Once eighteen believers had recognized the Báb, each
independently of the others, the Báb called them the ‘Letters of the Living’, and
one by one sent them “with steadfast feet and sanctified hearts” on perilous
specific tasks to proclaim the new Message.
To Mulla Husayn, His first Letter of the Living, the Báb
pointed to the north, saying: “Grieve not that you have not been chosen to
accompany Me on My pilgrimage to Hijaz. I shall instead direct your steps to
that city [Tihran] which enshrines a Mystery of such transcendent holiness as
neither Hijaz [a region in Saudi Arabia containing the holy cities of Mecca and Medina] nor Shiraz can hope to rival… Visit, on your way, Isfahan, Kashan,
Tihran and Khurasan… The hosts of the invisible Kingdom, be assured, will
sustain and reinforce your efforts. The essence of power is now dwelling in
you, and the company of His chosen angels revolves around you. His almighty
arms will surround you, and His unfailing Spirit will ever continue to guide
your steps…” (‘The Dawn-Breakers’)
Of his mission to Tihran, the Báb presented an exciting
prospect, saying: “A secret lies hidden in that city. When made manifest, it
shall turn the earth into paradise. My hope is that you may partake of its
grace and recognize its splendor.” (‘The Dawn-Breakers’)
(Adapted from ‘Robe of
Light, vol. 1’, by David Ruhe)
