Mullá Ḥusayn Finds the Promised One
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When in Bahá'í history
Shíráz (today: Shíráz, Iran)
More than 180 years ago in Persia, there were many with the same expectation, that the Qá’im, the Promised One, would soon appear. Amongst them lived Siyyid Kázim, wise man, teacher, spiritual divine, who studied the texts of the Holy books and taught his students. He told his students that at his death, they were to leave their homes, and with hearts free from earthly desires, spread out in quest of the Promised Beloved. But when he died, his students found it easier to have long discussions, and came up with countless excuses as to why they should not arise and seek, except for one, Mullá Ḥusayn, who took himself to a mosque, he prayed and fasted fervently for forty days, opening his heart to the inspiration of God, begging for guidance. Then, he set out on his quest. Walking along dusty roads for many weeks, sleeping on the hard ground or the stone floor of a caravansary he travelled he knew not where. Guided by God, he journeyed until he came to Shíráz, that fragrant city of roses. As he stood by the gate of that city, he was greeted by a young merchant in a green turban, who welcomed him warmly and invited him to refresh himself after his journey at His house. Deeply impressed by His gentle and compelling manner, Mullá Ḥusayn thought Him to be a student of Siyyid Kázim sent to greet him. His host sent for a water jug to wash the dust from his feet, and made him tea with His own hands. Over the course of that wonderful night they spoke together. The young merchant was Siyyid ‘Alí-Muḥammad, Who took the title of the Báb, meaning the Gate, and He declared that He was the gateway to a new era, and the Herald of a greater Messenger of God to come. The Báb unfolded mysteries so profound and glorious that, with the dawn of the new day, so it dawned in the heart of Mullá Ḥusayn that this was the Promised One, the Qá’im, the one he sought. With a heart full of wonder and joy he arose and was the first to proclaim belief in Him.
Source: Ruhi Institute, Book 4, The Twin Manifestations. The events are recorded in Nabíl's The Dawn-Breakers, chapter 3.
Collected from bahaistories.com (Subject: detachment).
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