|
<<previous |
next>> |
|
|
Opposition of Mullás
|
Pages 28-30
|
|
Opposition of Mullás
| |
1 |
After His return from this retirement, His fame became
greater than ever and people flocked to Baghdád from far and
near to see Him and hear His teachings. Jews, Christians and
Zoroastrians, as well as Muhammadans, became interested in
the new message. The Mullás (Muhammadan doctors), however,
took up a hostile attitude and persistently plotted to effect
His overthrow. On a certain occasion they sent one of their
number to interview Him and submit to Him certain questions.
The envoy found the answers of Bahá'u'lláh so convincing and
His wisdom so amazing, although evidently not acquired by
study, that he was obliged to confess that in knowledge and
understanding Bahá'u'lláh was peerless. In order, however,
that the Mullás who had sent him should be satisfied as to the
reality of Bahá'u'lláh's Prophethood, he asked that some miracle
should be produced as proof. Bahá'u'lláh expressed His
willingness to accept the suggestion on certain conditions,
declaring that if the Mullás would agree regarding some
miracle to be performed, and would sign and seal a document
to the effect that on performance of this miracle they would
confess the validity of His mission and cease to oppose Him,
He would furnish the desired proof or else stand convicted of
imposture. Had the aim of the Mullás been to get at the truth,
surely here was their opportunity; but their intention was far
otherwise. Rightly or wrongly, they meant to secure a decision
in their own favor. They feared the truth and fled from the
daring challenge. This discomfiture, however, only spurred
them on to devise fresh plots for the eradication of the oppressed
sect. The Consul General of Persia in Baghdád came
to their assistance and sent repeated messages to the Sháh to
the effect that Bahá'u'lláh was injuring the Muhammadan religion
more than ever, still exerting a malign influence on
Persia, and that He ought therefore to be banished to some
more distant place.
| |
2 |
It was characteristic of Bahá'u'lláh that, at this crisis,
when at the instigation of the Muhammadan Mullás the Persian
and Turkish Governments were combining their efforts to
eradicate the Movement, He remained calm and serene, encouraging
and inspiring His followers and writing imperishable
words of consolation and guidance. `Abdu'l-Bahá relates how
the Hidden Words were written at this time. Bahá'u'lláh would
often go for a walk along the bank of the Tigris. He would
come back looking very happy and write down those lyric
gems of wise counsel which have brought help and healing to
thousands of aching and troubled hearts. For years, only a
few manuscript copies of the Hidden Words were in existence,
and these had to be carefully concealed lest they should fall
into the hands of the enemies that abounded, but now this
little volume is probably the best known of all Bahá'u'lláh's
works, and is read in every quarter of the globe. The Book of
Íqán is another well-known work of Bahá'u'lláh's written about
the same period, towards the end of His sojourn at Baghdád
(1862-1863 A.D.)
Declaration at Ridván
[1]
near Baghdád
| |
3 |
After much negotiation, at the request of the Persian
Government, an order was issued by the Turkish Government
summoning Bahá'u'lláh to Constantinople. On receipt of this
new His followers were in consternation. They besieged the
house of their beloved Leader to such an extent that the family
encamped in the Garden of Najíb Páshá outside the town for
twelve days, while the caravan was being prepared for the long
journey. It was during these twelve days (April 22 to May 3,
1863, i.e. nineteen years after the Báb's Declaration) that
Bahá'u'lláh announced to several of His followers the glad
tidings that He was the One Whose coming had been foretold
by the Báb -- the Chosen of God, the Promised One of all the
Prophets. The Garden where this memorable Declaration took
place has become known to Bahá'ís as the "Garden of Ridván,"
and the days Bahá'u'lláh spent there are commemorated in the
"Feast of Ridván," which is held annually on the anniversary
of those twelve days. During those days Bahá'u'lláh, instead
of being sad or depressed, showed the greatest joy, dignity and
power. His followers became happy and enthusiastic, and great
crowds came to pay their respects to Him. All the notables of
Baghdád, even the Governor himself, came to honor the departing
prisoner.
| |
|
Notes
1. [Pronounced Rizwan.]
|
|
|
|