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
Now after the occurrence of this grave matter all of this sect were
suspected. At first there was neither investigation nor inquiry, but
afterwards in mere justice it was decided that there should be
investigation, inquiry, and examination. All who were known to be of this
sect fell under suspicion. Bahá’u’lláh was passing the summer in the
village of Af_ch_ih situated one stage from Ṭihrán. When this news was
spread abroad and punishment began, everyone who was able hid himself in
some retreat or fled the country. Amongst these Mírzá Yaḥyá, the brother
of Bahá’u’lláh, concealed himself, and, a bewildered fugitive, in the
guise of a dervish, with ka_sh_kúl in hand, wandered in mountains and
plains on the road to Ra_sh_t. But Bahá’u’lláh rode forth with perfect
composure and calmness from Af_ch_ih, and came to Níyávarán, which was the
abode of the Royal Train and the station of the imperial camp. Immediately
on His arrival He was placed under arrest, and a whole regiment guarded
Him closely. After several days of interrogation they sent Him in chains
and fetters from _Sh_imírán to the jail of Ṭihrán. And this harshness and
punishment was due to the immoderate importunity of Ḥájí ‘Alí _Kh_án, the
Ḥajíbu’d-Dawlih, nor did there seem any hope of deliverance, until His
Majesty the King, moved by his own kindly spirit, commanded
circumspection, and ordered this occurrence to be investigated and
examined particularly and generally by means of the ministers of the
imperial court.
Now when Bahá’u’lláh was interrogated on this matter He answered in reply,
“The event itself indicates the truth of the affair and testifies that
this is the action of a thoughtless, unreasoning, and ignorant man. For no
reasonable person would charge his pistol with shot when embarking on so
grave an enterprise. At least he would so arrange and plan it that the
deed should be orderly and systematic. From the very nature of the event
it is clear and evident as the sun that it is not the act of such as
Myself.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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