With his characteristic presence of mind, the courageous
Jinab-i-Baha [Baha’u’llah] had made the most of an ugly situation [the village
of Níyálá], recovering some of the goods stolen from their camp and
reestablishing the confidence of the people. Most important, he had sent the
estimable Quddus in disguise to temporary safety in Barfurush and again rescued
the noble Tahirih, symbol of all the brave women who would hereafter espouse
the new Cause. Soon, wary that the beauteous Tahirih would be recognized and
apprehended, he consigned that precious woman, with her attendant, to the
protection of Shaykh Abu Turab, who was asked to escort her in safety to Nur.
There she might live quietly, writing in relative obscurity, guarded by the
faithful Babis, and under the protection of Jinab-i-Baha. She was now homeless,
her beloved children stolen from her under Islamic law which mandated custody
to her unworthy ex-husband. Plainly she was marked for grave new perils. Asylum
was her present need.
- David Ruhe (‘Robe of Light’, vol. 1)
