A Traveler's Narrative Written to Illustrate the Episode of the BábʻAbdu'l-Bahá
Religion
A Traveler's Narrative Written to Illustrate the Episode of the Báb
ʻAbdu'l-Bahá
Babism; Bahai Faith
_Kh_án recognized him from the top of a tree afar off, and with his own
hand discharged several bullets. At the third shot he threw him from his
feet. He was borne by his followers to the fort, and there they buried
him. Notwithstanding this event [the troops] could not prevail by superior
force. At length the Prince made a treaty and covenant, and swore by the
Holy Imáms, confirming his oath by vows plighted on the glorious Qur’án,
to this effect: “You shall not be molested; return to your own places.”
Since their provisions had for some time been exhausted, so that even of
the skins and bones of horses naught remained, and they had subsisted for
several days on pure water, they agreed. When they arrived at the army
food was prepared for them in a place outside the camp. They were engaged
in eating, having laid aside their weapons and armor, when the soldiers
fell on them on all sides and slew them all. Some have accounted this
valor displayed by these people as a thing miraculous, but when a band of
men are besieged in some place where all avenues and roads are stopped and
all hope of deliverance is cut off they will assuredly defend themselves
desperately and display bravery and courage.
In Zanján and Nayríz likewise at the decree of erudite doctors and notable
lawyers a bloodthirsty military force attacked and besieged. In Zanján the
chief was Mullá Muḥammad-‘Alí the mujtahid, while in Nayríz Siyyid Yaḥyá
of Daráb was the leader and arbiter. At first they sought to bring about a
reconciliation, but, meeting with cruel ferocity, they reached the pitch
of desperation; and, the overpowering force of the victorious troops
having cut off every passage of flight, they unclosed their hands in
resistance. But although they were very strong in battle and amazed the
chiefs of the army by their steadfastness and endurance, the overwhelming
military force closed the passage of flight and broke their wings and
feathers. After numerous battles they too at last yielded to covenants and
compacts, oaths and promises, vows registered on the Qur’án, and the
wonderful stratagems of the officers, and were all put to the edge of the
sword.
Were we to occupy ourselves in detail with the wars of Nayríz and Zanján,
or to set forth these events from beginning to end, this epitome would
become a bulky volume. So, since this would be of no advantage to history,
we have passed them over briefly.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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