The Báb: The Herald of the Day of DaysBalyuzi, H. M.
Religion
The Báb: The Herald of the Day of Days
Balyuzi, H. M.
Bab, Ali Muhammad Shirazi, 1819-1850; Bahai Faith
I resolved that in my third interview with the Báb I would
in my inmost heart request Him to reveal for me a
commentary on the Súrih of Kaw[_th_]ar.[CD] I determined
not to breathe that request in His presence. Should He,
unasked by me, reveal this commentary in a manner that would
immediately distinguish it in my eyes from the prevailing
standards current among the commentators on the Qur'án, I
then would be convinced of the Divine character of His
Mission, and would readily embrace His Cause. If not, I
would refuse to acknowledge Him. As soon as I was ushered
into His presence, a sense of fear, for which I could not
account, suddenly seized me. My limbs quivered as I beheld
His face. I, who on repeated occasions had been introduced
into the presence of the [_Sh_]áh and had never discovered
the slightest trace of timidity in myself, was now so awed
and shaken that I could not remain standing on my feet. The
Báb, beholding my plight, arose from His seat, advanced
towards me, and, taking hold of my hand, seated me beside
Him. 'Seek from Me,' He said, 'whatever is your heart's
desire. I will readily reveal it to you.' I was speechless
with wonder. Like a babe that can neither understand nor
speak, I felt powerless to respond. He smiled as He gazed at
me and said: 'Were I to reveal for you the commentary on the
Súrih of Kaw[_th_]ar, would you acknowledge that My words
are born of the Spirit of God? Would you recognise that My
utterance can in no wise be associated with sorcery or
magic?' Tears flowed from my eyes as I heard Him speak these
words. All I was able to utter was this verse of the Qur'án:
'O our Lord, with ourselves have we dealt unjustly: if Thou
forgive us not and have not pity on us, we shall surely be
of those who perish.'
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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