…There was in Ṭihrán… a Youth of the family of one of the
ministers and of noble lineage, gifted in every way, and adorned with purity
and nobility. Although He combined lofty lineage with high connection, and
although His ancestors were men of note in Persia and universally sought after,
yet He was not of a race of doctors or a family of scholars. Now this Youth was
from His earliest adolescence celebrated amongst those of the ministerial
class, both relatives and strangers, for single-mindedness, and was from
childhood pointed out as remarkable for sagacity, and held in regard in the
eyes of the wise. He did not, however, after the fashion of His ancestors,
desire elevation to lofty ranks nor seek advancement to splendid but transient
positions. His extreme aptitude was nevertheless admitted by all, and His
excessive acuteness and intelligence were universally avowed. In the eyes of
the common folk He enjoyed a wonderful esteem, and in all gatherings and
assemblies He had a marvelous speech and delivery. Notwithstanding lack of
instruction and education such was the keenness of His penetration and the
readiness of His apprehension that when during His youthful prime He appeared
in assemblies where questions of divinity and points of metaphysic were being
discussed, and, in presence of a great concourse of doctors and scholars loosed
his tongue, all those present were amazed, accounting this as a sort of prodigy
beyond the discernment natural to the human race. From His early years He was
the hope of His kindred and the unique one of His family and race, nay, their
refuge and shelter.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (‘A Traveler’s Narrative’)
