Bahá’u’lláh and the Fishes

Once upon a time there was a noble Vazír, a minister in the service of the Shah, the King of Persia. He was a good man, greatly respected, who helped those in need. The Vazír had a son whom he loved greatly. One night, when his son was still a child, this Vazír had an extraordinary dream about him, a dream that he could not forget. He dreamt that he saw his son swimming in a vast limitless ocean.

1 / 6

His face was radiant and lit up the waves through which He swam. His long black hair floated around Him. A great multitude of fishes, attracted by the light of His face, surrounded Him; they each took the end of one of His hairs in their mouths, and together they swam. But the fish never stopped His progress, and not one hair was ever detached from His head.

2 / 6

When he awoke, the Vazír could not forget about this dream, and he summoned a famous soothsayer of that region to interpret it. The soothsayer listened intently to the Vazír’s dream, and when he had finished, this is what he said: “The limitless ocean that you have seen in your dream, O Vazír, is none other than the world of being. Single-handed and alone, your son will achieve supreme ascendancy over it. Wherever He may please, He will proceed unhindered.

3 / 6

No one will resist His march, no one will hinder His progress. The multitude of fishes signifies the turmoil which He will arouse amidst the peoples and kindreds of the earth. Around Him will they gather, and to Him will they cling.

4 / 6

Assured of the unfailing protection of the Almighty, this tumult will never harm His person, nor will His loneliness upon the sea of life endanger His safety.” The soothsayer was then taken to see the Vazír’s son, and so it was that he came face to face with Bahá’u’lláh. He gazed at Him full of wonder, and what he saw there delighted him. He extolled every trait of His countenance; in every expression he saw signs of His hidden glory.

5 / 6

So great was his admiration and so profuse his praise that from that day on Bahá’u’lláh’s father became even more devoted to Him. Like Jacob with his Joseph, he loved Him as the best of fathers loves the most beloved of sons.

6 / 6