We soon joined her [Táhirih] at Badasht, where We rented a
garden for her use, and appointed the same Muhammad-Hádí who had achieved her
deliverance, as her doorkeeper. About seventy of Our companions were with Us
and lodged in a place in the vicinity of that garden.
We fell ill one day, and were confined to bed. Táhirih sent
a request to call upon Us. We were surprised at her message, and were at a loss
as to what We should reply. Suddenly We
saw her at the door, her face unveiled before Us. How well has Mírzá Áqá Ján [1] commented upon that incident. “The
face of Fátimih,” he said, “must needs be revealed on the Day of Judgment and
appear unveiled before the eyes of men. At that moment the voice of the Unseen
shall be heard saying: ‘Turn your eyes away from that which ye have
seen.’” [2]
How great was the consternation that seized the companions
on that day! Fear and bewilderment filled their hearts. A few, unable to
tolerate that which was to them so revolting a departure from the established
customs of Islám, fled in horror from before her face. Dismayed, they sought
refuge in a deserted castle in that neighbourhood. Among those who were
scandalised by her behaviour and severed from her entirely were the Siyyid-i-Nahrí
and his brother Mírzá Hádí, to both of whom We sent word that it was
unnecessary for them to desert their companions and seek refuge in a castle.
Our friends eventually dispersed, leaving Us at the mercy of Our enemies.
… At the time We proposed to send Muhammad-Hádiy-i-Farhádí
to Qazvín, in order to achieve the deliverance of Táhirih and conduct her to
Tihrán, Shaykh Abú-Turáb wrote Us,
insisting that such an attempt was fraught with grave risks and might occasion
an unprecedented tumult. We refused to be deflected from Our purpose. That
Shaykh was a kind-hearted man, was simple and lowly in temper, and behaved with
great dignity. He lacked courage and determination, however, and betrayed
weakness on certain occasions.
- Bahá’u’lláh (Quoted by Nabil in ‘The
Dawn-Breakers’, translated and edited by Shoghi Effendi)
[1] Bahá’u’lláh’s amanuensis
[2] According to Islámic traditions, Fátimih, Muhammad’s daughter, will appear unveiled as she crosses the bridge “Sirat“ on the Day of Judgment. At her appearance a voice from heaven will declare: “Turn your eyes away, O concourse of people!”
[2] According to Islámic traditions, Fátimih, Muhammad’s daughter, will appear unveiled as she crosses the bridge “Sirat“ on the Day of Judgment. At her appearance a voice from heaven will declare: “Turn your eyes away, O concourse of people!”
