.
Someoftheconvertedwaveredbecauseoftheattackandsomeevendefected.
XX.
Vah'92djoinedhissupportersatKh'87jihwhilethegovernorsenthiselderborther,'Al'92-AsgharKh'87nand1000mentoattackthe72there.
XXI.
Vah'92dsentsometodispersetheenemy,leadingtoonly3casualitesontheirside.
PrinceF'92r'9czM'92rz'87(Nusratu'd-Dawlih,governorofSh'92r'87z)wasunnervedandorderedtheirextermination.
ThegovernorofNayr'92zsentoneoftheprince'sattendantstourgeVah'92dtoleaveNayr'92z.
XXII.
Vah'92dsaidhis2sonswerehisonlycompany,andaskedwhy,asadescendantofMuhammad,hewasreceivingsuchtreatment.
Hewarnedofsending7mentohumiliatethemiftheypersistedindenyinghimnecessitiesoflife.
Sincethiswasignored,Vah'92dsentthesementodefeatthearmy.
'Al'92-Asgh'87rKh'87nwaskilled,2ofhissonscaptured,andthegovernorretreatedtourgetheprinceforreinforcements.
XXIII.
Vah'92dordereddivisionofthelaborstowardincreasingtheirdefenses,andsetupofawater-cisternandtents.
Heassignedpositionsofgatekeeper,fundcustodian,gardensuperintendent,milltower(Chin'87r)officer,executioner,chronicler,readerofthese,gaoler,registrar,forcescaptain.
Healsoadmittedsomemoretothefort.
XXIV.
Thegovernorappealedagaintotheprince,with5000t'9cm'87nsdeliveredonhisownsteedbyhisgoodfriend,Mull'87B'87qir.
Whilehewasstoppingwhererovingtribessetupcamp,H'87j'92SiyyidIsm釃''92lsawhisrichlyornamentedhorseoutsidethetentsanddiscoveredhewasafriendofthegovernor's.
XXV.
H'87j'92SiyyidIsm'87''92lburstinonhishorsewithswordout,commandingtheoccupantstotieMull'87B'87qirupforfleeingfromtheLordoftheAge.
HebroughthimtobedeliveredtoVah'92d.
UponhearingMull'87B'87qir'sfrankresponse,Vah'92dwaswillingtoforgivehim;however,thecompanionseventuallykilledhim.
XXVI.
ThegovernorsentsomeofhistrustedmentoSh'92r'87ztobribetheprincetoactpromptlyandtoreinforcethisbyappealingbyfalseimprecationtothe'ulam'87sandsiyyidstolikewisepressuretheprince.
Theprinceinturnsent'Abdu'll'87hKh'87nwithwell-ledandequippedregimentsreinforcedbynewrecruits.
XXVII.
Astheydidnotwishtofight,thelargehostdugtrenchesforbarricadesaroundthefortfromwhichtheyfired.
Onecompanionreturnedfire,killingtheartilleryofficer,therebyleadingtotheenemy'sretreat.
ThenextdayVah'92dsentGhul'87m-Rid'87y-i-Yazd'92and14othersofoldageoryouthtodispersetheenemy.
Withtheircries,anddespitethecannon&gun-fire,theybravelyfoughtfor8hourswith60deaths.
ThewomenofNayr'92zbravelycheeredon,addingtothenoiseanddemoralizingtheenemy.
XXVIII.
Despitetheirresourcesandmoralsupportofgovernorandpeople,theycouldnotfairlydefeataseeminglyuntrainedpeople.
Theyappealedtothemsupposedlyforpeace,attributingtheiroppositionasduetoinfluencefrommischief-makersandoutofignoranceoftrueintentnottosubvertStateorIsl'87m.
TheyrequestedameetingofrepresentativesinwhichtheQur''87nwouldserveastheirjudge,pledgingallegianceshouldtheybeconvinced,andfree-returntothefortifnot.
XXIX.
ThoughVah'92dreceivedtheQur''87nreverentlyandspokeoftheimmanenttreacheryleadingtotheirmartyrdom,wewelcomedtheopportunitytofurtherteach,calledatemporaryceasetohostilities,andleftwith5men.
ThegovernorandstaffreceivedhimceremoniouslyandheardhimpleadhisMessageandquestiontheirtreatmentthoughtheyplottedhisandthecompanionsdeath.
TheysoughttoinduceVah'92dtowriteofthesettlementoftheirdifferences,despitehisreluctance,inordertobringthecompanionsoutofthesafetyofthefort.
XXX.
ThoughVah'92dsentalettertoreplacetheoriginalone,warningthemofdeceit,thecarrier,H'87j'92Siyyid''e7bid,destroyedit,informedthegovernor,andwaschargedtoinducethemtoleave(throughtheliethattheenemyhadbeenconverted).
XXXI.
Outofabeliefofobedience,thefriendsreluctantlyleftthefortunguardedandunarmedandweresurroundedbythegovernor'sforces.
Someweremartyredandtherestfoundrefugeinthemasjid.
AMull'87Husaynwasabletoclimbaminarettotoppleasniper.
Confusedandinhiding,thecompanionsfearedVah'92d'sdeath.
XXXII.
Thegovernor&staffwereemboldenedandtookadvantageof'Abb'87s-Qul'92Kh'87n'soffertohavethepurportedrebelsarrestedandkilled(bythosewhosekinhadbeenkilled)ashehadparticipatedintheiroath.
XXXIII.
ThesemenremovedVah'92d'sturban,wounditaroundhisneck,andattachedittoahorse,dragginghimthroughthestreets,reminiscentofIm'87m'sHusayntramplingbyhorsemen,speakingwordsasthatIm'87m,testifyingtohisrenunciationandeagernesstoleavetheenemyforGod.
ThewomenofNayr'92zdancedaroundhiscorpsetodrums,cymbals,andshoutsoftriumphofhismurderers.
XXXIV.
Hisdeathledto5000menbeingcommissionedtoseize,chainandmove,andeventuallyslaughterthemen,confiscatetheirpropertyanddestroytheirhouses.
TheyburneddowntheKh'87jihfort.
Theybrought40-50womenandachildascaptives,thrownoversaddles,withtheheadsofthemalevictimsincludingVah'92d's(stuffedwithstraw)onlonglances.
ThoughSh'92r'87zhadbeeninafestivemood,theparadingthroughstreetsandbazaarsruinedthis.
TheywerebroughttoPrinceF'92r'9czM'92rz'87(whowasentertainingrichcitizensinhisgardens)uponwhichthemusicanddancingwasstoppedtohearofficerstelloftheirvictory.
Theprincethencongratulatedthem.
Thesoldiersthenbroughtthecaptivestoanoldcaravanserai&didGodknowswhat.
XXXV.
TherichwhohadbeenkeptinNayr'92zandthrownintodungeons,werecruellyparadedthroughthestreets,andtorturedtoobtaintheirfunds.
Theyweredeprivedofbreadandwater,brandedwithhotirons,theirnailspulledout(burningweedsplacedunderthem),lashedtodeath(astheywent),anincisionmadeintheirnosesthroughwhichastringwasdriven,draggedthroughthestreets,orwithnailsintheirhandsandfeet,subjectedtothemasses'derision.
SiyyidJa'far-i-Yazd'92,thoughformerlygreatlyhonoredbythepeopleandgovernor,hadhisturbanbefouledandflungintothefire&wasexposedtopublicscorn&humiliatedbybeingforcedtogobeggingdoortodoor.
H'87j'92Muhammad-Taq'92,similiarlyrespectedasbythecourtjudges,wasstripped,thrownintoapond,andlashedseverely.
SiyyidJa'far,Shaykh'Abdu'l-'Al'92&SiyyidHusaynwereexposedtothecold,withhiredscumheapingcruelitesontheirshiveringbodies.
Manyapoormancommissionedtocarryouttheseacts,inhasteningtoobtaintherewardrejectedthemoneyandturnedawayinloathingcontempt.
XXXVI.
Thewealthy'e7q'87SiyyidAb'9c-T'87libwaschainedandsentbythegovernortoMa'danwherehewaspoisonedbyH'87j'92M'92rz'87Nas'92rwhohadorderedtheB'87btokissShaykhAb'9c-Tur'87b'shand.
2B'87b'abwomenthrewthemselvesinawellratherthanbecaptured.
SomeBab'92swenttoTihr'87ntoprotesttotheSh'87haboutthegovernorbutwereovertakenbyacaravanwhichrecognizedthemandhadthemarrestedandexecutedbytheprince'sorders.
SummaryofContentsI.
JourneyofVah'92dtoTihr'87nandYazd-465II.
CelebrationoftheFeastofNaw-R'9czinYazd-466III.
ActivitiesoftheNavv'87b-i-Radav'92-467V.
DeclarationofVah'92dtothepeopleofYazd-469(switchedorderwithIV.
)IV.
Tumultanddispersaloftheenemy-469VI.
RepulseoftheforcesnearthefortofN'87r'92n-470VII.
ProclamationofVah'92dtotheinhabitantsofYazd-472VIII.
SortieorderedbyVah'92d-472IX.
DepartureofVah'92d'swifeforherfather'shome-473X.
Vah'92d'sinstructiontohisservantHasan-474XI.
Vah'92d'sdepartureforNayr'92z-474XII.
Vah'92d'sappealtothepeopleofNayr'92z-479XIII.
FirstsortiefromthefortofKh'87jih-481XIV.
SecondsortiefromthefortofKh'87jih-483XV.
Divisionoflabourinthefort-483XVI.
InterceptionofZaynu'l-''e7bid'92nKh'87n'smessage-484XVII.
RenewedappealtoPrinceF'92r'9czM'92rz'87-485XVIII.
ThirdsortiefromthefortofKh'87jih-486XIX.
Namesofmartyrs-487XX.
Oathtakenbyenemytoconcludepeace-488XXI.
Vah'92d'sresponsetotheenemy'sinvitation-489XXII.
Vah'92d'smessagetohiscompanions,andtreacheryofH'87j'92Siyyid''e7bid-490XXIII.
Captureofthecompanions-493XXIV.
MartyrdomofVah'92d-494XXV.
FateofVah'92d'scompanions-495OtherSummariesofthisChapterRegardingtheNayr'92zupheavals(DB465-499),seeGPB17,37,42,50,62,63;TN24-25.
CHAPTERXXIII:MARTYRDOMOFTHEB'e7BI.
MotivesoftheAm'92r-Niz'87mforexecutionoftheB'87b-500Despitetheirsuccessatruthlesslydestroyingthecompanions,therepeatedsignsofindomitablewillandfaithshowedtherulersinTihr'87nthatthespirit&Sourcebehindtheirfaithandheroismwasnotvanquished.
Rather,theoppositionhadcausedevengreaterattachmenttoHim,asmanyseekingnewwaysofthinkingtoovercometheinjusticesofthedaywereeagertojoinafaithinspiringsuchdevotion.
Also,theirLeaderandcauseoftheseupheavals,thoughisolated,wasexercisingfullinfluence.
TheministersupposedthatHisexecutionwouldquellthefervor,insufficientlyaddressedbyH'87j'92M'92rz'87'e7q'87s'92,thathadbroughthiscountryshame.
Oddly,however,hedidnotimmediatelyorderHisexecution,plottinginstead(atfirst)tobringHimfromthemystichaloofsufferingandwisdomintheChihr'92qretreattoexposeHimtomoralruinandshowHimforwhohebelievedHimtobeinsteadofaddingcredibilitytoHisCausethroughbodilydeath.
AshedidnotbelieveHimcapableofinspiringthecouragedisplayedbyMull'87Husayn,(Qudd'9cs),Vah'92d,Hujjatorparticipateinthem,butasratheracharlatananddreamer,heatfirstconsideredattemptingtobringabouthisshamethroughexposuretogreatdialecticiansofIsl'87m&publichumiliationfrombeingbroughtinchainstoTihr'87nandforcedtodebatetheMull'87s(silencingHimwhenHebecametooaudacious)believingthiswouldbreakHimanddepriveHimofpowerasalionofitsclawsexposedtothedogs.
ConsideringthattheB'87bhaddemonstratedstrengthincaptivityasHehadprayedandworkedunceasinglyinChihr'92q,maintainedmeeknessandinfluencedmany,includingtheguards,inspiteofthemselvesbyhisconductandspeech,hewithhisadvisorsdecidedagainstthispubliccontentduetotheriskoflosingitandincreasingHispower.
TheministergatheredhiscounselorstoexplainhisbeliefthattheonlysolutionfortheseoutbreakswastokillHimandpermittedthemtodeviseanyotherremedy,ashesolelydesiredhiscountrymen'speaceandhonor.
WhenM'92rz'87'e7q'87Kh'87n-i-N'9cr'92,theMinisterofWar(thesolepersontodarereply)pleadedthatputtingtodeathabanishedsiyyidfortheactionsofirresponsibleagitatorswouldbeanactofcruelty,citingtheexampleofthelateMuhammadSh'87hinignoringtheenemy'sclamoring.
TheAm'92r-Niz'87mprotestedthatthoseconsiderationswereirrelevantinthattheycouldnotpermittheState'sintereststobeexposedtodanger.
HesoughttojustifyHisexecutionbystatingtheimperativeoftheStateinexecutingthedestabilizingIm'87mHusayn,despitehisrelationtohisGrandfather,Muhammad.
II.
OrderoftheAm'92r-Niz'87mtoNavv'87bHamzihM'92rz'87-504TheministeraskedSulaym'87nKh'87n(Afsh'87r)tohaveNavv'87b(Prince)HamzihM'92rz'87,thekind-heartedgovernorof'e7dhirb'87yj'87nsummontheB'87bandimprisonHimintheTabr'92zcitadelforalaterjudgment.
Theprinceagreed,believingHewouldbesenthome,andorderedhistrustedofficerthatHebebroughtwiththeutmostconsiderationwithamountedescorttoTabr'92z.
III.
DisposalbytheB'87bofHisdocuments-504TheB'87bplacedHisTablets,documents,pen-case,seals&agateringsintoacofferalongwithalettertoHisamanuensisM'92rz'87Ahmadwiththecoffer'skeyforMull'87B'87qir(LetteroftheLiving)tobringitwithutmostcareandconcealmenttoM'92rz'87Ahmad.
WhenMull'87B'87qirreachedQazv'92nandlearnedM'92rz'87AhmadhadleftforQum,hewenttheretooandfoundhim,Nab'92l,S'87diq-i-Tabr'92z'92(whohadbeensentbyM'92rz'87AhmadtogetNab'92lfromZarand),andShaykh'Az'92m,SiyyidIsm'87''92l,andothers.
AfterShaykh'Az'92minsistedthatthetrustbeopenedinfrontofthem,theymarveledatitscontents,includingtheTabletinshikastihscript,pennedinapentaclewithatleast360derivativesofBah'87socleanitlookedprinted.
AllM'92rz'87AhmadcoulddivulgeabouttheletterwasthatitwastobedeliveredintothehandsofJin'87b-i-Bah'87(Bah'87'u'll'87h'stitlethen)inTihr'87n.
TheB'87bhadleftthecommunity'sspiritualaffairsinHishandscontrarytotheAzal'92viewthatSubh-i-Azalwastobethewritings'custodian&arrangerofHisresting-place.
M'92rz'87AhmadsentNab'92lbacktohisfatherinZarand.
IV.
ArrivaloftheB'87batTabr'92z-506TheB'87bwasrespectfullyconductedtoTabr'92zbytheofficer&wasdeferentiallyhostedbyafriendoftheprince.
V.
OrderissuedbytheAm'92r-Niz'87m-5063dayslater,thedeathfarm'87n(decree)fromtheVaz'92rwasdeliveredtotheprincecommandinghimtoexecuteHimandanyofHisfollowers.
TheArmenianregimentofUr'9cm'92yyih&itscolonelS'87mKh'87nweretoshootHiminthebarrackscourtyardinthecenterofthecity.
Theprincetoldthefarm'87n'sbearer,M'92rz'87HasanKh'87n(Vaz'92r-Niz'87mandGrandVaz'92r'sbrother)thattheAm'92rshouldentrusthimwiththingsbetterthantasksasslayinganinnocentdescendentoftheProphetthatonlyignoblepeoplewouldaccept(asIbn-i-Z'92y'87d&Ibn-i-Sa'dwhowerepersecutorsofMuhammad'sdescendants).
WhenthebrotherreportedthistotheAm'92r,theAm'92rreiteratedheshouldfollowtheentireorderimmediatelyandallowthemtocelebrateRamad'87nandfastintranquility.
Theprince,however,didnotmeetthemessenger,pretendingtobeill.
ThebrotherinstructedthattheB'87bandcompanyshouldbetransferredfromwhereHewasstayingtooneofthebarracksrooms,tobeguardedbyS'87mKh'87nand10ofhismen.
VI.
ConfinementoftheB'87binthebarracks-507Deprivedofturbanandsash(2emblemsoflineage),theB'87bandSiyyidHusayn(amanuensis)wereconfinedthere(accordingtoHisplan).
WhentheB'87bwasledtothecourtyard,anunprecedentedconvulsionoccurredinthecity(perceivedbythemasrelatingtotheDayofJudgment).
UponHisapproach,ayouthleaptforwardthroughthecrowdregardlesstoovertaketheB'87bregardlessoftherisksinvolved.
Hisfacewashaggard,feetbare,andhairdishevelled.
Breathlesswithexcitementandexhaustedwithfatigue,heflunghimselfatHisfeet,tookHisgarmenthem,andimplorednottobesentawayfromHim.
TheB'87baddressedhimasMuhammad-'Al'92and,asJesusChrist,toldhisdisciplethathewouldbewithHim.
2othercompanionsrushedforwardandassuredHimoftheirloyalty.
These2wereplacedwithM'92rz'87Muhammad-'Al'92y-i-Zun'9cz'92inthecelloftheB'87bandSiyyidHusayn.
VII.
IncidentrelatedbySiyyidHusayn-507SiyyidHusayndescribedtheB'87b'sindescribablejoythatnight,despitethesituationandsorrowsthathadweighedonHim.
WhiletellingthemthatHewouldbemartyredthenextday,Heexpressedthewishtobemartyredbyafriendratherthanenemy.
Thoughtearsranfromtheireyesatthiswish,theyshrankfromsuchanactoftakingsuchalife.
WhenM'92rz'87Muhammad-'Al'92announcedhimselfreadytoobey,thefriendsintervenedandpersuadedhimtoabandonthethought.
TheB'87bthenannouncedthatthatyouthwhowasreadytocomplywithHiswishwouldsuffermartyrdomwithHim.
Intheearlymorning,theVaz'92r'sbrotherorderedthefarr'87sh-b'87sh'92(headattendant)tobringHiminfrontofthecitymujtahidsforpermissiontoexecute.
WhenSiyyidHusaynaskedHimwhattodo,Hetoldhimnottoconfesshisfaiththathemight,whenthedestinedtimeandcompanyappear,conveytothemthethingsonlyheknew.
Inthemiddleoftheirconversation,thefarr'87sh-b'87sh'92interrupted&tookSiyyidHusaynbythehand&severelyrebukedhim.
VIII.
TheB'87b'swarningtotheFarr'87sh-B'87sh'92-509TheB'87bwarnedhim,however,thatnoearthlypowercouldstophimfromsayingeverythingHeneededto.
Thoughtheattendantwasamazed,hedidnotreplyandbadeSiyyidHusaynfollowhim.
IX.
M'92rz'87Muhammad-'Al'92'srefusaltorecant-509Whentheyouthwasbroughtintothemujtahidspresence,hewasrepeatedlyurgedtorecantgivenhisstepfather,Siyyid'Al'92y-i-Zun'9cz'92'sposition.
HerefusedtorenouncehisMasterWhowastheessenceofhisfaith,adoration,andparadiseandWhoseLawwashissalvation.
Mull'87Muhammad-i-M'87m'87q'87n'92toldhimtobequietashesoughttoexcusehiswordsasmadness.
However,theyouthretortedhe,asonereadytoshedbloodforHisFaith,wasnotmad,butratherthemanwhosoughttheQ'87'im'sdeath.
Theyouthhadwrittenhisolderbrother2-3daysbeforehismartyrdominreplytohisletterofcounseltoturnfromhisdevotion.
TheyoungerbrotherrespectfullywrotepraiseofGodforhiscontentmentathiscircumstances,questionedhisbrother'spositionthattherewasnopurposetothisastherecouldbenomoresignificantpurpose,hemaintainedthatnonecouldavertGod'swillthateachsoultastedeathandthatshouldhebetakenintoGod'shands,hisbrothershouldactashistrusteeinforgivinganylackofrespectordutyshowntohimashiselderbrotherandseekingpardonforhimfromtheirfamilyandGod.
X.
IssueoftheB'87b'sdeath-warrants-510Aftertheprince'speopleopenedtheprisondoors,checkedtheironsaroundtheirnecksandwrists,tiedalongcordtotheironheldbyafarr'87sh,andbroughttheB'87banddisciplesoutthroughthestreets&bazaars,peopleflockedtoseethisSubjectofdiscussion,evenononeanother'sshoulders.
B'87b'92sscatteredtotrytoarousepityorsympathytohelpsaveHim.
Therest-indifferentones,philosophers,Shaykh'92s&S'9cf'92s-leftindisgustorwaitedatstreetcornersoutofcuriositytoseeHim.
Thetattered,restless,andexcitablecrowdflunginsults,thoughreadytochangetheirminds.
SomeMuslims,includingchildren,triedtostriketheB'87bordisciplesinthefaceorhead,leadingtheguardandcrowdtolaughter.
WhentheB'87bwasbroughtintoMull'87Muhammad-i-M'87m'87q'87n'92'spresence,hetookthedeath-warranthehadwrittenthedayhemetHimattheVal'92-'Ahd'smeetingandgaveittohisattendanttogivetothefarr'87sh-b'87sh'92ashewassurelythesameman.
WhenbroughttoM'92rz'87B'87qir'shouse,thesuccessorandsonofM'92rz'87Ahmadhadhisattendantwaitingtotellthemhewassatisfiedwithhisfather'sdecisionpronouncingHisdeathandthathecoulddonobetter.
Mull'87Murtad'87-Qul'92,asthe2othermujtahids,hadhispriorlywrittentestimonygivenwithoutmeetinghisdreadedopponentfacetoface.
WhentheysoughttoplacetheyouthinthesameroomasSiyyidHusaynawayfromtheB'87b,theyouthburstintears,andwasthendeliveredtoS'87mKh'87ntoexecutehimshouldhenotrecant.
AsS'87mKh'87nwasbecomingaffectedbyHisbehavioramidstHistreatment,hebegantofearhisactionbringingaboutGod'swrath.
XI.
S'87mKh'87n'srequestfromtheB'87b-512ProfessinghimselfaChristianunwillingtoentertainill-willagainsthim,herequestedtheB'87bdeliverhimfromthedutyofsheddingHisbloodifHisCauseweretheCauseofTruth.
TheB'87bbadehimproceedandpromisedthatGodwoulddeliverhimifhisintentionsweresincere.
S'87mKh'87nhadhismendriveanailintothepillar(betweenSiyyidHusayn'sdoorandthenext)with2ropestiedtoitfromwhichtheB'87bandyouthwereseparatelysuspended.
TheyouthbeggedtobeplacedsoastoshieldHimandhisheadwasplacedagainstHisbreast.
WhenthecondemnedareshotinPersia,theyareboundtoapostfacingawayfromtheonlookerssoasnottoseetheexecutionsignalsoftheofficer.
TheB'87b'ssilence,palehandsomefacewithablackbeardandsmallmustache,appearanceandrefinedmanners,whiteanddelicatehands&simplebutveryneatgarmentsevokedsympathyandcompassion.
Assoonastheywerefastened,theregimentwentin3filesof250men,eachorderedtofireuntilallbulletswerefired.
Thesmokeof750rifleschangedthenoondaysunlightintodarkness.
10000peoplehadgatheredonthebarracks'andotherhouses'roofstoseethescene.
XII.
TheB'87b'smiraculousescape-513Whenthesmokecloudcleared,themasseswerestunnedthattheyouthwasstandingthereunhurtwithhistunicunsullieddespitethesmokewhiletheB'87bhaddisappeared.
WhenthemultitudecriedoutaboutHisdisappearance,theysoughtandfoundHimeventually,calmlyseatedunscathedinthesameroomoccupiedthenightbeforefinishingHisconversationwithSiyyidHusayn.
AstestifiedtobyeyewitnessesandWesternhistorians,thebulletshadcutthecordsandfreedHimwithoutascratch.
TheChristiansoldiersusedthesebrokencordstoimplytotheagitatedcrowdthatnomiraclehadoccurred.
XIII.
ResignationoftheFarr'87sh-B'87sh'92-513WhentheB'87btoldthefarr'87sh-b'87sh'92thatHisconversationwasfinishedandthathecouldnowfulfillhisintention,themanwasshakenandimmediatelyresigned.
HetoldthisstorytotheTabr'92z'92notableM'92rz'87SiyyidMuhsin,convertinghim.
ThisconvertlatershowedNab'92lthewall,cell,andsuspendingnailassociatedwiththeevent.
XIV.
ResignationofS'87mKh'87n-514S'87mKh'87nwasstunnedbytheeventandorderedhismentoleaveandwishedtoneverbeassociatedwithanyinjurytotheB'87b,evenshouldhisrefusalleadtohisowndeath.
XV.
RenewedandfinalattemptontheB'87b'slife-517'e7q'87J'87nKh'87n-i-Khamsih(KhamsihorN'87sir'92),theMuslimbody-guardcolonel,volunteeredtoexecuteHim.
Theyweresuspendedandfireduponagaininthesamemanner,butthistimetheirbodieswereshatteredandblendedintoonemassoffleshandbone,thoughHisfacewasvirtuallyunscathed.
TheB'87b'slastwordstoldthepeoplethathadtheybelieved,theywouldhavefollowedtheyouth'sexampleinsacrificingthemselves.
HealsoforetoldthattheywouldrecognizeHimoneday,butHewouldbegonethen.
Astheshotswerefired,aseverestormsweptoverthewholecity,bringingupadensedustwhirlwindwhichobscuredsunlightandblindedpeople'seyesfromnoontomidnight.
DespitewitnessingthisstrangephenomenonafterseeingtheeffectonS'87mKh'87nuponfailingtoinjuretheB'87b,anduponthefarr'87sh-b'87sh'92afterhesawtheB'87bfinishHisconversation,theyouth'sunstainedtunicdespitethebullets,andtheserenityoftheunhurtB'87b,theTabr'92z'92peoplestilldidnotrecognizetheevent'ssignificance.
XVI.
AccountrelatedbyH'87j'92'Al'92-'Askar-518Thatevening,thebodiesoftheB'87bandcompanionwereremovedfromthecourtyardtotheedgeofthemoatoutsidethecitygate.
4companiesof10sentinelsweretokeepwatch.
Thenextmorning,theRussianconsulinTabr'92zwithanartistwentthereandorderedasketchbemadeoftheremains.
H'87j'92'Al'92-'AskarrelatedhowarelativewhoworkedasaRussianconsulateofficialshowedhimthesketchthatsameday,renderingHimwellshowingnomarksonHisforehead,cheeks,orlips,andshowingaslightsmilewhiledepictingthemutilationofHisbody.
Togetherwiththesightoftheyouth,withhisidentifiableheadandarmsholdingHim,hewashorror-struckatthesight,lockinghimselfinhisroomfor3daysandnightwithoutsleeporfoodandreflectingontheHisshortandtumultuouslifeculminatinginHismartyrdom.
TheRussianEmperorhadsentordersfortheconsultofullyinvestigateandreportontheB'87b'ssituation.
Ashereceivedthisnews,theB'87bwasputtodeath.
WhensummonedbytheRussianconsul,'e7q'87SiyyidMuhammad-Husayn(theamanuensis)hintedatsomeofwhattranspired(fearfulofspeakingplainlygiventhepresenceofMuslimsthere)andgavehimsomeoftheB'87b'sWritings.
XVII.
TransferenceoftheB'87b'sremainstoTihr'87n-519(518)Ontheseconddayafterthemartyrdomintheafternoon,H'87j'92Sulaym'87nKh'87n(Yahy'87Kh'87n'sson)arrivedatthehouseoftheKalantar(mayor)(whowasa(519)s'9cf'92dervishfriendofhis)hopingtodelivertheB'87b.
Thoughdismayedattheevents,heresolved,despitetherisktohislife,tocarrythebodiesaway.
TheKalantarurgedhim,forhissafety,towaitandtransfertoanotherhousetowaitforH'87j'92All'87h-Y'87rwhowouldcarryitout.
HeagreedandonthesamenighthewasabletomeetH'87j'92All'87h-Y'87r,hehadhimbringthebodiesfromthemoatedgetoaM'92l'87n'92believer'ssilkfactorywherethebodywaslaidinaspeciallyconstructedwoodencaseandhadtheremainsbroughttoaplaceofsafety.
Thesentinelsusedtheexcusethatwildbeastshadcarriedthebodiesawaywhiletheyslept,theirsuperiorscorroboratedtheirstorytoavoiddishonor,andtheB'87b'92s,notwantinganyfurtherpoliceinvestigation,didnotdisputethestory,leadingtothepropagationofthefalsestoryandadoptionbyevenseveralhistorians.
H'87j'92Sulaym'87nKh'87ntoldBah'87'u'll'87hwhohad'e7q'87y-i-Kal'92msendaspecialmessengertotransferthebodiestoTihr'87n,aswishedforbytheB'87basevidentinHisTabletandinstructionstoM'92rz'87Sulaym'87n-i-Khat'92btogotheshrineoftheIm'87m-Z'87dih-HasanandrecitetheTabletwhichmentionedHiswishtobeburiedtherewiththeIm'87m.
Nab'92lwaswithM'92rz'87AhmadinTihr'87nthen.
Bah'87'u'll'87hhadleftforKarbil'87accordingtotheAm'92r-Niz'87m'sinstructionswhile'e7q'87y-i-Kal'92mandM'92rz'87Ahmadtransferredtheremainstoaplaceonlytheyknew.
WhenBah'87'u'll'87hleftforAdrianople,'e7q'87y-i-Kal'92mwastoinformMun'92rofthelocationthoughhecouldnotfindit.
Jam'87l,anoldadherentwhohadlearneditslocationfromBah'87'u'll'87hinAdrianople,discoveredit.
XVIII.
ReferencetoM'92rz'87'e7q'87Kh'87n-i-N'9cr'92-522M'92rz'87'e7q'87Kh'87n-i-N'9cr'92hadbeenbanishedtoK'87sh'87nbyMuhammadSh'87hwhentheB'87bwentthroughthatcity.
HeassuredH'87j'92M'92rz'87J'87n'92whotaughthimtheFaith,thatshouldheregainhisposition,hewouldendeavortoensurethecommunity'ssecurity.
WhenH'87j'92M'92rz'87J'87n'92toldthisto'Abdu'l-Bah'87,HetoldHimhewouldsoonhavethepositionnexttotheSh'87handshouldnotforgetthepromise.
NowinthepositionofI'tim'87du'd-Dawlih(hopingtobecomeGrandVaz'92r),onhearingofthemartyrdom,heinformedBah'87'u'll'87hofthenews,expressingalsothehopethatthefirethatmightonedaythreatenBah'87'u'll'87hwasextinguished.
Bah'87'u'll'87hsaidthatifthenewsweretrue,theflamewouldbecomeevenstrongerthanthestatesmencouldquench,thoughM'92rz'87'e7q'87Kh'87ncouldnotimaginehowtheFaithcouldsurvivesuchablow.
Whenhisson(Niz'87mu'l-Mulk)onedayquestionedwhetherhethoughtBah'87'u'll'87h,WhoseemedthemostcapableofalltheVaz'92r'ssons,hadnotliveduptoHisfather'stradition,M'92rz'87'e7q'87Kh'87n-i-N'9cr'92repliedbyquestioningwhetherhereallybelievedthatandbystatingthattheirlives'ambitionsforhonor(asthatofgreatonesofanyraceorrank)wouldonlybetemporaryandconditionaloncontinuedmaterialaidtotheirsupporters,whileBah'87'u'll'87h'sallegiancewouldincreasebyeachgenerationtoencompasstheworldandleadtoadevotionsuchthathisloverswouldnotdareevokeinthedeadofnight,thememoryoftheslightestdesirecontrarytoHiswill.
XIX.
EffectsoftheB'87b'smartyrdom-523Theenemy'streatmentofHimbroughtgreatcalamitiesonPersia&itspeople.
Thoseresponsiblefellintodeepremorse&soonsufferedshamefuldeaths.
Theindifferentwitnessestothecrueltysufferedamiserytheirlandresourcesandstatesmencouldnotalleviate,bringingthemtothevergeofnationalbankruptcywithplaguesaffectinghighandlow.
Eventheplantsandanimalsfeltsuchdistress.
Slowandpainfuldeathatstarvationhauntedtheirvision.
TheyremainedunawareofthePersonforWhomtheyweremadetosuffer.
HusaynKh'87n'sactsbroughtaboutaplaguekilling1000'sandhesawtheundoingofhiswork,hisdyinginobscurityandabandonment.
H'87j'92M'92rz'87'e7q'87s'92incourtingtothe'ulam'87s'favor,preventedMuhammadSh'87h'smeetingwiththeB'87b&pronouncedHisbanishmentandimprisonment,leadingtotheB'87b'sTabletforetellinghisdoom.
Afterayearand6monthsoftheB'87b'sreachingTihr'87n,hewastoppledfrompowerandforcedtoseekrefugefromhisownpeople,wasforcedintoexile,andalifeofpoverty&distress.
250oftheMuslimregimentwhichexecutedHimwerekilledinanearthquakethatsameyearwhichappearedonahotsummerdayundertheshadowofawallwhiletheywereabsorbedingamesandpleasuresonthewaytoTabr'92zfromArdib'92l.
3yearsafterHismartyrdom,the500othersmutiniedandwereallshot(twicetobesure)foritbyM'92rz'87S'87diqKh'87n-i-N'9cr'92'scommand,withtheirbodiespiercedbyspearsandlancesandsubjectedtothepublicgaze.
ThecityinhabitantsrecalledtheB'87b'smartyrdomconsideringwhetherthesoldiers'deathwasGod'svengeance.
Themujtahidsorderedpunishment(beating,fines)andtheceasingofevokingHismemoryforthosewhoquestionedwhyHispersecutorswouldbesopunishedifHewasguilty.
TheAm'92r-Niz'87mandbrothertheVaz'92r-Niz'87mweredreadfullypunishedwithin2yearsleadingtotheirmiserabledeathaspredictedbythemartyrsofZanj'87n,M'92rz'87Rid'87,H'87j'92Muhammad-'Al'92andH'87j'92Muhsin.
Fallenintodisgraceandoutofroyalhatred,hisveinswereslashedopen(ashadhisvictims)stainingthebathofF'92nItwasthenthatM'92rz'87'e7q'87Kh'87n-i-N'9cr'92succeededhim,takingthetitleofSadr-i-A'zamastheGrandVaz'92rsoftheOttomanEmpiretookon.
SummaryofChapterXXIIII.
GiventhattheirLeaderandfaithhadonlygrowninpowerwithpersecution,M'92rz'87Taq'92Kh'87nsoughttoeliminatethedisturbancesbykillingthepersonoftheB'87b.
AlthoughheimaginedtheB'87btobeweakandincapableofinspiringthecouragedemonstratedbyHisfollowers,theVaz'92rdecidedagainstseekingtopubliclyhumiliatetheB'87bgiventhestrengthandcharmHehaddemonstratedeveninprisonandgiventherisksofexacerbatingtheproblembygivingHimaforumandincreasingHiscredibility.
II.
Althoughhisministerofwarprotestedthecrueltyofexecutingaharmlesssiyyid,theAm'92rdisputedtheseprotests,feelingjustifiedintakingahardstancetoextirpatetheproblemattheRoottopreservetheState'sunity,citingtheState'sexecutionofIm'87mHusaynassupport.
III.
TheAm'92rdirectedthattheprinceNavv'87bHamzihM'92rz'87delivertheB'87btoTabr'92z.
AstheprincethoughtthiswasforthepurposeofdeliveringHimhome,heagreedandsentHimwithatrustedescort.
TheB'87b,however,inanticipatingHisimmanentmartyrdom,sentHisTablets,documents,pen-case,seals&ringsintoalockedcofferwithaletterandkeytoHisamanuensis.
SeveralincludingNab'92lwerewitnesstoitscontents,includingaTabletHewroteinapentaclewith360derivativesofBah'87,beforebeingdeliveredtoitsfinalandintendedrecipient,Bah'87'u'll'87h.
IV.
However,whentheprincereceivedtheordersviatheAm'92r'sbrother,M'92rz'87HasanKh'87n,thattheB'87bwastobeexecuted,hedisputedtheAm'92r'sjudgment,andwhentheAm'92rrenewedtheorder,theprincefailedtomeetthemessenger,claimingillness.
ThebrotherthenhimselforderedtheB'87b'stransferandS'87mKh'87n'sguardingofHim.
V.
AstheB'87bandamanuensiswasleadthroughthestreets,deprivedoflineageemblemsturbanandsash,abreathlessanddishevelledyouthemergedimploringtobewithHim.
2othersalsoemergedtopledgetheirloyalty.
Theywerethenplacedinthesamecell.
InanticipationofHisimmanentmartyrdom,Hewasingreatjoy.
WhenHeexpressedthewishtobemartyredbyafriendinsteadofenemy,theotherstearedatHiswish,butonlytheyouthwasreadytoobey.
Afterconvincinghimotherwise,theB'87bannouncedtheyouthwouldbemartyredwithHim.
VI.
TheAm'92r'sbrotherorderedtheB'87btobebroughtbytheheadattendanttothemujtahidsforconsenttoexecute,butwhentheattendantsoughttointerrupttheB'87b'sconversationwithSiyyidHusayn,inwhichHewastellinghimtorecantinorderthathemightpropagatethetruthofHisstory,theB'87bwarnedhimthatnoearthlypowercouldinterruptHispurpose.
VII.
Despitemultipleattemptsbythemujtahidstoinducehimtorecant,theyouthrefusedtorenounceHisadoredMaster.
HedeclaredthathewasnotmadbutratheronewhowishedtheQ'87'im'sdeath.
Hehadwrittenearliertohisolderbrotherofhiscontentmentandhisdesireforhisbrother'sforgivenessandtointercedeforhisfamily.
HecriedwhenhewastobeplacedawayfromtheB'87b,andwasthengiventoS'87mKh'87nforexecutionshouldhenotrecant.
VIII.
AcommotionwascausedastheB'87b&discipleswerebroughtoutinchains,withB'87b'92sseekingtoarousepity,othersleavingindisgust,whilemostthrongedincuriosity.
Someflunginsultstoprovokeareactionandsomethrewstones,arousinglaughteramongthecrowd.
IX.
WhentheB'87bwasbroughtintoeachmujtahid'spresence,eachsignedorhadsignedhiswarrant,thoughnonecondescendedtomeetHim.
X.
OutoffearofexecutinganinnocentMan(&fearofGod),S'87mKh'87nprofessedhimselfaChristiantotheB'87b,andrequestedHimtodeliverhimfromsheddingHisblood,ifHisCausewereofTruth.
TheB'87bpromisedGod'sdeliveryifheweresincere.
XI.
Pertheyouth'srequest,hewasplacedsoastoshieldHimandhisheadwasplacedagainstHisbreastastheyweresuspendedby2ropesonanailbySiyyidHusayn'scell.
Watchedby10000gatheredonroofsofbuildings,thementhenarrangedin3filesof250men,andeachgroupfiredallitsbulletsuntilthesmokeoftheriflesturnedthenoonsunlightintodarkness.
However,afterthesmokecleared,theyouthwasleftstandingunhurtandunsullied,whiletheB'87bhaddisappeared.
ThesoldierssoughttoappeasethehysteriawhentheyrecoveredtheB'87binHisroomspeakingwithSiyyidHusaynbyshowingthemthebrokencords,implyingthebulletshadmerelymissedthemandstruckthecordstofreethem.
However,onwitnessingtheB'87bfinishHisconversation,theheadattendantresignedandspreadthisstory.
Also,S'87mKh'87norderedhismen'sdepartureandwishednevertoharmHimevenshouldthisrequirehisdeath.
XII.
'e7q'87J'87nKh'87n-i-Khamsih,theMuslimbody-guardcolonel,volunteeredtoexecuteHiminthesamemanner.
TheB'87b'stoldthepeoplethathadtheybelieved,theywouldhavefollowedtheyouth'sexampleinsacrificingthemselves.
HealsoforetoldthattheywouldrecognizeHimoneday,butHewouldbegonethen.
Thistime,however,theirbodieswerestruckandblendedintoonemass,thoughHisfacewasvirtuallyunscathed.
Aseverestormthencameoverthecitybringingadustwhirlwindthatblindedvisionfromnoontomidnight.
However,thepeopleneverthelessmissedalltheseeventssignificance.
XIII.
Thebodieswerebroughttoamoatedgeoutsidethecitygateandwatchedoverbysentinels.
TheRussianconsulandartistcameandmadeasketch(sofaithfulthatitbroughtH'87j'92'Al'92-'Askar3daysofgrief).
XIV.
SiyyidHusaynwassummonedbytheRussianconsul(whoseCzarhadsoughttoinvestigateHissituationbeforelearningofHisdeath)andhintedatwhattranspired(fearingspeakingfullywiththeMuslimsthere)andgavesomeoftheB'87b'sWritings.
XV.
TheseconddayafterHismartyrdom,H'87j'92Sulaym'87nKh'87n,afterstatinghisintenttorescuetheremainsdespitetherisk,wasinformedbythemayorthatH'87j'92All'87h-Y'87rwoulddoit.
ThatnighthebroughtthebodiestoaM'92l'87n'92believer'ssilkfactory,placedtheminaspeciallyconstructedwoodencaseandbroughtthemtosafety.
XVI.
Toavoiddishonor,thesentinelsand,tacitly,theirsuperiorsmaintainedwildbeastscarriedthebodiesawaywhiletheyslept.
TheB'87b'92s,innotwishingattention,didnotdisputethis,leadingtomanytobelievethestory.
XVII.
InaccordancewiththeB'87b'swishes(asHevoicedinaTablet),ondiscoveringthebodies'location,Bah'87'u'll'87harrangedforthebodiestransferencetoTihr'87n.
Thoughatfirstonly2knewoftheirbodies'locationintheShrineoftheIm'87m-Z'87dih-Hasan,thebodieswerelateruncoveredandeventuallybroughttotheHolyLandXVIII.
M'92rz'87'e7q'87Kh'87n-i-N'9cr'92hadsworntoprotectthecommunityifhewouldregainthepositionhewasdeprivedof.
'Abdu'l-Bah'87assuredhimofbecomingtheGrandVaz'92randnottoforgethispromise.
Ashewasregaininghisposition,heexpressedthehopetoBah'87'u'll'87hthattheB'87b'sdeathmightgiveHimpeace(believingtheFaithtobequenched)thoughBah'87'u'll'87hsaidtheseforceswouldgrowevenstronger.
InreplyingtoasonwhodoubtedBah'87'u'll'87h'sgloriousdestiny,heshowedhisunderstandingbydescribingBah'87'u'll'87h'sascendancyasoutlastingallkings,notonlypasttheirlives,butalsointhedepthofdevotionwhichtheywouldinspire.
XIX.
TheirtreatmentoftheB'87bbroughtgreatcalamitiesonthepersecutorsandPersia.
Theindifferentpeopleweresubjectedtonearnationalbankruptcy,pervasiveplaguesandfearofstarvation,thoughtheyremainedunawareoftheCause.
HusaynKh'87ndiedmiserablyaftertheplague,H'87j'92M'92rz'87'e7q'87s'92wasthrownfrompower,exiled,anddiedinpovertyanddistress,while1/3oftheMuslimexecutingregimentwaskilledinanearthquakethatyear,andtherestwereallshottwicebyfiringsquadformutinythenimpaled.
Giventhesimilarcircumstances,thepeoplequestionedwhetherthiswasduetotheirtreatmentoftheB'87b,thoughthemujtahidssoughttobeatorfinethosewhomadesuchconjectures.
TheAm'92r-Niz'87mandbrothertheVaz'92r-Niz'87mweredreadfullypunishedwithin2yearsleadingtotheirmiserabledeath.
Disgracedandduetoroyalhatred,hisveinswereslashedopen(ashadhisvictims)stainingthepublicbathofF'92n.
SummaryofContentsI.
MotivesoftheAm'92r-Niz'87mforexecutionoftheB'87b-500II.
OrderoftheAm'92r-Niz'87mtoNavv'87bHamzihM'92rz'87-504III.
DisposalbytheB'87bofHisdocuments-504IV.
ArrivaloftheB'87batTabr'92z-506V.
OrderissuedbytheAm'92r-Niz'87m-506VI.
ConfinementoftheB'87binthebarracks-507VII.
IncidentrelatedbySiyyidHusayn-507VIII.
TheB'87b'swarningtotheFarr'87sh-B'87sh'92-509IX.
M'92rz'87Muhammad-'Al'92'srefusaltorecant-509X.
IssueoftheB'87b'sdeath-warrants-510XI.
S'87mKh'87n'srequestfromtheB'87b-512XII.
TheB'87b'smiraculousescape-513XIII.
ResignationoftheFarr'87sh-B'87sh'92-513XIV.
ResignationofS'87mKh'87n-514XV.
RenewedandfinalattemptontheB'87b'slife-517XVI.
AccountrelatedbyH'87j'92'Al'92-'Askar-518XVII.
TransferenceoftheB'87b'sremainstoTihr'87n-519XVIII.
ReferencetoM'92rz'87'e7q'87Kh'87n-i-N'9cr'92-522XIX.
EffectsoftheB'87b'smartyrdom-523OtherSummariesofthisChapterRegardingtheAm'92rNiz'87m'sruthlessness(DB500-502,504,526,seealso332-353,446-452),seeGPB47,51-52,82;TN20-22,28-29.
Regardingthedeliveranceofdocuments,seals,andringsforBah'87'u'll'87h(DB504-505,seealso368),seeGPB51,69;TN25-26.
RegardingtheAm'92r-Niz'87m'scommissioningofhisownbrotherfortheexecutionoftheB'87b(DB506),seeGPB52;TN26.
RegardingthedemiseofM'92rz'87HasanKh'87n(DB506-507,526),seeGPB83;TN25-26.
RegardingtheleadingmujtahidssigningtheB'87b'sdeathwarrant(DB508-510),seeGPB52.
RegardingtheB'87binsistingtofinishHisconverstaion(DB508-509),seeGPB52.
RegardingthecommissioningofS'87mKh'87nandthevolley(DB512-514),seeGPB52-53;TN27.
Regardingtheacceptanceof'e7q'87Kh'87nandtheMartyrdomoftheB'87b(DB514),seeGPB53;TN27.
RegardintgthefateoftheremainsoftheB'87b(DB517-522),seeGPB54;TN27-28.
RegardingfurthertributestothememoryoftheB'87b(DB514-515note2,518note1),seeGPB55-56.
Regardingtheresultingdisasters(DB515,525-526),seeGPB53-54,84.
RegardingasummaryofBah'87'u'll'87h'slifebeforetheassassinationattemptontheSh'87h(andimpliedfulfillmentoftheB'87b'sprophecies)DB519-522,seealso106-107,112-117,227-228,279,284-286,292-299,348-350,369-374,593-594),seeGPB40,66-70;TN34-37.
RegardingthedemiseofHusaynKh'87n(DB524,seealso193-198),seeGPB83;TN9.
RegardingH'87j'92M'92rz'87'e7q'87s'92andclericalopposition(DB524-525,seealso231-234andnote2,263),seeGPB18,36-37,82;TN15-18,29.
OverallofDB500-502,504-510,512-515,517-522,524-526:seeGPB40,47,51-56,66-70,82-84;TN9,15-18,20-22,25-29,34-37.
CHAPTERXXIV:THEZANJ'e7NUPHEAVALI.
ReferencetotheB'87b'safflictions-527AswellasbeinggrievedbyHiscaptivityandsummoningtoTabr'92z,thenewsofNayr'92z,ShaykhTabars'92,andtheSevenMartyrsofTihr'87nwascompoundedbythatofwhatwasbeginninginZanj'87nduringHislastdays.
Theyhadbeenundeservedlysubjectedtosuffering,deceived,robbed,andmassacred.
Thismassacrewastobecomethemostviolentanddevastatingwithhomesburned(),4000slain(manykilledbyswordwiththeslightestsuspicion)&women&childrentroddendown&destroyedwithoutprotectors.
II.
ActivitiesofHujjatpriortohisconversion-529Mull'87Muhammad-'Al'92(Hujjat)wasaneminentdignitary(aswashiseminent,pious&moralfatherMull'87Rah'92m-i-Zanj'87n'92('e7kh'9cndMull'87'Abdu'r-Rah'92m)whostudiedunderacelebratedmaster,becomingShar'92fu'l-'Ulam'87&famous.
Asmujtahid,hewasrestlessandturbulentasnoquestionwassufficientlystudiedorsolved.
Hewasintolerant&immoderateindiscussion&debate,offendedthepeacefulandtraditionalists,thoughmanyconsideredhimasaintandrespectedandhadfaithinhimandhiszeal.
Givenhiscapacityevidentsinceboyhood,hisfathermeticulouslyattendedtohiseducation,sendinghimtoNajaf,wherehedistinguishedhimselfforinsight,ability,scholarship,keenintelligence,fieryardor,andimpatiencewithnarrownessinIsl'87m(evenovergeneralizingthisforatimeinholdingdisdainfortheIm'87ms).
Takinghisfather'sadvicetoavoidreturningtoZanj'87nwherehisenemiesconspiredagainsthim,hesetupinHamad'87n,waswell-receivedthere,married,livedthereforabout2and1/2yearsuntilnewsofhisfather'sdeathbroughthimhome.
Hisovationatreturningaswellasthenewattitudeevidentinthefewwordshespoke,inflamedthe'ulam'87shostilitythoughtheyoutwardlyshowedhimkindconsideration.
For17yearsheassiduouslytrainedhisfollowerstoexerciseself-disciplineandmoderationinallacts,ruthlesslysuppressedabuse(includingthewhippingofawinedealerandtearingdownofhishouse,andtheclosingofas'92ghih-kh'87nihwheretemporaryunionsweresanctionedformalevisitors,andthegivinginmarriageofmostofthewomenthereandemploymentfortherestinrespectablefamilies),andotherwisesoughttoadheretotheQur''87nsuchthattheysurpassedtheZanj'87n'92'ulam'87sinknowledgeandunderstanding.
Heperplexedthefaithfulbycertainfatv'87swhichupsetoldtraditions,ashesoughttoenforceacertainhad'92thliterally,withoutnecessarilyseekingitsoriginandcredibility,whichliterallytakenenjoinedfastingevenonadaywhereitwasprohibited.
Hepermittedprostrationsduringprayersonacrystalstone.
Theseinnovationsbroughthimpartisanswhoadmiredhisscience&activity,buttheclergybecameincreasinglyexacerbatedbyit.
III.
Hujjat'sacceptanceoftheB'87b'sMessage-531(530)OnhearingtheCallfromSh'92r'87z,hesentMull'87Iskandartoenquireintoit.
(531)Uponhisresponse,theclergywereemboldenedbyhisnewfoundallegiancetotheCause,asitfinallygavethemanopportunitytodisgracehimbeforethegovernment&peopleasahereticofIsl'87m&havehimarrested&banished.
IV.
HujjataccusedandsummonedtoTihr'87n-531InapetitiontoMuhammadSh'87htheylamentedhisinfluenceaidedbyhisdiscipleswhichunderminedtheirauthority,fearingitsincreaseandevenspreadtonearvillages,asheembracedanewFaithandasthemasseswerethrongingtofollowhisleadinprayer,requiringhisfather'smasjid&theonehisfollowersbuiltinhishonortobeconnectedtoaccommodatethem.
SurprisedbythetoneandlanguageofthepetitionasherecalledthetributeswhichvisitorstoZanj'87npaidtohisgreatabilitiesandintegrity,theSh'87hsharedthiswithM'92rz'87Nazar-'Al'92(Hak'92m-B'87sh'92)thensummonedHujjat&hisopponentstoTihr'87n.
WhentheSh'87hwithH'87j'92M'92rz'87'e7q'87s'92,theleadinggovernmentofficials,andsomerecognizedTihr'87n'92'ulam'87scalledonHujjat'sopponentstovindicatetheirclaims,Hujjatestablishedhisinnocence&learningthroughhisanswers,notonlybeingexoneratedandencouragedtoreturntohisservices,butwasalsotoinformtheSh'87hofanyfuturedifficulties.
Whenan'Ulam'87ofK'87sh'87npetitionedthekingforpensions,Hujjatbitterlydenouncedtheclergyforthispractice(originatingfromtheB'87ni-Umayyih)citinghad'92thsandtheQur''87n,leadingtotheSh'87h'sgoodpleasureathisfrankness,andpromptinghimtogiveHujjatastaffandringaswellasauthorizationtoreturntoZanj'87n.
Uponhisreturn,hisopponentsgrewinanimosityduetohisadherencetoliberalprincipleswhichunderminedtheirauthorityandinstitutionswhilehissupportersgrewcorrespondinglyintheirdevotion,offeringhimsacrificesofoxen,chickens&sheep,andwith1212-yroldsproceedinginthecenterwithredkerchiefsaroundtheirnecksasasignoftheirreadinesstosacrifice.
Hujjatcontinuedtotransformhisdisciplesthroughvirtue,temperance,3monthsoffasting,lengthenedprayersincludingtheinvocationofJa'far-i-Tayy'87r,useofQur(legalmeasureofpurityofwater)forablutions,andFridayattendanceattheMosques.
V.
TheB'87b'smessagetoHujjat-533(532)WhenMashhad'92AhmadreturnedfromSh'92r'87z,hisenvoysentwithapetitionand(533)giftstotheB'87b,hedeliveredasealedletterfromtheB'87btoHujjatduringameetingwithhisdisciples.
IntheTablethewasgiventhetitleHujjatandwaschargedtoproclaimtheFaith'sfundamentalteachingsfromthepulpitwithoutanyhesitation.
HeimmediatelysoughttoenforceitsprovisionsbydismissinghisdiscipleshavingthemclosetheirbooksanddiscontinuetheircoursesofstudyasstudyandresearchwereunnecessaryuponfindingTruthandthemanifestationoftheObjectofallknowledge.
WhenheattemptedtoleadtheB'87b'sFridaycongregationalprayerandaddedwordsindicatingthenewDayandneedtoturntotheB'87b,theLordoftheAge,forknowledgeofGod,nearlyallwereaffectedandacceptedthenewmessage,thoughtheIm'87mJum'ihprotestedHujjatperformingthedutyofconductingtheprayerashisforefathershaddoneandhissovereignhadcommandedhimtodo.
HujjatretortedtheauthorityhadbeensupersededbytheQ'87'imandthathecouldnotallowanytotakethatright,indicatinghewouldresorttoself-defenseandprotectionofhiscompanions,shouldanytrespass.
VI.
RenewedcomplaintsagainstHujjat,andhistransferencetoTihr'87n-534(533)The'ulam'87sjoinedwiththeIm'87m-Jum'ih(andShaykhu'l-Isl'87m)tocomplainto(534)H'87j'92M'92rz'87'e7q'87s'92ofhischallengetotheirrightsandinstitutionalvalidityindicatingtheirneedtoeitherleavefleetownwiththeirfamiliesandleavehimincharge,orgettheSh'87htoorderhisexpulsionfromthecountry.
DespitetheVaz'92r'saversionfortheirbeliefsandpractices,heeventuallyyieldedandsubmittedthemattertoMuhammadSh'87hwhothenorderedhisarrest/transfertothecapital.
Whentheappointedmessenger,theKurdQil'92jKh'87ndeliveredthesummons,HujjathadjustreceivedareplyoftheB'87btohisownletterbeggingHimtoallowhimtorescueHimwhichstatedthatGodalonecoulddeliverHimandthattheywouldsoonmeetinthenextworld.
HujjatthenaccompaniedthemessengertothecapitalastheB'87bleftfromHisdetentioninKulayn.
VII.
TheB'87b'sarrivalatZanj'87nanddepartureforTabr'92z-534TheauthoritiessoughttoensureHujjatleftZanj'87nastheB'87bpassedthroughtoavoidnewdisturbances.
ThoughHujjatsentthecompanionsfollowinghimtoassuretheB'87bofareadinesstorescueHim,theB'87bexpressedthedesirethatnonedeliverHimnorcrowdaroundHimbutratheravoidHim.
However,thosewhowishedtomeetHimforgetHisdesireandwereimpelledtomeetHim.
TheguardsinfrontofHimdispersedthemruthlessly.
MuhammadBig-i-Ch'87p'87rch'92arguedwithandfinallyconvincedtheguarddespatchedfromTihr'87ntobringtheB'87btoTabr'92zthatHeshouldbebroughtintotowntoM'92rz'87Ma's'9cm-i-Tab'92b'scaravanserai(thefatherofthemartyrM'92rz'87Muhammad-'Al'92y-i-Tab'92b)beforegoingto'e7dhirb'87yj'87ntoavoidthedangerofbeingattackedoutsidethegate.
TheywereamazedbythemassesgatheredonhousetopstoseeHim.
Theformerowner'seldestson,M'92rz'87Muhammad-'Al'92,leadingphysicianofHamad'87n,thoughnotabeliever,lovedHimandpreparedforHisreception.
RemainingwithHimtilllate,hewascompletelywonovertoHisCause.
Beforedaybreakwithlitlantern,hewenttothecaravanseraiprecededbyhisfather'sattendant&waspermittedbytheguardswhorecognizedhimtoenter.
AshewatchedtheB'87bperformablutionsanddevotions,hebecameoverwhelmed,preparedHistea,thenwastoldbyHimtogotoHamad'87nasthetown'sstreetswouldrunwithblood.
WhenheexpressedthewishtoshedhisbloodfortheCause,hewastoldthathismartyrdomhadnotyetcome&thatheshouldberesignedtoGod'swill.
WhenhebeggedtofollowtheB'87basHearoseonHishorseatsunrisetoleave,hewastoldtoremainandassuredofHisprayers.
Heregretfully,thoughresignedtoHiswill,watchedHisdeparture.
VIII.
Hujjat'sincarcerationinTihr'87n-537WhenHujjatwasconductedtoH'87j'92M'92rz'87'e7q'87s'92,thelatterexpressedhisandtheSh'87h'sannoyanceattheoralandwrittendenunciationsoftheZanj'87n'92'ulam'87sandtheirdisbeliefhecoulddeserthisforefathers'Faith.
HelookedtohimtorefutethoseaccusationsandexpresseddisappointmentthatheshouldidentifyhimselfwiththeB'87b'sCause,ashesawHujjatasinfinitelysuperiorinknowledgeandability.
WhenHujjatrepliedthathewouldbesohonoredtoconductthemeanestserviceinHishouseholdthatthesovereign'sfavorscouldneverhopetosurpassit,theVaz'92rburstthatthatcouldneverbe.
HujjatreiteratedhisconvictionthattheB'87bwastheOneWhomheandtheworldawaited.
TheVaz'92rreportedhisfearstoMuhammadSh'87hthatanadversaryesteemedbytheSh'87hasthemostaccomplished'ulam'87wouldendangertheState.
TheSh'87h,disinclinedtocreditreportsdeemedduetomalice&envy,orderedameetingforhimtovindicatehispositionbeforetheTihr'87n'92'ulam'87s.
AttheseseveralmeetingsHujjateloquentlyproclaimedtheFaith&confoundedtheirargumentscitingtheBookastheonlyremainingtestimony(thefamilyhavingpassedaway).
Astheyaskedforamiracle,heexclaimedhecouldnotimagineagreatermiraclethanthatHeenabledhimtotriumphinargumentoverthecombinedforcesofTihr'87n'92mujtahidsand'ulam'87s.
Hujjat'smasterlyrefutationwontheSh'87h'sfavor,nolongerbeingswayedbytheirinsinuations.
Thoughallthe'ulam'87sandseveralecclesiasticalleadersdeclaredhimaninfidelandcondemnedhimtodeath,theSh'87hcontinuedhisfavorsandassuredhimofhissupport.
Asaresult,theVaz'92rcouldnotopenlyshowhisresistancetohim,sohesoughttoconcealhisresentmentandenvybyvisitinghimfrequentlyandlavishinggiftsonhim.
Hewasavirtualprisonerthere,confinednottogobeyondthegatesorhavefreeintercoursewithhisfriends.
ThebelieverssentadeputationfornewinstructionsastotheattitudetheyshouldhavetowardtheFaith'slawsandprinciples.
HeenjoinedthemtoabsolutelyloyallyobeytheadmonitionsHesentthroughHujjat'smessengers.
AsSiyyidK'87zim-i-Zanj'87n'92(intimatelyconnectedwithHiminSh'92r'87z&Isf'87h'87n),Mull'87IskandarandMashhad'92AhmadtestifiedtoHisobedienceoftheobservanceswhichdepartedfromIsl'87m'sestablishedtraditions,thereforebehoovingthemtofollowHim.
Theywereinflamedwithadesiretocarryouthiswishes,givingupformercustoms&practices,allidentifyingfullywithitsclaims,includingthechildren,citingHujjat'sreasoning.
Whilecaptive,HujjatlearnedofthesiegeoffortTabars'92andlongedtoreachthem.
HissoleconsolationwascloseassociationwithBah'87'u'll'87hwhowouldsustainhimwithdeedsatleastasremarkableasthoseatTabars'92.
IX.
Hujjat'sescapetoZanj'87n-539WhentheSh'87hpassedawayandleftN'87siri'd-D'92nSh'87h,thenewGrandVaz'92rsoughttomakehisimprisonmentmorerigorousandseektodestroyhim.
Onhearingofhisdanger,heleftindisguiseandjoinhiscompanions.
HewasthereuntilthenewSh'87happointedanuncle,Am'92rArsl'87nKh'87nMajdu'd-Dawlih(Ish'92q'e7gh'87s'92)asgovernorofZanj'87n.
X.
Theoccasionfortheenemy'sattackonHujjatandhiscompanions-540WhenKarbil'87''92Val'92-'Att'87rannouncedhisreturn,thecompanions(men,women,andchildren)flockedtowelcomehimandassuretheirdevotiontotheB'87b.
Richandrespectedmen,soldiers,merchants,evenMull'87scame1or2stationstoconducthimhomeasamaster(notasexile,suppliant,orrespectedrival).
Manyheadsofsheepweresacrificedinhishonor.
NoopponentsdaredaskedwhyheleftbuttheywerestrainedasthenewB'87b'92s(overestimatedat15000)preachedthroughoutthecity.
TheZanj'87n'92governor(Majdu'd-Dawlih,maternaluncleofnewSh'87h)indesperationattheirspontaneousovation,orderedKarbil'87''92Val'92-'Att'87r'stonguebecutoutandthatMuhammadBikbewhipped.
HehoweverpretendedtobeHujjat'sfriendshowinghimunboundedconsiderationthoughhewasplottinghisdeath.
Whenaquarrelbetween2childrenofZanj'87narose(1beingofHujjat'scompanions),thegovernororderedthechild'sarrestandstrictconfinement.
Whenmoneywasofferedbythebelieverstoinducehimtoreleasethechild,herefused.
WhenthebelieversbesoughtHujjat,Hujjatwrotetothegovernorprotestingthathewastooyoungtoberesponsibleandifanyonewastosuffer,itwasthefathernotthechild.
HelaterrepeatedtheappealtobedelivereddirectlybytheinfluentialMirJal'92l(SiyyidAshraf'sfather&martyr).
Thoughrefusedadmittanceatfirst,whenhethreatenedtoforcehisway(unsheathehissword)tocompelthechild'srelease.
Whenthegovernorunconditionallycomplied,the'ulam'87s,tocurbHujjat'sinfluence,deprecatedthegovernor'ssubmissionasenablingHujjattomakefurtherdemands,assumeauthority,andexcludethegovernor.
ThegovernorconsentedtohaveHujjatarrested,assuredbythe'ulam'87sthatthetown'ssecuritywouldnotbecompromised.
WhenthestrongandbrutalPahlav'87n(brave&muscularathletechampion)Asadu'll'87handPahlav'87nSafar-'Al'92werepromisedtobewell-rewardedfordeliveringHujjathandcuffed,theyvolunteeredandwentinarmorandhelmetsfollowedbyabandofrecruitedruffianstoHujjat'squarter.
Whentheyarrived,M'92rSal'87hwith7armedcompanionsopposedtheiradvancequestioningwheretheywerebound.
WhenAsadu'll'87hreturnedaninsult,heunsheathedhissword,despitehisenemy'sheavyarmor,criedthecalloftheLordoftheAge,woundedhimintheforehead&therebycausedthebandtoscatter&flee.
ThewoundedmanwascaredforinM'92rSal'87h'saunt'shouse.
Asthecryhadspreadpanicthroughthetown,thegovernoraskedtheshout'smeaningandwhoraisedit.
HewasshakenwhentoldthatHujjat'scompanionscalledontheQ'87'imindistress.
WhenthegroupsawShaykhMuhammad-i-T'9cb-Ch'92unarmed,oneoftheirablestenemies,theybrokehisheadwithanaxeandbroughthimtothegovernor.
Whentheylaidthebodydown,SiyyidAbu'l-Q'87sim(aZanj'87n'92mujtahid)stabbedM'92rSal'87hwithapenknifewhilethegovernorstruckhimonthemouthwithhisswordandwhoseattendantscompletedhismurderwhilehepraisedGodforhismartyrdom(thefirstinZanj'87n,45daysbeforeVah'92d'sand55daysbeforetheB'87b'smartyrdom).
XI.
Theenemy'spreparationforrenewedassault-543Theshedbloodinflamedtheenemytoconspiretoseekthetotaldestructionoftheremaining"heretics"withoutexpressgovernmentauthorization.
AfterobtainingtheconsentoftheSh'87h(whowasalsobesoughtbyhissonSadr-i-A'zamand'Ulam'87swhohaddeclaredholywarandwasenragedbythoughtofanothersedition),theyforcedthegovernortosendacriertowarnanyonejoiningHujjatthattheirlife&propertywereindangerandtheirwife&childrenwouldbeexposedtomisery&shameandofferthesovereign'sprotectiontothosewhowithdrew.
Whenthiswarningcame,theinhabitants'faithwastestedandtheyweredividedinto2camps.
Fatherstheirsons,wivestheirhusbands,childrentheirmothers,brotherstheirkin,thrustawayoneanotherandseparated,worldlyaffectionsandsolemnearthlypledgeswereseveredforamoremightyloyalty,andcriesofwildexcitementanddistressatwhattheyhadtoabandon(wives,children,belongings)mixedinwiththeblasphemousshoutsoftheenemyandexultationofHujjat'snewlyenrolled.
Theenemywasandhadbeensecretlypreparingforthestruggle,rushinginreinforcementsfromthearea(3000)atthegovernor'scommandandmujtahids,siyyidsand'ulam'87sencouragement,especiallywiththeabandoningoflocalhouses.
HujjatarosethepulpitanddeclaredthatGodhasthisDayseparatedtruthandguidancefromfalsehoodanderror,andthatastheirsolegoalwastoseizeandkillHujjat,anynotwillingtogivetheirlifefortheCauseshouldleave.
Heexhortedthemnevertoattackbuttodefend,andassuredthemthattheirdeaths,burning,decapitations,sacrificeofwivesandpossessionsthoughtheywerecompanionsoftheLordoftheAgewerenotcauseforshame,butratherwere,ashasalwaysbeen,themeansforenkindlingtheFaith.
XII.
Hujjat'sentryintothefortof'Al'92-Mard'87nKh'87n-545(544)M'92rSal'87handcompanionsbesoughtHujjattotransfertothenearbyformidable(545)fort'Al'92-Mard'87nKh'87nwhichwaserectedamidstunrepairedhousesofreadilydegradablematerial.
AsHujjatconsentedandorderedthewomen,children,andprovisionstobetakenthere,theywenttothefort,founditoccupied,inducedthemtoleaveinexchangefortheirownhouses.
Whentheenemyattacked,thecourageoussiyyidM'92rRid'87besoughtHujjattoallowhimtocaptureandreturnthegovernorasprisoner.
Hujjat,however,wasunwillingandadvisedhimagainstriskinghislife.
Wheninformedofthesiyyid'sintention,thegovernorwasgoingtofleeforfear.
Howeverasiyyidpleadedhimnottoleavethattheresultingdisturbanceswouldnotdisgracehim.
XIII.
Assaultattemptedbyasiyyid-546(545)Thesiyyidsetouttoattackthemwith30comrades.
However,when2adversariescamewithdrawnswords(laterdiscoveredtobenonhostile),theyallfledinfear,anddespitehisassurancestothegovernor,hestayedthedayinhisroomwhiletheothersdispersed.
XIV.
Hujjat'sadmonitionstohiscompanions-546Whenevertheenemypersisted,Hujjatorderedthe3000toemergeandscatterthemwithoutunnecessarilysheddingblood(noholywar)andbypreservingtheirwomen'sandchildren'ssecurity,whatevertheenemy'sattitudetothem.
XV.
Sadru'd-DawlihcommissionedbytheAm'92r-Niz'87mtolaysiegetothefort-547ThegovernormisrepresentedtheaffairtoM'92rz'87Muhammad-Taq'92Kh'87nAm'92r-i-Kab'92rsoasnottoweakenhisowninfluence,andreceivedSiyyid'Al'92Kh'87n(Lieutenant-ColonelofF'92r'9cz-K'9ch)whobesiegedthefort,leadingtocasualtiesonbothsides,untilhewasdefeatedandrequiredreinforcements.
However,Ja'far-Qul'92Kh'87n(Lieutenant-ColonelandbrotherofI'tim'87du'd-Dawlih)refusedinnotwantingtoattacksiyyidsandmenoflearningwhosetenetshewasunfamiliarwith(thoughhewouldhavefought"Russians,Jewsorotherinfidels")aswellasM'92rSiyyidHusaynKh'87nofF'92r'9cz-K'9ch(whomtheVaz'92rdismissedanddisgracedasaresult).
Officersofthe'Al'92yu'll'87h'92ssectwenttothewarbutwithdrewonlearningofthematterasthechiefforbadetheirfightingsincetheprophecyoftheManifestation'scomingcametrueaswellasthatsoldiersofG'9cr'87ncomingtotheking'scapitalbeforetheLordoftheAge'sappeared.
InrecognitionoftheB'87b'92sdevotion,godliness,andpiety,somewaveredinsecretanddidnotputtheirfullstrengthintothewar.
TheypromisedtohelptheB'87b'92swhentheirreligiongainedstrength.
TheattackscontinueduntilSadru'd-Dawliy-i-Isf'87h'87n'92(grandsonofH'87j'92Muhammad-HusaynKh'87n-i-Isf'87h'87n'92)headingwith2Khamsihregimentsto'e7dhihb'87yj'87nwasorderedtoproceedinsteadtoZanj'87ntoassisttheminsubjugatingHujjatinordertowintheSh'87h'sfavorandpeople'sesteem.
Eageroutofambition,hewenttoZanj'87nandcombinedforces&orderedattack.
HecamewithSiyyid'Al'92Kh'87nofF'92r'9cz-K'9chandSh'87hb'87rKh'87nofMar'87ghiheachwith200horsemenfromtheirtribesthenMuhammad-'Al'92Kh'87n-i-Sh'87h-S'9cnwith200mountedafsh'87rs,50artillerymenwith2fieldgunsand2mortars.
Thisabundantarmssupplyandthepresenceoffamouschieftainsassuredthegovernor.
WhenMustaf'87Kh'87nQ'87j'87r,with15thShig'87gh'92regiment,Sadru'd-Dawlih,Siyyid'Al'92Kh'87n&Muhammad-'Al'92Kh'87nwiththeirmen,Muhammad'e7q'87(colonel)withN'87sirroyalregiment,andMajorNab'92BigwithcalvaryandloyalZanj'87n'92citizentroopattackedatdawn,thoughtheresistancewasmagnificent,theirbest,braveandtruesaintlyleaders,N'9cr-'Al'92thehunter,Bakhsh-'Al'92thecarpenter,Khud'87d'87dandFathu'll'87hBigfellinmorningorinevening.
Thebattlelasted3daysandnights.
Despitethecircumstances,theywereneverthelessundeterredfromanunconditionalsurrender.
XVI.
Thesufferings,labors,andtemptationsofthebesieged-548TheB'87b'92swentupanddowntheterraceswhilecarryingtheircannon.
Itsometimesrequiredmanpowerandbeamstopropupifitfellthroughtheearthfloor.
Whentheenemyapproached,theyraisedtheirarmsandwereshotwhile100moreviedtoreplacethem.
Undeterredbycannon-fire,lackofsleep,hunger,andthenumber,equipmentandtrainingoftheenemy,theyrushedout,carriedawaybytheirowncalltotheLordoftheAgeandscatteredtheenemy.
After9monthsoffighting,only30crippledsoldierswereleftofhisoriginal2regiments.
Hewasforcedtoadmitdefeat,wasdegradedfromrank,andreprimandedbytheSh'87h.
OnlythoseZanj'87n'92sforcedtofightrenewedtheirattacks,mostbeingfoughtbynewlydespatchedregimentsfromthecapital.
Thoughthemerchantsbenefitedfromtheinfluxofforces,Hujjat'smensufferedfromdwindlingsuppliesandfood.
Theironlyfoodcamefromafewwomenwhocameunderdifferentpretextstotheforttosellitatexorbitantprices.
Undaunted,theyerected28barricadesentrustedto19discipleseachwith19extraassentinelstowatchandreportontheenemy.
WhenthecrierwassenttoinducethemtodesertthroughpromisesfromtheSh'87h,governor,commander-in-chiefofforgiveness,afreereturn,gifts,noblerankforthoserecanting.
Thefriendsrepliedasonevoicecontemptuouslyanddecisively.
XVII.
HeroismofZaynab,avillagemaiden-550(549)Thefair-faced,comelyZaynabofloftyfaithandcouragewasfromatinyhamletinZanj'87nandcamewiththewomenandchildrenwhohadjoinedthefortdefenders.
Witnessingthemen'strials,shedesiredtodisguiseherself(donningatunicandmaleheaddress,cuttingoffherlocks,girtingasword,andtakingamusketandshield)andjointhemtorepulsetheenemy.
WithbaredswordandthecryoftheLordoftheAge,sheamazedfriendandfoewithhercourageandresourcefulness(thoughtheywereunawareofhergender)causingtheenemytodeemheracursefromGodandflee.
Asshebegantopursuetheenemy,Hujjat,viewingtheirmovementsfromaturret,hadmarveledattheunequaledvitalityandcourageofthatsoldierbutsenthismentohavethesoldier(Zaynab)return.
Whenheaskedherofhermotive,shestatedhersorrowandpityathercompanions'sufferings,andthatshewasimpelledbyanirresistibleurgeandwasafraidofbeingdeniedtheprivilegetojointhemen.
WhenheaskedwhethersheweretheZaynabwhovolunteeredtojointhefort,sherepliedshewasthoughonlyhehadrecognizedher,andadjuredhimbytheB'87bnottowithholdheronedesireofattainingmartyrdom.
HetitledherRustam-'Al'92forhercourage,noteditwastheDayofResurrectionwhen"allsecretsshallbesearchedout"andthatGodonlyjudgesHisservantsbytheirbeliefsandacts,andthatshehadshowedsuchvitalityandresourceasfewmencouldhopetosurpass.
Hewarnedher,however,nottoexceedtheboundsoftheirFaithinthatthoughtheywerecalledtodefendtheirlives,theywerenottowageholywar.
Shecontinuedfor5monthscarelessoffoodandsleep,quickenedthefriendsbyherexampleandremindedthemoftheirduty.
Duringherlittlesleep,shewasseenrestingonherswordcoveredbyhershield.
Thougheachfriendwasgivenaspecificposttodefend,shewasallowedfreemovement.
Shewasalwaysattheheadofandinthemidstofeachfray,readytorescueanythreatenedpostoroneneedingencouragementorsupport.
Thoughtheenemieslaterlearnedofhergender,theydreadedherapproach,andwerefilledwithdespairevenathershrillvoice.
Whenthefriendsweresurroundedoneday,ZaynabbeggedatHujjat'sfeettogoouttofallbytheswordassheanticipatedherendandforhimtoforgiveherandintercedetoherMaster.
Overcomewithemotion,hedidnotreply.
Sheinterpretedthissilenceasconsent,leftthegatecryingthecall,shoutedquestionsastowhytheywerestainingIsl'87m'snameandfleeingiftheyweretrue,routedguardsof3barricades,andwasshotdown.
Noonedaredquestionherchastity,faith,orcharacter.
Uponherdeath,20ofheracquaintancesdeclared,regardinghernolongerasapeasantgirlbutastheembodimentofnobleconductandspirit.
HujjathadhisintermediariestellthefriendstoobeytheB'87b'sinjunctiontorepeat19times5invocationswhichtheydid,allshoutingthemtogetherthatevening.
XVIII.
Effectsoftheshoutedprayersofthecompanions-553Theirloudandcompellingcryawakenedthemandcausedthemtofleetothehousesnearthegovernor's.
Afewliterallydroppeddeadfromfearwhilemanyfledtoadjoiningvillages.
ManysawitasasignofJudgmentDaywhileotherssawitasasignofanewmoreterribleattack.
Hujjatcontemplatedtheterrorhecouldstrikeifpermittedtowageholywaronthosecowards.
Henotedhistaskofinstillingcharity,love,andrestraintfromunnecessaryviolenceinthebelievers;anddesiretoloyallyservetheSh'87handpeople.
Despitetheadorationhecouldreceive,hepledgednottotradehisloyaltytotheCauseforanyamountoftreasureorhonor.
Theenemy'scampwasindisarraywiththeirnoisylaughter,blasphemiesandinsultsbeinginterruptedbythecall,causingthemtodroptheirwine-glasses,and,knockingovertheirgamblingtables,rushouthalf-dressedwithbareheads&feetintothewildernessorto'ulam'87shomeswakingthemup.
The'ulam'87sinsultedoneanotherforhavingkindledsuchmischief.
MeanwhileHujjat'scampwasfilledwithreverentdevotionastheyinvokedGod,prayedforguidanceandmercy,continuedtheirvigilsandprescribedchantsdespitetheirexhaustion.
Whentheenemydiscoveredtheircallwasnottoattack,theyreturnedinhumiliationtotheirposts.
Theofficersdirectedmentofireinthedirectionofthesevoices,killingsomeeachnight.
Nevertheless,thefriendscontinuedtoraisetheircallwithfervor,andincreasedtheirloudnessastheirnumberdiminished.
XIX.
Hujjat'spetitiontoN'87siri'd-D'92nSh'87h-554AmidstthiscontestHujjatsentapetitiontotheSh'87hcallinghimtolookonthesituationwithjustice;citinghismeetingwiththeformerSh'87hwhohadcommendedhisefforts,histransfertoTihr'87ntoabatethefurysurroundinghisperson,hisdeparturefromTihr'87noutofself-defensewhentheAm'92r-Niz'87msuspectedhimoftreasonduringtheM'87zindar'87nupheavalandsoughthisdeath,hisharassmentandarrestbytheMajdu'd-DawlihinstigatedbytheZanj'87n'92'ulam'87sandcorroboratedbythepeople;andassertingtheirfaithfulnesstotheSh'87hdespitetheirenemies'misrepresentationsandtheirwillingnesstodefendtheCausefromhisopponentsintheSh'87h'spresence.
Hehadhisleadingsupportersdraftsimilarappealscallingforjustice.
XX.
Arrestofbearerofpetition,anddespatchofreinforcements-555Thepetitionsmessengerwasarrestedonthewayandbroughttothegovernor.
Angeredathisopponentsaction,heorderedthemessenger'sdeath,destroyedthepetitions,anddrafted&sentlettersofinsulttotheSh'87hinHujjat'sandhiscompanions'names.
TheSh'87hwassoenragedthatheordered2armedregimentstokillallofHujjat'ssupporters.
XXI.
EffectonthecompanionsofthenewsoftheB'87b'smartyrdom-556AsSiyyidHasan,SiyyidHusayn'sbrother,broughtnewsoftheB'87b'smartyrdomonhiswaytoQazv'92n,theenemymadeshoutsoflight,ridiculingandtauntingtheirefforts,questioningwhytheywouldbesacrificingthemselvesforOneWhohadbeenkilledandWhosebodyhadbeenlostandnotdesertthefortandrecanttheirFaith.
However,theyfailedtoshakeanyofthemfromtheirFaith.
XXII.
DespatchoftheAm'92r-T'9cm'87nwithfurtherreinforcements-556TheAm'92r-Niz'87minducedtheSh'87htosendmorereinforcements,sendingMuhammadKh'87n(Am'92r-T'9cm'87n)with5well-armedregimentstodemolishthefortanditsoccupants.
XXIII.
Meetingof'Az'92zKh'87n-i-Mukr'92withHujjat-556Duringthe20daysofsuspendedhostility,'Az'92zKh'87n-i-Mukr'92(Sard'87r-i-Kull)metHujjatthroughSiyyid'Al'92Kh'87n.
Hewasonhiswayto'earav'87n/Tiflistocongratulatethegrandduke,heirapparentofRussiaonarrivinginCaucasia.
Siyyid'Al'92Kh'87nsharedwithhimthetouchingcircumstancesofhowHujjathadtoldhimthatifhisappealwasnotentertained,hewaswillingtogointoexilewithhisfamily.
However,theywoulddefendthemselvesifthatrequestwerenotgranted.
'Az'92zKh'87nassuredSiyyid'Al'92Kh'87nhewouldseektoinducetheauthoritiestoquicklysolvethisproblem.
WhenSiyyid'Al'92Kh'87nleftandafarr'87shoftheAm'92r-Niz'87marrived,outoffear'Az'92zKh'87ninsultedHujjatinordertosavehislife.
XXIV.
Stormingofthefort-55717cavalryandinfantryregiments(over3000men)with14guns(including6cannonsand2mortars)wereundertheAm'92r-T'9cm'87n'scommandand5moreregimentswererecruitedfromtheareaandtrained.
Q'87simKh'87n,majorArsl'87nKh'87n&cavalry,and'Al'92-Akbar&infantryallarrivedwithordersfromtheking.
Onhisnightofarrival,theAm'92r-T'9cm'87norderedtrumpetstowarnoftheirresumedattack,andhadtheartilleryofficersopenfire.
Whenthefiringbegan,Hujjathadthefriendspositiontheir2constructedguns,oneuphighovertheAm'92r'sheadquarters.
Aballhithistentandkilledhissteedatthesametimeasthefriendswerebeingkilledinlargenumber.
XXV.
TheAm'92r-Niz'87m'swarningtotheAm'92r-T'9cm'87n-558DespitetheAm'92r-T'9cm'87n'ssuperiorforcesandequipment,asdayswentby,theyhadnotobtainedvictory.
AsFarrukhKh'87n(Yahy'87Kh'87n'ssonandthebrotherofageneralofthebattle,H'87j'92Sulaym'87nKh'87n)waskilled,theAm'92r-Niz'87mreprimandedtheAm'92r-T'9cm'87nforfailingtoobtainunconditionalsurrender,sullyingtheircountry'sname,demoralizingthearmy,andwastingthelivesofitsofficers.
Heorderedhimtoenforcedisciplineamongsthissubordinates,cleansingthemofdebauchery,andcounselwithZanj'87n'92chiefsinordertokeephisposition.
TheAm'92raddedhewouldcometherehimselftomassacreallthetown'sinhabitantsregardlessofbeliefgiventhehumiliationanddistresstheywerebringingtotheSh'87h.
XXVI.
Repulseofthecombinedforcesoftheenemy-558Asthekad-khud'87sandchiefshadbeenralliedbythelettershownbytheAm'92r-T'9cm'87ntoinduceallable-bodiedmentorallytotrumpetsanddrumstowardthefort,Hujjat'scompanionsmadethecall,leftthegatesandattacked.
Manysonswerecruellybutcheredbeforetheirmother,whilesistersanguishedatbrothers'disfiguredheadsraisedonspears.
Atleast300died.
However,thewomenraisedshoutsofexultationwhichsignificantlycontributedtothemen'svictory.
Somehadevendonnedmalegarbtoreplacethefallen,whiletherestcarriedfullwaterskinsforthethirstandstrengthofthewounded.
Theenemy,amidstdefectionsandwaterdeprivation,foughtalosingbattle,unabletoretreatorwin.
XXVII.
DeathofMuhsin-560(559)Muhsin'sunparalleledwarmthandrichnessinsoundingtheadh'87nsodeeplypenetrateditshearers'heartsthattheybegantoloudlyprotesttheheresychargesbroughtonHujjatandhisfollowers.
Whentheleadingmujtahid(560)heardthisandcouldnotconvincethemthroughprivateorpubliccounselthatHujjatwastheenemyoftheProphetandFaith,heimploredtheAm'92r-T'9cm'87ntoexterminatethe"evil"manbehindtheunderminingcry.
ThoughtheAm'92rfirstrefusedtheappealassigningresponsibilityforholywardeclarationstotheclergyandexoneratingthoseinthegovernmentsuchashimselfasmereservantstotheirorders,hehintedthatMuhsin'sassassinationwouldrequirecompensation.
Onreturninghome,thesiyyidsenthim100t'9cm'87nsthroughamessenger.
TheAm'92rthenorderedsomemarksmentoshootMuhsinindawnprayer.
Abullethithismouthwhilehewassaying"ThereisnoGodbutGod,"andkilledhim.
Hujjatorderedanothertoascendtheturret&continuetheprayer.
Thoughhislifewasspared,hewaslatersimilarlyatrociouslymartyred.
XXVIII.
Nuptialcelebrationsinthefort-561Towardthesiege'send,Hujjaturgedthemarriedtocelebratetheirnuptials.
Foreachunmarriedyouth,hechoseaspouseandcontributedwhathecouldfortheirhappiness,sellinghiswife'sjewels.
3monthsoffestivitiesweremixedwithandinterruptedbythesiege'sterrorsandhardships.
Asthemarriedweregreetingeachotherwithjoy,theadvancingfoe'sclamorandtherespondingcryinterrupted.
Thoughthebridesoftenbesoughtthemtostayawhilelonger,theydeclaredthenecessityofleavingtobemartyredandspokeoftheirfutureeternalreunion.
Thoughsomeofthe200newly-wedyouthshadenjoyedtheirmarriageforonlyamonth,afewdays,orabriefmoment,nonefailedtojoyouslyrespondtothecallofsacrifice,winningthetitleArd-i-A'l'87(ExaltedSpot)bytheB'87blinkedwithHisname.
XXIX.
DeathoffivesonsofKarbil'87''92'Abdu'l-B'87q'87-5615ofKarbil'87''92'Abdu'l-B'87q'92's7sonswerejustjoinedinwedlockbyHujjatwhenanewoffensivebroughtthemtorepulsetheattacker.
All5werekilled.
Theintelligentandcourageouseldestwascaptured,broughttotheAm'92r-T'9cm'87n,andwasorderedtobelaiddownonthegroundwithafirekindledonthebreastwhichheldsuchaloveforHujjat.
TheyouthburstthatnoflametheycouldkindlecoulddestroyhisloveandpraisedGodtillhisdeath.
XXX.
Umm-i-Ashraf'sheroism-562"MotherofAshraf"wasnewlymarriedinthefortandgavebirthtoAshrafbothofwhomsurvivedthelatermassacre.
Yearslaterwhenhersongrewtoayouthofgreatpromiseandwassubjectedtopersecutionseekingtoinducehimtorecant,thoughherefused.
Whentheenemysoughttoalarmhismotherintoconvincinghimtosavehislife,shepromisedtodisownhimifheallowedsuchevilwhisperingstoturnhimawayfromTruth.
Ashrafcalmlymethisdeath.
Shedidnotlamentorshedatearathisdeath,showingacouragethatamazedhisperpetrators.
Ongazingatherson'scorpse,sherecalledthevowshemadeathisbirthandrejoicedthatGodallowedhertofulfillit.
XXXI.
Assistancerenderedbythewomen-563Despitetheadversityaboutthem,themenandwomendedicatedtheirleisuretoprayerandthoughtstoguardingthefort.
Everywomenregardlessofrankorage,joinedin,sewinggarments,bakingbread,ministeredtosickandwounded,repairingbarricades,clearingballsandmissilesfiredintothecourtsandterraces,andcheeringthewaveringandfaintinheart.
AstheCarthaginianwomenhad,theycuttheirlonghairtowraparoundthecrazygunsforsupport.
Thechildrenevenassistedwithnolessremarkableanenthusiasmastheirparents.
Becauseoftheirefforts,theenemyimaginedtheirnumbertobeatleast10,000andconcededtheyreceivedfreshreinforcementsfromNayr'92z,Khur'87s'87n,andTabr'92z.
XXXII.
Am'92r-T'9cm'87n'sattempttodeceivethecompanions-564(563)ExasperatedbytheirtenacityandspurredbyrebukesandprotestsoftheTihr'87nauthorities,hecalledforsuspensionofhostilitytodevisetheirdefeatthroughtreacherygivingcurrencytothereportthattheSh'87hhaddiscouraged(wasashamedby)anddeploredtheseattacksandhadcalledoffthemoff.
HefeltinlightoftheexperienceofTabars'92thattheycouldsavelivesoftheofficersandgenerals(notconcernedwithsoldiers)andbesavedfromdefeatandridicule,eventhoughsacredpromiseswouldneedtobebroken.
TheAm'92r-T'9cm'87nsentapeaceappealtoHujjatinwhichheassuredhimofhissincerityofmakingalastingsettlement.
HeincludedasealedcopyoftheQur''87ntoindicatethesacrednessofhispledge,declaringthemtobeforgivenbytheSh'87handswearingtheywouldbeunderhisprotectioniftheyleftthefort.
WhenHujjatreverentlyreceivedtheQur''87n,anduponreadingit,informedthemessengertotellhismasterhewouldrespondduringthenextday.
Thoughheexpressedhismisgivingsastotheirsinceritytohischiefcompanions,asM'87zindar'87nandNayr'92zhaddemonstrated,outofdeferencetotheQur''87n,heagreedtorespondandsendsomecompanionstotheircamptoexposetheirdeceit.
ThesurvivorofZanj'87nUst'87dMihr-'Al'92y-i-Hadd'87drelatedhowheasoneof9childrennoolderthan10yearsoldwhojoinedthemenover80yearsofage,Karbil'87''92Mawl'87-Qul'92-'e7q'87-D'87d'87sh,Darv'92sh-Sal'87h,Muhammad-Rah'92m,andMuhammad.
Theirmostimpressivefigure,Darv'92sh-Sal'87h,hadbeenesteemedforhishonorandjustice,thoughherenouncedthesehonorsuponhisconversionandjoinedthefortdefenders.
HecarriedthesealedQur''87nintotheAm'92r-T'9cm'87n'spresence.
Whentheyreachedthetent,theyweremadetowaithisordersthentheirsalutewascontemptuouslyignoredforahalfhour.
Hethenproudlyreprimandedthemforexhibitingunprecedentedshamelessness.
Whentheoldestandfeeblestbeggedandwasallowedtospeakafewwords,thoughunlettered,headmirablyindicatedtheirloyaltytotheSh'87handpeople;thetwistingoftheirtrueintentionsbytheirill-wishers;theindifferenceoftheSh'87handhisrepresentatives;theresultingattackoftheirenemies,plunderingoftheirproperty,violationoftheirwivesanddaughters'honor,andcapturingoftheirchildren;andtheirresultingarisingtoself-defense.
TheAm'92raskedhislieutenantwhattodo,ashewasatalossandwouldhaveembracedtheCausewereheatheartreligious.
Whenthelieutenantrepliedthatonlytheswordwoulddeliverthemfromtheirheresy,Darv'92sh-Sal'87haskedwhetherthesewordsweretheirrewardforrespondingtohisappealandswearingontheQur''87n.
TheAm'92rfuriouslyorderedDarv'92sh-Sal'87h'sbeardtobetornout,andforthemtobethrowninadungeon.
Thechildrenwerescaredandsoughttoescape,cryingthecall,andrushingtothebarricades.
Somewereovertakenandimprisoned,whileUst'87dMihr-'Al'92y-i-Hadd'87dtoreawayfromamanwhohadpursuedandcaughtholdofhisgarment'shemandreachedthefort'sgateinexhaustion.
Hethensawacompanion,'eam'87n-Qul'92,savagelymurdered,despitethecease-fireandlearnedhehadbeenbetrayedbyhisbrotherwhoclaimingtowanttospeakwithhim,handedhimovertothepersecutors.
ThechildrushedtoHujjatwhowipedthedustfromhisface,clothedhiminnewgarments,invitedhimtositbyhimandhadhimtellhimthecompanions'fate.
HethensaidthiswastheunprecedentedtumultoftheDayofResurrectionwhichwouldaccordingtheQur''87ncausemanandwomantoabandontheirclosestkin,actingdrunkthoughnot,andevenshedtheirkin'sblood.
XXXIII.
Hujjat'sadvicetohiscompanions-567Seatingintheopensquare'scenter,Hujjatsummonedhisfollowersthenstoodwhentheyarrivedtotellthemofhisbeingpleasedtheirunflinchingendeavors,theenemy'ssoleintentiontotrickandslaughterthem,theirill-treatmentoftheoldestandyoungestattheirfailure,andtheirunwillingnesstorestuntiltheyhadbeencaptured,theirwivesdishonored,andtheirchildrenslain.
Headvisedthemtoleaveinthemiddleofthenightandfindrefugeuntilthetyrannywouldpasswhilehefacedthemalone,readytodietoallaytheirthirstforrevenge.
Deeplymovedandstirredtotears,theyrefused,however,toleavehissideastheyfeltthemselvesortheirfamilyneithermoreworthyorofnoblerdescentthanhimorhiskin.
Allwerefaithfultotheirpledge,exceptafewwhosuccumbedtothesiege'sdistressandleftthefortandcompanions.
XXXIV.
Resumptionoftheenemy'soffensive-567(568)IndespairtheAm'92rorderedallmentothecampforcommands.
Heorganizedregiments,appointedofficers,andaddedthemtothenewrecruits.
Heordered16regimentswith10gunstomarchonthefort.
8ofthemweretoattackeveryforenoonwhichhehimselfdirectedwhiletherestweretoreplacethemuntilevening.
Onthefield,heassuredthemofrewardifsuccessfulandwarnedoftheSh'87h'spunishmentiftheyfailed(courtthreatsandencouragementreferredtoinnote1,p.
568leadingtoimminenceofvictory).
Amonthoffiercedailyandevennighttimeattackssupplementedbycontinualreinforcementsandsuperiorsuppliesthinnedthefriends'numbersandaddedtotheirdistress.
Theysufferedmiseryandhungerastheiroutlookworsened.
TheAm'92r-Niz'87mappointedHasan-'Al'92Kh'87n-i-Karr'9cs'92with2sunn'92regimentstomarchtheretostrengthentheAm'92r-T'9cm'87n'scommand.
Whentheyarrived,theenemytherebeganintenselybombardingthefort,threateningthestructure'sdestruction.
Itneverthelessmanagedtolastseveraldaysduringwhichthefriendsdisplayedevidentvalorandskill.
XXXV.
WoundsustainedbyHujjat-569Whileperformingablutions,Hujjatwasshotintherightarm.
Thoughheorderedhisservantnottotellhiswife,hecouldn'tconcealhisgriefandtears,tippingoffHujjat'swifeofaproblem.
WhensheraninindistressandfoundHujjatcalmlypraying,heaskedGod'spardonforhisattackersfortheydidn'tknowwhattheyweredoing,asopposedtothosewholedthemastray.
Hesoughttocalmhiswife's&relatives'distressatthebloodcoveringhim,tellingthemtorejoiceashewasstillwiththemandthattheyshouldbewhollyresignedtoGod'swill.
Hestatedwhattheysawnowwasbutadropoftheoceanofafflictionstoaccompanyhisdeath,andthatitwasincumbentonthemtoacquiesceandbowdowntoHiswill,whateverHisdecree.
XXXVI.
Captureofthefort,anditseffectsuponthebesieged-570(569)Onhearingofhisinjury,thecompanionsdroppedtheirarmsandrushedtohim.
TheKarr'9csregimentunderHasan-'Al'92Kh'87n(wholaterbecameministertoParis)tookadvantageofthis,redoubledtheirattack,andforcedpassagethroughthegate.
The4thregimenttookthe'e7q'87''e7z'92zstronghold&burntittotheground.
TheguardsregimentblewupthehotelneartheHamad'87ngate.
Thoughlosingacaptainandseveralsoldiers,theymanagedtokeeptheplace.
Theycapturedatleast100womenandchildrenandplunderedtheir(570)possessions.
Foratleast15daysandnights,theywereleftexposedtoacoldrarelyseeninZanj'87nwearingthethinnestgarmentsandwithoutcoveringbesidesgauzecoveringtheirheadswhichtheytriedinvaintoshieldtheirfacesfromtheicywind.
Withoutfoodorshelter,theywereleftinthewilderness.
Crowdsofwomenofinferiorsocialstandingflockedandcontemptuouslyridiculedthem,exclaiminghowtheyhadnowfoundtheirgodandbeenabundantlyrewardedbyhim.
Theydancedwildly,spatintheirfaces,andinsultedthem.
Despitethesecircumstances,theremainingfriendswerenotdisheartened,butwentwithwomenandchildrentothehousesnearHujjat's.
XXXVII.
Repulseoffurtherattacksonthecompanions-570Therewere5companiesof361(19x19).
19ofeach5(95total)wouldraisethecallandscattertheforces,paralyzingandcrushingtheenemy'sspiritoverafewdaysastheycouldnotdestroythesmallbandofHujjat'scompanions.
Asmanywerekilled,officerslefttheirposts,artillerycaptainsabandonedtheirguns,andtherankandfilewasdemoralizedandexhausted,theAm'92rbecamewearyofthecoercivemeasureshehadresortedtofordiscipline,efficiency,andvitality.
XXXVIII.
ConsultationoftheAm'92r-T'9cm'87nwithhisstaff-571FearingforhislifeaswellastheZanj'87n'92s,headmittedhiswearinesstohisremainingofficersandhisimpotencetoinstillthesamespiritofrenunciationanimatingtheB'87b'92sintohisdespairingmenwhobelievedthemselvesdoomedtoeternaldamnationregardlessofwhetherornottheywonthewar.
XXXIX.
Drivingofundergroundpassages-572(571)Theythereforedecidedtodigundergroundpassagesfromtheircamptobelowthecompanions'dwellings,blowthemup,andobtaintheirunconditionalsurrender.
For1month,inadditiontofillingthepassageswithexplosives,theydemolishedremaininghouses,clearingapathtoHujjat'sresidenceonwhichtheydecidedtofire(tospeeduptheprocess),collapsing1section.
XXXX.
DeathofHujjat'swifeandchild-572HujjatthenwarnedhiswifeKhad'92jihwhowasholdingtheirbabyH'87d'92thatsheandthebabymightsoonbetakencaptive.
Asshewasventingherdistress,acannon-ballstrucktheroomandkilledherinstantlywhilethebabyatherbreastfellintothebrazierbesideherandsoondiedofitsinjuriesintheZanj'87n'92mujtahidM'92rz'87Abu'l-Q'87sim'shouse.
Despitehisdeepgrief,hedidn'tyieldtoidlesorrow,cryingthathehadforeseenhiswoesuponrecognizingtheB'87b.
Hecriedthatasgreatashissorrowshadbeen,hewasnotonlywillingtosufferincomparablymorebutwishedforamyriadlivesandtherichesoftheworldtosacrificeforHim.
HealsocriedthathissufferingscouldnotcomparewiththeblessingsbestowedbyrecognizingHim.
Asthefriendswereindignantaboutthistragiclossandsoughttoavengethevictims'blood,hedissuadedthemandexhortedthemnottohastentheconflict,biddingthemcalmlyandsteadfastlyresignthemselvestoGod'swillwhatevertheend.
Theirnumbersandareaofsecuritydiminishedwhiletheirsufferingsincreased.
Afterenduringpainfromhiswoundfor19days,HujjatsuddenlydiedamidstaprayerinwhichhehadbeenprostrateonhisfaceinvokingtheB'87b'sname.
Hisdeathwasshockingandprofoundlysaddening.
2companionsD'92n-Muhammad-Vaz'92randM'92rRid'87y-i-Sard'87rinterredhim,beforetheenemyknewofhisdeath,whereneitherhisrelativesnorfriendscouldsuspect.
AtmidnightthebodywasbroughttoaroomofD'92n-Muhammad-Vaz'92randwasburied.
Theythendemolishedtheroomtoensuretheremains'safetyfromdesecrationandstrovetomaintainthatspot'ssecrecy.
Over500womensurvivorsgatheredthererightafterhisdeath.
Only200vigorousmenremained(theresthaddiedorwereutterlyincapacitated).
Theenemywasemboldeneduponlearningofhisdeathandstrovewithunprecedentedfierceness,accompaniedbydrums,trumpets,andexultationofthepopulace,towipeouttheremainingcompanions.
XXXXI.
Lastencounter-573Thecompanionscontinued,despitehisdeath,tofacetheenemywithundiminishedzeal,andupontheirattack,raisedthecrytofightuntilallweredeadorcaptured.
Amidstthismassacre,signalwasgivenforanunprecedentedpillage,curbedonlybytheAm'92r-T'9cm'87n'sorderstospareHujjat'shouse,belongings,andkindred.
ThoughhewishedtoobtaintheTihr'87nauthoritiesadviceastowhattodo,henorthegovernorcouldnotrestrainhismenfromviolenceastheZanj'87n'92'ulam'87s,whohadlostmuchexertion,life,andreputationincitedthepopulacetoeveryimaginableoutrageagainstthemen'slivesandwomen'shonor.
ThesentinelsattheentranceofwhereHujjathadresidedweredrivenawayasthepopulacejoinedthearmyinplunderingtheproperty&attackingthefewsurvivors.
XXXXII.
Treatmentofsurvivors-574Thoughnoorderordisciplineexistedamidsttheconfusion,thegovernorwasabletoinducetheofficerstogatherthecaptivesintoH'87j'92Ghul'87m'shouseawaitinginstructionsfromTihr'87n.
Theywerehuddledthereassheepexposedtotheseverecoldofwinterwithoutroof,furniture,orfood.
ThewivesweretakentothemujtahidM'92rz'87Abu'l-Q'87sim'shousetoinducethemtorecantandbefreed.
Themujtahidhad,however,withhiswives',sisters',anddaughters'aid,seizedwhattheycouldcarryandstrippedthemofgarments,clothedtheminmeanestattire,andtookforhimselfwhatevervaluableshecouldfind.
Afteruntoldhardships,thecaptiveswereallowedtojointheirrelativesconditionedontheirtakingfullresponsibilityfortheirfuturebehaviorwhiletherestweredispersedthroughoutneighboringvillageswheretheywereaffectionatelyandgenuinelyreceived,thoughHujjat'sfamilywasdetainedinZanj'87nawaitinginstructionsfromTihr'87n.
Thewoundedwereplacedincustody,theauthoritieslikewiseawaitinginstructionsfromthecapitalastotheirtreatment.
However,thecoldandcrueltiesthewoundedunderwentkilledthemallinafewdays.
TherestweredeliveredbytheAm'92r-T'9cm'87ntotheKarr'9cs'92,Khamsih,and'Ir'87q'92regimentsforexecution.
DespitetheirguaranteetosparetheB'87b'92s'lives,MuhammadKh'87nBigl'92yirbig'92,Am'92rArsl'87nKh'87nandtheothercommandersconductedthemtothearmy'scampinaprocessionwithdrumsandtrumpets,andordered100mengatheredfromamongstthedifferentregiments(vyingtoparticipate)toplacetheprisonersinarowthenorderedthemtobebayoneted.
These76remainingweredeviouslyandvengefullypiercedandmutilatedwithlancesandspears.
Astheysoughttocommitanotherboutofcruelty,H'87j'92Muhammad-Husayn(Ab'87-Basir'sfather)sprangtohisfeetandcalledtheadh'87nwithsuchfervidmajestythatthemultitudewasthrilledanduponhiswords"All'87h-u-Akbar"theentire'Ir'87q'92regimentdesertedtheirpostscrying"Y'87'Al'92!
"astheyfledinhorrorthattheAm'92r-T'9cm'87ncoulddeceivethemtoconvincethemofthesepeople'sdisloyaltytotheIm'87m'Al'92andkindred,vowingnevertheparticipateevenshouldtheyallbekilled.
Severalcaptiveswereblown(bytheremainingregiments)fromguns;otherswerestrippednaked,poureduponwithice-coldwaterandlashedseverely;whileothersweresmearedwithtreacle(molasses)andlefttodieinthesnow(dancedaroundbythewomenastheearliercapturedwomenhadbeen(GodPassesByp.
46).
Theydidnotrecantorletanyexpressionorbetrayalofangerorevendiscontentdispeltheirlightandtranquility.
TheB'87b'92leadersSulaym'87ntheshoemakerandH'87j'92K'87zimGilt'9cgh'92wereblowntopiecesfrommortars'mouths,havingbeentiedtotheloadedcannon'mouth(a"refinement"ofEnglishtroopsfromthisAsianinvention,usedduringtherevoltinIndia)andbeingtorntopieces(thesizeofthesedependentontheamountofpowderinthecannon).
Aftertheexecution,spectatorsfloodedthefield,sometoburyafriend'sbody,othersoutofmorbidcuriosity.
AMuslim,Val'92-Muhammad,wasreportedtohavecometohisneighbor'sbody,notquitedead,announcedhisnameandthathewashisneighbor,andtoldhimtoaskifheneededanything.
Whenthedyingmanstatedhewasthirsty,Val'92-Muhammadreturnedwithalargestone,toldthedyingmantoopenhismouthforwater,thencrushedhishead.
Thecaptiveswerere-sorted,placingchainsaroundthenecksofM'92rz'87Rid'87(Hujjat'slieutenant)andallthoseofhigh-standingorimportance,thenshacklingtheirhandsandfeet.
Disregardingtheroyalcommand,theybroughtthecaptivestoTihr'87ntoaugmenttheirtriumph.
Thefewunfortunateremainingwereabandonedasthearmyreturnedtothecapitalforcingtheirprisonerstowalkaheadofthevictoriousgenerals'horses.
Onarriving,theAm'92r-Niz'87msoughttomakeanexamplebyhavingM'92rz'87Rid'87,H'87j'92Muhammad-'Al'92andthesurgeonH'87j'92Muhsin'sveinsslashedopen.
Thoughbetrayingnoemotionuponlearningoftheirsentence,itwasreportedthattheydeclaredthattheAlmightywoulddemandamoreimpressiveandstrikingpunishmentfortheauthorities'lackofgoodfaithinpersecutingHissaintsthanthenormalconsequences,andthattheAm'92rwouldsufferthesamedeathheinflictedonthem.
Thislatercametrue.
TheremainingprisonersbroughttoTihr'87nweredoomedtorotinprison.
XXXXIII.
IndignitiesinflictedonHujjat'sbody,andfateofhiskinsmen-578(577)MeanwhilethepersecutorsbackinZanj'87nhad,aftertheexecution,soughtHujjat'sbody.
Thoughunsuccessfulatinducinganytodisclosethespotthroughtorture(pouringboilingoilon'e7q'87D'92n-Muhammadthoughheremainedsilent),thegovernor(Sard'87r)askedHujjat's7-year-oldson'e7q'87Husayntobebroughtin.
Throughcleverthreatsandinsidiousflattery,theysucceededinmakinghimspeak.
Hegentlycaressedhim,declaringhimself(578)fullofgriefathisparents'afflictions,andthatitwastheZanj'87n'92mujtahidswhowereresponsible.
Hedeclaredhiswillingnesstogivehisfatherabefittingburialandtoatoneforthedeedscommittedagainsthim.
Throughgentleinsinuations,heinducedthechildtorevealthesecret,thenhadhismenfetchthebodythenorderedthebodytobedraggedwitharopethroughthestreetstothesoundofdrumsandtrumpets.
For3daysandnights,injurieswereheapedonthebodyandwasexposedtothepeopleinthemayd'87n(openpublicsquare).
Onthe3rdnight,horsemenreportedlycarriedthecorpse'sremnantsawaytosafetytowardQazv'92n.
Hujjat'skinwereorderedtobeconductedtoSh'92r'87ztothegovernor.
Theylanguishedthereinpovertyandmiserywiththeirremainingpossessionsseizedbythegovernorandcondemnedtoseekshelterinaruinedanddilapidatedhouse.
Hujjat'syoungestson,Mihd'92,diedofthesesufferingsandwasburiedamidsttheruinsofwhathadbeenhisshelter.
9yearslater,Nab'92lvisitedthescenesinZanj'87natthefortwherehecoulddiscerntracesofcarnageonitsgatesandwalls(sceneoftheirsurrender),notingbloodstainsonthestonesofwhathadbeentheirbarricades.
XXXXIV.
Numberofmartyrs-580(579)NoaccurateestimatehasbeenmadeofthenumberofparticipantsintheprolongedstrugglethoughatentativelistofnameswasmadebyIsmu'll'87hu'l-M'92mandIsmu'll'87hu'l-Asad.
Estimatesofthemartyrsvariedfromupto1000andabove.
Onecompanionwasreportedtohaverecorded1598beforehismartyrdomand202estimatedtofallafterhim(1800total).
XXXXV.
Sourcesofinformation-580Nab'92l'ssourceswereM'92rz'87Muhammad-'Al'92y-i-Tab'92b-i-Zanj'87n'92,Ab'87-Bas'92r,SiyyidAshraf(allmartyrsNab'92lknew)whiletherestwasbasedonMull'87Husayn-i-Zanj'87n'92'smanuscriptsenttoBah'87'u'll'87hgleaningallinformationabouttheconnectedeventsofthatepisodehecouldfromdifferentsources.
SiyyidAb'9c-T'87lib-i-Shahm'92rz'87d'92'swrittenaccountsenttotheHolyLandandthebriefsurveypreparedbyabelieverM'92rz'87Haydar-'Al'92y-i-Ardist'87n'92.
Nab'92lalsoascertainedcertainfactsfromsomeofthestruggle'sparticipants,Mull'87Muhammad-S'87diq-i-Muqaddas,Mull'87M'92rz'87Muhammad-i-Fur'9cgh'92,andH'87j'92'Abdu'l-Maj'92d(fatherofBad'92'andmartyr).
Nab'92lobtainedinformationonVah'92d'slifeanddeedsfromRida'r-R'9ch(oneofVah'92d'sintimatecompanions)whiledrawingonadetailedandcarefully-investigatedaccountsenttoBah'87'u'll'87hintheHolyLandbyMull'87Shaf'92'ofNayr'92zforthelaterstagesoftheNayr'92zstruggle.
Nab'92lexpresseshishopethatfuturegenerationswouldgatherandpreserveforposteritywhatevergapshefailedtorecord,compilinganexhaustiveandbefittingaccountofthesestirringeventswhosesignificancecouldbutdimlybediscerned.
Hebeggedhisreaders'indulgenceforwhatheconfessedtobethemanygapsinhisnarrative.
SummaryofChapterXXIVI.
TowardtheendofhisLife,theB'87b'sgriefwascompoundedbynewsoftheongoingtragedyatZanj'87n(aswellasthealreadypasttragediesofNayr'92z,ShaykhTabars'92,andSevenMartyrsofTihr'87n).
II.
Beforehisconversion,Hujjathadbecome,ashisfather,aneminentandlearnedmujtahid.
Hewasaperfectionist,intolerantandimmoderate,offensivebothtothepeacefulandtraditionaliststhoughmanyrespectedhiszeal.
Sincehisboyhood,hewasknownforhisintelligence,ardor,anddisdainfortheinstitutionsofIsl'87m.
III.
HemovedtoHamad'87ntoavoidhisenemiesconspiring,married,andlivedthereforabout2and1/2yearsuntilbroughthomebyhisfather'sdeath.
Onhisreturn,hereceivedanovationandevincedanewattitude,evokingthe'ulam'87shostilitydespitetheiroutwardkindness.
IV.
For17yearsheassiduouslytrainedhisfollowersintheQur''87ncausingthemtosurpassthe'ulam'87s,trainedthemtobeself-disciplinedandmoderate,andsuppressedabuse(whippingawine-dealerandtearinghishousedownandclosinga"temporaryunion"housegivingthewomenthereinmarriageortoemploymentinhomes).
However,inhisfatv'87stofollowcertaintraditionsfaithfully,someoftheresultingcontradictionsconfusedhisfollowersandinflamedtheclergy.
V.
OnhearingtheCalloftheB'87b,hesentMull'87Iskandartoenquireintoit.
Hujjat'sresponsegavetheclergyanopportunitytodisgrace,arrest,andbanishhim,writingtoMuhammadSh'87htheirfearsandcomplaintsofhisembracingthenewFaith.
TheSh'87hsummonedHujjatandhisopponentstoTihr'87ntounderstandwhyHujjatwasbeingaccusedgiventhetributesvisitorsusuallymadetohisintegrity.
HujjatprovedhisinnocenceintheSh'87h'spresence(alongwithofficialsand'ulam'87s)byhisanswers,andwinningtheSh'87h'sapproval(ashedidwhenhedenouncedan'ulam'87petitioningthekingforpensions).
VI.
OnreturningtoZanj'87n,hewasceremoniouslyreceivedbyhisfollowerswhosacrificedanimalsforhimandsentchildreninprocessionwithredkerchiefssignalingtheirwillingnesstosacrificeforhim.
Hecontinuedtodeepentheirknowledge,devoutness,andbehavior.
VII.
WhenhisenvoythathehadsentwithapetitionandgiftstotheB'87breturned,HujjatwasgivenaletterfromHim.
Immediately,Hujjatdismissedhisdisciples,discontinuedtheircoursesastheywerenolongernecessarygiventhemanifestationofTruth,andobeyedhisnewchargetoproclaimtheFaith'sfundamentalswithouthesitationfromthepulpit.
HeaddedwordstotheFridaycongregationalprayerreferringtotheB'87b,affectingallthere,thoughtheIm'87mJum'ihprotestedthisbreakfromthepast.
HujjatretortedthattheQ'87'imhadsupersededhisinheritedright.
Hestatedhiswillingnesstodefendhimselfandhiscompanionsshouldtheytrespassagainstthem.
VIII.
Whenthe'ulam'87sandIm'87m-Jum'ih(andShaykhu'l-Isl'87m)renewedcomplaintstoH'87j'92M'92rz'87'e7q'87s'92insistingontheneedfortheSh'87htoexpelthemthattheynotberequiredtoleavetownandrelinquishtheirpositions.
TheVaz'92rwasreluctantlyconvincedtoinducetheSh'87htoorderHujjatbroughttothecapital.
IX.
Uponnewsofthissummons,HujjathadreceivedareplyoftheB'87binsistingHujjatnotattemptHisrescueasGodcouldaloneeffectit,andthattheywouldbereunitedinthenextworld.
HethenconsentedtoaccompanythemessengertoTihr'87n.
X.
AstheB'87bpassedthroughZanj'87n,theauthoritiesensuredHujjathadleft.
ThoughHujjatsentcompanionstoassurehiswillingnesstofreeHim,theB'87brestatedHiswishandadvisedthemtoavoidHim.
ThosewishingtomeetHimforgotHiswishandwereruthlesslydispersedbytheguards.
XI.
AfteroneoftheB'87b'sguardsconvincedtheotherguardtobringHimintotowntoacaravanseraitoavoiddangeronthewayto'e7dhihb'87yj'87n,theywereamazedatthemassesonhousetopsgatheredtoseeHim.
TheleadingphysicianM'92rz'87Muhammad-'Al'92ofHamad'87n,thoughnotatfirstabeliever,lovinglypreparedforHisreception,andwaswonovertotheCausebyHimlatethatnight.
Hewaspermittedbytheguardstoentertheroom,becameoverwhelmedwatchingtheB'87b'sablutionsanddevotions,preparedHistea,thenwastoldbyHimtogotoHamad'87ntoavoidthebloodshedthatwouldruninthestreets.
Whenheexpressedthewishtobemartyred,theB'87bsaidhistimewasnotyetandthatheshouldberesignedtoGod'swill.
ThoughhebeggedtofollowtheB'87basHewentonhorseatsunrise,hewastoldtoremainandwasassuredofHisprayers.
Regretfully,thoughresignedtoHiswill,hewatchedHimleave.
XII.
WhenconductedtoH'87j'92M'92rz'87'e7q'87s'92,HujjatwastoldofhisandtheSh'87h'sannoyanceatthe'ulam'87sdenunciations,theirdisbeliefhecoulddeserthisforefathers'FaithforOneheconsideredinfinitelylessknowledgeableandablethanHujjat,andtheirdesireforhimtodenytheseaccusations.
WhenHujjatrepliedhewouldbeinfinitelymorehonoredtodothemeanestserviceinHishouseholdthantoreceivealloftheSh'87h'sfavors,theVaz'92rburstthatcouldneverbe.
HujjatreiteratedhisconvictiontheB'87bwasthePromisedOne.
XIII.
TheVaz'92rcounseledtheSh'87hthatsuchahigh-rankingdefectioncouldendangertheState.
AstheSh'87hwasdisinclinedtocreditwhathedeemedmalice-inspiredreports,heorderedameetingforHujjattoestablishhispositionamidstthe'ulam'87s.
HujjateloquentlyproclaimedtheFaith,citedarguments,statedthattheBookwastheonlyremainingtestimonytowhichtheycouldturn,andexclaimedthatthemiracletheyaskedforwasthathewasenabledbytheB'87btotriumphinargumentoverthemcollectively.
Thoughthe'ulam'87scondemnedhimtodeath,theSh'87h'sfavorsandsupportpreventedthisandforcedtheVaz'92rtoconcealhisresentmentandlavishgiftsonHujjat.
XIV.
Hewasavirtualprisonerthere.
WhenthebelieverssentarepresentativegrouptoinquireintohowtheyshouldapproachtheFaith'slawswhichdepartedfromIsl'87m,heenjoinedthemtoabsolutelyloyalobedience.
AsallhismessengershadtestifiedtoHisobedienceofHislaws,theyweretoalso.
Theyeagerlyobeyed,includingthechildren,fullyidentifyingwithitsclaimsandcitingHujjat'sreasoning.
WhenhelearnedofTabars'92,thoughlongingtojointhem,Bah'87'u'll'87hconsoledHimthroughtheirassociation(hewaslaterabletosimilarlysacrificehimself).
XV.
WhentheSh'87hdied,thenewGrandVaz'92rwasgoingtomakehisimprisonmentmorerigorousandseektodestroyhim,thoughHujjatheardofthisandleftindisguisetoZanj'87nwherethenewSh'87h'sunclehadjustbeenmadegovernor.
XVI.
Manymen,women,andchildren(15,000)includingrichandrespectedofvariouspositionscamegreatdistancestowelcomehim,assurehimoftheirdevotion,andsacrificesheepinhishonor.
HisenemiesweredistressedbythislargenumbersuchthatthegovernororderedKarbil'87''92Val'92-'Att'87r'stonguebecutoutandMuhammadBiktobewhipped,thoughpretendingtobeHujjat'sfriend.
XVII.
When2childrenfought,thegovernorhadthechildofHujjat'scompanionsarrested.
Thoughmoneywasofferedforhisrelease,herefusedthemandHujjat'ssubsequentwrittenappeals.
Whenthebearerofthe2ndappealthreatenedwithhisswordtoobtainthechild'srelease,thegovernorcomplied.
Howeverasthe'ulam'87scondemnedthisandassuredHujjat'sarrestwouldnotendangerthetown'ssecurity,thegovernoragreedtoorderhisarrest.
XVIII.
2strongmenvolunteeredtobringHujjatinhandcuffedwhenpromisedareward.
WhenM'92rSal'87hand7armedmenquestionedtheirdestination,onemaninsultedhim,andM'92rSal'87hinturncriedthecall,woundedhimintheforehead,andcausedtheirbandtoscatter.
Thatcallraisedapanicinthetown,alarmingthegovernorwhenhelearnedtheycalledontheQ'87'im.
Thegroupcameuponanableandunarmedenemy,brokehisheadwithanaxe,andbroughthisbodytothegovernor.
AmujtahidthenstabbedM'92rSal'87hwithapenknife,thegovernorhithimonthemouthwithhissword,andhisattendantskilledhim,whilehepraisedGodforhismartyrdom.
XIX.
The'ulam'87sforcedthegovernortosendacriertodeclarethatthelife,property,wife,andchildrenofanyonejoiningHujjatwouldbeindangerwhereasthosewhowithdrewwouldbeprotected.
Thisdeeplytestedtheirfaithandattachmenttoworldlyaffectionsandpledges,askinwereseparatedfromoneanotherleadingtowildexcitement&distressandblasphemousshoutsfromoftheenemyandexultationamongHujjat'sgroup.
XX.
3000reinforcementsfromtheareawerebroughtintoaidtheenemy'salreadybegunpreparationforwar.
HujjatdeclaredfromthepulpitthatitwastheDayinwhichtruthwasseparatedfromerror,andasitwashislifetheysought,anynotwillingshouldleave.
Heexhortedthemtoonlyengageinself-defense,andthattheirlossoflife,wives,andpossessionswerethemeansofFaithandnotshame.
XXI.
WhenM'92rSal'87handothersbesoughtHujjattotransfertofort'Al'92-Mard'87nKh'87n,heconsentedandorderedthewomen,children,andprovisionstakenthere,andthoughitwasoccupied,theyexchangedtheirhousesforthatoftheresidents'.
XXII.
Upontheenemy'sattack,siyyidM'92rRid'87besoughtHujjattocapturethegovernor.
ThoughHujjatwasunwillingtoallowhimtoriskhislife,thenewsreachedthegovernorandalmostinducedhisflight,wereitnotforasiyyidwhopleadthathisflightwouldcausehimdisgrace.
Thoughthissiyyidsetouttoattackwith30comrades,when2companionscametheirway(thoughtheywerelaterdiscoverednottobehostile),theydispersedandhehidinhisroom.
XXIII.
Hujjatorderedthe3000todispersetheenemywhentheyattacked,thoughremindingthemnottoshedunnecessarybloodorviolatetheirwomenandchildren'ssecurity.
XXIV.
ThoughthegovernormisrepresentedtheaffairtotheAm'92r-Niz'87m,hewasabletoreceiveSiyyid'Al'92Kh'87nwhoattackedthefort,leadingtomutualcasualtiesandhisdefeat.
Ja'far-Qul'92Kh'87nrefusedtoattacksiyyidsandmenoflearningofwhosetenetshewasunfamiliarandM'92rSiyyidHusaynKh'87nrefused(andwasdismissedforit).
Though'Al'92yu'll'87h'92swenttowar,theirchiefforbadethemfromfightingasthesignsoftheManifestation'scominghadcometrueandtheofficerswithdrew.
Somesoldierstherewaveredanddidnotfullyfightinrecognitionoftheirdevoutnessbutpromisedtohelpthemwhentheirreligiongainedstrength.
Sadru'd-Dawliy-i-Isf'87h'87n頀eagerlyfollowedorderstotakehis2regimentsonanewchangecoursetoZanj'87ntowintheSh'87handpeople'sfavor.
Theywerejoinedbyanotherregiment,increasingtheirastoundingdegreeoffamouschieftains,artillery,guns,mortars,andhorsemen.
XXV.
Whentheseforcesattacked,thoughtheylostgreatleaders,thefriendswereabletoholdout3daysandnightswithoutsurrendering.
Theystruggledtokeeptheircannonproppedupasitfellthroughtheearthfloorandthoughtheywereshot,theywerereplacedby100eagerothers.
Despitethecannon-fire,lackofsleep,hunger&superiorforces,theyrushedoutcarriedawaybytheircallandscatteredtheenemy.
After9months,theSadru'd-Dawlihwasleftwithonly30crippledsoldiersandconcedingdefeat,wasdemotedandreprimandedbytheSh'87h.
Onlythoseforcedornewlybroughtincontinuedtofight.
ThereinforcementshelpedthemerchantswhileHujjat'sforces'supplieswerediminishedandwereonlyreplenishedathighpricesofferedbyafewwomenmakingexcusestocometothefort.
Theyneverthelesserected28barricadesof38(19sentinelswatchingtheenemy).
Tothepromisessentviaacrierofforgiveness,freereturn,gifts,andnoblerank(conditionalontheirrecanting),theyrefusedinonecontemptuousvoice.
XXVI.
Zaynabhaddisguisedherselfinmalemilitaryattiretojointhemenwhosetrialsshewishedtoshare.
Shecriedthecallandrushedoutfearlesslywithherswordcausingtheenemy'sflight.
Whenshebegantopursuethem,Hujjatwhohadwatchedandmarveledatherunequaledvitalcourage,senthismentohaveherreturn.
Whenaskedofhermotive,shesaidshewasimpelledtojointhemenwhosesufferingsshepitiedandfearedbeingdeniedtheprivilege.
WhenaskedwhethershewerethesameZaynabwhohadvolunteeredtojointhefort,sherepliedshewas,butasonlyhehadrecognizeher,sheadjuredhimbytheB'87bnottowithholdherdesireofbeingmartyred.
HetitledherRustam-'Al'92,noteditwastheDayofResurrectionwhenallsecretswouldbesearchedout,andthatasGodonlyjudgesbybeliefsandactions,heractionshadsurpassedmostmen's.
Hewarnedheraboutengaginginholywar.
XXVII.
For5months,sheencouragedthefriends,withlittlefoodandsleep,restingonherswordandcoveredbyhershield.
Unliketherest,shewasallowedfreemovementbetweenpostsandheadedeachfray,rescuingpostsandsupportingthoseinneed.
Theenemy'slearningofhergenderdidnotlessentheirfearofherapproachorvoice.
XXVIII.
Onedaywhenencompassed,ZaynabbeggedatHujjat'sfeettodiebytheswordasshehadanticipatedfornearingend.
Overcome,hedidnotreply,leadinghertoleavecryingthecall,challengingtheenemywhytheyhadstainedIsl'87m'snameandflediftheyhadbeentrue,routed3barricades'guards,andwaskilled.
Herchastity,faith,andcharacterwereunquestionedbyenemyorfriend.
HujjathadthefriendsobeytheB'87b'sinjunctiontorepeat19times5invocations,whichtheyshoutedtogetherthatevening.
XXIX.
Theirloudcryawakenedtheenemyandcausedthemtoflee.
Somedroppeddead,otherssawitasasignofJudgmentDay,whileotherssawitasasignofanewattack.
Whentheirnoisylaughter,blasphemies,andinsultswereinterrupted,theydroppedtheirwine-glasses,knockedovertheirgamblingtables,andrushedouthalf-dressedintothewildernessor'ulam'87shomes,leadingthe'ulam'87stocurseoneanotherforwhattheyhadbroughton.
HujjatcontemplatedtheterrorhecouldstrikeinsuchanenemyifnotchargedinsteadtoinstillvirtueinthebelieversandloyallyservetheSh'87handpeople.
Hujjat'scampwasoccupiedwithdevotion,invokingGod,Hisguidanceandmercy,andmaintainedtheirvigilsandchantsdespitetheirexhaustion.
Theenemyreturnedhumiliatedtotheirpostsondiscoveringtherewasnoattack.
Theofficershadmenfireandkillthesourceofthesevoicesoverthenights.
Thefriends,however,continuedwithevengreaterfervor.
XXX.
HujjatpetitionedtheSh'87htojudgejustlyashehadbeenbytheformerSh'87h,thathehadtransferredtoTihr'87ntoabatethefurybuthadleftoutofself-defensewhentheAm'92r-Niz'87mwasseekinghisdeath,thatthegovernor,'ulam'87s,andpeoplehadundulyharassedhim,andthattheyonlywishedtheSh'87h'sbestinterests,thoughtheywerewillingtodefendtheirlives.
Hehadhisleadingsupportersdraftsimilarappeals.
XXXI.
Thepetitionsmessengerwasarrestedontheway,broughttothegovernor,andkilledbecauseofhisanger.
ThepetitionsweredestroyedandreplacedwithinsultingletterswhichweresenttotheSh'87h,enraginghimtosend2regimentstokillallthecompanions.
XXXII.
WhentheB'87b'samanuensis'brotherbroughtnewsofHisdeath,theenemyexultedandtauntedthem,askingwhytheywouldnotrecantsincetheywouldbesacrificingforOnedead.
Theydidnotfalter,however.
XXXIII.
TheAm'92r-Niz'87minducedtheSh'87htosend5morewell-armedregiments.
'Az'92zKh'87n-i-Mukr'92metSiyyid'Al'92Kh'87nwhotoldhimhowHujjathadexpressedhiswillingnesstogointoexilewithhisfamilyiftheirappealwereentertainedthoughtheywerewillingtodefendthemselvesifnot.
Though'Az'92zKh'87nassuredSiyyid'Al'92Kh'87nhewouldinducetheauthoritiestosolvetheproblemquickly,'Az'92zKh'87nfearfullyinsultedHujjattosavehisownlife.
XXXIV.
When17cavalry&infantryregiments(over3000men)with14guns(includingcannonsandmortars)joined5morefromthearea,theAm'92r-T'9cm'87norderedtrumpetstoheraldanewattack.
Astheircannonsboomed,Hujjatorderedthefriendstopositiontheir2constructedgunsovertheAm'92r'sheadquarters,hittinghistentandkillinghissteedwhiletheenemywaskillingmanyofthefriends.
XXXV.
Astheirsuperiorforceswereunabletoobtainvictoryinthecomingdaysandoneofthegeneral'sbrotherswaskilled,theAm'92r-T'9cm'87nwasreprimandedbytheAm'92r-Niz'87mforhisfailureinsullyingthecountry'sname,demoralizingthearmyandwastingitsofficers.
HewasorderedtoenforcestrictdisciplineamongallhissubordinatesandtheZanj'87n'92chiefs.
TheAm'92r-Niz'87mthreatenedtocometherepersonallyandmassacreallregardlessofbeliefshouldhefailgiventheSh'87h'shumiliationattheirdefeat.
XXXVI.
Despitethefaithfulrallytotrumpetsanddrumstheletterachievedandthebrutaldeathsofatleast300andtheir'headsbeinghoistedonspearscausinganguishtomothersandsisters,thecompanionswereabletostaytheirdefeat,especiallygiventheshoutsofexultationofthewomen,theirdonningofmalegarbandfighting,andthesuccortheyprovided.
Theenemy,ontheotherhand,withdefectionsandwaterdeprivation,wasunabletoretreatorwin.
XXXVII.
WhenMuhsin'sunparalleledwarmthandrichnesssoundingtheadh'87naffecteditshearersthattheyprotestedtheheresychargesbroughtagainstthecompanions.
Theleadingmujtahidtriedinvaintodissuadethemfromtheirbelief,leadinghimtobeseechtheAm'92r-T'9cm'87ntokillMuhsin.
Thoughheatfirstrefused,deflectingthematterasfortheclergyandnottheauthorities.
However,hehintedatrequiringcompensation,towhichthesiyyidrespondedbysendinghim100t'9cm'87nsthroughamessengeronreturninghome.
HethenorderedMuhsintobeshotindawnprayer.
Hujjatorderedanothertoreplacehim,andthoughsparedthen,hewasmartyredlater.
XXXVIII.
Towardthesiege'send,Hujjaturgedthemarriedtocelebratetheirnuptials,assignedaspousetoeachunmarriedyouth(200),andsoldhiswife'sjewelsfortheirhappiness.
Despitetheterrorsandhardshipsfacingthem,themarriedgreetedeachotherwithjoy,andallthemenhastenedtotheirmartyrdomsinspiteoftheirbridesbiddingthemstaylonger.
TheB'87btitledthisspotArd-i-A'l'87(ExaltedSpot).
5ofoneman's(newly-wed)sonswerekilled,includingtheeldestwhoburstthatnoflamecoulddestroyhislovewhentheyorderedtokindleafireonhisbreast.
Anewly-wedmothergavebirthtoAshrafandsurvivedthebattle.
Whenhersongrewtoayouthandwhenpersecuted,herefusedtorecant.
Theenemysoughttoalarmthemotherintoconvincinghimtorecant,butshevowedtodisownhimifheturnedfromthetruth,andhedidnot.
Withoutatearorlament,sheamazedhisperpetrators,andrecalledhervowmadeathisbirthwhichGodhadallowedherthentofulfill.
XXXIX.
Despitetheadversity,themenandwomendideverythingtopray&guardthefort.
Everywomanincludingchildrenenthusiasticallyjoinedin,sewing,baking,ministering,repairing,clearingprojectiles,andcheeringthewavering.
AstheCarthaginians,theycuttheirlonghairtowraparoundgunsforsupport.
XXXX.
Duetothecompanions'tenacityandtheauthoritiesprotests,theAm'92r-T'9cm'87nsoughttousetheTabars'92exampletosavehisprestigeandtheofficers'livesdespitethebrokenpromisesitwouldrequire.
HesentapeaceappealtoHujjatassuringhimofhissincerity.
HeincludedasealedQur''87nforhispledgethattheywouldbeundertheSh'87h'sprotectioniftheyleft.
HujjatreverentlyreceivedtheQur''87nandpromisedareplythenextday,expressedhismisgivingstohischiefcompanions,andindicatedthathewouldrespondoutofdeferencetotheQur''87nandsendadelegation.
XXXXI.
Ust'87dMihr-'Al'92y-i-Hadd'87d,thenachild,wasoneof9childrenunder11whojoinedthemenover80.
Theyweremadetowaitonreachingthetent,andtheirsalutewasignoredforahalfhour.
TheAm'92rproudlyreprimandedthemforshamelessness.
TheoldestbeggedtospeakanddeclaredtheirloyaltytotheSh'87handpeople;thetwistingoftheirintentions;theSh'87h'sandrepresentatives'indifferenceandtheresultingattackonthem,plunderingoftheirproperty,violatedwomen'shonor,captureofchildren;andtheirrisetoself-defense.
ThoughtheAm'92rwasatalossandreadytoembracetheCausewerehereligious,thelieutenantheaskedwhattodorepliedthatonlytheswordwouldsilencetheirheresy.
WhenDarv'92sh-Sal'87haskedwhetherthisweretheirrewardforrespondingtohisswornappeal,theAm'92rorderedhisbeardtobetornoutandthemtobethrowninadungeon.
XXXXII.
Thechildrensoughttoescape,criedthecall,andrushedtothebarricades,somewerecapturedandimprisoned,whileUst'87dMihr-'Al'92y-i-Hadd'87dbrokefreefromonewhohadgrabbedhishem,reachedthefortgate,andsawacompanionmurdereddespitethecease-fire,betrayedbyhisbrotherclaimingtowishtospeakwithhim.
WhenthechildreachedHujjat,hewascleanedbyhimandinvitedtospeak.
HenotedhowtheDayofResurrectionwouldseemanandwomanabandontheirclosestkin,actingdrunkthoughnot,andsheddingtheirkind'sblood.
XXXXIII.
Intheopensquare,Hujjatsummonedhisfollowers,indicatedhispleasureattheirendeavors,theirtreatmentoftheiroldestandyoungest,theenemy'sintenttodeceivethemandnotrestuntiltheywerecaptured,theirwivesdishonored,andchildrenslain.
Headvisedthemtoleaveatnightashisdeathcouldallaytheirbloodthirst.
Theyweremovedbutrefusedtoleavehimorhisfamily,astheydidnotconsiderthemanylessworthy.
Onlyafewsuccumbedandleftthefort.
XXXXIV.
TheAm'92rdesperatelyassembledallmentogethercommanding8regimentstoattackeveryforenoonathisdirectionwith8othersattackingintheevening,assuringthemofrewardifsuccessfulandpunishmentiftheyfailed.
Amonthofattacksevenintothenighttimewithcontinualreinforcementscausedthefriends'deaths,misery,andhunger.
Newreinforcementsintenselybombardedthefort,threateningitsdestructionthoughitlastedseveraldays.
XXXXV.
AfterHujjatwasshotintherightarmduringablutions,heorderedhisservantnottotellhiswife,thoughhecouldnotconcealhisgriefandsheranindistresstofindHujjatcalmlyprayingforGodtopardontheattackersfortheseweremislead.
Hesoughttocalmhiswife'sandrelatives'distressatthebloodcoveringhim,enjoiningthemtorejoiceathiscontinuedpresence,toberesignedtoGod'swill,andtorecognizethatthissufferingwasbutadropofthattoaccompanyhisdeath.
XXXXVI.
HisenemieswereemboldenedasthefriendsdroppedtheirarmstorushtoHujjat.
Theyredoubledtheirattackandforcedthroughthegate,burningastrongholdtothestrong,anotherblowingupahotel,andkillingacaptainandsoldiers.
XXXXVII.
Thoughthefriendskepttheplace,100womenandchildrenwerecapturedandtheirpossessionswereplundered.
Withscantclothing,theywereexposedfor15daysandnightstoaseverelyicycoldwithoutfoodorshelterandexposedtotheridiculeofthewomenoftheenemystatingthattheyhadfoundtheirgodandbeenthusrewarded.
Theydancedwildly,spatintheirfaces,andinsultedthem.
TheremainingfriendswerenotdisheartenedbutwenttohousesnearHujjat'swiththewomenandchildren.
XXXXVIII.
5companiesof361(19x19)wereformedofwhich19ofeach(95total)wouldraisethescattertheenemy,demoralizingthemwiththeirlossesanddesertions.
Forfearofhislife,theAm'92rsoughtaremedyfromhisofficers,admittinghisfailureatinstillingthesamespirittheyhadintothemenwhofearedtheireternaldamnationregardlessofthewar'sresults.
Theydecidedtodigpassagesundertheircamp,blowuptheirdwellings,andobtaintheirsurrender.
Theyfilledthepassageswithexplosivesoveramonthanddemolishedhouses.
ThisallowedapathtoHujjat'sresidence,onwhichtheyfired,killinghiswifeandcausingthebabytofallandsoondie.
Hehadjustwarnedherofthepossibilityoftheirbeingtakencaptiveandshewasdistressingatthiswhenthecannonballstruck.
XXXXIX.
Despitehissorrow,hedidnotgivein,cryinghowhehadforeseenthesewoes;thatasgreatastheywere,hewaswillingtosacrificemore;andthattheycouldnotcomparewithGod'sblessings.
Thefriends,however,wereindignant&soughttoavengetheirblood,thoughhedissuadedthem,biddingthemtoberesignedtoGod'swill.
XXXXX.
Astheirnumbersandspacedecreased,theysufferedmore.
After19days,Hujjatdiedprostrateinprayer.
Thisshockedanddeeplysaddenedthecompanions.
2ofthemwenttohidehisbodyinoneoftheirroom'sanddemolisheditthatfriendnorfoewouldknowitslocation.
XXXXXI.
500womensurvivorsgatheredthere.
200healthymenremained.
Theywereattackedbyanemboldenedenemy,seekingtheirdestructionaftertheirleader'sdeath,accompaniedbydrums,trumpets,andexultationofthepopulace.
Theyfacedthiswithzealtothedeath,raisingthecalluntilallweredeadorcaptured.
XXXXXII.
SignalwasgivenforapillagewhichwasonlycurbedbytheAm'92r-T'9cm'87n'sorderstospareHujjat'shouse,belongings,andkindredpendingordersfromTihr'87n.
However,themenandpopulacecouldnotberestrained,asthesentinelsguardingHujjat'sresidenceweredrivenawayintheplunderingandattackofthefewsurvivors.
XXXXXIII.
ThewomencaptivesweregatheredintoahouseawaitingordersfromTihr'87n.
Theywerehuddledassheep,exposedtotheseverecoldwithoutroof,furniture,orfood.
Thewomenwereremovedtohousewheretheywerebesoughttorecantfortheirfreedombyamujtahid.
Meanwhile,themujtahidhad,withhiswives',sisters',anddaughters'aid,seizedtheirpossessions,strippedthemofgarmentsandgavethemthemeanestattire,andtookvaluablesforhimself.
Thosecaptiveswereallowedtorejointheirrelativesiftheywouldtakefutureresponsibilityfortheirbehavior,therestweredispersedtonearbyvillages(affectionatelyreceived)exceptforHujjat'sfamilywhichwasdetaineduntilfurtherinstructions.
XXXXXIV.
Thoughtheauthoritieswaitedforinstructionsonthewounded,thecoldandcrueltieskilledthemallinafewdays.
Therest(76)wereconductedinaprocessionwithdrumsandtrumpets,where100menofdifferentvyingregimentsplacedtheminarowforbayonetingwithspearsandlances.
Inthemidstofthis,H'87j'92Muhammad-Husaynstoodtofervidlycalltheadh'87nsuchthatthe'Ir'87q'92regimentdesertedtheirpostscrying"Y'87'Al'92!
"atthefirstwords,vowingnevertoparticipate,evenshouldtheybekilled,inthekillingofthesefaithfulservantsof'Al'92.
XXXXXV.
Severalcaptiveswereblownfromguns(tiedtotheloadedmortarmouth),otherswerestrippednaked,pouredonwithice-coldwaterandlashedseverely,othersweresmearedwithtreacle(molasses)andlefttodieinthesnow.
Despitethis,theymaintainedcompletetranquility.
XXXXXVI.
Somespectatorscametoburyafriend'sbody,othersforcuriosity,whileonecame,askedhisneighborifheneededanything,theninsteadofbringingthewaterthemanexpected,hecrushedtheman'sheadwithalargestone.
XXXXXVII.
Thehigh-standingcaptiveswereshackledbyneck,hands,andfeet,andbroughttoTihr'87n(againstorders)aheadofthegenerals'horses,thattheenemycouldaugmenttheirwin.
TheAm'92r-Niz'87mwantedtomakeanexamplebyordering3victims'wristsslashedopen.
Withoutemotion,theydeclaredGodwouldexactagreaterpunishmentthannormalforpersecutingHissaintsandwouldcausehimtodiethesamedeath.
Theremainingprisonerswerelefttodiethereinprison.
XXXXXVIII.
InZanj'87n,theypouredboilingoiloveraman'shead,thoughheremainedsilent,todiscoverthelocationofHujjat'sbody.
Uponfailingatthis,thegovernormadethreats,flattery,andgentleinsinuations(lyingthathewassadathisparents'afflictionsandwantedtoatoneandgivehisfatherabefittingburial,thathehadnotpartinitbutratherthatitwasthemujtahids)toinduceHujjat'sson'e7q'87Husayntorevealthelocation,whereuponhismenwereorderedtodragthebodybyropethroughthestreetstodrumsandtrumpets.
For3daysandnights,thebodywasexposedtoinjuriesandpublicexposureuntilhorsemenbroughttheremainstowardQazv'92n.
XXXXXIX.
Hujjat'skinwerebroughttotheSh'92r'87z'92governor.
Theirremainingpossessionswereseizedandtheywereforcedtoliveinaruinedanddilapidatedhouse.
Hujjat'syoungestson,Mihd'92,diedofthispovertyandwasburiedneartheruinsofhisshelter.
XXXXXX.
9yearslaterNab'92lvisitedthescenesatZanj'87n,notingthecarnagetracesonthegates,walls,andwhathadbeenbarricadestones.
XXXXXXI.
Thoughnoaccuratenumberwasmadeoftheparticipants,estimatesvariedfromupto1000andabove,onetotaling1800.
SummaryofContentsI.
ReferencetotheB'87b'safflictions-527II.
ActivitiesofHujjatpriortohisconversion-529III.
Hujjat'sacceptanceoftheB'87b'sMessage-531IV.
HujjataccusedandsummonedtoTihr'87n-531V.
TheB'87b'smessagetoHujjat-533VI.
RenewedcomplaintsagainstHujjat,andhistransferencetoTihr'87n-534VII.
TheB'87b'sarrivalatZanj'87nanddepartureforTabr'92z-534VIII.
Hujjat'sincarcerationinTihr'87n-537IX.
Hujjat'sescapetoZanj'87n-539X.
Theoccasionfortheenemy'sattackonHujjatandhiscompanions-540XI.
Theenemy'spreparationforrenewedassault-543XII.
Hujjat'sentryintothefortof'Al'92-Mard'87nKh'87n-545XIII.
Assaultattemptedbyasiyyid-546XIV.
Hujjat'sadmonitionstohiscompanions-546XV.
Sadru'd-DawlihcommissionedbytheAm'92r-Niz'87mtolaysiegetothefort-547XVI.
Thesufferings,labors,andtemptationsofthebesieged-548XVII.
HeroismofZaynab,avillagemaiden-550XVIII.
Effectsoftheshoutedprayersofthecompanions-553XIX.
Hujjat'spetitiontoN'87siri'd-D'92nSh'87h-554XX.
Arrestofbearerofpetition,anddespatchofreinforcements-555XXI.
EffectonthecompanionsofthenewsoftheB'87b'smartyrdom-556XXII.
DespatchoftheAm'92r-T'9cm'87nwithfurtherreinforcements-556XXIII.
Meetingof'Az'92zKh'87n-i-Mukr'92withHujjat-556XXIV.
Stormingofthefort-557XXV.
TheAm'92r-Niz'87m'swarningtotheAm'92r-T'9cm'87n-558XXVI.
Repulseofthecombinedforcesoftheenemy-558XXVII.
DeathofMuhsin-560XXVIII.
Nuptialcelebrationsinthefort-561XXIX.
DeathoffivesonsofKarbil'87''92'Abdu'l-B'87q'87-561XXX.
Umm-i-Ashraf'sheroism-562XXXI.
Assistancerenderedbythewomen-563XXXII.
Am'92r-T'9cm'87n'sattempttodeceivethecompanions-564XXXIII.
Hujjat'sadvicetohiscompanions-567XXXIV.
Resumptionoftheenemy'soffensive-567XXXV.
WoundsustainedbyHujjat-569XXXVI.
Captureofthefort,anditseffectsuponthebesieged-570XXXVII.
Repulseoffurtherattacksonthecompanions-570XXXVIII.
ConsultationoftheAm'92r-T'9cm'87nwithhisstaff-571XXXIX.
Drivingofundergroundpassages-572XXXX.
DeathofHujjat'swifeandchild-572XXXXI.
Lastencounter-573XXXXII.
Treatmentofsurvivors-574XXXXIII.
IndignitiesinflictedonHujjat'sbody,andfateofhiskinsmen-578XXXXIV.
Numberofmartyrs-580XXXXV.
Sourcesofinformation-580OtherSummariesofthisChapterRegardingtheZanj'87nupheaval(DB527-581),seeGPB17,37,44-46,50,62,and63;TN24-25.
RegardingHujjatandtheSh'87h(DB531-532),seeTN8-9.
RegardingthedemiseofMuhammadSh'87h(DB539,seealso253,299-300),seeGPB82.
Overallof527-581:GPB17,37,44-46,50,62,63,82;TN8-9,24-25.
CHAPTERXXV:BAH'e7'U'LL'e7H'SJOURNEYTOKARBIL'e7I.
IncidentsrelatedbyBah'87'u'll'87h-582Nab'92lheardfromBah'87'u'll'87h,aloneoramidstotherdisciples,sittinginHispresence,accountswhichheincludesinthenarrative.
HeincludedaccountsoftheBadashtconferenceandrelatesmorehere.
AfterhedescribedtheZanj'87nstruggle,Nab'92lwasusheredintoBah'87'u'll'87h'spresence,blessedwith2visitsoverthe2ndand4thof4daysin1889inwhichHestayedat'e7q'87y-i-Kal'92m'shouse.
Nab'92landpilgrimsfromSarvist'87nandF'87r'87nandafewresidentbelieversheardHimspeak.
Bah'87'u'll'87hpraisedGodthateverythingessentialforthebelievers-clearlydefinedexpectationsforduties&deeds-hasbeenrevealedintheBookofHisRevelation.
Hecalledthemtoputthemintoaction.
Hewarnedthemnottopasstheboundsofmoderation,andnottobetraybytheirlipsthewondersoffaith,knowledge,andlovewhichmightagitatetheirsoulanddisturbtheirserenecountenanceorrevealintheirbehaviortheirintenseemotions.
HestatedthatHehadneverconcealedHimselforHisCauseHewastoproclaim.
Thoughnotwearingthegarbofthelearned,HereasonedwiththescholarsofN'9crandM'87zindar'87n,persuadingthemofitstruth.
Heneverflinchedindeterminationorhesitatedtoacceptanychallenge.
Hefoundallreceptive,andstatedthatN'9crandM'87zindar'87nwouldhavebeenentirelywontotheCauseandbecomeitsleadingstrongholds,wereitnotfortheshamefulbehaviorofthepeopleofBay'87n.
HementionedHisintentiontoleaveN'9crforTabars'92duringitsstruggle,intendingtosend'Abdu'l-Vahh'87baheadtoannounceHisapproachandtosacrificewiththem.
GodpreservedHimfromtheirfatetoaccomplishHiswork,asHewasinterceptedbythegovernorof'e7mulwhohadbeentippedofftoHisintendeddeparture.
Whilerestingandtakingtea,HewassurroundedbyhorsemenwhoseizedHisbelongingsandsteeds,gateHimapoorlysaddledanduncomfortableanimaltoride,andhandcuffedtherestofthefriendsto'e7mul.
Despitetheresultingtumult,and'ulam'87sopposition,M'92rz'87Taq'92hadHimreleasedandreturnedtohisownhouse.
Occasionallyheyieldedtothe'ulam'87spressureandfeltpowerlesstodefendHim.
WhentheSard'87rreturnedfromthearmyinM'87zindar'87nreturnedto'e7mulandlearnedofthis,herebukedM'92rz'87Taq'92,askingwhattheimportanceofandreasonforbeingswayedbythoseignorantpeoples'denunciationswere.
HestatedheshouldhavebeensatisfiedwithpreventingthemfromreachingtheirdestinationandhadhimsafelyandimmediatelyreturnedtoTihr'87n.
InS'87r'92,Hewasagainexposedtothepeople'sinsults.
DespitethenotableshavingmetHiminTihr'87nandbeenHisfriends,theyinsultedHimwhenthetownspeoplehadrecognizedHimwalkingwithQudd'9csinthestreets.
Theybitterlycried"B'87b'92!
B'87b'92!
"whereverHewent.
HewasimprisonedtwiceinTihr'87nfordefendinganinnocentagainstanoppressor.
WhenMull'87Taq'92y-i-Qazv'92n'92wasslayedandHeassistedthoseonwhomaseverepunishmenthadbeenundeservedlyinflicted,Hewasimprisoned.
Thesecondtime,infinitelymoresevere,wasprecipitatedbytheirresponsiblefollowers'attempttokilltheSh'87h,leadingtoHisbanishmenttoBaghd'87d.
Fromthere,HewenttotheKurdist'87nmountainscontemplatingalifeofcompletesolitude,seekingshelteronaremotemountainsummitabout3days'distancefromthenearesthumanhabitation,isolatedfromlife'scomfortsandfellowmenuntilShaykhIsm'87''92ldiscoveredHisabodeandbroughtHimnecessaryfood.
OnreturningtoBaghd'87d,HewasastonishedtofindtheB'87b'sCausesorelyneglected,itsinfluencehadwaned,anditsnamealmostsunkintooblivion.
HearosetosavetheCausefromdecayandcorruption,andtoenkindleenthusiasmintothosewhohadbecomefearful,perplexed,andlukewarm.
HethereforefearlesslyanddeterminedlyreassertedtheFaith'sessentialveritiesandsummonedthemtoanenthusiasticespousaloftheirgrievouslyneglectedFaith.
HesentHisappealtotheworld'speoples,invitingthemtolooktothelightofHisRevelation.
WhenthereportofadiscussionamonggovernmentofficialsinConstantinopleregardingwhetherHeandthecompanionsshouldbethrownintothesea,reachedPersia(afterHeleftAdrianople),arumorbeganthatthatactuallyoccurred,perturbingthefriends,particuarlyinKhur'87s'87n.
M'92rz'87Ahmad-i-Azghand'92immediatelyrefusedtocreditsucharumor,declaringtheB'87b'sRevelationtobefalseweresucharumortrue.
ThenewsofHissafearrivalin'Akk'87rejoicedthefriends,deepenedtheKhur'87s'87n'92believersadmirationforM'92rz'87Ahmad'sfaithinHim.
FromtheMostGreatPrison,Hesentletterstoseveralrulersandcrownedheadsoftheworld,summoningthemtoariseandembracetheCause.
HesentaTablettotheSh'87hofPersiathroughBad'92'whoraiseditalofttothemultitude'seyesandappealedtotheSh'87htoheeditswords.
TheotherEpistlesreachedtheirdestination.
HesentaTablettotheEmperorofFrancetellinghimtoadvisethehighpriesttoceaseringingthebellssincetheMostGreatBellismademanifestinHischosenpersonrungbyGod'swill.
Thereplysentbyhisministerisnowin'Abdu'l-Bah'87possession.
OnlytheEpistletotheCzarfailedtoreachhim,thoughitwilleventuallybedeliveredintohishands.
HetoldthemtobethankfultoGodforbeingenabledtorecognizeHisCause.
Thoughhewasunawareofitscharacter,whoeverhasrecognizedHimmusthaveperformedsomedeedordainedbyGodasthemeansbywhichhewasguidedtoit.
Thosedeprivedofsuchrecognitionweredeprivedsolelybytheirownacts.
Heexpressedthehopethattheywoulddotheutmosttobanishsuperstitionandunbelief,withdeedsproclaimingtheirfaithandguidingtheerringtoeternalsalvation.
Hedeclaredthisnight'smemorywouldneverbeforgotten,andwishedthatitneverbeeffacedfromthepassageoftimeandthatitsmentionwouldlingerforeveronmen'slips.
The7thNaw-R'9czaftertheB'87b'sDeclarationwasamonthandahalfaftertheZanj'87nstruggle.
Bah'87'u'll'87hleftthesameyearforKarbil'87.
II.
Nab'92l'smeetingwithM'92rz'87AhmadandBah'87'u'll'87hinKirm'87nsh'87h-587Nab'92lwasstayinginKirm'87nsh'87hwithM'92rz'87Ahmad,theB'87b'samanuensis,whohadbeenorderedbyBah'87'u'll'87htocollectandtranscribetheWritings,theoriginalsofwhichweremostlyinhispossession.
Athisfather'shouse,Nab'92lhadlearnedinZarandofthefateoftheSevenMartyrsofTihr'87n.
HeleftforQum(ostensiblytovisittheshrine).
WhenhedidnotfindM'92rz'87Ahmad,heleftforK'87sh'87n,asH'87j'92M'92rz'87M'9cs'87y-i-Qum'92hadtoldhimonly'Az'92minK'87sh'87nwouldknowwherehewas.
BackinQum,Nab'92lmetSiyyidAbu'l-Q'87sim-i-'Al'87qih-Band-i-Isf'87h'87n'92whohadacccompaniedM'92rz'87AhmadtoKirm'87nsh'87h.
'Az'92mhadhimbringNab'92ltothecitygatetotellhimM'92rz'87Ahmad'slocationandarrangeforhimtogotoHamad'87n.
SiyyidAbu'l-Q'87siminturnreferredNab'92ltoM'92rz'87Muhammad-'Al'92y-i-Tab'92b-i-Zanj'87n'92whowouldbeinHamad'87ntodirecthimtoM'92rz'87Ahmad.
WhenNab'92lmethim,M'92rz'87Muhammad-'Al'92hadhimmeetamerchantGhul'87m-Husayn-i-Shushtar'92inKirm'87nsh'87hwhowouldbringhimtoM'92rz'87Ahmad'sresidence.
M'92rz'87AhmadtoldNab'92lthathehadsucceededinteaching'ealdir'92mM'92rz'87(Kh'87nlarM'92rz'87'sbrotherandthengovernorofKhurram-'e7b'87dinLurist'87nprovince)inQum.
HewishedforNab'92ltobringhimthe"Dal'87'il-i-Sab'ih"("SevenProofs"-oneofHisbest-knownworks).
Heeagerlyresponded.
As'ealdir'92mM'92rz'87wasencampedwithhisarmyintheKh'87vih-V'87lishtarmountains,Nab'92lwentwithaKurdishguidefor6daysandnightsthroughmountainsandforeststoreachhisheadquarters.
Afterthedelivery,hereturnedtoM'92rz'87AhmadwithawrittenappreciationofthegiftandassuranceofhisdevotiontotheCause.
Onreturning,Nab'92llearnedfromM'92rz'87AhmadthatBah'87'u'll'87hhadarrivedinKirm'87nsh'87h.
UsheredintoHispresence,theywereblessedtohearHimreadingtheQur''87n(asitwasRamad'87n).
AfterNab'92lpresentedthelettertoBah'87'u'll'87h,HeremarkedafterreadingitthataQ'87j'87rdynastymember'sprofessedfaithcouldnotbereliedonandthathisdeclarationswereinsincereandactuatedbyhisexpectationthattheB'87b'92swouldonedayassassinatethesovereignandacclaimhimthesuccessor.
ThetruthofHiswordsweremadeknowninafewmonthsas'ealdir'92mM'92rz'87hadorderedaferventbelieverSiyyidBas'92r-i-Hind'92beputtodeath.
III.
ReferencetoSiyyidBas'92r-i-Hind'92-588DuringShaykhSa''92-i-Hind'92's(oneoftheLettersoftheLiving)proclaimingoftheFaith'spreceptsthroughoutIndia(astheB'87bhadchargedhimtodo),hevisitedthetownofMooltanwherehemettheblindandvastlylearnedSiyyidBas'92rwhoimmediatelyperceivedthesignificanceofShaykhSa''92d'smessagewithhisinnereye.
Hislearninghadenabledhimtograspitsmeaningandgreatnessofpowerwhileheseveredhimselffromleadership,friends,andkinsmentoservetheCause.
SiyyidBas'92rhadshownsignsofhisfacultiessincechildhood.
Ashelosthisvisionat7,hebegantogainhisinnervision.
Frominfancyhehadagooddispositionandamiablecharacterinwordanddeed.
Tothisheaddedauniquepietyandsobernessoflife.
At21hesetoutwithgreatpompandstateusinghisgreatwealthinIndiaforpilgrimage,associatingwitheverysectandpartyinPersia(well-acquaintedwiththedoctrinesandtenetsofall),givinglargesumsofmoneytocharity(poor),submittingtomostrigorousreligiousdiscipline.
AshisancestorshadforetoldtheappearanceofaPerfectManinPersiahewascontinuallyinquiringintoit.
HevisitedMecca,andaftertheperformingtherites,wenttotheshrinesofKarbil'87andNajafwherehemetandsincerelybefriendedH'87j'92SiyyidK'87zim.
HereturnedtoIndia,butonreachingBombay,heardoftheB'87b'sappearance,thenimmediatelyturnedback.
HewenttoSh'92r'87zhopingtomeetHimbutonarrivinglearnedofHisbanishmenttoandsolitudein'e7dhirb'87yj'87n.
HewenttoTihr'87n,thentoN'9cr,wherehemetBah'87'u'll'87h,therebyrelievinghissorrowatnotmeetingtheB'87b.
Subsequentlyhewasabletopowerfullyimpartthejoysandblessingshehadreceivedtothoseofwhateverclassorcreedhemet.
ShaykhShah'92d-i-M'87zk'87nrelatedhowhemetSiyyidBas'92rduringhispassageatsummer'sheightthroughQamsar(wheretheleadingK'87sh'87n'92mengotoescapethetown'sheat).
Hewasarguingwithabilityandinsightdayandnightwiththeleading'ulam'87s,expoundingfearlesslyandunreservedlythefundamentalsoftheCauseandrefutingtheirargumentsnomattertheirlearningorexperience.
HisinsightandknowledgeofIsl'87m'steachingsandordinancescausedthemtothinkhimanevilsorcererwhowouldsoonrobthemoftheirposition.
Mull'87Ibr'87h'92m(Mull'87-B'87sh'92,martyredinSult'87n-'e7b'87d)recountedthathehadmetSiyyidBas'92rtowardtheendofSiyyidBas'92rlife'sashepassedthroughSult'87n-'e7b'87d.
Hewascontinuallyassociatedwiththeleading'ulam'87s,surpassingtheirknowledgeoftheQur''87nandtraditionsandstrikingterrorbyhisunderstanding,fluency,andfacilityatusingincontrovertibleproofs.
Whentheyquestionedhisquotations'accuracyortraditions'existence,hereferredtothe'Us'9cl-i-K'87f'92'and'Bih'87ru'l-Anv'87r,instantlybringingoutthetraditionestablishinghiswords'truth.
SiyyidBas'92rleftforLurist'87n,visiting'ealdir'92mM'92rz'87'scamp,beingrespectfullyandconsideratelyreceived.
However,whenhereferredtoMuhammadSh'87hincertaintone,vehemance,andtermsthatarousedhisanger,'ealdir'92mM'92rz'87orderedhistonguetobepulledoutthroughthebackofhisneck.
Thoughhesteadfastlyenduredit,hesuccumbedtothepain.
Thatsameweek,when'ealdir'92mM'92rz'87'sbrotherdiscoveredanabusiveletterwrittenabouthimby'ealdir'92mM'92rz'87(whomhehated),heobtainedtheSh'87h'sconsenttotreathimhoweverhepleased,thenorderedhimtobestripped&conductednakedandinchainstoArdib'92l,wherehewasimprisonedandeventuallydied.
IV.
ReasonforBah'87'u'll'87h'sdepartureforKarbil'87-591AfterBah'87'u'll'87hspenttheentireRamad'87ninKirm'87nsh'87h,HeleftforKarbil'87withonlyShukru'll'87h-i-N'9cr'92(Hiskin)andM'92rz'87Muhammad-i-M'87zindar'87n'92(whohadsurvivedTabars'92).
Nab'92lheardHimsaythatheleftTihr'87nforKarbil'87aftertheAm'92r-Niz'87mhadsummonedHim.
TheAm'92rhadgentlyinsinuatedthatheknewofBah'87'u'll'87h'snatureandinfluenceofsupportandableandskilleddirectionandassistancetoMull'87Husaynandcompanions,enablingthebandofinexperiencedstudentstoresistgovernmentforcesfor7months,excitingtheAm'92r'sadmiration,despitehislackofevidenceatBah'87'u'll'87h'scomplicity.
HeexpressedhispitythatOnesoresourcefulwouldbeidleandnotbeabletoservehiscountryandsovereign,promptinghisintentiontoaskBah'87'u'll'87htogotoKarbil'87andappointHimasAm'92r-D'92v'87nupontheSh'87h'sreturnfromhiscontemplatedjourneytoIsf'87h'87n.
ThoughBah'87'u'll'87hvehementlyprotestedhisaccusationsandrefusedtoacceptthepositionhehopedtoofferHim,HeleftforKarbil'87afewdaysafterthatinterview.
Beforeleaving,HesummonedM'92rz'87AhmadandNab'92l,biddingthemgotoTihr'87nwhereNab'92lwastoimmediatelymeetM'92rz'87Yahy'87&takehimtofortDhu'l-Faq'87rKh'87ninthevicinityofSh'87hr'9cdandstayuntilBah'87'u'll'87hreturnedtothecapital.
M'92rz'87AhmadwastoremaininTihr'87nuntilHearrived,entrustedwithaboxofsweetmeats&letterto'e7q'87y-i-Kal'92mwhowastoforwardthegifttoM'87zindar'87nwhere'Abdu'l-Bah'87&Hismotherwereresiding.
V.
Nab'92l'sdeparturewithM'92rz'87AhmadforTihr'87n-592M'92rz'87Yahy'87refusedtoleave,however,anddirectedNab'92ltoQazv'92n,compellinghimtogowithcertainlettersforhisfriendsthere.
WhenNab'92lreturnedtoTihr'87n,hiskininsistedheleaveforZarand.
M'92rz'87AhmadpromisedandfulfilledhispromisetoarrangeNab'92l'sreturn.
2monthslater,helivedwithhimforthewholewinterinacaravanseraioutsidetheNawgatewhileM'92rz'87Ahmadenthusiasticallytranslatedthe"Dal'87'il-i-Sab'ih".
M'92rz'87AhmadgaveNab'92l1copytogivetoM'92rz'87Siyyid'Al'92y-i-Tafarsh'92(Majdu'l-Ashr'87f)whowascompletelywonovertotheFaithasaresultand1copytoMustawf'92yu'l-Mam'87lik-i-'e7sht'92y'87n'92whounfavorablyspokeofthecontinuedactivitiesoftheFaithinameetingwhere'e7q'87y-i-Kal'92mwaspresent.
Hepubliclydeclaredthat"thissect"wasstillliving,withitsemissarieshardatworkspreadingtheirleader'steachingsincludingayouthwhopresentedhimwithahighlydangeroustreatisewhichwouldbeguileanyofthecommonpeoplebyitstone.
As'e7q'87y-i-Kal'92mimmediatelyunderstoodthatM'92rz'87AhmadhadsenttheBookthroughNab'92l,heaskedNab'92ltovisithimthatday.
HeadvisedhimtoreturntoZarandandaskedhimtoinduceM'92rz'87AhmadtoleaveinstantlyforQumashebelievedbothtobeingreatdanger.
PerM'92rz'87Ahmad'sinstructions,Nab'92linducedthesiyyidtoreturntheofferedBook.
Nab'92lthenaccompaniedM'92rz'87AhmadasfarasSh'87h-'Abdu'l-'Az'92muntiltheypartedfortheirassigneddestinations.
Nab'92lnevermetM'92rz'87Ahmadagain.
VI.
Bah'87'u'll'87h'sactivitiesinKarbil'87-593OnHiswaytoKarbil'87,HestayedafewdaysinBaghd'87d(whereHewassoontovisitagainandwhereHisCausewouldmatureandunfoldtotheworld).
Latesummerof1851HearrivedatKarbil'87.
ShaykhSult'87nandH'87j'92SiyyidJav'87dhadfallenunderSiyyid-i-'Uluvv'sdeadlyevilinfluence,supportinghimastheirleaderandsuperstitiouslybelievinghimtheincarnationoftheDivineSpirit.
ShaykhSul'87nwashisamonghismostferventdisciplesandconsideredhimselfasthenextforemostleaderofhiscountrymen.
Bah'87'u'll'87hthroughHiscounselandloving-kindnesssucceedinginpurginghismindfromidlefanciesandabjectservitude,winninghimtotheB'87b'sCauseandkindledthedesiretopropagatetheFaith.
Whenhisfellow-disciplessawtheeffectsofhisimmediateandmarvelousconversion,theyembracedtheCauseoneafteranother.
Abandonedanddespised,Siyyid-i-'UluvvwasreducedtorecognizingBah'87'u'll'87h'sauthorityandsuperiorposition,expressingrepentenceandpledgingnevertoadvocatethesametheoriesandprincipleshehad.
DuringthisvisittoKarbil'87,Bah'87'u'll'87hmetShaykhHasan-i-Zun'9cz'92walkingthroughthestreetseagerlysearchingthepromisedHusaynreferredtobytheB'87b,towhomHeconfidedthesecretHewouldlaterrevealinBaghd'87d(seenarrationofShaykhHasanbegunonpg.
25inChapter2,specificallymentioningthisencounterwithBah'87'u'll'87honpp.
32-33).
ShaykhHasanbecamemagnetizedbyHischarmandwouldhaveproclaimedthereturnoftheHusayntheywereexpectinghadBah'87'u'll'87hnoturgedhimtoexerciserestraint.
M'92rz'87Muhammad-'Al'92y-i-Tab'92b-i-Zanj'87n'92cametofeelHispower,implantedwithaseedwhichwouldgrowintoanfaithandtenacityunquenchabletopersecution.
Bah'87'u'll'87htestifiedtohishigh-mindednessandsinglenessofpurpose.
Hisfaithledtohiseventualmartyrdom.
M'92rz'87'Abdu'l-Vahh'87b-i-Sh'92r'87z'92(H'87j'92'Abdu'l-Majid'sson)sharedthesamefate.
ThoughBah'87'u'll'87hadvisedhimtobepatientandnotabandonhisworkasashop-ownerinKarbil'87andforsakehispossessionstofollowhisMasteruntilhewouldbesummonedtoTihr'87n,givinghimasumofmoneytoextendhisbusiness'scope,M'92rz'87'Abdu'l-Vahh'87bwasunabletoconcentratehisattentiononhistradeandhastenedtoTihr'87nwhereheremaineduntilthrownintoadungeonwherehisMasterwasconfinedandtheresufferedmartyrdomforHim.
Shaykh'Al'92-M'92rz'87y-i-Sh'92r'87z'92waslikewiseattractedandremainedastaunch,devoted,andselflesssupporterbeyondallpraisetohisdeath.
HerecountedtofriendandstrangeralikehisexperiencesoftheinfluenceBah'87'u'll'87h'spresencehadonhim&enthusiasticallydescribedthesignsandwondershewitnessedduringandafterhisconversion.
SummaryofChapterXXVI.
Nab'92lwasbroughtintoBah'87'u'll'87h'spresencein1889afterhefinisheddescribingtheZanj'87nstruggle.
Over2visits,Nab'92lheardwithafewresidentbelieversandpilgrimsBah釃'u'll'87hpraiseGodthateverythingessentialforthebelieversregardingdutiesanddeedshadbeenrevealedintheBook,callthemtoputtheminaction,andwarnedthemnottobeimmoderatebutrathermaintainserenecountenances,speechandbehavior,despitetheemotions,faith,knowledge,andlovetheymightreceive.
HeindicatedHehadneverconcealedHimselfortheCauseHewastoproclaim,butratherhadreasonedwithscholars(thoughnotinlearnedgarb)anddeterminedlyacceptedanychallenge.
II.
Hestatedthat2regionswouldbestrongholdsoftheCausewereitnotfortheshamefulbehavioroftheB'87b'92s.
HementionedthatthoughHehadintendedtoleaveforTabars'92,GodhadpreservedHimforotherworkasthe'e7mulgovernorhadbeentippedofftoHisdeparture,andcruellysubjectedHimtorideanuncomfortableanimalandhandcuffedthefriendsto'e7mul.
Despitethetumultand'ulam'87sopposition,M'92rz'87Taq'92hadHimreleasedtohishouse.
However,heyieldedto'ulam'87spressureandfailedtodefendHimonoccassion,leadingtheSard'87rwhenhearrivedtorebukehimforbeinginfluencedbysuchignorantpeopleandthatheshouldhavehadhimsafelyreturnedtoTihr'87nafterpreventingHisdeparture.
III.
InS'87r'92whenHeandQudd'9cswalkedthroughthestreets,thenotableswhomHehadbefriendedinTihr'87ninsultedHimwhenthetownspeoplerecognizedthemandbitterlyshouted"B'87b'92!
".
IV.
HewasimprisonedwhenHeassistedthosewhowereundeservedlyseverelypunishedafterMull'87Taq'92y-i-Qazv'92n'92waskilled.
Hewasimprisonedagain,whensomeirresponsiblefollowersattemptedtokilltheSh'87h,thistimemuchmoreseverelyandleadingtoHisbanishmenttoBaghd'87d.
V.
HethenwenttoKurdist'87nmountainscontemplatingalifeofsolitude.
Hewas3daysfromthenearesthabitationandwithoutcomfortsuntilShaykhIsm'87''92lfoundHimandbroughtHimneededfood.
VI.
WhenHereturnedtoBaghd'87d,HewassurprisedtofindtheCauseneglectedandindangerofcorruption.
Hefearlesslyworkedtoreassertitsveritiesandsummonedthefearful,perplexed,andlukewarmtoenthusiasm.
HesentHisappealtotheworld'speoplesinvitingthemtoinvestigateHisCause.
VII.
AfterHeleftAdrianople,arumorstartedthatBah'87'u'll'87handfriendshadbeenthrowninthesea(asConstantinopleofficialshadbeendiscussing),disturbingthefriends,esp.
inKhur'87s釃n,thoughM'92rz'87Ahmad-i-Azghand'92refusedtocredittherumoranddeclaredtheB'87b'sRevelationfalseweretherumortrue.
WhennewsofHisarrivalin'Akk'87rejoicedthefriends,theydeependedtheiradmirationforM'92rz'87Ahmad'sfaith.
VIII.
IntheMostGreatPrison,Bah'87'u'll'87hsentletterstorulersandroyalty,summoningthemtotheCause.
Bad'92'proclaimedHisTablettotheSh'87hbeforethepeopleandappealedhimtoheedit.
HesentaTablettoNapoleontellinghimtohavethehighpriestceaseringingthebells,asGod'sBell(Himself)wasmanifest.
'Abdu'l-Bah'87currentlyhasthereply.
ThoughtheEpistletotheCzardidnotreachhimatfirst,itwastoeventually.
IX.
HetoldthemtobethankfultoGodforenablinghisrecognitionoftheCause.
Hesaidthattheyhadperformedsomedeed,unawareofitscharacter,thatGodhadordainedasthemeanstobeguidedtoHim,andthatthosewhoweredeprived,weredeprivedbytheirownacts.
X.
Heexpressedthehopetheywouldexerttobanishsuperstitionandunbelief,withdeedsproclaimingtheirfaithandguidingotherstosalvation.
Hedeclaredthenight'smemorywouldneverbeforgotten,wisheditwouldneverbeeffacedfromtimeasmenwouldmentionitforever.
Bah'87'u'll'87hleftforKarbil'87theyearoftheZanj'87nstruggle.
XII.
Nab'92lhadbeeninZarand,thenafterlearningoftheSevenMartyrsofTihr'87n,wenttoQumtofindM'92rz'87AhmadthentoK'87sh'87ntofindonewhowassupposedtoknowwherehewas.
InQum,thismantoldSiyyidAbu'l-Q'87simtobringNab'92ltothecitygatesohecoulddisclosehislocationandarrangehisvisit.
SiyyidAbu'l-Q'87simreferredhimtoanotherwhocoulddirecthim.
ThismanhadhimmeetamerchantwhowouldbringhimtoM'92rz'87Ahmad'shouse.
XIII.
M'92rz'87AhmadtoldNab'92lofhissuccessinteaching'ealdir'92mM'92rz'87(thengovernorofKhurram-'e7b'87d).
Nab'92leagerlyrespondedtoM'92rz'87Ahmad'srequestthathebringhimthe"SevenProofs"oftheB'87b.
Nab'92lwentwithaKurdishguidefor6daysandnightsthroughtheKh'87vih-V'87lishtarmountainsandforeststodeliveritto'ealdir'92mM'92rz'87'sandarmy'scamp.
ThoughhesentthroughNab'92lawrittenappreciationandassuranceofhisdevotiontotheCausetoM'92rz'87Ahmad,Nab'92llearnedfromBah'87'u'll'87hWhohadarrivedinKirm'87nsh'87handwasreadingtheQur''87n(itwasRamad'87n)whenhewasbroughtintohispresence,thatQ'87j'87rdynastymembers'professedfaithwereunreliableandthathisdeclarationsweresolelyacutatedbytheexpectationthattheB'87b'92swouldonedayassassinatetheSh'87handmakehimsuccessor.
Afewmonthslater,'ealdir'92mM'92rz'87provedthis,puttingtheferventbelieverSiyyidBas'92r-i-Hind'92todeath.
XIV.
WhenShaykhSa''92-i-Hind'92(oneoftheLettersoftheLiving)proclaimedtheFaiththroughIndia(astheB'87bchargedhim),hemettheblindandvastlylearnedSiyyidBas'92r.
Heimmediatelyperceivedthemessage'smeaningandgreatnessbyhislearning.
Heseveredhimselffromleadership,friends,andkintoservetheCause.
XV.
ThoughSiyyidBas'92rhadlostvisionat7,hebegantodevelophisfaculties,innervision,goodcharacter,piety,andsobernessoflife.
At21heceremoniouslysetoutonpilgrimage,associatingwitheverysectandpartyinPersia(well-acquaintedwithalltheirtenets),givingmuchtocharity(poor),andsubmittingtorigorousreligiousdiscipline.
HecontinuallyinquiredintotheappearanceofaPerfectManinPersiaashisancestorshadforetoldit.
AfterhevisitedMecca,performedtherites,wenttoKarbil'87andNajafshrines,metandbefriendedH'87j'92SiyyidK'87zim,returnedtoIndia,andheardoftheB'87b'sappearanceinBombay,heimmediatelywenttoSh'92r'87zhopingtomeetHim.
WhenhelearnedofHissolitarybanishmentto'e7dhirb'87yj'87n,hewenttoTihr'87nthentoN'9crandmetBah'87'u'll'87h,becomingrelievedthereby.
Hethenpowerfullyimpartedhisjoyandblessingstothoseofanyclassorcreedhemet.
XVI.
ShaykhShah'92d-i-M'87zk'87nrelatedmeetingSiyyidBas'92rasSiyyidBas'92rwentthroughQamsar(astheleadingK'87sh'87n'92mengotheretoescapethetown'sheat).
Hesawhimablyandinsightfullyarguingdayandnightwiththeleading'ulam'87s,regardlessoflearningorexperience,fearlesslyexpoundingthefundamentalsoftheCauseandrefutingtheirarguments.
HisinsightandknowledgeofIsl'87m'steachings&ordinancesmadethemthinkhimanevilsorcererwhowouldsoontaketheirposition.
XVII.
Mull'87Ibr'87h'92m(Mull'87-B'87sh'92,martyredinSult'87n-'e7b'87d)alsorecountedmeetingSiyyidBas'92rwhenSiyyidBas'92rpassedthroughSult'87n-羚b'87dduringhislastdays.
Theretoo,hewasastoundingtheleading'ulam'87swithhisknowledgeoftheQur''87nandtraditionsandhisunderstanding,fluency,andfacilityatusingproofs.
Hereferredtothe'Us'9cl-i-K'87f'92'and'Bih'87ru'l-Anv'87r,instantlybringingoutthetraditionestablishinghiswords'truthwhentheyquestionedhim.
XVIII.
OnthewaytoLurist'87n,SiyyidBas'92rstoppedby'ealdir'92mM'92rz'87'scampwherehewasrespectfullyreceived.
However,whenhereferredtoMuhamm'87dSh'87hinacertaintone,vehemance,andtermsthatangeredhim,'ealdir'92mM'92rz'87orderedhistonguebepulledoutthroughthebackofhisneck.
Hesuccumbedtothepain,thoughhesteadfastlyenduredit.
Thatsameweek,when完ldir'92mM'92rz'87'sbrotherdiscoveredanabusiveletterwrittenabouthimby'ealdir'92mM'92rz'87(whomhehated),heobtainedtheSh'87h'sconsenttotreathimhoweverhepleased,thenorderedhebestripped&conductednakedinchainstoArdib'92l,wherehewasimprisonedandeventuallydied.
XIX.
Bah'87'u'll'87htoldNab'92labouthowtheAm'92r-Niz'87mhadsummonedHimpromptingHisdepartureforKarbil'87.
TheAm'92rhadgentlyinsinuatedthatheknewthatBah'87'u'll'87hhadablysupportedanddirectedMull'87Husayn'sgrouptoresistthegovernmentfor7months.
Despitehisadmiration,hepitiedHimbeingidleandnotservinghiscountryandSh'87h,promptinghimtoaskBah'87'u'll'87htogotoKarbil'87andseektoappointHimAm'92r-D'92v'87nwhentheSh'87hreturnedfromhiscontemplatedvisittoIsf'87h'87n.
XX.
Bah'87'u'll'87hprotestedtheseaccusationsandrefusedtheposition.
Sometimeaftertheinterview,HesummonedM'92rz'87AhmadandNab'92l,biddingthemgotoTihr'87n.
Nab'92lwastomeetM'92rz'87Yahy'87immediatelyandtakehimtofortDhu'l-Faq'87rKh'87nstayinguntilBah'87'u'll'87hreturned.
M'92rz'87AhmadwastoremaininTihr'87nuntilHisarrival,tobringaletterto'e7q'87y-i-Kal'92mentrustinghimtodeliveragiftofsweetmeatsto'Abdu'l-Bah'87andHismotherinM'87zindar'87n.
AfterspendingRamad'87ninKirm'87nsh'87h(afewdayslater),Bah'87'u'll'87hleftforKarbil'87withonlyShukru'll'87h-i-N'9cr'92(Hiskin)andM'92rz'87Muhammad-i-M'87zindar'87n'92(whohadsurvivedTabars'92).
XXI.
Nab'92landM'92rz'87AhmadwenttoTihr'87n.
WhenNab'92ltoldM'92rz'87Yahya,herefusedtoleaveanddirectedNab'92ltoQazv'92ntodeliverlettersforhisfriendsthere.
OnNab'92l'sreturntoTihr'87n,hiskininsistedheleaveforZarand.
M'92rz'87AhmadpromisedandfulfilledhispromisetoarrangeNab'92l'sreturn.
2monthslatertheylivedthewinterinacaravanseraioutsidetheNawgatewhileM'92rz'87Ahmadenthusiasticallytranslatedthe"SevenProofs.
"HegaveNab'92l1copytogivetoM'92rz'87Siyyid'Al'92y-i-Tafarsh'92whowaswontotheFaithasaresultand1copytoMustawf'92yu'l-Mam'87lik-i-'e7sht'92y'87n'92.
'e7q'87y-i-Kal頀mheardthelatternegativelydeclareinpublicthat"thissect"continuedtoexist,asitsadherentscontinuedteachingit,includingayouthpresentinghimwithadangerousandbeguilingtreatisethatthecommonpeoplewouldfallforbyitstone.
UnderstandingthatM'92rz'87AhmadhadsentitthroughNab'92l,heaskedNab'92ltovisithimthatday,advisedhimtogotoZarandandinduceM'92rz'87AhmadtoleaveimmediatelyforQumastheywereindanger.
Beforeleaving,Nab'92linducedthesiyyidtoreturntheofferedBook(perM'92rz釃Ahmad'sinstructions).
Thoughjoininghimforpartofthedistanceoutoftown,Nab'92lnevermetM'92rz'87Ahmadagain.
XXII.
OnHiswaytoKarbil'87inlatesummerof1851,Bah'87'u'll'87hstayedafewdaysinBaghd'87dwhereHewouldsoonvisitagainforHisdeclaration.
H'87j'92SiyyidJav'87dhadbecomeconvincedthatSiyyid-i-'UluvvwastheirleaderastheincarnationoftheDivine,andShaykhSult'87ndidalso,ferventlybelievinghimthenextleaderofthecountry.
Throughcounselandloving-kindnessBah'87'u'll'87hpurgedthelatter'smindandfreedhimfromservitudewinningthemtotheB'87b'sCauseandkindlinghisdesiretoteachit.
Throughthisstunningconversion,theotherdisciplesembracedtheFaithoneafteranother.
EvenSiyyid-i-'UluvvfeltcompelledasaresulttorecognizeBah'87'u'll'87h'sauthority,expressingrepentenceandapledgenevertoadvocatetheteachingshehad.
XXIII.
ItwasduringthisvisitthatBah'87'u'll'87hmetShaykhHasan-i-Zun'9cz'92inthestreetsstrivingtofindtheHusaynreferredtobytheB'87b.
AfterHeacquaintedhim,ShaykhHasanwassomagnetizedthathewouldhaveproclaimedHusayn'sreturnifHehadnoturgedrestraint.
Likewise,M'92rz'87Muhammad-'Al'92y-i-Tab'92b-i-Zanj'87n'92felthispowerandeventuallydevelopedafaiththatwouldnotyieldandledtohismartyrdom.
XXIV.
M'92rz'87'Abdu'l-Vahh'87b-i-Sh'92r'87z'92metBah'87'u'll'87handalthoughHeadvisedhimtobepatient¬leavehisshopandpossessionsuntilhewouldbesummonedtoTihr'87nandHegavehimmoneytoextendhisbusiness,M'92rz'87'Abdu'l-Vahh'87bcouldnotfocusonhisbusinessandwenttoTihr'87nuntilthrownintodungeonwhereBah'87'u'll'87hwasandwasmartyredforHim.
XXV.
Shaykh'Al'92-M'92rz'87y-i-Sh'92r'87z'92becameanattractedthenselflessdevotee,recountingtheinfluenceBah'87'u'll'87h'spresencehadonHimandthewondershewitnessedduringandafterhisconversion.
SummaryofContentsI.
IncidentsrelatedbyBah'87'u'll'87h-582II.
Nab'92l'smeetingwithM'92rz'87AhmadandBah'87'u'll'87hinKirm'87nsh'87h-587III.
ReferencetoSiyyidBas'92r-i-Hind'92-588IV.
ReasonforBah'87'u'll'87h'sdepartureforKarbil'87-591V.
Nab'92l'sdeparturewithM'92rz'87AhmadforTihr'87n-592VI.
Bah'87'u'll'87h'sactivitiesinKarbil'87-593OtherSummariesofthisChapterRegardingaccusationstowardBah'87'u'll'87h(DB591,seealso299-300,602,604),seeGPB70-71;TN31.
RegardingasummaryofBah'87'u'll'87h'slifebeforetheassassinationattemptontheSh'87h(andimpliedfulfillmentoftheB'87b'sprophecies)DB593-594,seealso106-107,112-117,227-228,279,284-286,292-299,348-350,369-374,519-522),seeGPB40,66-70;TN34-37.
Overallof591,593-594:GPB40,66-71;TN31,34-37.
CHAPTERXXVI:ATTEMPTONTHESH'e7H'SLIFE,ANDITSCONSEQUENCESI.
Deathofthe'e7m'92r-Niz'87m-595In1852,Bah'87'u'll'87hwasablyandenthusiasticallyspreadingandconsolidatingthenewFaithin'Ir'87qasHehadduringtheearlydaysofN'9cr&M'87zindar'87n,reviving,organizing,anddirectingitsscatteredsupporters.
GiventhetragedyoftheirLeader'sandcompanions'martyrdoms,Bah'87'u'll'87haloneprovedabletoinspirethemwiththecourageandfortitudetoendurewhattheyhadalreadyandpreparethemtowhattheyweresoonto.
ThespringofthatyearM'92rz'87Taq'92Kh'87n'sveinswereopenedbyRoyalorderinapublicbathintheF'92npalace4milessouthwestofK'87sh'87nonmountainslopeswhereroyaltyhadlongbeendrawntoitssprings(untiltheincidentwhereaftertheresortwasdeserted).
AharemladywassenttothePrincesstellinghertodryhertearsastheSh'87hhadrelentedandtheAm'92rwastoreturntoTihr'87norgotoKarbil'87wherePersiansusuallywentwholostcourtfavor.
Shesaidthatthekhal'atorcoatofhonorwasonthewaytoarriveinanhourortwo,andthatheshouldgotothepathtoreceiveit.
ThoughtheAm'92rhadnotonceleftthePrincess'apartmentorpresenceforsafety,withthegoodnews,heleftforthelasttimetofollowthewoman'sadvice.
Whenhereachedthebath,thefarr'87sh-b'87sh'92andcrewpresentedthemselvesandofferedhischoiceofdeath.
Hewassaidtohavebornhisfatewithpatienceandfortitude.
Hesoonexpired.
HehadfailedtostaytheFaith'sonrushwithhisruthlessatrocitiesdesignedtosaptheCause'svitalitytheB'87bhadraisedandbroughtabouthisowndishonorathisdeath.
HisfirstyearhefuriouslyandeloquentlypleadedfortheexterminationofthemostnobleandinnocentdefendersofTabars'92;hissecondyear,hesoughttoextirpateitinthecapital,orderingtheSevenMartyrsexecution;heunchainedtheoffensiveagainstVah'92d&companionsandinspiredthepersecutors'revengecampaign;thatsameyearsawthemostterribleyet:theendingoftheB'87b'sLife;hislastyearswereassociatedwithHujjatand1800.
ThisreignofterrorPersiahadseldomseen.
HissuccessorM'92rz'87'e7q'87Kh'87n-i-N'9cr'92(I'tim'87du'd-Dawlih(TrustedoftheState)),thegovernment'shead,soughttoreconcilethegovernmentwithBah'87'u'll'87h,WhomheconsideredthemostcapableoftheB'87b'sdisciples,sendingHimawarmletterrequestingHisreturntoTihr'87nandaneagernesstomeetHim.
II.
Bah'87'u'll'87h'sreturntoTihr'87n-598(598)BeforereceivingtheletterBah'87'u'll'87hhadalreadydecidedtoleave'Ir'87qforPersia,arrivingin1852,welcomedbytheGrandVaz'92r'sbrother,Ja'far-Qul'92Kh'87nwhowasspeciallydirectedtoreceiveHim.
HewasthehonoredGuestthereforamonthwiththeVaz'92r'sbrotheractingashostonhisbehalf.
WithallthenotablesanddignitariesflockingtomeetHim,Hewasunabletoreturnhome,remainingthereuntilleavingforShim'92r'87n(villagesandmansionsonthelowerslopesdescendingfromElburzwherethewealthierofTihr'87nresideinthesummer).
III.
Bah'87'u'll'87h'smeetingwith'Az'92m-599'e7q'87y-i-Kal'92mtoldNab'92lthatBah'87'u'll'87hmet'Az'92mthatjourney.
HehadbeenseekingHispresenceforalongtime.
Bah'87'u'll'87hemphaticallyadvisedhimtoabandonhisplanasHecondemnedhisdesigns,dissociatedHimselffromhisintendedact,andwarnedthatsuchanattemptwouldprecipitateunprecedenteddisasters.
IV.
AttemptontheSh'87h'slife-599Bah'87'u'll'87hwenttoLav'87s'87n,stayingintheAfchihvillage,ontheGrandVaz'92r'spropertywithJa'far-Qul'92Kh'87nstillasHishost,whenthenewsofanassassinationattemptonN'87siri'd-D'92nSh'87hreachedHim.
InAugust15,1852,2obscure&irresponsibleyoungmen,S'87diq-i-Tabr'92z'92(anassistantinaconfectioner'sshopinTihr'87n)(whohadbecomeaffectedwiththeutmostdevotiontotheB'87b,dayandnightservingHim,losthisthoughtandreason,&unawareoftheautocracyoftheAm'92r-Niz'87maroseagainsttheSh'87h,'Abdu'l-Bah'87,ATraveler'sNarrative,p.
30))andFathu'll'87h-i-Qum'92whomadetheirlivinginTihr'87n,aroseinafrenzyofdespairtoavengetheB'87b'smartyrdomandtheirbrethren'sbloodwhentheSh'87handhisarmyhadcampedinShim'92r'87n.
ThekinghadgoneforhismorninghorsebackridefromhisN'92y'87var'87npalace.
Hisretinueprecededhimthatthedustraisedwouldnotannoyhimasheslowlyfollowedaslightdistancebehindthegreatlords,chiefsandofficersthatfollowedhimeverywhere.
Hisretinueconsistedoftheofficersinchargeoftheroyals'horsescarryinglonglances,groomsleadingthehorseswithembroideredsaddlecloths,andnomadriderswithriflesovertheirshouldersandswordshangingfromtheirsaddles.
HehadjustpassedthesmalldoorofMuhammad-Hasan'sgarden(Sanduq-D'87r(treasureroftheSavings))whenhesaw3men,3gardeners,2ontheleft,1ontherightseemingtowaitforhim.
Notsuspectingdanger,herodeon.
Whenquiteclose,hesawthembowlowcryingtogether"Weareyoursacrifice!
Wemakearequest"asiscustomary.
Insteadofremainingaloof,theyrushedonhimandrepeated"Wemakearequest!
"Surprised,thekingshouted"Rascals,whatdoyouwant"Themanontherighttookhishorse'sbridleandfiredonhim.
The2menontheleftfired.
1oftheshotscutthepearlcollaronthehorse'sneck,anotherpuncturedthroughouttheking'srightarmandback(withalargeleadshotforshootingdeer/largegame).
Themanonrightpulledtheking'sleg,andwouldhaveunsaddledhim,ifthe2onthelefthadn'tlikewisepulledhim.
Thekinghitthemenontheheadwithhisfistswhilethejumpingofthefrightenedhorse,paralyzedtheireffortsanddelayedtheiraggression.
Theretinue,thoughfirstdumbfounded,hurriedtowardtheking.
Asadu'll'87hKh'87n,theheadoftheroyalhorseattendantsandanomadriderkilledthemanontherightwiththeirswords.
Severallordshadmeanwhilethrowntheother2mendownandboundthem.
Dr.
Cloquet,thecourtphysicianhadthekingquicklybroughtintoMuhammad-Hasan'sgardenasnooneknewwhathadreallyhappenedandfearedsomeimminentdanger.
Overanhour,agreattumultoccurredinN'92y'87var'87nwhiletheministersheadedbytheSadr-i-A'zam(M'92rz'87'e7q'87Kh'87n-i-N'9cr'92,theI'tim'87du'd-Dawlih)rushedin.
Bugles,drums,tambourines,&fifescalledthetroopstogether,theghul'87ms(Sh'87h'sattendants)rodeinatfullspeed,andeveryonewasgivingorders,whilenoonesaw,heard,orknewanythingnordidtheyobey.
Intheconfusion,acourierfromTihr'87nsentbythegovernorthere,Ardish'92rM'92rz'87,enquiredintowhathappenedandwhatwastobedone,asrumorshadspreadtherethatthekinghadbeenkilled.
Heorderedhisarmedtroopstopatrolthedesertedstreets&thebazaarsthathadbeendesertedearlierbythemerchants.
Theentirenightbakerieshadbeensurroundedaseveryonesoughttostoreupforseveraldays,foreseeingtrouble.
Atdawnastheagitationgrew,thegovernororderedthetowncitadel'sgatesaswellasthoseofthecityclosed,settheregimentonwarfooting,pointedguns,thoughnotknowingtheenemy.
Hefeverishlydispatchedamessengertoascertainthetruthoftherumorsandtoaskfororders.
Thefactthattheseyouthusedsuchridiculouslyineffectiveshotnoreasonablepersonwouldforsuchapurposeindicatedtheseactswerenotinstigatedbyamanofjudgment.
Bah'87'u'll'87hHimselfmadethisargumentduringHisinterrogation.
Hestatedthatareasonablepersonwouldhaveplanneditorderly&systematically,provingsuchasHedidnotdoit('Abdu'l-Bah'87,ATraveler'sNarrative,p.
31).
LordCurzonhadwrittenthatdespiteitsconflictwiththecivilpowersatitsbeginning,theaccusationsmadeoftheFaithbeingrevolutionary,anarchical,political,orNihilist,wereunfoundedinlightoftheB'87bandsuccessors'writingsandcurrentloyaltyoftheB'87b'92stothegovernment.
Giventhepersecutionandbrutalexerciseofrightsofconquest,hestateditwouldbeunderstandablethatanattitudeofrebellionandexasperationmightdeveloptoincitefanaticstosuchaplan.
However,theB'87b'steachings,thoughnoteveryB'87b'92necessarilypracticedthem,werethetruestandard,andtheyenjoinedacreedofcharityandcommonhumanity:brotherlylove,kindnesstochildren,courtesyandfriendlinesstoevenChristians,freedomfrombigotry,etc.
LordCurzonalsodefendedtheFaithagainstchargesofsocialismandcommunismiftheseweremeanttomeanaforcibleredistributionordefeatofcapitalbylaborasnosuchideasoccurredtotheB'87b'92s.
Theonly'communism'HeenjoinedwasinthesenseoftheNewTestamentandearlyChristianChurch,sharinggoodsincommonamongstthefaithful,almsgiving,andamplecharity.
HeimpliedalsothatthechargesofimmoralitywerederivedfromHisopponents,partlyduetothemuchgreaterfreedomclaimedforwomen,whichtheirmindsassociatedwithshamelessbehavior.
Despitetheactbeingcommittedbywildandfeeble-mindedfanatics,despitetheactbeingfirstcondemnedbyBah'87'u'll'87h,despitetheFaith'sdisclaimingfromthebeginninganyintenttousurpthestate'srights,anddespitetheextremerestraint&cautionofitsadherentsineveryregiontoavoidanyimpressionofdesiringholywarorevenanaggressiveattitude,ledtobarbarouspersecutionsandmassacrescomparabletoM'87zindar'87nandZanj'87n.
TheecclesiasticsbecameindignantatsuchamenacetotheSh'87handhisrealm'sinstitutions.
DespiteHischiefdisciples'orderstotheirbrethrentorefrainfromviolence,obeythegovernment,disclaimanyintentionforholywar,theclergytookadvantageofthecalamitytomisrepresenttheFaith'snatureandpurposeandcallforanimmediateandunprecedentedlyseverepunishmenttoenablewhattheyhadlongawaited:extirpatingthisperceivedthreattotheState.
Ja'far-Qul'92Kh'87ninShim'92r'87nduringtheassassinationattempt,wrotetoBah'87'u'll'87hwiththenews.
HedescribedhowtheenragedSh'87h'smotherdenouncedHimopenlybeforethecourtandpeopleasthe"would-bemurderer"ofherson.
ShealsoattackedM'92rz'87'e7q'87Kh'87nasHisaccomplice.
HeurgedHimtoremainconcealedinthatneighborhooduntilthepopulace'spassionsubsided.
HesentanoldandexperiencedmessengertoAfchihforHisdisposalandreadyaccompanimentwhereverHemightgoforsafety.
However,Bah'87'u'll'87hrefusedtotakethisopportunity,rejectingtheoffer,andridingoutthenextmorningwithcalmconfidencetotheimperialarmy'sheadquartersinN'92y'87var'87ninShim'92r'87ndistrict(thoughallelsehearingthenewshadhidinsomeretreatorfled,includingM'92rz'87Yahy'87whodisguisedasadervishwithkashk'9clinhandwanderedbewilderedinmountainsandplainsontheroadtoRasht-'Abdu'l-Bah'87,ATraveler'sNarrative,p.
31).
ArrivingatZarkandihvillage,theRussianembassyseatclosetoN'92y'87var'87n,Bah'87'u'll'87hwasmetbyM'92rz'87Maj'92d,Hisbrother-in-lawandactingsecretarytotheRussianministerPrinceDolgorouki,whoinvitedhimtostayathishomewhichwasnexttohissuperior's.
TheH'87jibu'd-Dawlih,H'87j'92'Al'92Kh'87n'sattendantsrecognizedHimandpromptlyinformedtheirmaster,whothenbroughtthemattertotheSh'87h'sattention.
HeaswellashisofficerswereamazedattheboldandunexpectedstepofOneaccusedasthechiefinstigatorofhisattemptedassassination.
Hepromptlysentatrustedofficertotheembassy,demandingHebedeliveredintohishands.
TheRussianministerrefusedandrequestedBah'87'u'll'87htogotoM'92rz'87'e7q'87Kh'87n'shome,believingitthemostappropriateplaceunderthecircumstances.
Whenhisrequestwasgranted,theministerformallysenthisdesirethattheutmostcareensuretheirgovernmentTrust'ssafetyandprotection,warninghewouldholdhimresponsibleshouldhefailtodisregardhiswishes.
(Bah'87'u'll'87hstatedthatGodhadassignedtheCzarastationwhichnonebutHecouldcomprehendandthatheshouldbewarelestheacttolosehishighstation.
)ThoughM'92rz'87'e7q'87Kh'87ndidundertaketogivethefullestassurancesrequiredandfullyrespectfullyreceivedHiminhishome,hewastooworriedabouthispositiontoaccordHimthetreatmenthewasexpectedtoextend.
AsBah'87'u'll'87hwasleavingtheZarkandihvillage,theminister'sdaughter,greatlydistraughtoverthedangersfacingHim,wasovercomewithtearsandquestionedherfatherastowhattheuseofauthoritywasifhewaspowerlesstoextendittoareceivedguest.
Theminister,whohadagreataffectionforher,wasmovedbyhertears,hesoughttoassureherthathewoulddoallinhispowertoavertthedangerfacingHim.
TheSh'87h'sordershadspreadthewildestrumors,passions,andagitationamongthepeopleintheneighborhood,itsinfluencespreadingtoTihr'87nandtheCause'senemies.
Securityoflifeandpropertyceasedtoexistinthecapitalasthehighestecclesiasticsandgovernmentofficialscollaboratedtodestroytheircommonfoeof8yearswhichhadcontinuedunsilencedanddisturbedtheland'speace.
Renanin"LesApotres"describedthemassacreasadayperhapswithoutparallelinthehistoryoftheworld.
(ThemartyrdomsinPersiawereestimatedat10,000thoughmanyplacethemat20,000-30,000orhigherandthoughtheywerelargelyatthebeginningoftheFaiththeycontinueuntiltoday.
)E.
G.
BrownehadreceivedamanuscriptcopyofaGermannewspaperreferringtotheseincidentsfromawidowofDr.
Polak,anAustriandoctor,physicianofN'87siri'd-D'92nSh'87hathisreign'sbeginning,andauthorofavaluablebookandtreatisesonPersiaandrelatedmatters.
Itreferstoaletterwrittenin1852byanAustrianofficerintheSh'87h'sservice,CaptainvonGoumoens,whobecamesodisgustedandhorrifiedatthecrueltieshehadtowitness,hesentinhisresignation.
ThenewspaperdescribesthefactthattheattemptmadeduringahuntingpartyoftheSh'87hwaswell-knowntohavebeencommittedbyB'87b'92s.
Itgoesontoquotetheofficerwritingtoafriendbeginningwithadescriptionoftheresultsoftheirtortureoftheconvictedcriminals.
Thoughthetortureinvolvedred-hotpincersandlimb-rendingscrews,theydidnotgivethedesiredcomprehensiveconfessionbutremainedsilent.
(Fathu'll'87hbeforehemoltenleadwaspoureddownhisthroat.
)Hewentontodescribewithhorrorthosewhoseeyesweregougedoutwereforcedtoeatwithoutsaucetheirownamputatedears;otherswhoseteethweretornoutbytheexecutioner'shand;otherswhosebareskullswerecrushedbyhammerblows;andotherswhohaddeepholesdugintheirbreastsandshoulders,withburningwicksinsertedtherein,causingtheilluminationofthebazaar-someofthesebeingdraggedinchainsthroughthebazaarprecededbyamilitarybandwiththewicksburningsodeepastoflickerthefatinthewoundconvulsivelylikeanewly-extinguishedlamp.
TheyoftencontinuedtheirtorturesbyskinningtheB'87b'92s'feetsoles,soakingtheirwoundsinboilingoil,shoeingtheirfootlikeahorsehoof,andcompellingthemtorun.
Withoutcryingoutduetotheirfaith,theirbodycouldn'tendurewhatthesoulhas,fallingdown.
Theexecutionercontinuedthepainbytheswingofthewhip.
Afterseeingahundredfoldtorturesofavictim,thiswasbutthebeginningoftheendastheyhungthescorchedandperforatedbodiesbythevictims'handsandfeettoatree,headdownwards,thateachmighttrytheirmarksmanshiptotheirheart'scontentfromafixedbutnottooclosedistance,riddlingsomecorpsesbynearly150bullets.
Asheconsideredhisowndisbeliefathiswriting,hethoughtabouthisAustrianfriendwhomhethoughtmightdoubthimandaccusehimofexaggerating.
Hewished,however,thathehadnotseenit.
However,byhisdutieshehadtowitnessit.
Uponthetimeofwriting,hestatedheneverlefthishouseinordertoavoidscenesofhorror.
Hesaidthataftertheirdeath,theB'87b'92swerehackedin2andeithernailedtothecitygateorcastouttotheplainasdogandjackalfood,withtheintendedfurtherpunishmentthattheirsouls,astheunburied,wouldnotentertheProphet'sParadise.
Duetotheunequivocalinfamy,hestatedhisintentiontonolongerbeassociatedwiththosecrimes.
(seereviewofp.
611belowforfullerdescriptionoftheseevents)ComtedeGobineaureportedhowtheArdish'92rwasforcedtoactinclosingandguardingthecitygates,andorderingthecloseexaminationofallaskingtoleave.
ThepeoplewereurgedtoclimbthewallsneartheShim'92r'87ngatetoseeS'87diq'smutilatedbodyintheopenfieldacrossthebridge.
TheprincegovernorcalledtogethertheKal'87ntar(prefectofpolice),thecityVaz'92r,theD'87r'9cghih(policejudge),andtheheadsoftheboroughs,orderingthemtoseekandarresteveryonesuspectedtobeaB'87b'92.
Asnoonecouldleavethecity,theywaiteduntilnighttousetrickeryandcunningtoferretthemout.
(Seestoryof'Abb'87sbelowXIV(p.
634-635))ThepoliceforceinTihr'87n(asinallAsiaticcities)waswell-organizedasthisSassanides'legacywascarefullypreservedbytheArabianKh'87lifsasitwasadvantageoustoallgovernments,especiallytheworst,topreservethisinstitution,thoughallowingotherefficientinstitutionstodecay.
Theheadofeveryborough,alwaysintouchwiththeKalant'87r,hadunderhimgenerallywell-likedpolicemen('sar-ghishmihs)whowithoutuniformorbadgeneverlefttheirassignedstreets,werehelpfulatalltimes,and,atnightastheyreclinedunderanystore'sawning,indifferenttorainorsnow,watchedoverprivateproperty,therebyreducingtheftsbyrenderingthemdifficult.
Astheykneweverydwellerandhisways,mind,opinions,acquaintances,andrelationssuchthatwithoutspying,hewouldknowif1asked3friendstodinner,thathewouldknowtheirarrivaltime;whatwasserved,said,anddone;andwhentheyleft.
Therefore,theKad-khud'87semployedthem,warningthemtowatchtheB'87b'92sintheirsectionswhileeveryoneawaitedtheresults.
TheydeemedittheirfirstdutytoseizeBah'87'u'll'87hsincetheB'87bnolongerremained.
TheRussianminister'sprecautionsandwarningdidnotstaythehandagainstHim,andtheGrandVaz'92r,forfearoflosinghispositionwerehetoextendprotectiontoHim,deliveredHimintoHisenemies'hands.
H'87j'92'Al'92Kh'87n,theH'87jibu'd-Dawlih,wasresponsibleforHisincarcerationduetohishastyfolly/demands,thoughtheSh'87h,throughhiskindness,laterorderedadispassionateinvestigation('Abdu'l-Bah'87,ATraveler'sNarrative,p.
31).
V.
Bah'87'u'll'87h'simprisonmentintheS'92y'87h-Ch'87l-607(606)FromShim'92r'87ntoTihr'87n,Bah'87'u'll'87hwasseveraltimesstrippedofHis(607)garmentsandoverwhelmedwithabuseandridicule.
Onfoot,exposedbarefootandbareheadedtothefiercemidsummersunrays,andinchains,HewasforcedtowalkallthewayfromShim'92r'87ntotheS'92y'87h-Ch'87l(BlackPit)dungeon.
HewaspeltedandvilifiedallalongthewaybythecrowdswhomHisenemieshadconvincedthatHewastheSh'87h'sswornenemyandwreckerofhisrealm.
HewasexposedtowordlesslyhorribletreatmentonHisway.
AsHeapproachedthedungeon,anoldanddecrepitwomanemergedfromthecrowdwithastoneinhand,eagertocastitatHisface.
Hereyesglowedwithadeterminationandfanaticismfewwomenheragecould.
Withherentireframeshakingwithrageasshesteppedforwardandraisedherhandtohurlhermissile,sheadjuredthosewhosehandshadovertakenHimbytheSiyyidu'sh-Shuhad'87(Im'87mHusayn)toallowherachancetoflingthestoneinHisface.
HetoldthemtonotsufferherdisappointmentanddenialofwhatsheregardsasameritoriousactinGod'ssight.
(608)OriginallyawaterreservoirforapublicbathofTihr'87n,theundergrounddungeonwaswheretheworstcriminalswereconfined.
(601)Theywereplungedintoafilthy,dark,andfever-strickendungeon,withchainsonHisneckwhichonlynotoriouscriminalswerecondemnedtocarry.
The4monthsofbearingthisburdenleftmarksonHisbodyfortherestofHislife.
(608)Theconditionsoftheprisoncombinedtomakeittheworstplaceapersoncouldbecondemned.
Bah'87'u'll'87h'sfeetwereplacedinstockswhileQar'87-GuharchainswereplacedaroundHisneck,infamousthroughoutPersiafortheirgallingweight.
Bah'87'u'll'87hspokeofthese,instructingtheSonoftheWolfinHisepistletohimtoaskthedirectorandchiefoftheSh'87h'sprison,shouldhesometimehappentovisitthere,toseethe2chains,Qar'87-GuharandSal'87sil.
HesworebytheDay-starofJusticethatHewasweightedwiththemfor4months.
HestatedthequotethatthesorrowofJacobpaledbeforeHissorrowandthathisafflictionswerebutpartofHis.
'Abdu'l-Bah'87describedhowtheheavychainaboutHisneckbywhichHewaschainedto5otherB'87b'92swaslockedtogetherbystrong,veryheavy,boltsandscrewsandHisclothesandheaddressweretorntopiecesforthe4monthsHewasthere.
LordCurzondescribedPersianimprisonmentastherewasnosuchthingthereaslifeimprisonmentortermsofyears,hardlaborwasunknownasasentence,andconfinementforanylengthyperiodwasrare.
Eachnewyear,whenafreshgovernorisappointed,heoftenemptiestheprisonfilledbyhispredecessorwith1or2oftheworstgiventhedeathpenaltytogiveanimpressionofstrength.
Astherewerenofemalewards,womenweredetainedaswellashigh-rankingmalecriminalsinthepriest'shouse.
3kindsofprisonsinTihr'87nweresaidtoexist:undergroundcellsbeneaththeArkwherethoseguiltyofconspiracyorhightreasonarereportedtobeconfined;thetownprisonwherevulgarcriminalsmaybeseenwithironneckcollars,sometimeswithfeetinstocks,thesebeingattachedtogetherbyironchains;andtheprivateguard-house,afrequentfeatureofthegreats'mansions.
ThePersiantheoryofjusticeisreportedtobesharpandrapidinsentenceandpunishment,inamannerroughlyequivalenttotheoriginaloffense,withoutanysenseofreformingtheculprit.
For3daysandnights,Hewasgivennofoodordrinkandrestandsleepwereimpossible.
Theplacewasinfestedwithverminandhadastenchthatcouldcrushthespiritsoftheconfine.
EvenoneofHisexecutionerswatchingHimwasmovedtopity.
WhenhesoughttoinduceHimtotakesometeahehadcoveredandmanagedtobringintothedungeon,Bah'87'u'll'87hrefusedtodrinkit.
ThoughatfirstnoamountofHisfamily'spleadingwiththeguardstobringfoodintoHimworkedtoreducethediscipline'sseverity,theygraduallyyieldedtoHisfriends'persistenturgings.
However,nooneknewwhetherthefoodwouldreachHimorwhetherHewouldconsenttoeatitwithHisdisciplesstarvingbeforeHim.
Hisbrothers,sisters,andkindred'sunrelaxingeffortshadapartinbringingabouthisultimatedeliverance(GodPassesBy,104)(seebelowforotherfactors).
Bah'87'u'll'87hdeclaredthatdespiteHisinnocence,andthatHisinnocencewasindisputablyprovedbeforethetribunals,theyarrestedHim,broughtHimfromN'92y'87var'87n(royalseatresidence)toTihr'87nonfootandinchainswithbarefeetandhead(asabrutalmanonhorsebackhadsnatchedHishatfromHisheadontheway)withmanyexecutionersandfarr'87shesrapidlyhurryingHimalongintotheuniquedungeonwhereHestayedfor4monthsandwhichwasworsethanadarkandnarrowcell.
Enteringtheprisonandconductedalongadismal/pitch-blackcorridor,Hedescended3steepstairstothedark,gloomy,loathsomeandundescribablyputriddungeonwherenearly150thieves,assassins,andhighwayrobberswerekeptwithoutanyotheroutlet.
Mostwerewithoutclothesnormattolieon.
Hesufferedindescribablesufferings.
Hereflectedtheredayandnighthowthenoble,intelligent,andsoulfulB'87b'92scouldbecapableofsuchanattempt.
Hethendeterminedtoarisewiththeutmostendeavortoregeneratethesesoulsafterleavingprison.
Onenight,inadream,theall-gloriouswordwasheardfromalldirectionsthatHewouldbeaidedtotriumphbyHisselfandHispen,badeHimnotgrieveforwhatbefellHimandtohavenofear,assuredHimHewasofthesecureandthatGodwouldsoonsendandrevealtreasures,menwhowouldgiveHimvictorybyHimselfandbyHisnamebywhichGodrevivedtheknowings'hearts.
Dr.
Esslemontwrotethat'Abdu'l-Bah'87toldofhowHeonedaywasallowedtoentertheprison-yardtoseeHisbelovedFatherasHecameoutfordailyexercise.
Hehadbeenterriblyaltered,soillHecouldhardlywalk,Hishairandbeardunkempt,Hisneckgalledandswollenfromtheheavysteelcollar'spressure,andHisbodybentbythechains'weight.
Thissightleftanever-to-be-forgottenimpressiononthesensitiveBoy'smind.
VI.
Fateofwould-bemurderers-609TheyouthS'87diq-i-Tabr'92z'92'sfatewasascruelashumiliating.
SeizedwhilerushingtotheSh'87hhopingtostrikehimwithhissword,theSh'87tir-B'87sh'92withMustawf'92yu'l-Mam'87lik'sattendantsfellonhimandslewhimwithoutascertaininghisidentity.
Thecuthisbodyin2toallaythepopulace'sexcitementandsuspendedthepiecestopublicgazeattheShim'92r'87nandSh'87h-'Abdu'l-'Az'92mgates.
Theyorderedhisbodytiedtoamule'stailanddraggedoverstonestoTihr'87nthatthepopulationcouldseetheconspirators'failure.
MessengersweresentsimultaneouslytoArdish'92rM'92rz'87todictatetohimwhatheshoulddo.
The2othercompanions,Fathu'll'87h-i-Hak'87k-i-Qum'92andH'87j'92Q'87sim-i-Nayr'92z'92hadsucceededininflictingonlyslightwoundsontheSh'87h.
However,Fathu'll'87hwassubjectedtomanytortures,thoughherefusedtospeak,causingthemtobelievehimmute.
Exasperatedbytheirfailure,theypouredmoltenleaddownhisthroat,finallykillinghim.
(613)H'87j'92Q'87sim(notesaysMull'87Fathu'll'87hofQum)whofiredthewoundingshotwaskilledbyincisionsbeingplacedforlitcandles.
ThehouseholdstewardwoundedhimwherehehadtheSh'87h,thentheattendantsstonedhim.
ThecourtnobleskilledShaykh'Abb'87sofTihr'87n.
TheSh'87h'spersonalattendantskilledMuhammad-B'87qir(1ofthe12).
TheSh'87h'smasterofthehorseandservantsofthestablehorseshodMuhammad-Taq'92ofSh'92r'87zthenkilledhim.
ThemastersofceremoniesandothernobleswithdeputiesslewMuhammadofNajaf-'e7b'87dwithhatchetsandmaces.
TheartillerymendugoutMuhammad-'Al'92ofNajaf-'e7b'87d'seyethenblewhimawayfromamortar.
ThesoldiersbayonetedSiyyidHusaynofM'92l'87nandkilledhim.
ThecavalryslewM'92rz'87Rafi'.
Theadjutant-general,generals,andcolonelsslewSiyyidHusayn.
Peoplemarchedbetweenexecutioners,withchildrenandwomenwithdeepincisionswithlitcandles.
Theyweredraggedwithropesandgoadedonwithwhips.
Theyneverthelesstriumphantlysungtheverse"Intruth,wecomefromGodanduntoHimdowereturn"abovethecrowd'sdeepsilenceastheTihr'87n'92swerenotmeanorgreatbelieversinIsl'87m.
Iftheyfell,theywereproddedupwithbayonets,andifthedrippingbloodlosshadlefthimstrength,hewoulddanceandcryouttheversewithevengreaterenthusiasm.
Someofthechildrendiedonthewaywhereupontheexecutionerswouldthrowtheirbodiesundertheirfathers'andsisters'feet,whoproudlywalkedoverthemwithoutasecondthought.
WhenthecortegereachedtheexecutionplaceneartheNewGate,thevictimsweregiventhechoicetorecantandwereintimidatedtodoso.
Oneexecutionerconceivedtheideaandtoldafatherthatunlessheyieldedhewouldcuthis2youngsons'throats(theoldestabout14)onhisbreast.
Coveredwithblood,theirfleshscorched,theylistenedstoicallytothethreats.
Thefatherlaydownandrepliedthathewasreadybuttheelderboyclaimedapriorrighttodie.
However,theexecutionermayhavedeniedhimthatlastcomfort.
Whenthetragedywasfinallyoverandnightfellonthebodies,theheadsweretiedinbundlestothejusticepostsandthedogsofthecityoutskirtscrowdedabout.
ThatdaytheB'87b'92swonalargernumberofsecretfollowersthanmuchexhortationcouldhave.
Thisterrifyingdetachmenthadadeepandlastingimpression.
Menclosetothegovernment,eventhoseofimportantpositionsdescribedtoComtedeGobineautheiradmirationandhighconceptionofthenewreligion'sresources,hopesandmeansofsuccessinsuchawaythat,despiteIsl'87m'singloriousparticipation,onecouldbelievethewitnessestobeallB'87b'92s.
VIII.
ReferencetoH'87j'92Sulaym'87nKh'87n-610(switchedwithVII.
below)H'87j'92Q'87simwassubjectedtoatreatmentsimilartoH'87j'92Sulaym'87nKh'87n,beingstrippedofclothes,candlesthrustintoholesdriveninhisflesh,andbeingparadedbeforetheeyesofayellingandcursingmultitude.
VII.
Reignofterror-610(611)Thoughinnocent,otherB'87b'92swerenotbroughttotrial,questioned,orallowedtopleadandprovetheirinnocenceaswastheirright.
2oftheB'87b'scompanionsweremartyredeachday,oneinTihr'87ntheotherinShim'92r'87n.
Bothweresimilarlyarrested,torturedandhandedovertothevariousclasses,whosemessengerswouldvisitthedungeoneachdayandclaimtheirvictim.
Bringingtheirvictimtohisdeathscene,theyorderedhisattack,whereonmenandwomenclosedinonhim,tearinghisbodytopieces,leavingnotraceofthebody,amazingeventhemostbrutalexecutioners,whothoughaccustomedtohumanslaughter,hadneverdonewhatthosepeoplehad.
6personswhosecrimeswerenotclearlyprovedwerecondemnedtoperpetualimprisonmentwhiletherestweredividedbyM'92rz'87'e7q'87Kh'87n.
M'92rz'87'e7q'87Kh'87n,todistributeresponsibilityandlessenchancesofblood-revenge,assignedseveralcriminalsforexecutiontotheprincipalministers,generals,officers/chiefservantsoftheCourt,lawdoctors,andinfantry,artillery,priestly,townspeople,tradesmen,artisans,andmerchantrepresentatives,exemptingonlyhimself.
TheSh'87hwasentitledtoQis'87s(legalretaliation)andtherighttokillfirstforhiswound.
Tosavethecrown'sdignity,thehouseholdstewardfiredonhisbehalfattheselectedconspiratoruponwhichhisfarr'87shdeputiesfinishedthejob.
ThePrimeMinister'sson(HomeofficeheadandNiz'87mu'l-Mulk)slewone(aMull'87Husayn).
TheSecretaryofStateforForeignAffairs,apious,sillyman,whospenthistimememorizingMuhammad'straditions,morallyandreligiouslyzealously,madethefirstsword-cut(shot)whilelookingawayuponwhichtheUnder-SecretaryofStateandForeignOfficeclerkshewedMull'87Zaynu'l-''e7bid'92nofYazdtopieces.
Theprinceskilledtheimmoral()SiyyidHasanofKhur'87s'87nwithpistol-shots,swords,anddaggers.
Themull'87s,priests,andlearnedslewMull'87Shaykh'Al'92,theauthor().
M'92rz'87'Abdu'l-Vahh'87bofSh'92r'87z(1ofthe12assassins)waskilledbythePrimeMinister'sbrotherandsonsandcutinpiecesbyhisotherrelations.
TheSh'87h'sadmirableFrenchphysician,Dr.
Cloquetwaseveninvitedtoshowhisloyaltyinthismanner.
Pleasantlydecliningsayinghehadkilledtoomanymenprofessionallytopermithimtoincreasethenumber,theSadrbecameexcitedandaskedangrily,remindedthattheseproceedingswerenotonlyrevoltinginthemselvesbutwouldproduceutterhorroranddisgustinEurope,whetherhewishedtheB'87b'92s'vengeancetobeonhimalone.
TheTihr'87nGazettecondemnedtheB'87bandHisdisciplesasirreligious,accursed,unabletoprovetheirFaith'struthinwritingorworldlyargument,anddesiringsovereigntythroughinsurrectionsandpillaging.
ItreportedthatMull'87Shaykh'Al'92ofTursh'92z,stylinghimselfchiefandtheB'87b'sdeputyandtitlinghimselfHigh/ImperialMajesty,hadwonoversomeoftheB'87b'sformerdisciplesandseducedsomeimmoralpeopleasH'87j'92Sulaym'87nKh'87n,thelateYahy'87Kh'87nofTabr'92z'sson,inwhosehousetheyconsultedontheirplannedattemptandwhere12wereselectedtousepistols,daggers,etc.
andproceedtoN'92y'87var'87n.
H'87j'92Sulaym'87nKh'87nwasthesonofYahy'87Kh'87n,anofficerservingN'87yibu's-Saltanih(MuhammadSh'87h'sfather).
HehimselfalsoservedthispositionduringtheearlydaysofMuhammadSh'87h'sreignbutshowedamarkeddisinclinationtorankandofficefromhisearliestyears.
UponacceptingtheB'87b'sCause,hepitiedanddisdainedthepettypursuitsofthepeoplearoundhim.
Inearlyyouth,helongedtoescapethecapital'sturmoilforKarbil'87.
HemetandbecameoneofSiyyidK'87zim'smostardentsupporters,showingsincerepiety,frugality,andloveofseclusion.
WhentheCallfromSh'92r'87zcamethroughMull'87Y'9csuf-i-Ardib'92l'92andMull'87Mihd'92y-i-Khu''92,thoseamonghisbest-knownfriends,Heenthusiasticallyembracedit.
(HewasreportedtohavemettheB'87bduringHispilgrimagetoMeccaandMedina).
IntendingtoheadtoTabars'92uponarrivingatTihr'87n,hearrivedtoolate.
HestayedinTihr'87nwearingthedressadoptedinKarbil'87:smallturban,awhitetunicconcealinghisblack'ab'87.
TheAm'92r-Niz'87m,displeasedwiththese,inducedhimtodiscardthemforamilitaryuniform,kul'87h(lambskinheaddressconsideredtobemoreinaccordancewithhisfather'srankgovernmentemployeesandcivilians).
ThoughtheAm'92rinsistedheacceptagovernmentposition,heobstinatelyrefused.
HespentmostofhistimewiththeB'87b'sdisciples,particularlythosewhosurvivedTabars'92,caringforthemwithatrulysurprisingcareandkindness.
Givenhisandhisfather'sinfluence,theAm'92rwasinducedtorefrainfromanyviolenceagainsthim,chosetoignorehisacts(ofwhichhewasdulyinformed)ratherthanprecipitateconflictwithhimorhisfather.
WhentheSevenMartyrsofTihr'87nweremartyred,nogovernmentofficialorpeopleventuredtodemandhisarrest.
EveninTabr'92zwherehewenttosavetheB'87b'slife,noneoftheinhabitantsdaredtoliftafingeragainsthim.
IX.
Referencetothe'e7m'92r-Niz'87m'srepentance-614(615)SoonafterMull'87Zaynu'l-'Abid'92n-i-Yazd'92'smartyrdom,arumorspreadthatSiyyidHusayn,theB'87b'samanuensis,andT'87hirih,whomthegovernmentintendedtoexecute,weretobereleasedandthatfurtherpersecutionwastobedefinitelyabandoned.
ItwasreportedfarandwidethattheAm'92r-Niz'87m,asheperceivedhisdeathapproaching,hadbeenseizedwithfear,recallingtheB'87b'svisionWhomhehadcausedtobemartyred,andnowregrettinghispartasafearfulmistakeatnotrestrainingtheviolenceofthosepressinghimtoshedHisandHiscompanions'blood,astheState'sinterestsrequiredit.
Hissuccessor,M'92rz'87'e7q'87Kh'87nwaslikewiseinclinedtomakealastingreconciliationwiththeB'87b'92sduringhisearlyadministrationuntiltheattemptontheSh'87h'slifeoccurred.
X.
IncidentrelatedbytheMostGreatBranch-616Nab'92lheard'Abdu'l-Bah'87,then8yearsold,recounthowHehadsoughttoleaveHisthenresidenceofHisuncle's(M'92rz'87Ism'87''92l)housetocrossthestreettothemarketwhenboysHisagecrowdedaroundHimcrying"B'87b'92!
B'87b'92!
".
Hedeliberatelyignoredtheirclamorandquietlyandstealthilywenthome.
OnedaywhenwalkingalonethroughthemarkettoHisuncle'shouse,HesawbehindHimabandoflittleruffianssprintingtoovertakeHim,peltingHimwithstonesandmenacinglyshouting"B'87b'92!
B'87b'92!
".
Asintimidationwastheonlyapparentwaytoavertdanger,Heturnedbackanddeterminedlyrushedtowardthemthattheyfledindistressandvanished,whileHecouldheartheirdistantcrythatthelittleB'87b'92waspursuingthemandwouldsurelyovertakethemandkillthemall.
OnHiswayhome,amanshoutedatthetopofhisvoicecongratulatingHimasafearlesschildasnooneHisagecouldhavewithstoodtheirattack.
Theboys'neverutteredanythingoffensiveorharassedHimagain.
H'87j'92Sulaym'87nKh'87nwasoneofthoseseizedandthrowninprison.
'e7q'87y-i-Kal'92msharedthefollowingwithNab'92l(ashehadsharedinthesufferingtheninTihr'87n&waswithM'92rz'87'Abdu'l-Maj'92dandmanynotablesanddignitariesofthecapital,includingH'87j'92Mull'87Mahm'9cd(Niz'87mu'l-'Ulam'87)onthedayofH'87j'92Sulaym'87nKh'87n'smartyrdom).
WhenH'87j'92Mull'87Mahm'9cdrequestedtheKalantartodescribeH'87j'92Sulaym'87nKh'87n'sdeath,theKalantarmotionedhisfingertoM'92rz'87Taq'92,thekad-khud'87,sayinghehadconductedhimfromneartheimperialpalacetotheexecutionplaceoutsidetheNawgate.
M'92rz'87Taq'92thenwasrequestedtorelatewhathehadwitnessed.
M'92rz'87Taq'92describedhowtheH'87jibu'd-Dawlih(H'87j'92'Al'92Kh'87n)hadbeencommandedbytheSh'87htoinquireintotheaccused'scomplicity,andifassuredofhisinnocence,toinducehimtorecant.
Ifhedid,hewastoliveandbedetainedpendingthecase'sfinalsettlement.
Ifnot,hewastobeputtodeathashechose.
WhenH'87j'92'Al'92Kh'87n'sinvestigationsledhimtobeconvincedofhisinnocence,andhesoughttoinducehimtorecant,theaccusedjoyouslyexclaimedthathewouldneverbewillingtorecanthisfaithinhisBelovedandthattheworldtheIm'87m'Al'92likenedtocarrionwouldneverallurehimfromhisheart'sDesire.
HesaidthattheKinghadtherighttodemandloyaltyanduprightnessfromhisservantsbutnotmeddlewiththeirreligiousconvictions.
Hisboldnessthenledthemtomartyrhimasanexampletoothers.
XI.
H'87j'92Sulaym'87nKh'87n'smartyrdom-618(SamedayandmannerasH'87j'92Qasim,companioninassassinationattemptontheSh'87h)(617)Upondescribingthemannerofhismartyrdom,heaskedtobeparadedsuch(618)thatthemultitudewouldwitnesshisgloriousmartyrdom,andthatthememoryofhisdeathwouldbeimprintedintheirheartsandhelpthemrecognizetheLightheembraced.
Whenhewastoreachthegallows'footandutterhislastprayeronearth,heaskedforhisbodytobecutin2withhislimbssuspendedoneithersideoftheNawgateofTihr'87n,thatthepassingmultitudewouldwitnessthelovetheB'87b'sFaithhadkindledinHisdisciplesandtheproofsoftheirdevotion.
HiswisheswerecarriedoutasordersweregiventoM'92rz'87Taq'92andhisassistantstobuy9candles,thrustthemintodeepholesinhisflesh,lighteachone,andbringhimtothemarketwithdrumsandtrumpets(andminstrels)tohisexecutionsiteandcuthimin2(withahatchet)anddisplayhimasherequested.
Astheyhandedthevictimthecandlestheypurchasedandpreparedtothrustknivesintohisbreast,hestretchedhisarmtotaketheknife,requestingthathebeallowedtomaketheholesandlightthecandles.
Fearinganattack,M'92rz'87Taq'92orderedhismentiethevictim'shandsbehindhisback.
Thevictimthenpleadedtopointoutwithhisfingerswherehewishedthemtoputthedaggerashisonlyotherrequest.
Heaskedthemtopierce2holesinhisbreast,2inhisshoulders,1inhisnecknape,and4othersinhisback.
Heenduredthiswithstoiccalm.
Steadfastnessinhiseyes,hemaintainedamysterious,sereneandunbrokensilence,despitethemultitude'showlingandthesightofbloodoverhisbody,untilall9werelit.
Whenthemarchwascomplete,hestooderectasanarrowwithunflinchingfortitudeandsteppedtoleadtheconcoursepressingaroundhimtohismartyrdomsite.
Everyfewstepsheinterruptedthemarch,gazedatthebewildered,shoutedthatnogreaterpompcouldaccompanyhisprogresstowinmartyrdom,glorifiedtheB'87bforkindlingsuchdevotioninHislovers'breastsandforgivingthempowerofkings.
Intoxicatedbyhisferviddevotion,heexclaimedthatwhileAbrahamhad,inHisprayerforHissoul'srefreshmentamidstHisagony,heardtheUnseencallthefiretobecoldforAbraham'ssafety,hewishedthatHisfireburnunceasinglywithinandconsumehisbeing.
Seeingthewaxflicker,hedelightedlywishedfortheB'87btowitnessHisstateandcriedtothethrongforthemnottothinkhewasintoxicatedwithearthlywinebutrathertheloveofHisBelovedwhichendowedhimwithasovereigntykingsmightenvy.
Hecontinuallyexclaimedjoyatbeingchosentobeworthytobemartyred,andsangandrecitedpoetryverses.
Theseexclamationswerebutafewofthosewhichhadaneffectonthemultitudewhichwas,ashisexpression,indescribable.
Inthebazaar,abreezeexcitedthecandleflames,meltingrapidlythatthosefollowingafewstepsbehindhimcouldhearthesizzlingofflesh.
Thisonlyincreasedhisenthusiasm,ashecalledtotheflamesthattheyhadlonglosttheirstingandpowertopainhim,andtoldthemtohurryashecouldhearfromtheirtonguesavoicecallinghimtohisBeloved.
Hewalkedasaconquerormarchingtothesceneofvictory.
Wheneverthecandlesfell,hepickeditupwithhisownhands,lititwithanothercandle,andreplacedit.
Theexecutionersseeinghimexultingso,askedhimwhyhedidnotdanceifsoeagerformartyrdom.
Heleaptandsungversesabouthowmendancewhentheyarefreefromevilandself.
Hemockedtheexecutionersaskingthemwhytheydidnotdancesincetheyfounddeathsopleasant.
Hecried"Dance!
"tothemandstatedhowthisdancewashisdesire.
Atthegallows'foot,hemadealastappealtothem,askingthemwhetherhehadnotrecentlyenjoyedalltherichesoftheworld,andaskedwhatcouldhavecausedhimtorenounceallthisforgreatsuffering.
ProstratingtowardtheIm'87m-Z'87dihHasan'sshrine,heutteredsomewordsinArabic.
Hetoldtheexecutionerhisworkwasnowfinishedandthatheshouldcomeanddohis.
Withouthesitation,hestretchedouthisfeetandrecitedversesthatone'sbodyseemsworthlessanddetestablewhileweaponsseemlikeflowersatone'sdeath.
Stillalivewhencutin2,hepraisedhisBeloveduntilhislastmomentoflife.
Thelistenerstothisstorywerestirredtotheirsouls'depths,includingtheNiz'87mu'l-'Ulam'87,whoafterlisteningintently,wrunghishandsinhorroranddespair,exclaiminghowverystrangethisCausewas,thenleftwithoutafurtherword.
LordCurzontestifiedtotheunquestionedandsublimedevotionandself-sacrificingheroisminculcatedbythenewFaith,indicatingtheircreed'simportance.
Thoughignorantandunletteredasmanywere,theywerereadytodiefortheirreligion,withacourageamidstthethreatofmorerefinedtorture,thanthatcommittedbythefiresofSmithfield.
OnlyoneB'87b'92hadbeenreportedtohaverecantedunderpressureormenaceofsuffering,andherevertedtotheFaithandwasexecutedin2years.
TheseincidentsprovePersianotyetbequiteredeemedasthetall-talkersofIraniancivilizationwouldhaveit.
ThisviolentstormaffectingthecapitalengulfedT'87hirihofH'87j'92Mull'87S'87lih-i-Baraq'87n'92'shighlyreputedfamilywithmembersinenviablepositionsinthePersianecclesiasticalhierarchy.
ShehadthenamesakeoftheillustriousF'87timih,designatedasZarr'92n-T'87j(CrownofGold)andZak'92yyih(Virtuous)byfamily&kindred,borninthesameyearasBah'87'u'll'87h,andrecognizedasaprodigyinintelligenceandbeautyfromchildhoodbyherfellow-townsmen,esteemedhighlybyeventhemosthaughtyandlearned'ulam'87sofhercountryforherbrilliantandnovelviews,knownas'Qurrat-i-'Ayn'92(solaceofmyeyes)byheradmiringteacher,SiyyidK'87zim,T'87hirih(thePureOne)bythe"TongueofPowerandGlory,"theonlywomanoftheLettersoftheLiving.
Nab'92lobtainedhisinformationforthefollowingstoryfromtrustworthyinformants.
ShewasaffectionatelytreatedinTihr'87nandheldinhighesteembytheleadingwomenthere.
ItwaseventhehighmarkofherpopularityNumerousmenandwomencametovisither.
Thewomenadmirersthrongingtoherdoorsdesiredherpresenceandbenefitofherknowledge.
Whileshewasprisonerinthehouse,asonofthefamilywasmarried.
Theprominentmen'swiveswereinvited,butthoughthehosthadspentalotforthecustomaryentertainment,thewomenloudlydemandedforQurratu'l-'Ayntobebroughtbeforethem.
Theladies,forgetfulofthesweetstheyweresofondof,onlywishedtoseeher.
Thoughshehadhardlyappearedandbeguntospeak,themusiciansanddancersweredismissed.
WhileinQazv'92n,theplacepridingitselfofhavingatleast100ofthehighestecclesiasticalleadersofIsl'87m,shehadconsolidatednewlywonvictorieswithherfearlessness,skill,enthusiasmandorganization.
ShearousedthewomenbyshowingthemtheabjectroletheSh'92'ah'ulam'87shadassignedtothemandwonthemtothenewFaithbyshowingthemthefreedomandrespectitwouldbestow.
Manydomesticdisputesfollowed,notalwaystothehusband'sadvantageandcredit.
HadM'92rz'87'e7q'87Kh'87nnotbeenappointedSadr-i-A'zam,thesediscussionsmighthavecontinued.
HeorderedH'87j'92Mull'87MuhammadAndirm'87n'92andH'87j'92Mull'87'Al'92Kin'92tocallonhertolookintoherbelief.
Theyheld7conferences,whereshepassionatelyarguedandaffirmedthattheB'87bwasthepromisedandexpectedIm'87m.
WhenheradversariescalledherattentiontothefactthattheIm'87mwastocomefromJ'87bulq'87andJ'87buls'87,shepassionatelyretortedthattheseprophecieswerefalselyforgedbytraditionalists,thatthese2citiesneverexisted,andcouldonlybethesuperstitionsofdiseasedbrains.
Thoughsheexpoundedthenewdoctrineanditstruth,shealwaysencounteredthesameargument.
Exasperated,shefinallytoldthemthattheirreasoningwaslikethatofanignorantandstupidchild,askingthemwhentheywouldlifttheireyestotheSunofTruth.
H'87j'92Mull'87'Al'92roseupandledhisfriendaway,askinghimwhytheyshouldprolongtheirdiscussionwithaninfidel.
Theyreturnedhome,wrotethesentence,establishingherapostasyandrefusaltorecant,andcondemninghertodeathinthenameoftheQur''87n.
TheKal'87ntar's(Mahm'9cdKh'87n-i-Kal'87ntar,inwhosecustodyshewas)wife,especially,showedherreverence,enthusiastichospitality,&neverfailedtohelpdeepenasshecouldT'87hirih'sinfluence.
TheKal'87ntar'swife'sintimateacquaintancesrelatedhowshehadtoldthemthatT'87hirihsummonedheronenight,adornedandwearingasnow-whitesilkgown,herroomredolentwithchoicestperfume.
Expressinghersurprise,T'87hirihmentionedthatshewaspreparingtomeetherBelovedandwishedtofreeherfromthecaresofherimprisonment.
Greatlystartledatfirst,sheweptatthethoughtofseparation.
Shetoldhernottoweep,thatthetimeoflamentationhadnotyetcome,butthatasherarrestandmartyrdomwasquicklyapproaching,shewishedtotellherherlastwishesthattheKal'87ntar'swife'ssontakeT'87hirihtoherdeathsiteandensurethattheguardstonotdivestherofthatattire.
Shealsowishedtobethrownintoapitwhichwouldbefilledwithearthandstones.
Shesaidthatawomanwouldcome3daysafterherdeathtotakethepackageshenowgaveher.
HerlastrequestwasthatshenotallowanyonetoenterherroomanddisturbherdevotionsandfastinguntilthedaysheleavestomeetherBeloved.
Shehadherlocktheroom'sdoor,badehernotopenituntilthetimeofdeparture,andurgedhertokeepsecretthenewsofherdeathuntiltheenemydisclosedit.
Onlyagreatloveforherallowedhertoobeyanddepriveherselfofevenamomentofherpresence.
Shelockedthedoorandwenttoherowninuncontrollablesorrow,lyingsleeplessanddisconsolateonherbedthinkingofherapproachingmartyrdom.
SheprayedtoGodtochangeherdesireifitwereHiswill.
SheseveraltimesthatnightwenttoT'87hirih'sdoor,stoodsilentlythere,eagertohearanythingshesaid,wasenchantedbyhervoice'smelodyofpraisetoherBelovedthatshecouldhardlystandonherfeetatheragitation.
4hoursaftersunset,sheheardaknockatthedoor,andhastenedtotellhersonT'87hirih'swishes.
Hepledgedtofulfilleveryinstructiongivenhismother.
Asherhusbandwasabsentthatnight,hersonopenedthedoorandtoldherthat'Az'92zKh'87n-i-Sard'87r'sattendantswerestandingatthegatedemandingT'87hirih'sdelivery.
Struckwithterror,theKal'87ntar'swifetotteredtoherdoor,unlockeditwithtremblinghands,andfoundherveiled,pacing,chantingalitanyofgriefandtriumph,andpreparingtoleave.
Whenshesawher,sheapproachedandkissedher.
Sheplacedachestkeyinherhand,toldherthatshehadleftafewtrivialthingsasaremembranceofherstayforher,andhopedthatwhensheopenedthechestthatshewouldrememberherandrejoiceinhergladness.
T'87hirihthenbadeherfarewellandleftaccompaniedbyherson.
Shefeltdeepanguishasshevanishedfromsight.
ShemountedthesteedtheSard'87rhadsentforher,and,escortedbyhersonandanumberofattendantsmarchingoneachside,rodeouttothegardensiteofhermartyrdom.
TheauthoritieshadfirstcometoShamsu'd-Duh'87'shome,anotherprominentB'87b'92woman,andabusedheruntilT'87hirihhadsentamessagetothegovernor,informinghimthatshewasathisdisposalandtoldhimnottoharmanyother.
See'Abdu'l-Bah'87,MemorialsoftheFaithful,formoreonthisB'87b'92heroine'slifeaswellasonT'87hirih'slife.
3hourslater,hersonreturned,hisfacedrenchedwithtears,invokingevilontheSard'87randhislieutenants.
Seatinghimandtryingtocalmhim,sheaskedhimtorelateasfullyaspossibleherdeath.
Hesobbedtoherthathecouldbarelydescribewhathesaw.
Theywentoutsidethecitygatetothe'ealkh'87n'92garden,avastsquare(whichhaddisappearedsince1893butthenextendedtothespotofhermartyrdom)acrossfromtheEnglishLegationandTurkishEmbassywhere5or6treesstoodtowardthecentermarkingthesiteofhermartyrdom.
(In1898thesquarehadentirelydisappeared,coveredbymodernbuildings,withthefateofthetreesplantedbypioushandsunknownwhethertheyhadbeensaved.
)Hefound,tohishorror,theSard'87randlieutenantsflushedwithwineandroaringwithlaughter.
T'87hirihdismounted,calledhimtoher,askedhimtoactasanintermediarywiththeSard'87r,whomshedidnotwishtoaddressamidsthisrevelry,andtoldhimthattheyapparentlywishedtostrangleherandthatshesetlongagoasideasilkenkerchiefshehopedtheywoulduseforthatpurpose.
Shegaveittohimthathewouldinducetheimmoraldrunkardtouseittokillher.
Wretchedlyintoxicated,theSard'87rshoutedforhimnottointerrupttheirhappyfestival,andcallingfor"thatmiserablewretch"tobestrangledandthrownintoapit.
XII.
T'87hirih'smartyrdom-626Surprisedatsuchanorder,andbelievingitunnecessarytomakeanyrequest,hewentto2ofhisattendantsheknewandgavethemthekerchief,grantingherrequest.
Thekerchiefwaswoundroundherneckastheinstrumentofhermartyrdom.
Agardenerheasked,toldhimtohisgreatdelightthathecouldconcealthebodyinarecentlydug,abandoned,andunfinishedwell.
Withafewothers'help,heloweredherintohergrave,filledthewellwithearthandstonesasshehadwished.
Thosewhosawherinherlastmomentsweredeeplyaffected,mourningwithdowncasteyesandraptinsilence,astheylefther.
TheKal'87ntar'swifeweptatthistalethatshefellprostrateandunconscious.
Shewoketofindhersoninnolesssevereaposition,lyingonthecouch,passionatelyanddevotedlyweeping.
Beholdingherplight,hewenttocomforther,statingthathertearswouldbetrayhertohisfatherandthatconsiderationsofrankandpositionwillinducehimtoforsakethem,severanytiestohome,accusethembeforeN'87siri'd-D'92nSh'87hasfallingunderthehatefulenemy'scharm,obtainhisconsentfortheirdeath,andwouldprobablykillthemwithhisownhands.
Heaskedwhytheyshouldallowthemselvestosuffersuchafate,astheyneverembracedtheCause,andthattheironlydutywastodefendherfromthosewhodenounceherchastityandhonorandthattheyshouldalwayscherishherloveintheirheartsandmaintainherintegrityamidstaslanderousenemy.
Hiswordscalmedher,andshewenttothechestandopeneditwiththekeyshehadgivenher,findingasmallvialofchoicestperfume,arosary,coralnecklace,and3ringsmountedwithturquoise,cornelian,andrubystones.
Gazingonthem,sheponderedhereventfullife,recallingwithwonder,hercourage,zeal,duty,devotion,andliteraryattainments;broodingovertheimprisonmentsandshameshefacedwithafortitudenowomanoftheirlandcould;picturingherfacenowburiedunderearthandstones;beingwarmedbythememoryofherpassionateeloquence,repeatingthewordssheoftenspoke;becomingdisconcertedatthesuddennessbywhichanawarenessofhervastknowledgeandmasteryofIsl'87m'ssacredScripturesenteredhermind;contemplatingwhatcouldhaveinducedsuchagreatwomantoforsaketherichesandhonorsshewassurroundedwithtoidentifywiththeCauseofanobscureSh'92r'87z'92Youth,remainpassionatelyloyaltoit,ferventlypleaditscause,renderitservices,endurewoesforitssake,exemplifyitforitsfollowers,advanceitandcarveanameforherselfinhercountrymen'shearts;wonderingwhatsecretcouldhavetornherawayfromhomeandkindredthathadsustainedherthroughherstormycareer&broughthertohergrave;andwonderingwhethertheforcecouldbeofGod,guidingherdestinyandsteeringherlife'scourseamidstperils.
The3rddayafterhermartyrdom,thepromisedwomanarrived(whomshedidnotknow),andasitwasthesamenameT'87hirihhadtoldheritwouldbe,shedeliveredthepackagetoherandnevermetheragain.
T'87hirih'snamewasF'87timih,anameherfatherhadgivenher.
ShewassurnamedUmm-i-SalmihanddesignatedZak'92yyihbyherfamily.
ShewasbornthesameyearasBah'87'u'll'87h(1817-1818),andwas36whenshewasmartyredinTihr'87n.
Nab'92lhopedfuturegenerationswouldpresentaworthyaccountofthelifehercontemporarieshadfailedtoadequatelyrecognize,perceiveherfullinfluence,recordheruniqueservicestoherlandandpeople,followherexample,recountherdeeds,collectherwritings,unfoldthesecretofhertalents,andpermanentlyestablishhermemoryandaffectioninpeoples'hearts.
LordCurzondescribedherthrowingofftheveilandteachingfarandwideasoneofthemostaffectingepisodesinmodernhistory.
ValentineChirolstatesthatnomemoryismoredeeplyveneratedorkindlesgreaterenthusiasmthanhers,asherinfluencestillaffectsthoseofhergender.
E.
G.
BrownedescribesherappearanceasrareinanycountryletalonePersiawithherintelligence,eloquence,fearlessdevotion,andgloriousmartyrdom,andthatshewasasufficientclaimtogreatnesshadtheB'87b'92religionnoneother.
SirFrancisYounghusbanddescribedherasalmostthemostremarkablefigureinthewholemovement.
Describingherasbeingknownforhervirtue,piety,andlearning,hetoldhowshebecamesodevotedafterreadingsomeoftheB'87b'sversesandexhortations,thatshegaveupwealth,child,name,andpositiontoserveHim.
HedeclaredherversestobeamongthemoststirringinthePersianlanguage.
Dr.
T.
K.
Cheynedescribedherashavingfieryenthusiasm,eloquentspeech,andabsoluteunworldliness;asregardingtheworld,asdidQudd'9cs,ahandfulofdust;andasbeingexperiencedintheintricatemeasuresofPersianpoetry,alludingtotheDivine/humancharacterofOnecalledLordWhoseclaimswhenfinallyadducedwouldbegenerallyrecognized,surelyreferringtoBah'87'u'll'87h.
HewentontodescribehereffectsleftinIsl'87miclands.
Dr.
T.
K.
Cheynedescribeshowsuffrageideashadquietlybeenspreadingthroughharemsthoughthemenandeveryonewereignorantofituntilthefloodgateopened.
Suffrageclubshadbeenorganized,intelligentmemorialsincorporatingwomen'sdemandsweredraftedandcirculated,women'sjournalsandmagazineswithexcellentarticleshadsprangup,andpublicmeetingswereheld.
Oneday400oftheseclubmemberscasttheirveilsoff.
Thefossilizedsocietyclasswereshocked,goodMuslimswerealarmed,andthegovernmentmovedtoaction.
ThemenofConstantinopleresortedtodrasticmeasures,deporting40oftheseTurkishsuffragettesfromConstantinopletotheprisonwhereBah'87'u'll'87hwasin'Akk'87,therestbeingdividedintoothergroups.
Everyonewastalkingaboutit,andmanywereinfavorofremovingtheveils,includingmenwhothoughtthecustomarchaicandthought-stifling.
Theauthoritiesonlyaddedtotheflameoflibertybytheiractionandcreatedgreaterpublicopinionandunderstanding.
ComtedeGobineaudescribedherasoneofthemoststrikinglyfascinatingmanifestationsofthatreligionandtheobjectoftheB'87b'92shighestveneration.
Thosewhoknewandheardheratdifferenttimes,statedshehadanamazingsimplicityinherdiscourse,andstirredheraudiencetoadmirationandtears,despiteherbeingsolearnedandwell-read.
ThoughtheMuslimsandB'87b'92sreferredinhighesttermstoherbeauty,ComtedeGobineaustatedthatherintelligenceandcharacterwereevenmoreremarkablethanwasrelated.
Havingheard,almostdaily,andtakeninterestinlearnedconversations,perfectlyabletofollowherfather's,uncle's,cousin's,andnowhusband'ssubtlearguments,andevendebatewiththem,oftensurprisingthemwithherpowerfulandkeenmind.
Thoughafewwomenwouldinfrequentlybeseenengagedinintellectualpursuits,oneofT'87hirih'sability,greatperfectioninArabic,outstandinginknowledgeoftraditionsandthevariedinterpretationsoftheQur''87n'sandothergreatwriters'disputedpassageswasextraordinary.
AplaywrightSarahBernhardthadaskedtowriteadramatizedversionofherlifedescribedherasthePersianJoanofArcandleaderofwomen'semancipationintheOrient.
ThegreatauthorandpoetofTurkey,Sulaym'87nN'87zimBey,describedherasworth1000N'87siri'd-D'92nSh'87hs.
Mrs.
MariannaHainisch(amotherofaPresidentofAustria)describedherasthegreatestidealofwomanhood,andthatshewouldtrytodoforthewomenofAustriawhatshehaddoneforthewomenofPersia.
SiyyidHusayn-i-Yazd'92,theB'87b'samanuensisinM'87h-K'9candChihr'92q,wassoknowledgeableabouttheFaith'steachings,thattheB'87binaTablettoM'92rz'87Yahy'87urgedhimtoseekanythingabouttheWritingsfromhim.
HewasamanofstandingandexperienceinwhomtheB'87bheldhisconfidence.
ThoughhesufferedalongconfinementintheundergrounddungeonofTihr'87nandledtohismartyrdom,Bah'87'u'll'87hgreatlyhelpedtoallayhishardships.
Hesenthimeverymonthanymoneyheneeded.
Hewaspraisedandadmiredbyeventhejailers.
HisintimateassociationwiththeB'87bhadduringHislastandstormiestdays,deepenedhimandendowedhimwithapowerheincreasinglymanifestedtowardhisdeath.
InprisonhelongedtobemartyredastheB'87bhadbeen.
ThoughdeprivedofdyingthesamedayasHim(thishadbeenhissupremedesire)henowawaitedhisdeath.
ThoughtheleadingTihr'87n'92officialssoughttoinducehimtotaketheirofferofbeingdeliveredfromprisonandacrueldeath,hesteadfastlyrefused.
Continualtearsflowedthen,bornofalongingtoseetheradiantfacewhichshoneandwhoseglowwarmedamidstthecruelandwintryincarcerationin'e7dhirb'87yj'87n.
Anguishedatthecontrastbetweenthoseblissfuldaysandthepresent,hewasalonecomfortedbyBah'87'u'll'87h,Whosepresenceheattaineduntildeath.
XIII.
SiyyidHusayn'smartyrdom-631'Az'92zKh'87n-i-Sard'87r,whohadkilledT'87hirih,killedhimalsoincruelcircumstanceswhichNab'92ldidnotneedtoexpatiateupon.
XIV.
IncidentsintheS'92y'87h-Ch'87l,asrelatedbyBah'87'u'll'87h-631Nab'92lheardBah'87'u'll'87hdescribethehorrorstheremainingcompanionsoftheB'87bfaced,whowereallconfinedintheS'92y'87h-Ch'87l.
Hedescribedhowtheywereplacedin2rowsfacingeachother,andhowHehadtaughtthemtorepeatverseseachnight,whichtheyferventlychanted,"Godissufficientuntome;HeverilyistheAll-sufficing!
"whiletheotherintoned"InHimletthetrustingtrust.
"Thoughtheirgladvoicespealedoutuntilearlymorning,fillingthedungeon,piercingthedungeonwalls,andreachingtheSh'87h'searswhowasstayinginanearbypalace,hedidnotmakeanyfurtherremarksorattempttorestraintheirenthusiasmafterhewastoldthatthesoundwasfromtheB'87b'92sintoningtheiranthem.
HewasbroughtaroastedmeattrayonedaywhichtheSh'87hhadordereddistributedashehadmadeavowtoofferlambtothemthisday.
Thecompanionsweresilent,expectingBah'87'u'll'87htoanswer.
Herepliedthattheyreturnedthegiftandcouldwelldispensewiththeoffer.
Theguardswouldhavebeenirritatedbytheansweriftheyweren'teagertodevourthefood.
Despitetheirhunger,onlyonecompanion,M'92rz'87Husayn-i-Mutavall'92y-i-Qum'92showedanydesiretoeatitwhiletherestenduredwithoutamurmur.
TheypraisedGodcontinuallyinsteadofcomplainingtheirtreatmentbytheSh'87htopassawaythetimeoftheirsuffering.
EachdaythejailerswouldenterHiscell,calloneofthecompanions'names,badehimariseandfollowthemtothegallows'foot.
Withgreateagerness,heresponded,sprangtohisfeet,delightedlyapproachedandembracedBah'87'u'll'87h,becamefilledwithhopeandjoyashewascomfortedbyBah'87'u'll'87hthathewouldattaineverlastinglifeinthenextworld,embracehisfellowprisoners,thendiewithasmuchfearlessnessashislife.
Theexecutioner,whohadbecometheirfriend,wouldthentellHimthejoyandcircumstancesofhisdeath.
AwakenedonenightbeforedaybreakbyM'92rz'87'Abdu'l-Vahh'87b-i-Sh'92r'87z'92boundtoHimbythesamechains,askingHimwhetherHewasawake,andtoldHimhisdream.
HehadleftK'87zimayntofollowBah'87'u'll'87htoTihr'87nwherehewasarrestedandimprisoned.
Hisdreamwasthathewasswiftlyandeasilysoaringinaninfinitelyvastandbeautifulspace.
Hetoldhimthatthatdaywouldbehismartyrdom,andwishedhimtoremainsteadfasttotheendthathemightflyinthatsamerealm,gazingwithraptureontheInfiniteHorizon.
Thatmorningthejailerenteredandcalled'Abdu'l-Vahh'87b'sname.
Throwingoffchains,springingup,embracinghisfellowprisoners,andtakingHimlovinglyintohisarms.
Discoveringhehadnoshoes,HegavehimHisown,gavehimsomelastcheer,andsenthimtohismartyrdom.
Theexecutionercamelatertoglowinglypraisethespiritoftheyouth,causingBah'87'u'll'87htobegreatlythankfultoGod.
Despiteallthissuffering,theSh'87h'smother'sangerwasnotappeased.
ShedemandeddayandnightthatBah'87'u'll'87h,Whomsheregardedasthecrime'srealauthor,beexecuted,decryinghergreathumiliationatnothavingthepowertoinflictsuchpunishmentonHim.
Nevertheless,Bah'87'u'll'87hwaseventuallyreleased,enabledtoestablishasovereigntyinotherlandshersoncouldneverdreamof.
ThebloodshedthatyearwastheransompaidforHisdeliverancefromafoeseekingtopreventHimfromHispurpose.
Sinceespousingit,HeneverneglectedanoccasiontochampiontheFaith,exposingHimselftoperilsallfaced,andsettingtheexampleofrenunciationandservicetotheCause.
However,HislifewaspreservedbyGod'swisdom.
OutofHiswisdom,HedidnotyetpubliclyproclaimHisownFaith.
InadditiontotheTihr'87nterrors,Bah'87'u'll'87hwasexposedtothedangersofaruthlesslypursuingenemywhichmen,women,andchildrenfeared.
Ayouth'Abb'87s,aformerservantofH'87j'92Sulaym'87nKh'87n,whoknewthenames,number,anddwellingplacesofthemanyB'87b'92friendshismasterhadmade,wasarrested,andthoughhavingidentifiedhimselfasazealoussupporteroftheFaith,hewascompelledtobetraythosewhomheknewwiththepromiseofrewardandthreatofinhumantortures.
HepledgedtoinformtheassistantsofH'87j'92'Al'92Kh'87n,theH'87jibu'd-Dawlih,theFarr'87sh-B'87sh'92oftheirnamesandabodes.
Takenthroughthestreetstopointouteveryfollower,hehadseveralhehadnevermetorknowndeliveredastheH'87jibu'd-Dawlih'sattendantsspeciallyrequestedhimtosaluteasasignofbetrayalforeveryonehethoughtcouldpayaheavybribe,withthepromiseofrewardandthreatofhislife.
Thosethuscapturedwereonlyabletobefreedbysuchheavybribes.
XV.
AttemptstoproveBah'87'u'll'87h'scomplicity-635HewastakentotheS'92y'87h-Ch'87linthehopeshewouldbetrayBah'87'u'll'87h,Whomhehadpreviouslymetseveraltimesbeforeinhismaster'scompany,promisinghimtheSh'87h'smotherwouldamplyrewardhimforit.
However,everytimehewastakenintoHispresence,stoodbeforeHimforafewmoments,andgazedonHisface,hewouldleave,emphaticallydenyinghavingeverseenHim.
Havingfailed,theysoughttopoisonHimtowintheSh'87h'smother'sfavor.
ThoughtheyinterceptedthefoodHewassentfromhomeandpoisonedit,andthoughitdidimpairHishealthforyears,Hewasnotkilledastheyhadhoped.
Theywerefinallyinducedtotransfertheact'sresponsibilityto'Az'92mandhopedtogaintheSh'87h'smother'sfavor.
HavingnotimprisonedBah'87'u'll'87h,H'87j'92'Al'92Kh'87nwasonlytoohappytoseizetheopportunitytodenounce'Az'92m,whomhehadarrested,asthechiefinstigator.
TheRussianminister,keepingtabsonthesituationandBah'87'u'll'87h'sconditionthroughhisagents,sentthroughhisinterpreter,astronglywordedmessagetotheGrandVaz'92r,protestinghisaction,suggestingamessengerproceedwitharepresentativeofthegovernmentandofH'87jibu'd-DawlihtotheS'92y'87h-Ch'87ltoaskthenewlyrecognizedleader,'Az'92m,topubliclygivehisopiniononBah'87'u'll'87h'sroleasthefinaljudgment.
AftertheGrandVaz'92rpromisedtheinterpreterhewouldfollowtheadviceandappointedatimeforhimtomeettherepresentatives,theywentandquestioned'Az'92m.
XVI.
'Az'92m'sconfessionanddeath-637(636)'Az'92mstatedthattheB'87bhadbeentheirleader,thatHismartyrdominducedhim(637)toarisetoavengeHisdeath,thathealoneconceivedandsoughttoexecutetheplan,thatS'87diq-i-Tabr'92z'92wasaservantatasweetsshopwhomhehademployedfor2yearsandfiredwhenhisdesireforvengeanceexceededhisown,andthisyouthactedtoohastilytoensurehissuccess.
Boththeminister'sinterpreterandtheVaz'92r'srepresentativetookdownhisconfession,whilethelattersubmittedthemtotheVaz'92r.
ThiswastheprimaryfactorpromptingBah'87'u'll'87h'srelease.
'Az'92mwasgiventothe'ulam'87s,whothoughanxioustokillhim,werepreventedbythehesitancyofM'92rz'87Abu'l-Q'87sim,theTihr'87n'92Im'87m-Jum'ih.
H'87jibu'd-Dawlih,giventheapproachofMuharram,inducedthe'ulam'87stoassembleonthebarracks'upperfloorwherehemettheIm'87m-Jum'ih,whopersistedinrefusingtoconsentto'Az'92m'sdeath.
Hedirectedtheaccusedtobebroughtthereforjudgment.
Overwhelmedwithridicule,andreviledbythepopulace,'Az'92mwasroughlyconductedthroughthestreets.
Theysucceededinobtaininghisdeathverdictthroughasubtledevice.
Asiyyidwithaclubrushedhimandsmashedhishead.
Thepeoplefollowedandmutilatedhimwithsticks,stones,anddaggers.
H'87j'92M'92rz'87J'87n'92wasalsomartyredaftertheassassinationattemptontheSh'87h,thoughputsecretlytodeathsincetheVaz'92rwasdisinclinedtoharmhim.
XVII.
Bah'87'u'll'87h'spossessionsplunderedinM'87zindar'87n-637TheadjoiningprovinceswereaffectedbytheturmoilinTihr'87n,bringingdevastationandmiserytocountlessinnocentsubjectsoftheSh'87h.
ItaffectedM'87zindar'87n,wheretheviolencewaslargelydirectedagainstallHispossessionsthereinHishomeregionthough2oftheB'87b'sdevoteddisciples,Muhammad-Taq'92Kh'87nand'Abdu'l-Vahh'87bofN'9crwerealsomartyred.
DisappointedbyBah'87'u'll'87h'sdeliverance,HisenemiessoughttointimidatethesovereignintoinvolvingHiminfreshcomplicationsandtherebybringaboutHisdeath.
AsM'92rz'87Yahy'87,hadfoolishlysought,outofhisidlehopes,tosecureforhimselfandhisfoolishsupportersapreviouslyunseensupremacy,servedasanotherpretextfortheenemytodestroywhateverinfluenceHestillhadinM'87zindar'87n.
Scarcelyrecovering,theSh'87hwasstirredbythesereportstoadeepthirstforrevenge.
HesummonedandreprimandedtheGrandVaz'92rforfailingtomaintainorderamongthepeopleofhisownprovinceandkin.
Disconcerted,theVaz'92ragreedtowhateverhewasdirected.
TheSh'87hhadhimsendregimentstoruthlesslyrepressthedisturbersofthepeace,thoughtheVaz'92rknewthesereportswereexaggerated.
HesenttheSh'87h-S'9cnregimentheadedbyHusayn-'Al'92Kh'87n-i-Sh'87h-S'9cntoT'87kurinN'9crwhereBah'87'u'll'87h'shomewas.
HegavesupremecommandtohisnephewM'92rz'87Ab'9c-T'87libKh'87n(thebrother-in-lawofBah'87'u'll'87h'shalf-brotherM'92rz'87Hasan)warninghimthatanyexcessesofhismenwouldhurtM'92rz'87Hasan'sprestigeandhissister'swell-beingandbadehimnotinvestigateandcamptheremorethan3days.
TheVaz'92rthensummonedHusayn-'Al'92Kh'87n,exhortedhimtocautionandwisdom;toldhimthatthoughM'92rz'87Ab'9c-T'87libwasyoungandinexperienced,hechosehimbecauseofhisrelationtoM'92rz'87Hasan,trustinghewouldnotcauseunnecessaryinjurytotheT'87kurinhabitantsforhissister'ssake;enjoinedhimtosetanobleexampleandimpressonhimtheneedtoservethegovernmentandpeople,whilenotallowinghimtoundertakeoperationswithoutpriorlyconsultinghim;andassuredHusayn-'Al'92Kh'87nthathehadsentwrittenorderstothechieftainsofthedistricttoassisthimwhennecessary.
However,M'92rz'87Ab'9c-T'87libKh'87nproudlyandenthusiastically,refusedhisinstructions,orderinghismenattackT'87kurassoonastheyreachedthepassintoN'9cr.
DespiteHusayn-'Al'92Kh'87ndesperatelyrunningtohimandbegginghimtorefrain,M'92rz'87Ab'9c-T'87libKh'87nproudlyretorteditwasforhimtodecidewhatandhowtoservehisSh'87handhadthedefenselesspeoplesuddenlyattacked.
ThepeopleappealedtoM'92rz'87Hasan,whoaskedbutwasrefusedadmittancetohisbrother-in-law'spresence,asthecommanderrepliedhischargewastomassacrethepeoplethere,capturethewomen,andconfiscatetheirproperty,thoughhewaswillingforhissaketosparewomenthattookrefugeinhishouse.
Indignant,M'92rz'87Hasanseverelycensuredhim,denouncedtheSh'87h'saction,andreturnedhome.
Thevillagemenhadleftfortheneighboringmountains.
TheabandonedwomenwenttoM'92rz'87Hasan'shomeforprotection.
M'92rz'87Ab'9c-T'87libKh'87n'sfirstactwastobreakopenandstealfromthetreasuriesofthehousethatwasroyallyfurnishedanddecoratedwithinestimablevesselsandthatBah'87'u'll'87hhadsolelyinheritedfromhisfathertheVaz'92r.
Whatcouldnotbecarriedwastobedestroyed(shatteredorburned)andtheroomsmorestatelythenTihr'87npalaceswereirreparablydisfiguredwithitsbeamsburneddownanddecorationsruined.
M'92rz'87Ab'9c-T'87libthendespoiledthedesertedtown,burnedandleveledthewholevillage,andorderedthatanyable-bodiedmenfoundinthemountainsweretobeshotorcaptured.
Theywereonlyabletofindafewagedmenandshepherdsthatcouldnotfleefurther.
Theyfound2sleepingmenonmountainslopesbyarunningbrook,givenawaybytheirweaponsgleaminginthesun,andshotthemfromacrosstheinterveningbrook.
'Abdu'l-Vahh'87bwaskilledwhilethefamouslycourageousMuhammad-Taq'92Kh'87nwasseverelywounded.
Broughtintothecommander'spresence,hesoughttopreservethevictim'slifeasavictorytrophy,thoughhedied2dayslaterfromhiswounds.
ThefewcapturedmenwerebroughtinchainstoTihr'87nandthrownintheS'92y'87h-Ch'87lwhereBah'87'u'll'87hhadbeen,whereanumber,includingMull'87'Al'92-B'87b'87died.
Theyearafter,M'92rz'87Ab'9c-T'87libwasstrickenwithplagueandbroughtindeepmiserytoShim'92r'87nwherehewasshunnedbyevenhisnearestkindredonhissick-beduntilM'92rz'87Hasanofferedtotendhimandkeephimcompanyinhishumiliationandloneliness.
WhentheGrandVaz'92rvisitedhimonhisdeath-bed,onlyM'92rz'87Hasanwaswithhim.
Hediedthatday,bitterlydisappointedatthefailureofhishopes.
XVIII.
EffectsoftheturmoilinYazdandNayr'92z-642ThecommotionwasfeltinN'9crandthesurroundingdistrictandeventoYazdandNayr'92z,whereaconsiderablenumberofB'87b'92swereseizedandinhumanlymartyred.
InallPersia,eveninremotehamlets,theremnantsofthecommunityhaduntoldsufferings.
Governorsasmuchastheirsubordinates,greedilyandwithrevengetooktheoccasiontoenrichthemselvesandfindfavorwiththeSh'87h,extortingcovetedbenefitsfromtheinnocent,arresting,imprisoning,andtorturinganysuspectedB'87b'92sandquicklyinformtheSh'87hoftheirvictories.
ThisoccurredinfullinNayr'92z.
2monthsaftertheattemptontheSh'87h'slife,ayoungmanM'92rz'87'Al'92(whohadearnedthename'Al'92y-i-Sard'87rforhisexceptionalcourage)caredforthesurvivorsoftheNayr'92zstruggle,emergingfromhisshelteratnighttoaid,howeverhecould,thewidowsandorphansofthetragedy.
Hegenerouslygavefoodandgarmentstotheneedy,tendedtheirinjuries,andcomfortedthemintheirsorrow.
WhenM'92rz'87'Al'92'scompanionskilledZaynu'l-'Abid'92nKh'87ninapublicbath,astheyhadbeenstirredto,havingwitnessedtheinnocentsufferingofthesurvivorsandfeelinghimtheresponsibleauthor,agreatupheavalontheleveloftheendoftheZanj'87nmassacreoccurred.
Zaynu'l-'Abid'92nKh'87n'swidowpressedtherulerM'92rz'87Na''92mtheninSh'92r'87ztoavengeherhusband'sdeathforallherjewelsandwhateverofhershepossessed.
Throughtreachery,hecapturedmanyoftheB'87b'sfollowers,manyofwhomweresavagelybeaten.
Allwereimprisoned,pendinginstructionsfromtheTihr'87n.
TheVaz'92rpassedonthelistofnamesandaccompanyingreporttotheSh'87h,whowasverysatisfiedwithandthereforeamplyrewardedhisSh'92r'87z'92representative.
Heaskedthosenotcapturedtobebroughttothecapital.
Forthedetailsofthisepisode,Nab'92lrefersthereadertothegraphic,detailed,accurate,andforcefulaccountwritteninaseparatebookletbyM'92rz'87Shaf'92'-i-Nayr'92z'92.
Nolessthan180B'87b'92sweremartyred.
AlikenumberwerewoundedandtherebyincapacitatedandwereneverthelessorderedtoTihr'87n.
Only28survived.
Ofthese,15weretakentothegallowsonthedayoftheirarrival.
Therestwereimprisonedandsufferedthemosthorribleatrocitiesfor2years.
Thoughfinallyreleased,manydiedexhaustedofthetrialsofcaptivityontheirwayhome.
ManydiscipleswereslaininSh'92r'87zbyTahm'87sb-M'92rz'87'sorders.
200victims'headswerecarriedonbayonetsto'e7b'87dihvillageinF'87rs.
ThoughintendingtotakethemtoTihr'87n,aroyalmessengercommandedthemabandontheproject,whereontheydecidedtoburytheheadsinthatvillage.
The300ofthe600womenwerereleasedinNayr'92zwhiletherestwerecarriedbytwosforcedtorideonanunsaddledhorsetoSh'92r'87z,whereafterbeingsubmittedtoseveretortures,wereabandoned.
Manydiedonthewaytothecity,manydiedbeforetheyrecoveredtheirfreedom.
Thisisdescribedbelow.
ThehorrorsofZanj'87npaledbeforethosetheyfaced,promptingNab'92ltohopeforanablerpentodescribethesetragicdetailsandthenoblestevidencesofthefaithinspiredbytheB'87b'sCause.
A.
L.
M.
NicholassaidthatthewomenwereoddlyrespectedwhenbroughttoMountB'92y'87b'87n,though2old,feeblemenwerekilled,includingadyer,Mashhad'92B'87qir.
Theotherwasafuller(fillscloth)Mull'87Muhammad-M'9cs'87whom'Al'92Big,Nayr'92z'92soldiers'captainhadbeheadedthengavetheheadtoachild.
Heveiledthevictim'sniece'sheadwithablackveil,ledhertoM'92rz'87Na''92m,thenonMountB'92y'87b'87n,seatedonastoneinagarden.
'Al'92Bigapproached,threwtheheadathimandshovedthelittlegirlforward,whofellonherfacewhilehecriedthathehaddoneashewishedandtheB'87b'92swerenomore.
'e7kh'9cndMull'87'Abdu'l-HusaynorderedM'92rz'87Na''92m'smouthtobestuffedwithdirt,thenaghul'87mshothiminthehead,thoughnotfatally.
603womenwerearrestedandtakentothe'Takht'millnearNayr'92z.
Oneauthorstatedhehadbeenfollowinghismotherwhohadanevenyoungerson.
Aman,Asadu'll'87h,wascarryingthebrotheronhisshoulders.
Aridersawahatdecoratedwithafewornamentsonthebaby'sheadandsnatchedit,pullinghishair,throwinghim10feetaway,leavingthemothertofindhimunconscious.
Hedoesnotgointodetailonthehorrorsfollowingthevictory.
However,hesaysthatM'92rz'87Na''92mrodeinfrontofandbehindmencarryingmartyrs'headsonpikes.
Theprisonerswereproddedbywhipandsword,thewomenwerebumpedintoditchesfullofwater,andtheyspentthenightintheSh'92r'87zcaravansary.
Thewomenweretakenoutnakedinthemorning,werekicked,stoned,whipped,andspaton.
Whentired,thetormentorsconfinedthemfor20days,constantlyinsultedandoutraged.
80B'87b'92sboundtogetherin10'sweresentwith100soldierstoSh'92r'87z.
SiyyidM'92rMuhammad'AbddiedfromcoldatKh'87nih-gird,othersdiedalittlelater.
Theguardswouldperiodicallybeheadone.
WhentheyenteredSh'92r'87zthroughSa'd'92gate,theyparadedthemthroughthestreets,imprisonedthem,and20dayslaterthewomenweretakenfromtheschoolbuilding,with10freedand10senttoSh'92r'87zwithmorerecentprisoners.
ThislattergroupwhenreachingSh'92r'87zweredividedasthewomenweresenttoSh'87hM'92r'Al'92-HamzihcaravansaryandthementoprisonwiththeotherB'87b'92s.
Thenextdaywasfeastday.
ThegovernorwithalltheSh'92r'87z'92prominentcitizens,orderedtheprisonerstobebroughtbeforehimasaNayr'92z'92,Jal'87l(nicknamed'Bulbul'byNa''92m)revealedhisfellowcitizens'names.
Whenthefirst,Mull'87'Abdu'l-Husayn,wascommandedtocursetheB'87bandrefused,hisheadrolledontheground.
Asghar'sson,H'87j'92,'Al'92Garm-S'92r'92,H'87d'92Khayr'92'ssonHusayn,S'87lih'ssonS'87diq,andMuhammad-ibn-i-Muhsinwereexecuted.
Thewomenwerefreedandthemensurvivorswereagainimprisoned.
OntheSh'87h'sdemandforthem,73weresenttoTihr'87n.
22diedontheway,includingMull'87'Abdu'l-HusayninSayd'87n,Karbil'87''92Zam'87n'sson'Al'92in'e7b'87dih,Karbil'87''92Muhammad'ssonAkbaratQin'87rih,'Abdu'l-Vahh'87b'ssonHasan,Mull'87'Al'92-AkbaratIsf'87h'87n,Muhammad-Zam'87m'ssonKarbil'87''92B'87qir,HasanandhisbrotherDhu'-Faq'87r,Karbil'87''92Naq'92andhisson'Al'92,Val'92Kh'87n,Mull'87Kar'92m,AkbarRa''92s,P'92rMuhammad'ssonGhul'87m-'Al'92,andMuhammad'ssonsNaq'92andMuhammad-'Al'92.
15otherswerekilledontheirarrival,including'e7q'87Siyyid'Al'92,abandonedasdead,Karbil'87''92Rajabthebarber,Sayfu'd-D'92n,K.
Salm'87n'ssonSulaym'87n,Ja'far,Mur'87dKhayr'92,K.
B'87qir'ssonHusayn,M'92rz'87Taq'92'ssonAbu'l-Hasan,'e7q'87Mihd'92'ssonMull'87Muhammad-'Al'92.
23diedinprison,13werefreedin3years.
TheonlyremaininginTihr'87ntodiealittlelaterwasKarbil'87''92Zaynu'l-''e7bid'92n.
TheTar'92kh-i-Jad'92drecordshowthepersecutorscapturedandkilledthemen,andseizedandkilled40womenandchildrenbyplacingtheminacave,heapingupmuchfirewood,pouringnaphthaoverit,andsettingitablaze.
Oneofthepersecutorsrelatedhowafter2or3days,hewentupthemountain,removedthecavedoor,sawthefirehadsunktotheashes,sawthewomenseatedinacircle,claspingtheirchildren,astheyhadbeenwhentheyhadleftthem.
Somehadtheirheadssunktotheirknees,apparentlyingrief,othersretainedtheirpostures.
Theyappearedaliveatfirstbecausetheyhadnotmovedtoretaintheirposturesdespitethefirewhichhadcharredthemtoacinder.
Ontouchingthemwithhishand,theycrumbledaway.
Onseeingthistheyrepentedthoughitwasofnoavail.
TheauthorpointsoutinhisconclusionthatatraditionreferringtothesignsoftheIm'87mMihd'92'sappearancewerequiteliterallyfulfilledthen.
Thetradition(Had'92th-i-J'87bir)isalsoquotedfromthe"Kaf'92"aprincipalcompilationofsh'92'itetraditionsinthe'eaq'87n).
ItdescribeshowHeshallbeasperfectasMoses,aspreciousasJesus,aspatientasJobwhileHissaintswillbeabasedinHistimewiththeirheadsexchangedaspresentsasthoseoftheTurkandDaylamitehadbeen,theywouldbeslainandburned,afraid,fearful,anddismayed,theearthdiedwiththeirblood,andlamentationandwailingprevailingamongsttheirwomen,asHissaintsindeed.
E.
G.
BrowneinATraveller'sNarrative,describeshowhowgottoknowinYazdinearlysummerof1888afairlyprominentgovernmentofficialwhowasaB'87b'92andwhotoldhimof2ofhisancestorswhohadplayedprominentrolesinsuppressingtheNayr'92zinsurrection.
Hisowndiarythendescribedhimrelatethathismaternalgrandfather,Mihr-'Al'92Kh'87nShuj'87'u'l-Mulkandhisgreat-uncle,M'92rz'87Na''92mwereactiveandprominentbutonthewrongside.
WhenordersfromSh'92r'87zarrived,hisgrandfatherwasinstructedtocommandanexpeditiontoquellthe"insurrection.
"Oncommunicatinghisdislikeforthetask,andtelling2'ulam'87softhis,theyreassuredhimthatthewarwouldbeaholyenterprisesanctionedbyReligionbywhichhewouldreceiverewardinParadise,sohewent.
Whentheykilled750men,tookthewomenandchildren,strippedthemalmostnaked,mountedthemondonkeys,mules,andcamelsandledthemthroughrowsofheadsofthedeadfathers,brothers,sons,andhusbandstoSh'92r'87z.
Onarriving,theywereplacedinaruinedcaravanseraijustoutsidetheIsf'87h'87ngateandoppositeanIm'87m-z'87dihwhilethecaptorsstayedundersomenearbytrees.
Theyremainedthereawhilesubjectedtoinsults&suffering,andmanydied.
Allthosechieflyresponsiblecametoabadendanddiedwithoverwhelmingcalamity.
HisgrandfatherMihr-'Al'92Kh'87nfellillandwasdumbtillhisdeath.
Seeinghislipsmove,thosestandingleanedclosertohearhimfaintlymurmur"B'87b'92!
B'87b'92!
B'87b'92!
"3times,uponwhichhedied.
Hisgreat-uncleM'92rz'87Na''92mwasdisgracedwiththegovernment,wasfined10,000t'9cm'87nsthen15,000.
Hishandswereputinthe"il-chik"withwoodplacedbetweenhisfingers,boundtightlytogetherwithcord.
Coldwaterwasthenthrownontofurthercontractit.
Hisfeetwereplacedinthe"tang-i-Q'87j'87r"(Q'87j'87rsqueeze),similartothe"boot"onceusedinEnglandandintroducedbythecurrentdynasty.
Hewasmadetostandbareheadedinthesunwithtreacleonhisheadtoattractflies,thensubjectedtomorepainfulandhumiliatingtortures,uponwhichhewasdismissed,disgracedandruined.
'Az'92m'sconfessionfreedBah'87'u'll'87hfromimmediatedangerasthemasseswereabatedanddivertedbytherageandvengeancethatfollowed.
TheconvictionoftheTihr'87nauthoritiesgrewthatBah'87'u'll'87hwasnottheSh'87h'sarch-foeorconspiratortowardhisdeath.
TheVaz'92rwasencouragedthereforetosendhistrustedrepresentative,H'87j'92'Al'92,totheS'92y'87h-Ch'87ltopresenttheorderforHisrelease.
Onarriving,theemissarywasfilledwithgriefanddisbelief,ashesawBah'87'u'll'87hchainedtoafloorinfestedwithvermin,Hisneckweightedbygallingchains,Hisfaceladenwithsorrow,ungroomedanddishevelled,andbreathingthepestilentialair.
TheemissarydenouncedtheVaz'92rashesawHiminthatgloom,statedGodknewheneverimaginedHecouldbesubjectedtosuchahumiliatingcaptivity,andstatedhenevershouldneverhavethoughttheVaz'92rcoulddarecommitsuchanevilact.
Heremovedthemantlefromhisshoulders,presentedittoBah'87'u'll'87h,entreatingHimtowearitintheministerandcounsellors'presence,thoughBah'87'u'll'87hrefusedandworsetheprisoner'sdresstothegovernmentseat.
TheVaz'92r'sfirstwordwastotellBah'87'u'll'87hthathadHetakenhisadvicetodissociateHimselffromtheB'87b'sFaith,HeneverwouldhavesufferedthepainsandindignitiesthathadbeenheapedonHim.
HerepliedthathadhefollowedHiscounsels,theaffairsofthegovernmentwouldnothavebecomesocritical.
HewasimmediatelyremindedofhowBah'87'u'll'87hhadearliertoldhimthattheflamethathadthenbeenkindledbytheB'87b'smartyrdomwouldblazeevenmorefiercely.
Heremarkedhowthewarninghadcometrueandaskedwhathenowadvisedhimtodo.
Bah'87'u'll'87hinstantlyrepliedforhimtocommandhisgovernorstostopsheddingtheinnocent'sblood,plunderingtheirproperty,dishonoringtheirwomen,andinjuringtheirchildren,andtostoppersecutingtheirFaithandidlyhopingtowipeoutHisfollowers.
XIX.
Bah'87'u'll'87h'sreleaseandbanishmenttoBaghd'87d-650Thatdayordersweregiven,throughacirculartoallthegovernorsofPersia,toceasetheircruelandshamefulacts,theVaz'92rwritingthatwhattheyhaddonewasenough,andthattheyshouldstoparresting,punishing,anddisturbingtheircountrymen'speace.
Thoughheconsentedthen,hissubsequentactionsprovedthatanyeffectithadhadwasmomentary&negligible(GodPassesBy,105).
AssoonasBah'87'u'll'87hwasfreed,HewasgivenordersbythegovernmentthatHeandHisfamilyweretoleaveTihr'87nandgobeyondPersiawithinamonthoftheorder'sissue.
Atsomepoint,thegovernmentdesiredtorestorecertainconfiscatedpropertiesandestatestopacifyHim;however,sincemosthadbeenlostandonlyasmallportionwasforthcoming,nonecameforwardtoclaimthem.
Indeed,Bah'87'u'll'87hrequestedpermissiontogotothelandof'Ir'87q('Abdu'l-Bah'87,ATraveler'sNarrative,p.
32).
ThoughtheRussianminister,onfirstlearningofthiscontemplatedactionofthegovernment,volunteeredtoprotectHimandinviteHimtoRussia,Herefusedandchosetogoto'Ir'87q.
Heleft9monthsafterreturningfromKarbil'87in1853withHisfamily,including'Abdu'l-Bah'87and'e7q'87y-i-Kal'92m(M'92rz'87M'9cs'87,theablestandmostdistinguishedofBah'87'u'll'87h'sbrothersandsisters,andHisstaunchandvaluedsupporter)escortedbyanimperialbody-guardandanofficialoftheRussianlegation(embassy)toBaghd'87d.
M'92rz'87'e7q'87Kh'87n,havingtakensuchanactivepartinthecrueltiesresultingfromtheattemptonthesovereign'slife,wasdrivenfromoffice,andplacedunderstrictsurveillanceinYazdwherehediedinshameanddespair.
TheH'87jibu'd-Dawlih,whohadstrenuouslyhoundeddownmanysomanyinnocent&defenselessB'87b'92swasdespoiledofhispropertybytheturbulentLurswhocutoffhisbeard,forcedhimtoeatit,saddledandbridledhim,androdehimbeforethepeople,thencommittedshamefulatrocitiestohiswomenandchildrenashewatched(GodPassesBy,83).
Thefalse-hearted&ambitiousMahm'9cdKh'87n-i-Kalantar(inwhosecustodywasT'87hirihbeforehermartyrdom),was9yearslaterdraggedfeetfirstbyropesthroughbazaarstooutsidethecitygatesandtherehungonthegallows.
(GodPassesBy,83).
SummaryofChapterXXVII.
Deathofthe'e7m'92r-Niz'87m-595A.
In1852Bah'87'u'll'87hwasaloneabletorevive&directtheremainingcommunityafterthetragediesbefore&aftertheB'87b'smartyrdom.
Healsopreparedthemforthecomingtests.
B.
ThatyearM'92rz'87Taq'92wasinducedintoafalsesenseofsecuritybyareportfromaharemladytothePrincessthattheSh'87hhadrelentedonhisdeathdecreeandleftforapublicpathwherehewasgivenhischoiceofdeathandhadhisveinscutopen.
C.
DespitehisresponsibilityformanyoftheunprecedentedcrueltiesagainsttheB'87b'92s,hewasunabletostaytheFaith'sonrushanddieddishonorably.
D.
Hissuccessor,M'92rz'87'e7q'87Kh'87n,however,atfirstsoughttoreconcilethegovernmentwithBah'87'u'll'87h,havingconsideredHimthemostcapableoftheB'87b'sdisciples,sendingHimawarmrequesttoreturntoTihr'87ntomeetHim.
II.
Bah'87'u'll'87h'sreturntoTihr'87n-598A.
Bah'87'u'll'87hhadalreadydecidedtoleave'Ir'87qforPersiaandwaswelcomedandhostedbytheVaz'92r'sbrother,Ja'far-Qul'92Kh'87n,attheVaz'92r'sspecialorders.
ManynotablesflockedtomeetHimthere,preventingHisreturnhome.
III.
Bah'87'ull'87h'smeetingwith'Az'92m-599A.
Bah'87'u'll'87hmet'Az'92monHiswaytoShim'92r'87nwhohadbeenseekingHispresencetotellHimofhisplantoassassinatetheSh'87h.
Bah'87'u'll'87hemphaticallycondemnedhisplan,dissociatingHimselffromit,andwarneditwouldbringaboutunprecedenteddisasters.
WithJa'far-Qul'92Kh'87nstillasHishost(inAfchihvillagethistime),thenewsofanassassinationattemptonN'87siri'd-D'92nSh'87hreachedHim.
IV.
AttemptontheSh'87h'slife-599A.
2half-crazedyouth,outofdespair,unawareoftheVaz'92r'sresponsibilityfortheexecution,lostreasonandsoughttoavengetheB'87b'sandB'87b'92s'martyrdoms.
AstheSh'87hwentonhismorninghorsebackridewithhislargeretinue,theywith1otherapproached,statingthecustomarylinesbutemphasizing"Wemakearequest!
"Theyfiredshots,injuringtheSh'87h,butfailingtokillhim,ashehitthemontheheaduntilhisretinuecametoandkilledtheyouthattackerS'87diq-i-Tabr'92z'92(whohadrushedtotheSh'87hwithhissword)andboundtheothers.
Theycuttheyouth'sbodyin2toallaythepopulaceandsuspendedthepiecestopublicgazeatthecitygates.
Theyorderedhisbodytiedtoamule'stailanddraggedoverstonestoTihr'87nthatthepeoplecouldseetheconspirators'failure.
B.
Thecourtdoctorbroughtthekingintoagardentosafety.
Agreatcommotionoccurredaspeoplefearedimminentdanger,andrumorsspreadthekinghadbeenkilled.
Themerchantshaddesertedthebazaars,thepeoplehadhoardedgoodsfromthebakery,andsoldiersclosedthecitadelgatesbyArdish'92rM'92rz'87'sorders,asnooneknewwhathadhappenedtothekingandwhotheenemywas.
C.
ComtedeGobineaureportedhowtheArdish'92rclosedandguardedthecitygates,andorderedthecloseexaminationofallaskingtoleave.
ThepeoplewereurgedtoclimbthewallsneartheShim'92r'87ngatetoseeS'87diq'smutilatedbodyintheopenfieldacrossthebridge.
TheprincegovernorcalledtogethertheKal'87ntar(prefectofpolice),thecityVaz'92r,theD'87r'9cghih(policejudge),andtheheadsoftheboroughs,orderingthemtoseekandarresteveryonesuspectedtobeaB'87b'92.
Asnoonecouldleavethecity,theywaiteduntilnighttousetrickeryandcunningtoferretthemout.
1.
Ayouth'Abb'87s,aformerservantofH'87j'92Sulaym'87nKh'87n,whoknewthenames,number,anddwellingplacesofthemanyB'87b'92friendshismasterhadmade,wasarrested,andthoughhavingidentifiedhimselfasazealoussupporteroftheFaith,hewascompelledtobetraythosewhomheknewwiththepromiseofrewardandthreatofinhumantortures.
HepledgedtoinformtheassistantsofH'87j'92'Al'92Kh'87n,theH'87jibu'd-Dawlih,theFarr'87sh-B'87sh'92oftheirnamesandabodes.
Takenthroughthestreetstopointouteveryfollower,hehadseveralhehadnevermetorknowndeliveredastheH'87jibu'd-Dawlih'sattendantsspeciallyrequestedhimtosaluteasasignofbetrayalforeveryonehethoughtcouldpayaheavybribe,withthepromiseofrewardandthreatofhislife.
Thosethuscapturedwereonlyabletobefreedbysuchheavybribes.
2.
ThepoliceforceinTihr'87n(asinallAsiaticcities)waswell-organizedasthisSassanides'legacywascarefullypreservedbytheArabianKh'87lifsasitwasadvantageoustoallgovernments,especiallytheworst,topreservethisinstitution,thoughallowingotherefficientinstitutionstodecay.
Theheadofeveryborough,alwaysintouchwiththeKalant'87r,hadunderhimgenerallywell-likedpolicemen('sar-ghishmihs)whowithoutuniformorbadgeneverlefttheirassignedstreets,werehelpfulatalltimes,and,atnightastheyreclinedunderanystore'sawning,indifferenttorainorsnow,watchedoverprivateproperty,therebyreducingtheftsbyrenderingthemdifficult.
Astheykneweverydwellerandhisways,mind,opinions,acquaintances,andrelationssuchthatwithoutspying,hewouldknowif1asked3friendstodinner,thathewouldknowtheirarrivaltime;whatwasserved,said,anddone;andwhentheyleft.
Therefore,theKad-khud'87semployedthem,warningthemtowatchtheB'87b'92sintheirsectionswhileeveryoneawaitedtheresults.
D.
Bah'87'u'll'87hpointedoutthattheyouthsusingshotwasaproofofalackofjudgmentandthatHethereforecouldnothavecommittedit.
LordCurzonwroteinfavoroftheB'87b'92s'innocence,giventheirmoralWritingsandoverallfaithfulnesstothegovernment.
Heimpliedalsothattheimmoralitychargeswerederivedmostlyfromtheiropponents,dueinparttotheirclaimsforgreaterfreedomamongwomen.
Despitetheirinnocenceandrestraintdespitetheattacksagainstthem,anddespitethefanaticsactshavingbeencondemnedbyBah'87'u'll'87h,theFaith'spurposeswereagainmisrepresentedbytheclergyandtheB'87b'92swereagainharshlypersecuted.
E.
TheTihr'87nGazettecondemnedtheB'87bandHisdisciplesasirreligious,accursed,unabletoprovetheirFaith'struthinwritingorworldlyargument,anddesiringsovereigntythroughinsurrectionsandpillaging.
ItreportedthatMull'87Shaykh'Al'92ofTursh'92z,stylinghimselfchiefandtheB'87b'sdeputyandtitlinghimselfHigh/ImperialMajesty,hadwonoversomeoftheB'87b'sformerdisciplesandseducedsomeimmoralpeopleasH'87j'92Sulaym'87nKh'87n,thelateYahy'87Kh'87nofTabr'92z'sson,inwhosehousetheyconsultedontheirplannedattemptandwhere12wereselectedtousepistols,daggers,etc.
andproceedtoN'92y'87var'87n.
F.
DespiteJa'far-Qul'92Kh'87n'swarningstoBah'87'u'll'87hthattheSh'87h'smotherwasdenouncingHimasthemurdererandthatHeshouldremainconcealedforsafety,Bah'87'u'll'87hrejectedhisofferforaservantandrodeoutcalmlytothearmy'sheadquartersandwasmetbyHisbrother-in-lawwhoworkedfortheRussianembassyminister,whoinvitedhimtostay.
G.
Wheninformedofthis,theSh'87handhisofficerswerestunnedattheAccused'sboldstepandorderedHimtobebroughttohim.
TheRussianministerrefusedandrequestedHimtogotoM'92rz'87'e7q釃Kh'87n'shomeasthemostappropriate.
Theministerformallyexpressedhisdesirethattheirgovernment'sTrustbeensuredsafetyorhewouldbeheldresponsible.
ThoughM'92rz'87'e7q'87Kh'87ndidrespectfullyreceiveHim,hisconcernsforlosinghispositionpreventedhimfromprovidingtheprotectionexpected.
M'92rz'87'e7q'87Kh'87n'sdaughterwasdistraughtofthedangersfacingHimandtearfullyaskedherfatherwhyhecouldnotbefittinglyprotecthim.
Hesoughttoassureher,butintheendhefailedtoliveuptohischarge.
H.
Thechaosthathadensuedaftertheassassinationattempthadpermittedtheclergyandgovernmenttocollaboratetodestroytheircommonfoeof8years.
Themartyrdomsuptothispointrangedfrom10,000to30,000andhigher.
I.
6possiblyinnocentpersonswerecondemnedtoperpetualimprisonmentwhiletherestweredividedbyM'92rz'87'e7q'87Kh'87n,who,tolessenchancesofblood-revenge,assignedseveralforexecutiontotheprincipalministers,generals,officers/chiefservantsoftheCourt,lawdoctors,andinfantry,artillery,priestly,townspeople,tradesmen,artisans,andmerchantrepresentatives,exemptingonlyhimself.
Atotaloftwelvewerekilled.
1.
TheSh'87hwasentitledtoQis'87s(legalretaliation)andtherighttokillfirstforhiswound.
Tosavethecrown'sdignity,thehouseholdstewardfiredonhisbehalfattheselectedconspiratoruponwhichhisfarr'87shdeputiesfinishedthejob.
H'87j'92Q'87sim-i-Nayr'92z'92andFathu'll'87h-i-Hak'87k-i-Qum'92hadbeensubjectedtomanytorturespriortothis,includingred-hotpincersandlimb-rendingscrews,thelatterthoughtmuteafterrefusingtospeak.
Exasperated,theenemypouredmoltenleaddownhisthroat.
IncisionsweremadeinH'87j'92Q'87sim'sbodyafterhewasstripped(notesaysMull'87Fathu'll'87hofQum)(whofiredthewoundingshot)wherelitcandleswerethrust.
Hewasparadedbeforetheyellingandcursingmultitude.
HewaswoundedwherehehadtheSh'87h,thenhewasstonedtodeath.
2.
ThePrimeMinister'sson(HomeofficeheadandNiz'87mu'l-Mulk)slewone(aMull'87Husayn).
3.
TheSecretaryofStateforForeignAffairs,apious,sillyman,whospenthistimememorizingMuhammad'straditions,morallyandreligiouslyzealously,madethefirstsword-cut(shot)whilelookingawayuponwhichtheUnder-SecretaryofStateandForeignOfficeclerkshewedMull'87Zaynu'l-''e7bid'92nofYazdtopieces.
4.
Theprinceskilledtheimmoral()SiyyidHasanofKhur'87s'87nwithpistol-shots,swords,anddaggers.
5.
Themull'87s,priests,andlearnedslewMull'87Shaykh'Al'92,theauthor().
6.
M'92rz'87'Abdu'l-Vahh'87bofSh'92r'87z(1ofthe12assassins)waskilledbythePrimeMinister'sbrotherandsonsandcutinpiecesbyhisotherrelations.
7.
TheSh'87h'sadmirableFrenchphysician,Dr.
Cloquetwaseveninvitedtoshowhisloyaltyinthismanner.
Pleasantlydecliningsayinghehadkilledtoomanymenprofessionallytobeallowedanymore,theSadrbecameexcitedandaskedangrily,remindedthattheseproceedingswerebothrevoltingandwouldproduceutterhorroranddisgustinEurope,whetherhewishedtheB'87b'92s'vengeancetobeonhimalone.
Thevictimswerekilledafterhavingtheirsoles'skinned,woundsboiledinoil,shod,andforcingthemtorun;diggingouttheireyesandforcingthemtoeatwithoutsaucetheirownears,hackingwithhatchetsandmaces,mortarblasts,bayoneting,tearingtheirteethoutbyhand,crushingtheirbareskullswithhammerblows.
Othershaddeepholesdugintheirbreastsandshoulders,withburningwicksinsertedtherein,causingtheilluminationofthebazaar-someofthesebeingdraggedinchainsthroughthebazaarprecededbyamilitarybandwiththewicksburningsodeepastoflickerthefatinthewoundconvulsivelylikeanewly-extinguishedlamp.
Withoutcryingoutduetofaith,theirbodysuccumbedbuttheexecutionercontinuedswingingthewhip.
Theyhungthescorchedandperforatedbodiesbythevictims'handsandfeettoatree,headdownwards,andfiredfromafixedbutnottooclosedistance,somecorpseswithnearly150bullets.
J.
AEuropeanwitnessassertedthetruthoftheaboveaccountdespiteitsvividgrotesqueness.
Hewasforcedtowitnessit,andstoppedleavinghishouseinordertoavoidscenesofhorror.
Hesaidthataftertheirdeath,theB'87b'92swerehackedin2andeithernailedtothecitygateorcastouttotheplainasdogandjackalfood,withtheintendedfurtherpunishmentthattheirsouls,astheunburied,wouldnotentertheProphet'sParadise.
Duetotheunequivocalinfamy,hestatedhisintentiontonolongerbeassociatedwiththosecrimes.
K.
Thoughinnocent,otherB'87b'92swerenotbroughttotrial,questioned,orallowedtopleadandprovetheirinnocenceaswastheirright.
2oftheB'87b'scompanionsweremartyredeachday,oneinTihr'87ntheotherinShim'92r'87n.
Bothweresimilarlyarrested,torturedandhandedovertothevariousclasses,whosemessengerswouldvisitthedungeoneachdayandclaimtheirvictim.
1.
Peoplemarchedbetweenexecutioners,withchildrenandwomenwithdeepincisionswithlitcandles.
Theyweredraggedwithropesandgoadedonwithwhips.
Theyneverthelesstriumphantlysung"Intruth,wecomefromGodanduntoHimdowereturn"abovethecrowd'sdeepsilenceastheTihr'87n'92swerenotmeanorgreatbelieversinIsl'87m.
Iftheyfell,theywereproddedupwithbayonets,andifthedrippingbloodlosshadlefthimstrength,hewoulddanceandcryouttheversewithevengreaterenthusiasm.
2.
Someofthechildrendiedontheway.
Theexecutionerswouldthrowtheirbodiesundertheirfathers'andsisters'feet,whoproudlywalkedoverthemwithoutreservation.
WhentheyreachedtheexecutionplaceneartheNewGate,thevictimsweregiventhechoicetorecantandwereintimidatedtodoso.
Oneexecutionerconceivedtotellafatherthatunlessheyieldedhewouldcuthis2youngsons'throats(theoldestabout14)onhisbreast.
Coveredwithblood,theirfleshscorched,theylistenedstoicallytothethreats.
Thefatherlaydownandrepliedthathewasreadybuttheelderboyclaimedapriorrighttodie.
However,theexecutionermayhavedeniedhimthatlastcomfort.
3.
Bringingtheirvictimtohisdeathscene,theyorderedhisattack.
Menandwomenclosedin,torehisbodytopiecesandleftnotraceofthebody,amazingeventhemostbrutalandseasonedexecutioners,whohadneverdonewhatthosepeoplehad.
4.
Whenthetragedywasfinallyoverandnightfellonthebodies,theheadsweretiedinbundlestothejusticepostsandthedogsofthecityoutskirtscrowdedabout.
L.
ThatdaytheB'87b'92swonalargernumberofsecretfollowersthanmuchexhortationcouldhave.
Theeventsleftadeepandlastingimpression.
Menclosetothegovernment,evenofimportantpositionsdescribedtoComtedeGobineautheiradmirationandhighconceptionofthenewFaith'sresources,hopesandmeansofsuccessthat,despiteIsl'87m'singloriousparticipation,italmostseemedthewitnesseswereallB'87b'92s.
V.
Bah'87'u'll'87h'simprisonmentintheS'92y'87h-Ch'87l-607A.
TheydeemedittheirfirstdutytoseizeBah'87'u'll'87hsincetheB'87bnolongerremained.
TheRussianminister'sprecautionsandwarningwentunheeded,andtheGrandVaz'92r,forfearoflosinghispositionwerehetoextendprotectiontoHim,deliveredHimintoHisenemies'hands.
H'87j'92'Al'92Kh'87n,theH'87jibu'd-Dawlih,wasresponsibleforHisincarcerationduetohishastyfolly/demands,thoughtheSh'87h,throughhiskindness,laterorderedadispassionateinvestigation('Abdu'l-Bah'87,ATraveler'sNarrative,p.
31).
B.
FromShim'92r'87ntoTihr'87n,Bah'87'u'll'87hwasseveraltimesstrippedofHisgarmentsandabusedandridiculed.
Onfoot,exposedbarefootandbareheadedtothefiercemidsummersun,andinchains,HewasforcedtowalkallthewayfromShim'92r'87ntotheS'92y'87h-Ch'87l(BlackPit)dungeon.
HewaspeltedandvilifiedallalongthewaybythecrowdswhomHisenemieshadconvincedthatHewastheSh'87h'sswornenemyandwreckerofhisrealm.
HewasexposedtowordlesslyhorribletreatmentonHisway.
AsHeapproachedthedungeon,anoldanddecrepitwomanemergedfromthecrowdwithastoneinhand,eagertocastitatHisface.
Hereyesglowedwithadeterminationandfanaticismfewwomenheragecould.
Withherentireframeshakingwithrageasshesteppedforwardandraisedherhandtohurlhermissile,sheadjuredthosewhosehandshadovertakenHimbytheSiyyidu'sh-Shuhad'87(Im'87mHusayn)toallowherachancetoflingthestoneinHisface.
HetoldthemtonotsufferherdisappointmentanddenialofwhatsheregardsasameritoriousactinGod'ssight.
C.
OriginallyawaterreservoirforapublicbathofTihr'87n,theundergrounddungeonwaswheretheworstcriminalswereconfined.
Theywereplungedintoafilthy,dark,andfever-strickendungeon,withchainsonHisneckwhichonlynotoriouscriminalswerecondemnedtocarry.
The4monthsofbearingthisburdenleftmarksonHisbodyfortherestofHislife.
Theconditionsoftheprisoncombinedtomakeittheworstplaceapersoncouldbecondemned.
Bah'87'u'll'87h'sfeetwereplacedinstockswhilechainswereplacedaroundHisneck,infamousthroughoutPersiafortheirgallingweight.
Bah'87'u'll'87hspokeofthese,instructingtheSonoftheWolfinHisepistletohimtoaskthedirectorandchiefoftheSh'87h'sprison,shouldhesometimehappentovisitthere,toseethe2chains,Qar'87-GuharandSal'87sil.
HesworebytheDay-starofJusticethatHewasweightedwiththemfor4months.
HestatedthequotethatthesorrowofJacobpaledbeforeHissorrowandthathisafflictionswerebutpartofHis.
'Abdu'l-Bah'87describedhowtheheavychainaboutHisneckbywhichHewaschainedto5otherB'87b'92swaslockedtogetherbystrong,veryheavy,boltsandscrewsandHisclothesandheaddressweretorntopiecesforthe4monthsHewasthere.
1.
Lifeimprisonment,termsofyearsorhardlaborwereunknown,andlengthyconfinementrare.
Eachnewyear,whenanewgovernorisappointed,heoftenemptiestheprisonfilledbyhispredecessor,with1or2oftheworstgiventhedeathpenalty,togiveanimpressionofstrength.
Astherewerenofemalewards,womenweredetainedaswellashigh-rankingmalecriminalsinthepriest'shouse.
3kindsofprisonsinTihr'87nweresaidtoexist:undergroundcellsbeneaththeArkwherethoseguiltyofconspiracyorhightreasonarereportedtobeconfined;thetownprisonwherevulgarcriminalsmaybeseenwithironneckcollars,sometimeswithfeetinstocks,thesebeingattachedtogetherbyironchains;andtheprivateguard-house,afrequentfeatureofthegreats'mansions.
ThePersiantheoryofjusticeisreportedtobesharpandrapidinsentenceandpunishment,inamannerroughlyequivalenttotheoriginaloffense,withoutanysenseofreform.
2.
For3daysandnights,Hewasgivennofoodordrinkandrestandsleepwereimpossible.
Theplacewasinfestedwithverminandhadastenchtocrushone'sspirit.
EvenanexecutionerwatchingHimwasmovedtotrytoinduceHimtotakesometeahehadcoveredandmanagedtobringintothedungeon.
Bah'87'u'll'87hrefusedtodrinkit.
ThoughnoamountofHisbrothers,sisters,andkindred'sunrelaxingpleadingwiththeguardstobringfoodintoHimworkedtoreducethediscipline'sseverity,theygraduallyyieldedtoHisfriends'persistenturgings.
However,nooneknewifthefoodwouldreachHimorwhetherHewouldconsenttoeatitwithHisdisciplesstarvingthere.
3.
Bah'87'u'll'87hdeclaredthatdespiteHisinnocence,indisputablyprovedbeforethetribunals,theyarrestedHim,broughtHimfromN'92y'87var'87n(royalseatresidence)toTihr'87nonfootandinchainswithbarefeetandhead(asabrutalmanonhorsebackhadsnatchedHishatfromHisheadontheway)withmanyexecutionersandfarr'87shesrapidlyhurryingHimalongintotheuniquedungeonwhereHestayedfor4monthsandwhichwasworsethanadarkandnarrowcell.
Enteringtheprisonandconductedalongadismal/pitch-blackcorridor,Hedescended3steepstairstothedark,gloomy,loathsomeandundescribablyputriddungeonwherenearly150thieves,assassins,andhighwayrobberswerekeptwithoutanyotheroutlet.
Mostwerewithoutclothesormattolieon.
Hesufferedindescribablesufferings.
4.
HereflectedtheredayandnighthowtheB'87b'92scouldbecapableofsuchanattempt.
Hethendeterminedtoarisetoregeneratethesepeopleafterleavingprison.
Onenight,inadream,theall-gloriouswordwasheardfromalldirectionsthatHewouldbeaidedtotriumphbyHisselfandHispen,badeHimnotgrieveforwhatbefellHimandtohavenofear,assuredHimHewasofthesecureandthatGodwouldsoonsendandrevealtreasures,menwhowouldgiveHimvictorybyHimselfandbyHisnamebywhichGodrevivedtheknowings'hearts.
5.
'Abdu'l-Bah'87toldofhowHeonedaywasallowedtoentertheprison-yardtoseeHisbelovedFatherasHecameoutfordailyexercise.
Hehadbeenterriblyaltered,soillHecouldhardlywalk,Hishairandbeardunkempt,Hisneckgalledandswollenfromtheheavysteelcollar'spressure,andHisbodybentbythechains'weight.
Thissightleftanever-to-be-forgottenimpressiononthesensitiveBoy'smind.
VI.
Fateofwould-bemurderers-609(seeIV.
I.
1.
above)VII.
Reignofterror-610(seeIV.
I.
2-IV.
Labove)VIII.
ReferencetoH'87j'92Sulaym'87nKh'87n-610A.
H'87j'92Sulaym'87nKh'87nwasthesonofYahy'87Kh'87n,anofficerservingN'87yibu's-Saltanih(MuhammadSh'87h'sfather).
HealsoservedthispositionduringtheearlydaysofMuhammadSh'87h'sreignbutshowedamarkeddisinclinationtorankandofficefromhisearliestyears.
1.
Inearlyyouth,helongedtoescapethecapital'sturmoilforKarbil'87.
HemetandbecameoneofSiyyidK'87zim'smostardentsupporters,showingsincerepiety,frugality,andloveofseclusion.
2.
WhentheCallfromSh'92r'87zcamethroughMull'87Y'9csuf-i-Ardib'92l'92andMull'87Mihd'92y-i-Khu''92,thoseamonghisbest-knownfriends,Heenthusiasticallyembracedit.
3.
UponacceptingtheB'87b'sCause,hepitiedanddisdainedthepettypursuitsofthepeoplearoundhim.
(HewasreportedtohavemettheB'87bduringHispilgrimagetoMeccaandMedina).
IntendingtoheadtoTabars'92uponarrivingatTihr'87n,hearrivedtoolate.
4.
HestayedinTihr'87nwearingthedressadoptedinKarbil'87:smallturban,awhitetunicconcealinghisblack'ab'87.
TheAm'92r-Niz'87m,displeasedwiththese,inducedhimtodiscardthemforamilitaryuniform,kul'87h(lambskinheaddressconsideredtobemoreinaccordancewithhisfather'srankgovernmentemployeesandcivilians).
ThoughtheAm'92rinsistedheacceptagovernmentposition,heobstinatelyrefused.
HespentmostofhistimewiththeB'87b'sdisciples,particularlythosewhosurvivedTabars'92,caringforthemwithatrulysurprisingcareandkindness.
Givenhisandhisfather'sinfluence,theAm'92rwasinducedtorefrainfromanyviolenceagainsthimandchosetoignorehisacts(ofwhichhewasdulyinformed)ratherthanprecipitateconflictwithhimorhisfather.
WhentheSevenMartyrsofTihr'87nweremartyred,nogovernmentofficialorpeopleventuredtodemandhisarrest.
EveninTabr'92zwherehewenttosavetheB'87b'slife,nonetheredaredtoliftafingeragainsthim.
XI.
H'87j'92Sulaym'87nKh'87n'smartyrdom-618(switchedfrombelow)(SamedayandmannerasH'87j'92Qasim,companioninassassinationattemptontheSh'87h)A.
H'87j'92Sulaym'87nKh'87nwasoneofthoseseized&throwninprisonaftertheassassinationattempt.
'e7q'87y-i-Kal'92msharedthefollowingwithNab'92l(ashehadsharedinthesufferingtheninTihr'87nandwaswithM'92rz'87'Abdu'l-Maj'92dandmanynotablesanddignitariesofthecapital,includingH'87j'92Mull'87Mahm'9cd(Niz'87mu'l-'Ulam'87)onthedayofH'87j'92Sulaym'87nKh'87n'smartyrdom).
WhenH'87j'92Mull'87Mahm'9cdrequestedtheKalantartodescribeH'87j'92Sulaym'87nKh'87n'sdeath,theKalantarmotionedhisfingertoM'92rz'87Taq'92,thekad-khud'87,sayinghehadconductedhimfromneartheimperialpalacetotheexecutionplaceoutsidetheNawgate.
M'92rz'87Taq'92thenwasrequestedtorelatewhathehadwitnessed.
1.
M'92rz'87Taq'92describedhowtheH'87jibu'd-Dawlih(H'87j'92'Al'92Kh'87n)hadbeencommandedbytheSh'87htoinquireintotheaccused'scomplicity,andifassuredofhisinnocence,toinducehimtorecant.
Ifhedid,hewastoliveandbedetainedpendingthecase'sfinalsettlement.
Ifnot,hewastobeputtodeathashechose.
WhenH'87j'92'Al'92Kh'87n'sinvestigationsledhimtobeconvincedofhisinnocence,andhesoughttoinducehimtorecant,theaccusedjoyouslyexclaimedthathewouldneverbewillingtorecanthisfaithinhisBelovedandthattheworldtheIm'87m'Al'92likenedtocarrionwouldneverallurehimfromhisheart'sDesire.
HesaidthattheKinghadtherighttodemandloyaltyanduprightnessfromhisservantsbutnotmeddlewiththeirreligiousconvictions.
Hisboldnessthenledthemtomartyrhimasanexampletoothers.
B.
Upondescribingthemannerofhismartyrdom,heaskedtobeparadedsuchthatthemultitudewouldwitnesshisgloriousmartyrdom,andthatthememoryofhisdeathwouldbeimprintedintheirheartsandhelpthemrecognizetheLightheembraced.
Whenhewastoreachthegallows'footandutterhislastprayeronearth,heaskedforhisbodytobecutin2withhislimbssuspendedoneithersideoftheNawgateofTihr'87n,thatthepassingmultitudewouldwitnessthelovetheB'87b'sFaithhadkindledinHisdisciplesandtheproofsoftheirdevotion.
HiswisheswerecarriedoutasordersweregiventoM'92rz'87Taq'92andhisassistantstobuy9candles,thrustthemintodeepholesinhisflesh,lighteachone,andbringhimtothemarketwithdrumsandtrumpets(andminstrels)tohisexecutionsiteandcuthimin2(withahatchet)anddisplayhimasrequested.
1.
Astheyhandedthevictimthecandlestheypurchasedandpreparedtothrustknivesintohisbreast,hestretchedhisarmtotaketheknife,requestingthathebeallowedtomaketheholesandlightthecandles.
Fearinganattack,M'92rz'87Taq'92orderedhismentiethevictim'shandsbehindhisback.
Thevictimthenpleadedtopointoutwithhisfingerswherehewishedthemtoputthedaggerashisonlyotherrequest.
Heaskedthemtopierce2holesinhisbreast,2inhisshoulders,1inhisnecknape,and4othersinhisback.
Heenduredthiswithstoiccalm,steadfasteyes,andmysterious,sereneandunbrokensilence,despitethemultitude'showlingandthesightofbloodoverhisbody,untilall9werelit.
2.
Whenthemarchwascomplete,hestooderectasanarrowandsteppedtoleadthosepressingaroundhimtohismartyrdomsite.
Everyfewstepsheinterruptedthemarch,gazedatthebewildered,shoutedthatnogreaterpompcouldaccompanyhisprogresstowinmartyrdomandglorifiedtheB'87bforkindlingsuchdevotioninHislovers'breastsandforgivingthempowerofkings.
Intoxicatedbyhisferviddevotion,heexclaimedthatwhileAbrahamhad,inHisprayerforHissoul'srefreshmentamidstHisagony,heardtheUnseencallthefiretobecoldforAbraham'ssafety,hewishedthatHisfireburnunceasinglywithinandconsumehisbeing.
Seeingthewaxflicker,hedelightedlywishedfortheB'87btowitnessHisstateandcriedtothethrongforthemnottothinkhewasintoxicatedwithearthlywinebuttheloveofHisBelovedendowinghimwithasovereigntykingsmightenvy.
Hecontinuallyexclaimedjoyatbeingchosentobeworthytobemartyred,andsangandrecitedpoetryverses.
3.
Theseexclamationswerebutafewofthosewhichhadaneffectonthemultitude.
Inthebazaar,abreezeexcitedthecandleflames,meltingrapidlythatthosefollowingafewstepsbehindhimcouldhearthesizzlingofflesh.
Thisonlyincreasedhisenthusiasm,ashecalledtotheflamesthattheyhadlonglosttheirstingandpowertopainhim,andtoldthemtohurryashecouldhearfromtheirtonguesavoicecallinghimtohisBeloved.
Hewalkedasaconquerormarchingtothesceneofvictory.
4.
Wheneverthecandlesfell,hepickeditupwithhisownhands,lititwithanothercandle,andreplacedit.
Theexecutionersseeinghimexultingso,askedhimwhyhedidnotdanceifsoeagerformartyrdom.
Heleaptandsungversesabouthowmendancewhentheyarefreefromevilandself.
Hemockedtheexecutionersaskingthemwhytheydidnotdancesincetheyfounddeathsopleasant.
Hecried"Dance!
"tothemandstatedhowthisdancewashisdesire.
Atthegallows'foot,hemadealastappealtothem,askingwhetherhehadnotrecentlyenjoyedallwordlyriches,andwhatcouldhavecausedhimtorenounceallthisforgreatsuffering.
ProstratingtowardtheIm'87m-Z'87dihHasan'sshrine,heutteredsomewordsinArabic.
Hetoldtheexecutionerhisworkwasnowfinishedandthatheshouldcomeanddohis.
Withouthesitation,hestretchedouthisfeetandrecitedversesthatone'sbodyseemsworthlessanddetestablewhileweaponsseemlikeflowersatone'sdeath.
Stillalivewhencutin2,hepraisedhisBeloveduntilhislastmomentoflife.
5.
Thelistenerstothisstorywerestirredtotheirsouls'depths,includingtheNiz'87mu'l-'Ulam'87,whoafterlisteningintently,wrunghishandsinhorroranddespair,exclaiminghowverystrangethisCausewas,thenleftwithoutafurtherword.
C.
LordCurzontestifiedtotheunquestionedandsublimedevotionandself-sacrificingheroisminculcatedbythenewFaith,indicatingtheircreed'simportance.
Thoughignorantandunletteredasmanywere,theywerereadytodiefortheirreligion,withacourageamidstthethreatofmorerefinedtorture,thanthatcommittedbythefiresofSmithfield.
OnlyoneB'87b'92hadbeenreportedtohaverecantedunderpressureormenaceofsuffering,andherevertedtotheFaithandwasexecutedin2years.
TheseincidentsprovePersianotyetbequiteredeemedasthetall-talkersofIraniancivilizationwouldhaveit.
IX.
Referencetothe'e7m'92r-Niz'87m'srepentance-615A.
SoonafterMull'87Zaynu'l-'Abid'92n-i-Yazd'92'smartyrdom,arumorspreadthatSiyyidHusayn,theB'87b'samanuensis,andT'87hirih,whomthegovernmentintendedtoexecute,weretobereleasedandthatfurtherpersecutionwastobedefinitelyabandoned.
ItwaswidelyreportedthattheAm'92r-Niz'87m,asheperceiveddeathapproaching,hadbeenseizedwithfear,recallingtheB'87b'svisionWhomhehadcausedtobemartyred.
HenowregrettedhispartatnotrestrainingthosepressinghimtoshedHisandHiscompanions'blood,astheState'sinterestsrequiredit.
Hissuccessor,M'92rz'87'e7q'87Kh'87nwaslikewiseinclinedtomakealastingreconciliationwiththeB'87b'92sduringhisearlyadministrationuntiltheattemptontheSh'87h'slifeoccurred.
X.
IncidentrelatedbytheMostGreatBranch-616A.
Nab'92lheard'Abdu'l-Bah'87,then8yearsold,recounthowHehadsoughttoleaveHisthenresidenceofHisuncle's(M'92rz'87Ism'87''92l)housetocrossthestreettothemarketwhenboysHisagecrowdedaroundHimcrying"B'87b'92!
B'87b'92!
".
Hedeliberatelyignoredthemandstealthilywenthome.
OnedaywhenwalkingalonethroughthemarkettoHisuncle'shouse,HesawbehindHimabandoflittleruffianssprintingtoovertakeHim,peltingHimwithstonesandmenacinglyshouting"B'87b'92!
B'87b'92!
"1.
Asintimidationwastheonlyapparentwaytoavertdanger,Heturnedbackanddeterminedlyrushedtowardthemthattheyfledindistressandvanished,whileHecouldheartheirdistantcrythatthelittleB'87b'92waspursuingthemandwouldsurelyovertakeandkillthemall.
OnHiswayhome,amanshoutedatthetopofhisvoicecongratulatingHimasafearlesschildasnooneHisagecouldhavewithstoodtheirattack.
TheboysneverutteredanythingoffensiveorharassedHimagain.
XII.
T'87hirih'smartyrdom-626A.
T'87hirihwasaffectedbythisaswell.
Shewasofahighlyreputedfamilywithmembersinenviableecclesiasticalpositions.
ShehadtheillustriousF'87timih'snamesakegivenbyherfather,wassurnamedUmm-i-SalmihanddesignatedZak'92yyihbyherfamily,designatedasZarr'92n-T'87j(CrownofGold)andZak'92yyih(Virtuous)byfamily&kindred,borninthesameyearasBah'87'u'll'87h(1817-1818),andrecognizedasaprodigyinintelligenceandbeautyfromchildhoodbyherfellow-townsmen,esteemedhighlybyeventhemosthaughtyandlearned'ulam'87sofhercountryforherbrilliantandnovelviews,knownas'Qurrat-i-'Ayn'92(solaceofmyeyes)byheradmiringteacher,SiyyidK'87zim,T'87hirih(thePureOne)bythe"TongueofPowerandGlory,"theonlywomanoftheLettersoftheLiving.
1.
ShewasaffectionatelytreatedinTihr'87n&highlyesteemedbytheleadingwomen-thehighmarkofherpopularity.
Manymen&womencametovisit.
Womenthrongedtoherdoorsforherpresenceandknowledge.
Whileshewasahouseprisoner,asonofthefamilymarried.
Theprominentmen'swiveswereinvited.
Thoughmuchwasspentforcustomaryentertainment,thewomenloudlydemandedQurratu'l-'Ayn.
Theladies,forgettingthesweetstheyweresofondof,onlywishedtoseeher.
Thoughshehadhardlyappeared&beguntospeak,themusicians&dancersweredismissed.
2.
WhileinQazv'92n,theplacepridingitselfofhavingatleast100ofthehighestecclesiasticsofIsl'87m,sheconsolidatednewlywonvictorieswithherfearlessness,skill,enthusiasmandorganization.
3.
ShearousedthewomenbyshowingthemtheabjectroletheSh'92'ah'ulam'87shadassignedthemandwonthemtothenewFaithbyshowingthemthefreedomandrespectitwouldbestow.
Manydomesticdisputesfollowed,notalwaystothehusband'sadvantageandcredit.
HadM'92rz'87'e7q'87Kh'87nnotbeenappointedSadr-i-A'zam,thesediscussionsmighthavecontinued.
HeorderedH'87j'92Mull'87MuhammadAndirm'87n'92andH'87j'92Mull'87'Al'92Kin'92tocallonhertolookintoherbelief.
Theyheld7conferences,whereshepassionatelyarguedandaffirmedthattheB'87bwasthepromisedandexpectedIm'87m.
WhenheradversariescalledherattentiontothefactthattheIm'87mwastocomefromJ'87bulq'87andJ'87buls'87,shepassionatelyretortedthattheseprophecieswerefalselyforgedbytraditionalists,thatthese2citiesneverexisted,andcouldonlybethesuperstitionsofdiseasedbrains.
Thoughsheexpoundedthenewdoctrineanditstruth,shealwaysencounteredthesameargument.
Exasperated,shefinallytoldthemthattheirreasoningwaslikethatofanignorantandstupidchild,askingthemwhentheywouldlifttheireyestotheSunofTruth.
H'87j'92Mull'87'Al'92roseupandledhisfriendaway,askinghimwhytheyshouldprolongtheirdiscussionwithaninfidel.
Theyreturnedhome&wrotethesentence,establishingherapostasyandrefusaltorecant,andcondemninghertodeathinthenameoftheQur''87n.
4.
TheKal'87ntar's(Mahm'9cdKh'87n-i-Kal'87ntar,inwhosecustodyshewas)wife,especially,showedherreverence,enthusiastichospitality&neverfailedtohelpdeepenasshecouldT'87hirih'sinfluence.
TheKal'87ntar'swife'sintimateacquaintancesrelatedhowshehadtoldthemthatT'87hirihsummonedheronenight,adornedandwearingasnow-whitesilkgown,herroomredolentwithchoicestperfume.
Uponherexpressinghersurprise,T'87hirihtoldherthatshewaspreparingtomeetherBelovedandwishedtofreeherfromthecaresofherimprisonment.
Greatlystartledatfirst,sheweptatthethoughtofseparation.
Shetoldhernottoweep,thatthetimeoflamentationhadnotyetcome,butthatasherarrestandmartyrdomwasquicklyapproaching,shewishedtotellherherlastwishesthattheKal'87ntar'swife'ssontakeT'87hirihtoherdeathsiteandensurethattheguardstonotdivestherofthatattire.
Shealsowishedtobethrownintoapitwhichwouldbefilledwithearthandstones.
Shesaidthatawomanwouldcome3daysafterherdeathtotakethepackageshenowgaveher.
HerlastrequestwasthatshenotallowanyonetoenterherroomanddisturbherdevotionsandfastinguntilthedaysheleavestomeetherBeloved.
Shehadherlocktheroom'sdoor,badehernotopenituntilthetimeofdeparture,andurgedhertokeepsecretthenewsofherdeathuntiltheenemydisclosedit.
5.
Onlyagreatloveforherallowedhertoobey.
Shelockedthedoorandwenttoherowninuncontrollablesorrow,disconsolateonherbedthinkingofherimpendingmartyrdom.
SheprayedtoGodtochangeherdesireifitwereHiswill.
SheseveraltimesthatnightwenttoT'87hirih'sdoor,stoodsilentlyeagertohearanythingshesaid,wasenchantedbyhervoice'smelodyofpraisetoherBelovedthatshecouldhardlystandonherfeet.
4hoursaftersunset,sheheardaknockatthedoor,andhastenedtotellhersonT'87hirih'swishes.
Hepledgedtofulfilleveryinstructiongivenhismother.
6.
Herhusbandwasabsentthatnight.
Hersonopenedthedoorandtoldherthat'Az'92zKh'87n-i-Sard'87r'sattendantswereatthegatedemandingT'87hirih.
Terrified,shetotteredtoherdoor,unlockeditwithtremblinghands,andfoundherveiled,pacing,chantingalitanyofgriefandtriumph,andpreparingtoleave.
Whenshesawher,sheapproachedandkissedher.
Sheplacedachestkeyinherhand,toldherthatshehadleftafewtrivialthingsasaremembranceofherstay,andhopedthatwhensheopenedthechestthatshewouldrememberherandrejoiceinhergladness.
T'87hirihthenbadeherfarewellandleftwithherson.
ShefeltdeepanguishasT'87hirihvanished.
ShemountedthesteedtheSard'87rhadsentforher,and,escortedbyhersonandsomeattendantsmarchingoneachside,rodeouttothegardensiteofhermartyrdom.
7.
TheauthoritieshadfirstcometoShamsu'd-Duh'87'shome,anotherprominentB'87b'92woman,andabusedheruntilT'87hirihhadsentamessagetothegovernor,declaringthatshewasathisdisposalandtoldhimnottoharmanyother.
See'Abdu'l-Bah'87,MemorialsoftheFaithful,formoreonthisB'87b'92heroine'slifeaswellasonT'87hirih'slife.
8.
3hourslater,hersonreturned,facedrenchedwithtears,invokingevilontheSard'87randhislieutenants.
Seatinghimandtryingtocalmhim,sheaskedhimtorelateasfullyaspossibleherdeath.
Hesobbedtoherthathecouldbarelydescribewhathesaw.
Theywentoutsidethecitygatetothe'ealkh'87n'92garden,avastsquareacrossfromtheEnglishLegationandTurkishEmbassywhere5or6treesstoodtowardthecentermarkingthesiteofhermartyrdom.
(In1898thesquarehadentirelydisappeared,coveredbymodernbuildings,withthefateofthetreesplantedbypioushandsunknownwhethertheyhadbeensaved.
)9.
Hefound,tohishorror,theSard'87randlieutenantsflushedwithwineandroaringwithlaughter.
T'87hirihdismounted,calledhimtoher,askedhimtoactasanintermediarywiththeSard'87r,whomshedidnotwishtoaddressamidsthisrevelry,andtoldhimthattheyapparentlywishedtostrangleherandthatshesetlongagoasideasilkenkerchiefshehopedtheywoulduseforthatpurpose.
Shegaveittohimthathewouldinducethedrunkardtouseittokillher.
Wretchedlyintoxicated,theSard'87rshoutedforhimnottointerrupttheirhappyfestival,andcallingfor"thatmiserablewretch"tobestrangledandthrownintoapit.
10.
Surprisedatsuchanorder,andbelievingitunnecessarytomakeanyrequest,hewentto2ofhisattendantsheknewandgavethemthekerchief,grantingherrequest.
Thekerchiefwaswoundroundherneckastheinstrumentofhermartyrdom.
Shewas36whenshewasmartyredinTihr'87n.
Agardenerheasked,toldhimtohisgreatdelightthathecouldconcealthebodyinarecentlydug,abandoned,andunfinishedwell.
Withafewothers'help,heloweredherintohergrave,filledthewellwithearthandstonesasshehadwished.
Thosewhosawherinherlastmomentsweredeeplyaffected,mourningwithdowncasteyesandraptinsilence,astheylefther.
11.
TheKal'87ntar'swifeweptatthistalethatshefellprostrate&unconscious.
Shewoketofindhersonlyingonthecouch,passionatelyanddevotedlyweeping.
Beholdingherplight,hewenttocomforther,statingthathertearswouldbetrayhertohisfatherandthatconsiderationsofrankandpositionwillinducehimtoforsakethem,severanytiestohome,accusethembeforeN'87siri'd-D'92nSh'87hasfallingunderthehatefulenemy'scharm,obtainhisconsentfortheirdeath,andwouldprobablykillthemwithhisownhands.
Heaskedwhytheyshouldallowthemselvestosufferso,astheyneverembracedtheCause,andthattheironlydutywastodefendherfromthosewhodenounceherchastityandhonorandthattheyshouldalwayscherishherloveintheirheartsandmaintainherintegrityamidstaslanderousenemy.
12.
Hiswordscalmedher,andshewenttothechestandopeneditwiththekeyshehadgivenher,findingasmallvialofchoicestperfume,arosary,coralnecklace,and3ringsmountedwithturquoise,cornelian,andrubystones.
Gazingonthem,sheponderedhereventfullife,recallingwithwonder,hercourage,zeal,duty,devotion,andliteraryattainments;broodingovertheimprisonmentsandshameshefacedwithafortitudenowomanoftheirlandcould;picturingherfacenowburiedunderearthandstones;beingwarmedbythememoryofherpassionateeloquence,repeatingthewordssheoftenspoke;becomingdisconcertedatthesuddennessbywhichanawarenessofhervastknowledgeandmasteryofIsl'87m'ssacredScripturesenteredhermind;contemplatingwhatcouldhaveinducedsuchagreatwomantoforsaketherichesandhonorsshewassurroundedwithtoidentifywiththeCauseofanobscureSh'92r'87z'92Youth,remainpassionatelyloyaltoit,ferventlypleaditscause,renderitservices,endurewoesforitssake,exemplifyitforitsfollowers,advanceitandcarveanameforherselfinhercountrymen'shearts;wonderingwhatsecretcouldhavetornherawayfromhomeandkindredthathadsustainedherthroughherstormycareer&broughthertohergrave;andwonderingwhethertheforcecouldbeofGod,guidingherdestinyandsteeringherlife'scourseamidstperils.
13.
The3rddayafterhermartyrdom,thepromisedwomanarrived(whomshedidnotknow),andasitwasthesamenameT'87hirihhadtoldheritwouldbe,shedeliveredthepackagetoherandnevermetheragain.
14.
Nab'92l,LordCurzon,ValentineChirol,E.
G.
Browne,SirFrancisYounghusband,ComtedeGobineau,aplaywrightSarahBernhardthadaskedtowriteadramatizedversionofherlife,thegreatauthorandpoetofTurkey,Sulaym'87nN'87zimBey,Mrs.
MariannaHainisch(amotherofaPresidentofAustria)lefteloquenttestimonies.
Dr.
T.
K.
Cheynedescribeshowsuffrageideashadquietlybeenspreadingthroughharemsthoughthemenandeveryonewereignorantofituntilthefloodgateopened.
Suffrageclubshadbeenorganized,intelligentmemorialsincorporatingwomen'sdemandsweredraftedandcirculated,women'sjournalsandmagazineswithexcellentarticlessprangup,andpublicmeetingswereheld.
Oneday400oftheseclubmemberscasttheirveilsoff.
Thefossilizedsocietyclasswereshocked,goodMuslimswerealarmed,andthegovernmentmovedtoaction.
ThemenofConstantinopleresortedtodrasticmeasures,deporting40oftheseTurkishsuffragettesfromConstantinopletotheprisonwhereBah'87'u'll'87hwasin'Akk'87,therestbeingdividedintoothergroups.
Everyonewastalkingaboutit,andmanywereinfavorofremovingtheveils,includingmenwhothoughtthecustomarchaicandthought-stifling.
Theauthoritiesonlyaddedtotheflameoflibertybytheiractionandcreatedgreaterpublicopinionandunderstanding.
XIII.
SiyyidHusayn'smartyrdom-631B.
SiyyidHusayn-i-Yazd'92,theB'87b'samanuensisinM'87h-K'9candChihr'92q,wassoknowledgeableabouttheFaith'steachings,thattheB'87binaTablettoM'92rz'87Yahy'87urgedhimtoseekanythingabouttheWritingsfromhim.
HewasamanofstandingandexperienceinwhomtheB'87bheldhisconfidence.
ThoughhesufferedalongconfinementintheundergrounddungeonofTihr'87nandledtohismartyrdom,Bah'87'u'll'87hgreatlyhelpedtoallayhishardships.
Hesenthimeverymonthanymoneyheneeded.
Hewaspraisedandadmiredbyeventhejailers.
HisintimateassociationwiththeB'87bhadduringHislastandstormiestdays,deepenedhimandendowedhimwithapowerheincreasinglymanifestedtowardhisdeath.
InprisonhelongedtobemartyredastheB'87bhadbeen.
ThoughdeprivedofdyingthesamedayasHim(thishadbeenhissupremedesire)henowawaitedhisdeath.
1.
ThoughtheleadingTihr'87n'92officialssoughttoinducehimtoagreetobedeliveredfromprisonandacrueldeath,hesteadfastlyrefused.
Continualtearsflowedthen,bornofalongingtoseetheradiantfacewhichshoneandwhoseglowwarmedamidstthecruelandwintryincarcerationin'e7dhirb'87yj'87n.
Anguishedatthecontrastbetweenthoseblissfuldaysandthepresent,hewasalonecomfortedbyBah'87'u'll'87h,Whosepresenceheattaineduntildeath.
'Az'92zKh釃n-i-Sard'87r,whohadkilledT'87hirih,killedhimalsoincruelcircumstanceswhichNab'92ldidnotneedtoexpatiateupon.
XIV.
IncidentsintheS'92y'87h-Ch'87l,asrelatedbyBah'87'u'll'87h-631A.
Nab'92lheardBah'87'u'll'87htellofhow,despitehorrorsintheS'92y'87h-Ch'87l,onegroupferventlychanted,"Godissufficientuntome;HeverilyistheAll-sufficing!
"whiletheotherintoned"InHimletthetrustingtrust.
"ThisnoisereachedtheSh'87hthoughhedidnothingaboutit.
B.
Whenofferedaroastmeattray,allweresilent,Bah'87'u'll'87hdeclined,andonlyonecompanionindicateddesiretoeat,whiletheotherspraisedGodratherthancomplain.
C.
Eachdayonecompanionwastakentothegallows.
Eachgladlyresponded,embracedBah'87'u'll'87handtookcomfortinHispromiseofParadise,embracedtheothers,andleft.
Thebefriendedexecutionerwouldtellthejoyandeventsofhisdeath.
D.
Bah'87'u'll'87hinterpretedthedreamof'Abdu'l-Vahh'87binwhichhewasflyinginbeautifulspaceasmeaningheshouldremainsteadfastuntilbeingmartyredtoenjoysuchraptureagain.
When'Abdu'l-Vahh'87bwascalled,heembracedtheothersandBah'87'u'll'87h.
HehavehimHisshoesandafterwardstheexecutionerpraisedthespiritoftheyouth,pleasingBah'87'u'll'87h.
XV.
AttemptstoproveBah'87'u'll'87h'scomplicity-635A.
Ayouth,'Abb'87swhohadhadaccesstomanyB'87b'92swasforcedtoinformtheFarr'87sh-B'87sh'92'sassistantsoftheirnamesandlocations,pointingoutespeciallythewealthytobecaptured(forbribery).
ThoughtakentotheS'92y'87h-Ch'87ltobetrayBah'87'u'll'87handpromisedarewardbytheSh'87h'smother(whowaspersistinginfrustrationtodemandHisexecution),eachtimeinHispresencehefeltcompelledtodenyhavingseenHim.
TheassistantstriedtopoisonHim(fortheSh'87h'smother),anddidaffectHishealthforyears,Hedidnotdie.
Onfailingtheywereforcedtoshifttheblameto'Az'92m(toappeasetheSh'87h'smother).
XVI.
'Az'92m'sconfessionanddeath-637A.
TheRussianministerhadkeptinformedofthissituation,sentrepresentativestoascertainfrom'Az'92mBah'87'u'll'87h'srole,andassuredhewouldabidebyhisassessment.
As'Az'92mconfessedtoplottinghisvengeance(attheB'87b'sdeath)inthepresenceoftherepresentativeoftheministerandVaz'92r,Bah'87'u'll'87hwastobereleased.
B.
The'ulam'87sweretemporarilystoppedfromkilling'Az'92mbyacallforjudgmentbytheIm'87m-Jum'ih.
Throughdevicetheyobtainedhisdeathwarrant.
Asiyyidclubbedhisheadandamobmutilatedhim.
H釃j'92M'92rz'87J'87n'92wasalsosecretlymartyred(secretlyduetoreservationsoftheVaz'92r).
XVII.
Bah'87'u'll'87h'spossessionsplunderedinM'87zindar'87n-637A.
Adjoiningprovinceswereinfluencedbytheviolence,throughconfiscationofHispropertyandthemartyrdomof2devotedB'87b'92s,Muhammad-Taq'92Kh'87nand'Abdu'l-Vahh'87bofN'9cr.
Others,emboldenedbyM'92rz'87Yahy'87'saspirations,soughttoinvolveaddedchargestoleadtoHislossofinfluenceanddeath.
B.
Barelyrecovered,theSh'87hputdowntheVaz'92rforfailingtomaintainorder,impellinghimtosendregimentstoT'87kurtorepressthealbeitexaggeratedtroublemakers.
HesentHusayn-'Al'92Kh'87noftheSh'87h-S'9cnregimentwhoappointedhisnephewM'92rz'87Ab'9c-T'87libKh'87n(thebrother-in-lawofBah'87'u'll'87h'shalf-brotherM'92rz'87Hasan)warninghimagainstanyexcessesofthemen.
ThoughtheVaz'92rassuredHusayn-'Al'92Kh'87nofhisandM'92rz'87Ab'9c-T'87lib'slikelysupport,M'92rz'87Ab'9c-T'87libdisregardedHusayn-'Al'92Kh'87n'spleasandattacked,intentonmassacring,pillaging,andcapturingthewomen.
ThepeopleappealedtoM'92rz'87Hasan,whoaskedformercybutwasrefused.
Themenofthetownfledtothemountains.
M'92rz'87Ab'9c-T'87libpillagedanddestroyedBah'87'u'll'87h'sinheritedhomethenrazedthewholetown.
Thoughnoable-bodiedmenwerefoundintown,theyshottwosleepingmeninthemountainslopesandbroughtthecaptured(includingoneofthesetwo)inchainsintotheS'92y'87h-Ch'87lwhereanumberdied.
Theyearafter,M'92rz'87Ab'9c-T'87libfelltotheplagueandwasshunnedbyhiskindredexceptforM'92rz'87Hasanwhowasvisitinghimathisdeath-bedwhentheVaz'92rcametovisit.
XVIII.
EffectsoftheturmoilinYazdandNayr'92z-642A.
B'87b'92sintheareaandtoYazdandparticularlyinNayr'92zweretakenandmartyred.
AlllevelsoflocalofficialswouldimprisonandtorturesuspectedB'87b'92sfortheSh'87h'sfavor.
AM'92rz'87'Al'92caredforthepoor,wounded,sorrowfulandwidowedandorphanedsurvivorsinNayr'92z.
Zaynu'l-'Abid'92nKh'87n,believedtoberesponsible,waskilledbyM'92rz'87'Al'92'scompanions,leadingthewidowtobribewithjewelsM'92rz'87Na''92mtocaptureandbeatB'87b'92s.
ThelistofcaptiveswasgiventotheSh'87h,theresttobebroughttoTihr'87n.
Atleast180B'87b'92sweremartyredandasmanyincapacitatedandbroughttoTihr'87n.
Ofthe28whosurvived,15werehungandmanyothersdiedafterprison.
1.
InSh'92r'87zmanywereslain,200beheadedwiththeheadscarriedonbayonets.
2.
300of600womenwerereleasedinNayr'92zwiththerestbroughtonhorsebacktoSh'92r'87z,tortured,andabandoned,manydyingintheprocess.
3.
Amartyr'sniecewasveiledthenledtoagarden,whentheheadofherbeheadeduncle,afeebleoldman,Mull'87Muhammad-M'9cs'87wasthrownatM'92rz'87Na''92minherpresence.
M'92rz'87Na''92m'smouthwasstuffedwithdirtandhewasshotinthehead(notfatally).
4.
Aswomenandchildrencaptiveswerebeingmoved,ababyontheshouldersofhisbrotherwearinganornamentalhat,waspulledbythehatandthrown10feet,leavingthemothertofindhimunconscious.
5.
Proddedalongbywhipandswordamidstmartyrs'headsonpikes,womenwerebumpedintowater-filledditchesandlaterlednakedtobestoned,whipped,spaton,andinsulted-somediedfromthecold,otherswerebeheaded.
TheywereimprisonedinSh'92r'87z.
6.
Thegovernororderedtheprisonerstobebroughtbeforehimamidstprominentcitizens.
WhenMull'87'Abdu'l-HusaynrefusedtocursetheB'87b,hewasbeheaded.
Afewotherswereexecutedandtherest,withthewomen,wereimprisoned-73werelaterbroughttoTihr'87nbytheSh'87h'sorder.
22diedontheway,15werekilledonarriving,23diedinprison,13werefreedin3years.
7.
Menwerekilledand40womenandchildrenwereholedintoacavebyfirewoodwhichwassetonfire.
Afewdayslaterapersecutoropenedthecavedoorandsawthewomen'sbodiesseatedinacircle,headssunktotheirknees(ingrief),othersintheiroriginalposturedespitethefire.
Ontouchingthem,theycrumbled.
Theyrepentedbuttonoavail.
8.
SuchgruesomeeventsfulfilledthetraditionHad'92th-i-J'87birwhichforetellsthemagnanimityofthePromisedOneandthebrutalmassacresamongHisfollower-saints.
9.
AfairlyprominentB'87b'92governmentofficiallaterrelatedhowhisgrandfatherhadledpersecutionsafterbeingassuredby2'ulam'87sthathewouldberewardedinPardiseforthisholywar.
750menwerekilled,womenandchildrenstrippedalmostnakedwereledonmules,etc.
amidstrowsoftheheadsoftheirdearrelativestoSh'92r'87zwheretheywereheldcaptiveandwheremanydiedamidstsufferingandinsult.
Thegrandfatherlaterfellillanddumbmurmuring"B'87b'92!
"beforedying.
Hisgreat-uncle,alsoapersecutor,wasfinedindisgrace25,000t'9cm'87nsbythegovernment,withhishands,feet,andheadsubjectedtotorture.
Hewasthendismissedinruin.
XIX.
Bah'87'u'll'87h'sreleaseandbanishmenttoBaghd'87d-650A.
Bah'87'u'll'87hwasfreedfromdangerby'Az'92m'sconfessionandtheresultingvengeance.
ConvincedofHisinnocencefrombeingaconspirator,theVaz'92rorderedHimfreed.
TheemissarywhowassentsawBah'87'u'll'87hchainedtothevermin-infestedfloor,neckinchains,dishevelled,faceinsorrow,andbreathingfoulair.
Indisbeliefandindignation,theemissarydenouncedtheVaz'92rforsuchcruelty.
Thoughofferedtheemissary'smantle,Bah'87'u'll'87hrefusedandworetheprisonerdresstothegovernmentseat.
WhentoldbytheVaz'92rthathadHedissociatedHimselffromtheB'87b'sFaith,Hewouldnothavesufferedso,Bah'87'u'll'87hrepliedthegovernmentsituationwouldnothavebecomesocriticalhadhefollowedHisearliercounselthattheflameoftheB'87b'sMartyrdomwouldgrowevengreater.
Onaskingwhattodo,Bah'87'u'll'87hrepliedforhimtoorderthegovernorstostopsheddinginnocentblood,plundering,dishonoringwomen,injuringwomen,andseekingtoexterminatetheFaith.
Thoughheconsentedandsentacircularforthegovernorstodesist,hislateractionsbetrayedthistemporaryassent.
Onbeingfreed,Bah'87'u'll'87hwasorderedtoleavePersiawithinamonth.
TopacifyHim,certainpropertiesweretoberestored,thefewleftwentunclaimed.
Herequestedgoingto'Ir'87q,despitetheRussianminister'sinvitationofprotectiontoRussia.
HeleftwithHisfamilyincluding'Abdu'l-Bah'87and'e7q'87y-i-Kal'92m(M'92rz'87M'9cs'87)escortedbyanimperialguardandaRussianembassyofficialtoBaghd'87d.
B.
M'92rz'87'e7q'87Kh'87nwasdrivenfromoffice,placedunderstrictsurveillanceinYazd,anddiedinshameanddespair.
TheH'87jibu'd-Dawlihwasdespoiledofproperty,hisbeardwascutoff,thenwasforcedtoeatit,andwassubjectedtowatchatrocitiestohiswomenandchildren.
Mahm'9cdKh'87n-i-Kalantarwas9yearslaterdraggedbyropesaroundhisfeetthroughbazaarsthenhung.
SummaryofChapterXXVII.
Deathofthe'e7m'92r-Niz'87m-595In1852Bah'87'u''ll'87hrevivedtheremainingcommunityandpreparedthemfortests.
M'92rz'87Taq'92mistakenlywasledtoleavehisprotectionandwasassassinated,underadeathwarrantfromtheSh'87h,byhisveinsbeingcutopeninapublicbath.
Hissuccessor,M'92rz'87'e7q'87Kh'87n,incontrasttoM'92rz'87Taq'92,atfirstsoughttoreconcilethegovernmentwithBah'87'u'll'87h,warmlyinvitingHimbacktoTihr'87n.
II.
Bah'87'u'll'87h'sreturntoTihr'87n-598A.
Bah'87'u'll'87hhadalreadydecidedtoreturnandwaswelcomedandhostedbytheVaz'92r'sbrother,Ja'far-Qul'92Kh'87n,attheVaz'92r'sspecialorders.
ManynotablesflockedtomeetHimthere,preventingHisreturnhome.
III.
Bah'87'ull'87h'smeetingwith'Az'92m-599A.
Bah'87'u'll'87hmet'Az'92monHiswaytoShim'92r'87nwhohadbeenseekingHispresencetotellHimofhisplantoassassinatetheSh'87h.
Bah'87'u'll'87hemphaticallycondemnedhisplan,dissociatingHimselffromit,andwarneditwouldbringaboutunprecedenteddisasters.
WithJa'far-Qul'92Kh'87nstillasHishost(inAfchihvillagethistime),thenewsofanassassinationattemptonN'87siri'd-D'92nSh'87hreachedHim.
IV.
AttemptontheSh'87h'slife-599A.
2half-crazedyouth,outofdespair,soughtinvaintoavengetheB'87b'sandB'87b'92s'martyrdoms,shootingtheSh'87h,butfailing.
Oneattackerwasovertaken,mutilated,anddraggedoverstones,whiletheotherswerebound.
B.
Thecourtdoctorbroughtthekingtosafety.
Themerchantsdesertedthebazaars,thepeoplehadhoardedgoodsfromthebakery,andsoldiersclosedthecitadelgatesunawareofwhatexactlywashappening.
C.
S'87diq'sbodywasexposedtopublicview.
Thecitygateswereclosedandguarded.
Atnight,ayouth,'Abb'87s,wasimpelledtobetraythelocationofB'87b'92s,especiallytherichoneswhocouldcompelledtopaybribes.
Thepolice,whoknewwerewellfamiliarwiththeneighborhoodpeople,weredrawnontowatchtheB'87b'92s.
D.
Bah'87'u'll'87hpointedoutthattheyouthsusingshotwasaproofofalackofjudgmentandthatHethereforecouldnothavecommittedit.
E.
TheTihr'87nGazettecondemnedtheB'87bandHisdisciplesandinsinuatedtheywishtofomentrebellionandpillaging.
F.
DespitewarningsregardingtheangeroftheSh'87h'smother,Bah'87'u'll'87hcalmlyrodetothearmyheadquarters.
Stunned,theSh'87handofficersorderedHimin.
TheRussianministerrefusedandsentHimtoM'92rz'87'e7q'87Kh'87n's.
ThoughhereceivedHimandhepromisedhisimploringdaughterhewouldprotectHim,hefailedintheendtofullydoso.
G.
Themartyrdomsuptothispointrangedfrom10,000to30,000andhigher.
H.
6possiblyinnocentwereimprisonedforlife,and12weredivided,outoffearofrelatiation,tobekilledamongtheministers,clergy,andpeople.
Twohadbeentorturedprior,withred-hotpincers,limb-rendingscrews,andonehadmoltenleadpoureddownhisthroatwhenthoughtmutebyrefusingtospeak.
Oneconspiratorwasstripped,hadlitcandlesthrustintoincisionsinbody,wasparadedbeforewildmultitude,andwasstonedtodeath.
Otherswerestabbedandcutintopieces,shot.
1.
WhentheSh'87h'sFrenchphysicianpolitelydeclinedaninvitationtotakepartinthekilling,theSadrbecameangryatnotsharingtheaccountability,remindedofthehorrorwhichwouldbeevokedbythisinEurope.
2.
Thevictimswerekilledafterhavingtheirsoles'skinned,woundsboiledinoil,shod,andforcingthemtorun;diggingouttheireyesandforcingthemtoeatwithoutsaucetheirownears,hackingwithhatchetsandmaces,mortarblasts,bayoneting,tearingtheirteethoutbyhand,crushingtheirbareskullswithhammerblows.
Othershaddeepholesdugintheirbreastsandshoulders,withburningwicksinsertedtherein,causingtheilluminationofthebazaar-someofthesebeingdraggedinchainsthroughthebazaarprecededbyamilitarybandwiththewicksburningsodeepastoflickerthefatinthewound.
Theexecutionercontinuedswingingthewhipafterdeath.
Theyhungthescorchedandperforatedbodiesbythevictims'handsandfeettoatree,headdownwards,andfired,somewithnearly150bullets.
J.
AEuropeanwitnesstestifiedtothisanddescribedhowB'87b'92swerehackedin2andeithernailedtothecitygateorcastouttotheplainasdogandjackalfood,withtheintendedfurtherpunishmentthattheirsouls,astheunburied,wouldnotentertheProphet'sParadise.
K.
Thoughinnocent,otherB'87b'92swerenotbroughttotrial.
2oftheB'87b'scompanionsweremartyredeachday.
Bothweretorturedandhandedovertothevariousclasses,whosemessengerswouldvisitthedungeoneachdayandclaimtheirvictim.
1.
Despitedeepincisionswithlitcandles,draggedwithropesandwhipped,womenandchildrensung"Intruth,wecomefromGodanduntoHimdowereturn"silencingthenonfanaticalcrowd.
Iftheyfell,theywereproddedwithbayonets,andwouldifpossibledanceandcryoutwithevengreaterenthusiasm.
2.
Fathers'andsisters'ofchildrenwhodiedwouldproudlywalkovertheirbodies.
NeartheNewGate(nearexecution),thevictimswereaskedandintimidatedtorecant.
Whenanexecutionertoldafatherthathewouldcutonhisbreasthis2youngsons'throatsotherwise(theoldestabout14),despitethebloodandscorchedflesh,thefatherstoicallylaydownindicatinghewasreadybuttheelderboyclaimedapriorrighttodie(theexecutionermaynothaveobliged).
3.
Atthedeathscene,theyorderedtheattackandmenandwomentorehisbodytopieces,leavingnotrace,amazingandsurpassingeventhecruelest,mostseasonedexecutioners.
4.
Afterwards,whennightfell,theheadsweretiedinbundlestothejusticepostsandthedogsofthecityoutskirtscame.
L.
Alargenumberofsecretfollowersweregainedthatday,leavingadeepandlastingimpressionastoitshopesofsuccess,eventomenclosetothegovernment,evenofimportantpositions.
V.
Bah'87'u'll'87h'simprisonmentintheS'92y'87h-Ch'87l-607A.
DespitetheRussianminister'sprecautions,theGrandVaz'92r,forfearoflosinghispositiondeliveredBah'87'u'll'87htoHisenemies.
H'87j'92'Al'92Kh'87n,theH'87jibu'd-DawlihhastilydemandedHisincarceration,thoughtheSh'87h,laterorderedaninvestigation('Abdu'l-Bah'87,ATraveler'sNarrative,p.
31).
B.
FromShim'92r'87n/N'92y'87var'87n(royalseatresidence)toTihr'87n,Bah'87'u'll'87hwasseveraltimesstrippedandridiculed.
Barefoot,bareheaded(asabrutalmanonhorsebackhadsnatchedHishatfromHisheadontheway),andenchained,inthemidsummersun,HewasforcedtowalkallthewaytotheS'92y'87h-Ch'87l,pelted,vilified,andfacingwordlesslyhorribletreatmentbythecrowdsconvincedthatHewastheSh'87h'sswornwreckerofhisrealm.
Uponapproaching,anoldwomanemergedfromthecrowd,hereyesglowingandframeshakingwithrage,sheadjuredHisovertakersbytheSiyyidu'sh-Shuhad'87thechancetoflingherstoneinHisface.
HetoldthemtonotdisappointheratwhatshethoughttobemeritoriousinGod'ssight.
Manyexecutionersandfarr'87shesrapidlyhurriedHimintothedungeon(originallyareservoirforapublicbath)(worsethanadarkandnarrowcell)andconductedHimalongadismal/pitch-blackcorridor.
Hedescended3steepstairstothedark,gloomy,loathsome,fever-stricken,vermin-infested,andspirit-crushinglyputridplacewithoutanyotheroutletwherenearly150thieves,assassins,andhighwayrobberswere-mostwithoutclothesormattolieon.
Hesufferedindescribably.
C.
With4monthsofbearingchainsonHisneck,(bywhichHewaschainedto5otherB'87b'92slockedtogetherbyveryheavyboltsandscrews)fornotoriouscriminals,infamousthroughoutPersiafortheirweight,markswereleftforlife.
HelatertoldtheSonoftheWolfinHisepistletoasktheprisondirector,shouldhevisit,toseethechainsQar'87-GuharandSal'87sil,statingJacob'safflictionsandsorrowpaledbeforeHis.
HisclothesandheaddressweretorntopiecesandHisfeetplacedinstocks.
1.
(Iranianprisonsentencesdescribed:lifeimprisonmentandhardlaborunknown,etc.
)2.
For3days&nights,Hewasgivennofood,drink,oranyrest.
Thoughanexecutionerwasmovedtotakesomecoveredteain,Bah'87'u'll'87hrefusedit.
Whilethediscipline'sseveritywasnotreducedbysiblingsandkindred'sunrelaxingpleastobringinfood,theguardsgraduallyyielded.
However,nooneknewifthefoodreachedHimorifHewouldconsentwithHisdisciplesstarving.
3.
(Bah'87'u'll'87h'sdescriptionaddedtoC.
above)4.
AfterreflectingdayandnighthowtheB'87b'92scouldmakesuchanattempt,Hedeterminedtoregeneratethemafterleaving.
Inadreamonenight,theall-gloriouswordwasheardfromalldirectionsthatHewouldbeaidedtotriumphbyHisselfandHispen,badeHimnotgrieveforwhatbefellHimandtohavenofear,assuredHimHewasofthesecureandthatGodwouldsoonsendandrevealtreasures,menwhowouldgiveHimvictorybyHimselfandbyHisnamebywhichGodrevivedtheknowings'hearts.
5.
'Abdu'l-Bah'87toldofbeingallowedtoentertheprison-yardonedaytoseeHisFather(comingoutfordailyexercise).
SoillHecouldhardlywalk,Hishairandbeardunkempt,Hisneckgalledandswollenfromtheheavysteelcollar'spressure,andHisbodybentbythechains'weight,anever-to-be-forgottenimpressionwasleftontheBoy'smind.
VI.
Fateofwould-bemurderers-609(seeIV.
I.
1.
above)VII.
Reignofterror-610(seeIV.
I.
2-IV.
Labove)VIII.
ReferencetoH'87j'92Sulaym'87nKh'87n-610A.
H'87j'92Sulaym'87nKh'87n(sonofanofficerservingMuhammadSh'87h'sfather)alsoservedthispositionbutshowedamarkeddisinclinationtorankandofficefromhisearliestyears.
1.
Inearlyyouth,longingtoescapethecapital'sturmoilforKarbil'87,hemetandardentlysupportedSiyyidK'87zim,showingsincerepiety,frugality,andloveofseclusion.
2.
HeembracedtheCallfromSh'92r'87zwhenitcamethroughMull'87Y'9csuf-i-Ardib'92l'92andMull'87Mihd'92y-i-Khu''92,thoseamonghisbest-knownfriends.
3.
UponacceptingtheB'87b,hepitiedanddisdainedthepettypursuitsofthepeoplearoundhim.
(HewasreportedtohavemettheB'87bduringHispilgrimagetoMeccaandMedina).
IntendingtoheadtoTabars'92uponarrivingatTihr'87n,hearrivedtoolate.
4.
WearingthedressadoptedinKarbil'87:smallturban,awhitetunicconcealinghisblack'ab'87,hestayedinTihr'87n,displeasingtheAm'92r-Niz'87mwhoinducedhimtochangetomilitaryuniform,kul'87h(lambskinheaddressconsideredtobemoreinaccordancewithhisfather'srankgovernmentemployeesandcivilians).
DespitetheAm'92r'sinsistence,heobstinatelyrefusedtoacceptagovernmentposition.
SpendingmostofhistimewiththeB'87b'sdisciples,hecaredforparticularlythosesurvivingTabars'92withsurprisingkindness.
Givenhisandhisfather'sinfluence,theAm'92rrefrainedfromanyviolenceagainsthimandignoredhisactsratherthanstartaconflictwiththem.
WhentheSevenMartyrsofTihr'87nweremartyred,nogovernmentofficialorpeopleventuredtodemandhisarrest.
EvenwhenhewenttosavetheB'87b'slifeinTabr'92z,nonedaredtostophim.
XI.
H'87j'92Sulaym'87nKh'87n'smartyrdom-618(switchedfrombelow)(SamedayandmannerasH'87j'92Qasim,companioninassassinationattemptontheSh'87h)However,H'87j'92Sulaym'87nKh'87nwasthrowninprisonaftertheassassinationattempt.
SharinginthesufferingofTihr'87nandbeingwithM'92rz'87'Abdu'l-Maj'92dandmanynotables,includingH'87j'92Mull'87Mahm'9cd(Niz'87mu'l-'Ulam'87)onthedayofH'87j'92Sulaym'87nKh'87n'smartyrdom,'e7q'87y-i-Kal'92msharedthefollowing.
WhenH'87j'92Mull'87Mahm'9cdrequestedtheKalantartodescribeH'87j'92Sulaym'87nKh'87n'sdeath,theKalantarmotionedhisfingertoM'92rz'87Taq'92,thekad-khud'87,sayingheconductedhimfromneartheimperialpalacetotheexecutionplaceoutsidetheNawgate.
M'92rz'87Taq'92thenwastorelatewhathewitnessed.
1.
TheSh'87hcommandedtheH'87jibu'd-Dawlih(H'87j'92'Al'92Kh'87n)seekrecantationifinnocent.
Ifherecanted,hewouldbehelduntiltheendofthecase.
Ifnot,hewouldbeexecutedashechose.
Whenconvincedofinnocence,investigatorssoughtrecantation,thoughhejoyouslyexclaimedhewouldneverdosoandthattheworldtheIm'87m'Al'92likenedtocarrionwouldneverallurehimfromhisheart'sDesire.
Beforebeingmartyred,hesaidtheKinghadtherighttoloyaltyfromhisservantsbutnotmeddlewithreligiousconvictions.
B.
Heaskedtobeparadedtoshowthemasseshismartyrdom,tohelp,byhisdeath'smemory,themrecognizetheLight.
Whentoreachthegallows'andsayprayer,heaskedforbodytobecutin2withlimbsheldonsidesofTihr'87n'sNawgateforalltoseethelovetheB'87b'sFaithkindled.
M'92rz'87Taq'92andassistantsbought9candles,thrustthemdeep,liteach,andbroughthimtothemarketwithdrums,trumpets,andminstrelsandcuthimwithahatchet.
1.
Beforetheycould,hestretchedhisarmtobeallowedtomaketheholesandlightcandleshimself.
Fearinganattack,M'92rz'87Taq'92orderedhishandstied.
Hethenpleadedtopointoutwherehewishedthedaggerputinhim:2holesinbreast,2inshoulders,1innecknape,and4othersinhisback.
Withstoiccalm,steadfasteyes,andmysterioussilence,despitemasses'howlingandthesightofblood.
2.
Atend,heshoutedamongstthosearoundthatnogreaterpompcouldaccompanyhismartyrdomandpraisedtheB'87bfordevotionandpowerkindled.
DespiteGod'swishoffiretobecoldforAbraham'sagony,hewishedthefiretoburncontinuallytoconsumehim.
HewishedfortheB'87btowitness,andcriedtothecrowdtoknowhisintoxicationandsuper-kinglypowerwasfromGod.
Heexclaimedjoyatbeingworthy,sang,andrecitedpoetry.
3.
Asthebreezehelpedmeltthecandles,thosefollowingheardfleshsizzling.
Hisenthusiasmincreasedashesaidflameshadlosttheirsting.
HetoldthemhurryashecouldheartheirtonguescallhimtohisBeloved.
Hewalkedasavictoriousconqueror.
4.
Wheneverthecandlesfell,hepickeditup,lititwithanother,andreplacedit.
Theexecutionersaskedhimwhyhedidnotdanceifsoeager.
Heleaptandsungabouthowmendancewhenfreefromself.
Hemockedthemaskingthemwhytheydidnotdance,findingdeathsopleasant.
Hecried"Dance!
"andsaidhowthedancewashisdesire.
Atthegallows',heaskedwhythoughrecentlyenjoyingwordlyriches,hewouldrenounceallforgreatsuffering.
ProstratingtowardtheshrineofIm'87m-Z'87dihHasan,heutteredinArabic.
Hetoldtheexecutionerthatashisworkwasfinished,heshoulddohis.
Hestretchedouthisfeetandrecitedversesthatone'sbodyisasdetestablewhileweaponsseemlikeflowersatdeath.
Stillalivewhencutin2,hepraisedhisBeloveduntildead.
5.
Thelistenersofthestoryweredeeplystirred,includingtheNiz'87mu'l-'Ulam'87,whoafterlistening,wrunghishandsinhorror/despair,exclaimedhowstrangetheCausewas,thenleft.
C.
LordCurzontestifiedtotheunquestioneddevotion,heroism,andself-sacrificethenewFaithinculcated.
Thoughmanywereignorantandunlettered,theywoulddiefortheirreligion,withacourageamidstthethreatofmorerefinedtorture.
ThoughoneB'87b'92recantedunderpressure,helaterrevertedtotheFaithandwasexecutedin2years.
IX.
Referencetothe'e7m'92r-Niz'87m'srepentance-615A.
SoonafterMull'87Zaynu'l-'Abid'92n-i-Yazd'92'smartyrdom,SiyyidHusayn,theB'87b'samanuensis,andT'87hirihwereinsteadtobereleased,abandoningfurtherpersecutionastheAm'92r-Niz'87mwastohavebeenseizedwithfearupondeath'sapproach,recallingtheB'87b'svisionWhomhehadcausedtobemartyred.
Henowregrettednotrestrainingthosepressinghimtoshedblood.
M'92rz'87'e7q'87Kh'87nalsomadeareconciliationduringhisearlyadministrationuntiltheattemptontheSh'87h'slife.
X.
IncidentrelatedbytheMostGreatBranch-616A.
Nab'92lheard'Abdu'l-Bah'87,then8,recounthowHehadsoughttoleaveHisuncle's(M'92rz'87Ism'87''92l)housetocrosstothemarketwhenboysHisagecrowdedaroundcrying"B'87b'92!
B'87b'92!
".
Hedeliberatelyignoredthemandstealthilywenthome.
OnedaywhenwalkingalonethroughthemarkettoHisuncle's,Hesawabandoflittleruffianschasingbehind,peltingHimwithstonesandmenacinglyshouting"B'87b'92!
B'87b'92!
"1.
Toavertdanger,Herushedtowardthemthattheyfled,whileHeheardtheirdistantcrythatthelittleB'87b'92waspursuingthemandwouldsurelykillthemall.
OnHiswayhome,amanshoutedloudlycongratulatingHisfearlessnessasnooneHisagecouldhavewithstood.
TheboysneveragainharassedHim.
XII.
T'87hirih'smartyrdom-626A.
T'87hirih'sfamilywashighlyreputedandinenviableecclesiasticalpositions.
Shewasknownasaprodigyinintelligenceandbeautyfromchildhoodbytownsmen,esteemedevenbythemosthaughty,learned'ulam'87sforbrilliantandnovelviews.
AdmiredbySiyyidK'87zim,namedthePureOnebythe"TongueofPowerandGlory,"shewastheonlywomanoftheLettersoftheLiving.
1.
InTihr'87n,shewashighlyesteemed/treatedby(leading)womenandmanymenevenvisitedforherpresenceandknowledge.
Atthehouseshewasimprisoned,asonmarried,buttheprominentmen'swivesloudlydemandedandonlywishedforT'87hirihdespiteexpensesonentertainment,sweets,etc.
Thoughshehadhardlybeguntospeak,themusiciansanddancersweredismissed.
2.
InQazv'92n(having100+ofIsl'87m'shighestecclesiastics),sheconsolidatedvictorieswithfearlessskill,enthusiasmandorganization.
3.
Shearousedthewomenbydemonstratingtheirabjectrolegivenbythe'ulam'87andwonthemtotheFaithbyshowingthemthefreedomandrespectitbestowed.
Thefollowingdomesticdisputeswerenotalwaystothehusband'sadvantage.
M'92rz'87'e7q'87Kh'87nasSadr-i-A'zamorderedtwotocallonhertolookintoherbelief.
At7conferencesshepassionatelyarguedtheB'87bwasthepromisedIm'87m.
HeradversariesstatedtheIm'87mwastocomefromJ'87bulq'87andJ'87buls'87,butshepassionatelyretortedthattraditionalistsfalselyforgedtheseprophecies,thatthecitiesneverexisted,andcouldonllybethesuperstitionsofdiseasedbrains.
Whileexpoundingthedoctrine,shealwaysmetthesameargument,leadinghertotellthemtheirreasoningwaslikeanignorantchild,askingthemwhentheywouldlifttheireyestotheSunofTruth.
H'87j'92Mull'87'Al'92roseandledhisfriendaway,askingwhytheyshouldprolongtheirdiscussionwithaninfidel.
TheyreturnedandwrotethesentenceofdeathinthenameoftheQur''87n,establishingherapostasyandrefusaltorecant.
4.
Herhost's(Mahm'9cdKh'87n-i-Kal'87ntar)wifeespeciallyshowedherreverence,enthusiastichospitalityandhelpeddeepenherinfluence.
Thewife'sintimatessaidthewifetoldthemthatT'87hirihsummonedheronenight.
Adornedandinasnow-whitesilkgown,herroomwithchoicestperfume,T'87hirihsurpisedthewife.
T'87hirihexplainedshewastomeetherBelovedandwishedfreedomfromimprisonment'scares.
Weepingatthethoughtofseparation,shewastoldnottoweepastimeforithadnotyetcome.
However,asitwasnear,shewishedtosayherlastwishestobetakenbythewife'ssontoherdeathsiteandensuretheguardsnotdivestherofthatattire.
Shealsowishedtobethrownintoapittobefilledwithearthandstones.
Shesaidawomanwouldcome3daysafterwardstotakethepackageshenowgave.
ShelastaskedhertolockthedoorthatnoonedisturbherdevotionsandfastinguntilthedaytomeetherBeloved.
Sheurgedherkeepherdeathsecretuntiltheydisclosedit.
5.
Onlyoutoflovecouldsheobey.
Lockingthedoor,shewenttohersinuncontrollablesorrow,thinkingonherbedofhermartyrdom.
SheprayedGodchangeherdesireifitwereHiswill.
SheseveraltimesthatnightwenttoT'87hirih'sdoor,stoodeagertohearanything,wasenchantedandcouldhardlystanduponhearinghervoice'smelodyofpraisetoherBeloved.
4hoursaftersunset,sheheardaknock,andhastenedtotellhersonT'87hirih'swishes(whichhepledgedtofulfill).
6.
Herhusbandabsent,hersonopenedthedoorandsaid'Az'92zKh'87n-i-Sard'87r'sattendantswereatthegatedemandingT'87hirih.
Terrified,shewenttoherdoor,unlockeditwithtremblinghands,andfoundherveiled,pacing,chantingalitanyofgriefandtriumph,andpreparingtoleave.
Whenshesawher,sheapproachedandkissed.
Sheplacedachestkeyinherhand,tellinghershehadafewtrivialremembrancesandhopedwhenopeningthechestshewouldrememberherandhergladness.
T'87hirihthenbadefarewellandleftwithherson,leavingherindeepanguish.
MountingthesteedtheSard'87rhadsent,and,escortedbythesonandmarchingattendantsoneachside,rodeouttothegardensite.
7.
TheauthoritiesfirstwenttoanotherprominentB'87b'92'shome,troublingheruntilT'87hirihappelaedtothegovernor,declaringherselfathisdisposalaskinghimnottoharmanyother.
8.
3hourslater,thesonreturnedintears,invokingevilontheSard'87randlieutenants.
Tryingtoseatandcalmhim,thewifehadhimrelateasfullyaspossibleherdeath.
Hesobbedtoherthathecouldbarelydescribeit.
9.
Tohishorror,theSard'87randlieutenantswereflushedwithwineandroaringinlaughter.
T'87hirihdismounted,calledhimtoactasintermediary,whomshedidnotwishtoaddressinhisrevelry.
Inapparentlywishingtostrangleher,shehopedhecouldinducethemtouseasilkkerchiefshesetasidelongagoforit.
Wretchedlydrunk,theSard'87rshoutedthathenotinterruptthemandcalledforthe"miserablewretch"tobestrangledandthrowninapit.
10.
Surprisedattheorder,heinsteadwentto2ofhisattendantsheknewandgavethemthekerchief.
Kerchiefwoundroundherneck,shewasmartyredat36.
Agardenersaidtohisjoythathecouldconcealthebodyinarecentlydug,abandonedwell.
Withsomeothers'help,heloweredherintohergrave,filledthewellwithearthandstones.
Thosewhosawherweredeeplyaffectedwithdowncasteyesandraptinmournfulsilence,astheyleft.
11.
Thewifehearingthisweptandfellunconscious.
Shewokefindinghersonlyingonthecouch,devotedlyweeping.
Beholdingherplight,hewenttocomforther,statinghertearswouldbetraythemtohisfatherwhosethoughtofrankandpositionmayinducehimtoforsakethemandaccusethembeforetheSh'87hfortheirdeath,andevenkillthemhimself,thoughtheyneverembracedtheCause.
Hesaidtheironlydutywastodefendherchastityandhonorandalwayscherishherloveintheirhearts.
12.
Calmed,thewifewenttoopenthechestandfoundasmallvialofchoicestperfume,arosary,coralnecklace,and3ringsmountedwithturquoise,cornelian,andruby.
Sheponderedherlife,recallinghercourage,zeal,duty,devotion,andliteraryattainmentsandherimprisonmentsandshamefacedwithafortitudenowomanoftheirlandcould.
Shepicturedherfacenowbeneathearthandstones.
Shewaswarmedbythememoryofhereloquence,repeatedherwords,grewdisconcertedatrealizinghervastmasteryofIsl'87m'ssacredScriptures;contemplatedwhatinducedhertoforsakeriches,honors,andcomfortsoffamilytoidentifywith;remainloyaltoamidstwoes;andplead,serve,andexemplifytheCauseofanobscureSh'92r'87z'92Youth,carvinghernameamidsthercountrymen.
ShewonderedwhethertheforcemightbeofGod,guidingherlife'scourseamidstperils.
13.
The3rddayaftermartyrdom,thepromisedunknownwomanarrived,andasitwasthesamenameT'87hirihhadtoldheritwouldbe,shedeliveredthepackageandnevermetafter.
14.
Severalprominentslefteloquenttestimonies.
Suffrageideashadquietlyspreadthroughharemsthoughthemenwereignorantuntilthefloodgateopened.
Suffrageclubshadbeenorganized,intelligentmemorials/women'sjournalsincorporatingwomen'sdemandswerecirculated,andpublicmeetingsheld.
Oneday400clubmemberscasttheirveilsoff.
Thefossilizedsocietyclasswereshocked,goodMuslimsalarmed,andthegovernmenttookaction.
Constantinople'smendeported40toBah'87'u'll'87h'sprisonin'Akk'87,therestweredividedup.
Everyonetalkedaboutit,andmanyincludingmenthinkingtheveilsarchaicandthought-stiflingwereinfavorofremovingthem.
Theauthoritiesactiononlyaddedtoliberty'sflame,creatingmorepublicopinionandunderstanding.
XIII.
SiyyidHusayn'smartyrdom-631B.
SiyyidHusayn-i-Yazd'92,theB'87b'samanuensisinM'87h-K'9candChihr'92q,wassoknowledgeableontheFaith,thattheB'87binaTableturgedM'92rz'87Yahy'87toseekanythingontheWritingsfromhim.
Amanofstandingandexperience,hesufferedalongconfinementinTihr'87n'sundergrounddungeon.
Bah'87'u'll'87hgreatlyhelpedallaythis,sendinghimeverymonthanymoneyneeded.
Eventhejailerspraisedandadmiredhim.
IntimateassociationwiththeB'87bduringHislastdaysdeepenedhimwithapowerheincreasinglymanifestedtowarddeath.
InprisonhelongedtobemartyredastheB'87b.
Thoughdeprivedofdyingthesameday(hissupremedesire)henowawaiteddeath.
1.
ThoughleadingTihr'87n'92officialssoughttoinducehimtobedeliveredfromprisonandacrueldeath,hesteadfastlyrefused.
Continualtearsflowed,bornofalongingtoseetheradiantfacewarminghimamidstacruelandwintryincarcerationin'e7dhirb'87yj'87n.
Anguishedatthecontrastbetweenthosedaysandthepresent,hewasalonecomfortedbyBah'87'u'll'87huntildeath.
'Az'92zKh'87n-i-Sard'87r,T'87hirih'skiller,killedhimcruelly(Nab'92ldidnotexpatiate.
)XIV.
IncidentsintheS'92y'87h-Ch'87l,asrelatedbyBah'87'u'll'87h-631A.
Nab'92lheardBah'87'u'll'87htellhow,despiteS'92y'87h-Ch'87l'shorrors,onegroupferventlychanted,"Godissufficientuntome;HeverilyistheAll-sufficing!
"whiletheotherintoned"InHimletthetrustingtrust.
"ThenoisereachedtheSh'87hthoughhedidnothing.
B.
Whenofferedaroastmeattray,allweresilent,Bah'87'u'll'87hdeclined,andonlyonecompanionindicateddesiretoeat,whiletheotherspraisedGodratherthancomplain.
C.
Calledtothegallows,eachgladlyresponded,embracedBah'87'u'll'87h,tookcomfortinHispromiseofParadise,embracedtheothers,andleft.
Thebefriendedexecutionerwouldtellthejoyandeventsofhisdeath.
D.
Bah'87'u'll'87hinterpreted'Abdu'l-Vahh'87b'sflyingdream(inbeautifulspace)tomeanheshouldremainsteadfasttilldeathtoenjoytheraptureagain.
When'Abdu'l-Vahh'87bwascalled,heembracedtheothersandBah'87'u'll'87h.
HehavehimHisshoesandafterwardstheexecutionerpraisedthespiritoftheyouth,pleasingBah'87'u'll'87h.
XV.
AttemptstoproveBah'87'u'll'87h'scomplicity-635A.
Ayouth,'Abb'87swhohadhadaccesstomanyB'87b'92swasforcedtoinformtheFarr'87sh-B'87sh'92'sassistantsofnamesandlocations,pointingoutespeciallythewealthy(forbribery).
ThoughtakentotheS'92y'87h-Ch'87ltobetrayBah'87'u'll'87handpromisedarewardbytheSh'87h'smother(whowaspersistinginfrustrationtodemandHisexecution),eachtimeinHispresencehefeltcompelledtodenyhavingseenHim.
TheassistantstriedtopoisonHim(fortheSh'87h'smother)anddidaffectHishealthforyears,butHedidnotdie.
Onfailingtheywereforcedtoshifttheblameto'Az'92m(toappeasetheSh'87h'smother).
XVI.
'Az'92m'sconfessionanddeath-637A.
TheRussianministerkeptinformedofthesituation,sentarepresentativetoascertainfrom'Az'92mBah'87'u'll'87h'srole,andassuredhewouldabidebytheassessment.
As'Az'92mconfessed(attheB'87b'sdeath)intheminister'srepresentative'sandVaz'92r'spresence,Bah'87'u'll'87hwastobereleased.
B.
The'ulam'87swerestoppedfromkilling'Az'92mbytheIm'87m-Jum-ih'scallforjudgment,butthroughdevicetheyobtainedadeathwarrant.
Asiyyidclubbedhisheadandamobmutilatedhim.
H'87j'92M'92rz'87J'87n'92wasalsosecretlymartyred(duetotheVaz'92r'sreservations).
XVII.
Bah'87'u'll'87h'spossessionsplunderedinM'87zindar'87n-637A.
Hispropertywasconfiscatedand2devotedB'87b'92s,Muhammad-Taq'92Kh'87nand'Abdu'l-Vahh'87bofN'9crmartyred.
Others,emboldenedbyM'92rz'87Yahy'87'saspirations,soughttoaddchargestoleadtoHislossofinfluenceanddeath.
B.
Barelyrecovered,theSh'87hputdowntheVaz'92rforfailingtomaintainorder,impellinghimtosendregimentstoT'87kurtorepressthe(exaggerated)troublemakers.
HesentHusayn-'Al'92Kh'87noftheSh'87h-S'9cnregimentwhoappointedhisnephewM'92rz'87Ab'9c-T'87libKh'87n(Bah'87'u'll'87h'shalf-brotherM'92rz'87Hasan'sbrother-in-law)warninghimagainstanyexcessesbythemen.
ThoughtheVaz'92rassuredHusayn-'Al'92Kh'87nofhisandM'92rz'87Ab'9c-T'87lib'slikelysupport,M'92rz'87Ab'9c-T'87libdisregardedHusayn-'Al'92Kh'87n'spleasandattacked,intentonmassacring,pillaging,andcapturingthewomen.
ThepeopleappealedtoM'92rz'87Hasan,whoaskedformercybutwasrefused.
Themenofthetownfledtothemountains.
M'92rz'87Ab'9c-T'87libpillagedanddestroyedBah'87'u'll'87h'sinheritedhomethenrazedthewholetown.
Thoughnoable-bodiedmenwerefoundintown,theyshottwosleepingmeninthemountainslopesandbroughtthecaptured(includingoneofthesetwo)inchainsintotheS'92y'87h-Ch'87lwhereanumberdied.
Theyearafter,M'92rz'87Ab'9c-T'87libfelltotheplagueandwasshunnedbyhiskindredexceptforM'92rz'87Hasanwhowasvisitinghimathisdeath-bedwhentheVaz'92rcametovisit.
XVIII.
EffectsoftheturmoilinYazdandNayr'92z-642A.
B'87b'92sinthearea,toYazd,andparticularlyNayr'92zweremartyred.
LocalofficialswouldtorturesuspectedB'87b'92sfortheSh'87h'sfavor.
AM'92rz'87'Al'92caredforthepoor,wounded,sorrowfulandwidowed/orphanedsurvivorsinNayr'92z.
Zaynu'l-'Abid'92nKh'87n,believedtoberesponsible,waskilledbyM'92rz'87'Al'92'scompanions,leadingthewidowtobribeM'92rz'87Na''92mtocaptureandbeatB'87b'92s.
ThecaptiveslistwasgiventotheSh'87h,theresttobebroughttoTihr'87n.
Atleast180B釃b'92sweremartyredand180incapacitatedandbroughttoTihr'87n.
Ofthesurviving28,15werehungandmanyothersdiedafterprison.
1.
InSh'92r'87zmanywereslain,200beheadedwiththeheadscarriedonbayonets.
2.
300of600womenwerereleasedinNayr'92zwiththerestbroughtonhorsebacktoSh'92r'87z,tortured,andabandoned,manydyingintheprocess.
3.
Amartyr'sniecewasveiledthenledtoagarden,whentheheadofherbeheadeduncle,afeebleoldman,Mull'87Muhammad-M'9cs'87wasthrownatM'92rz'87Na''92minherpresence.
M'92rz'87Na''92m'smouthwasstuffedwithdirtandhewasshotinthehead(notfatally).
4.
Aswomenandchildrencaptiveswerebeingmoved,ababyontheshouldersofhisbrotherwearinganornamentalhat,waspulledbythehatandthrown10feet,leavingthemothertofindhimunconscious.
5.
Proddedalongbywhipandswordamidstmartyrs'headsonpikes,womenwerebumpedintowater-filledditchesandlaterlednakedtobestoned,whipped,spaton,andinsulted-somediedfromcold,otherswerebeheaded.
TheywereimprisonedinSh'92r'87z.
6.
Thegovernororderedthembroughtbeforehimamidstprominentcitizens.
WhenMull'87'Abdu'l-HusaynrefusedtocursetheB'87b,hewasbeheaded.
Someotherswereexecutedandtherest,withthewomen,wereimprisoned-73werelaterbroughttoTihr'87nbySh'87h'sorder.
(22duringtravel,15onarriving,and23inprison)13werefreedin3years.
7.
Menwerekilledand40womenandchildrenwereholedintoacavebyfirewoodthensetonfire.
Afewdayslaterapersecutoropenedthecavedoorandsawthewomen'sbodiesseatedinacircle,headssunktotheirknees(ingrief),othersintheiroriginalposturedespitethefire.
Ontouchingthem,theycrumbled.
Theyrepentedbuttonoavail.
8.
ThetraditionHad'92th-i-J'87birforetoldtheQ'87'im'smagnanimityandmassacreamongsaints.
9.
AfairlyprominentB'87b'92governmentofficiallaterrelatedhowhisgrandfatherhadledpersecutionsafterbeingassuredby2'ulam'87sthathewouldberewardedinPardiseforthisholywar.
750menwerekilled,womenandchildrenstrippedalmostnakedwereledonmules,etc.
amidstrowsoftheheadsoftheirrelativestoSh'92r'87ztobeheldcaptive,manyofwhomdiedamidstit.
Thegrandfatherlaterfellillanddumbmurmuring"B'87b'92!
"beforedying.
Hisgreat-uncle,alsoapersecutor,wasfinedindisgrace25,000t'9cm'87ns,withhishands,feet,andheadsubjectedtotorture.
Hewasthendismissedinruin.
XIX.
Bah'87'u'll'87h'sreleaseandbanishmenttoBaghd'87d-650A.
Bah'87'u'll'87hwasfreedfromdangerby'Az'92m'sconfessionandtheresultingvengeance.
ConvincedofHisinnocencefromconspiring,theVaz'92rorderedHimfreed.
TheemissarysentsawBah'87'u'll'87hchainedtothevermin-infestedfloor,neckinchains,dishevelled,faceinsorrow,andbreathingfoulair.
Indisbeliefandindignation,hedenouncedtheVaz'92r.
Thoughofferedhismantle,Bah'87'u'll'87hrefusedandworetheprisonerdresstothegovernmentseat.
WhentoldbytheVaz'92rthathadHedissociatedHimselffromtheFaith,Hewouldnothavesufferedso,Bah'87'u'll'87hrepliedthegovernmentsituationwouldnothavebecomesocriticalhadhefollowedHiscounselthattheflameoftheB'87b'sMartyrdomwouldgrowgreater.
Onaskingwhattodo,Bah'87'u'll'87hrepliedthatthegovernorsbeorderedtostopsheddinginnocentblood;plundering,dishonoring,andinjuringwomen;andseekingtoexterminatetheFaith.
Thoughheconsentedandsentoutacircular,hislateractionsbetrayedthisassent.
Onbeingfreed,Bah'87'u'll'87hwasorderedtoleavePersiawithinamonth.
TopacifyHim,certainpropertiesweretoberestored,thefewleftwentunclaimed.
Herequestedgoingto'Ir'87q,despitetheRussianminister'sinvitationofprotectiontoRussia.
HeleftwithHisfamilyincluding'Abdu'l-Bah'87and'e7q'87y-i-Kal'92m(M'92rz'87M'9cs'87)escortedbyanimperialguardandaRussianembassyofficialtoBaghd'87d.
B.
M'92rz'87'e7q'87Kh'87nwasdrivenfromoffice,placedunderstrictsurveillanceinYazd,anddiedinshameanddespair.
TheH'87jibu'd-Dawlihwasrobbedofproperty,beardwascutoffandforcedtoeatit,andhadtowatchatrocitiestohiswomenandchildren.
Mahm'9cdKh'87n-i-Kalantarwas9yearslaterdraggedbyropesaroundhisfeetthroughbazaars,thenhung.
SummaryofChapterXXVII.
Deathofthe'e7m'92r-Niz'87m-595II.
Bah'87'u'll'87h'sreturntoTihr'87n-598III.
Bah'87'ull'87h'smeetingwith'Az'92m-599IV.
AttemptontheSh'87h'slife-599V.
Bah'87'u'll'87h'simprisonmentintheS'92y'87h-Ch'87l-607VI.
Fateofwould-bemurderers-609VII.
Reignofterror-610VIII.
ReferencetoH'87j'92Sulaym'87nKh'87n-610XI.
H'87j'92Sulaym'87nKh'87n'smartyrdom-618(switchedfrombelow)IX.
Referencetothe'e7m'92r-Niz'87m'srepentance-614X.
IncidentrelatedbytheMostGreatBranch-616XII.
T'87hirih'smartyrdom-626XIII.
SiyyidHusayn'smartyrdom-631XIV.
IncidentsintheS'92y'87h-Ch'87l,asrelatedbyBah'87'u'll'87h-631XV.
AttemptstoproveBah'87'u'll'87h'scomplicity-635XVI.
'Az'92m'sconfessionanddeath-637XVII.
Bah'87'u'll'87h'spossessionsplunderedinM'87zindar'87n-637XVIII.
EffectsoftheturmoilinYazdandNayr'92z-642XIX.
Bah'87'u'll'87h'sreleaseandbanishmenttoBaghd'87d-650OtherSummariesofthisChapterRegardingtheoverviewoftheattemptonthelifeoftheSh'87handitsconsequences(DB595-650,655-656),seeGPB61-66,70-84;TN29-31.
RegardingM'92rz'87'e7q'87Kh'87n-i-N'9cr'92'srelationwithBah'87'u'll'87h(andimpactonpeople)(DB598),seeGPB70;TN31.
RegardingBah'87'u'll'87hbravelyturningHimselfin(DB599,602),seeGPB71;TN31.
RegardingBah'87'u'll'87h'simprisonment(DB601,606-608,609note1,631-632,635-636)seeGPB71-72,104,240.
RegardingaccusationstowardBah'87'u'll'87h(DB602,604,seealso299-300,591),seeGPB70-71;TN31.
RegardingBah'87'u'll'87h'spreservationandexile(DB603,636,646-650),seeGPB66,104-109.
Regardingtheclergy'sspreadingoftheFaiththroughtheiropposition(DB605-606note1),seeGPB63;TN6,7,21,29.
RegardingthemartyrdomofH'87j'92M'92rz'87Sulaym'87nKh'87n(DB616-621),seeGPB77-78.
RegardingtheH'87jibu'd-Dawlih(DB617-621,603,635-637),seeGPB83.
RegardingT'87hirihandhermartyrdom(DB621-631,seealso268-272,285,292-297),seeGPB23,50,66,72-77(and83forfateofKalantar);TN19-20.
RegardingthemartyrdomofSiyyidHusayn(DB629-631),seeGPB66,77.
RegardingthepersecutionsofM'92rz'87Ab'9c-T'87libKh'87n(DB639-642)andhisdemise(DB642),seeGPB84.
RegardingtheShuj'87'u'l-Mulk'sDemise(DB645-648note1),seeGPB84.
Overallof595-650:GPB23,50,61-66,70-84,104-109;TN6,7,19-21,29-31.
BookletbyM'92rz'87Shaf'92'-i-Nayr'92z'92