Áqá Faraj
Bahá'í Chronicles editors, Bahá'í Chronicles · Read original
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When in Bahá'í history
Adrianople (today: Edirne, Turkey)
Áqá Faraj and Abu’l-Qásim, who had gone into hiding, then hurried away to Adrianople, to fall, ultimately, with the others and with their Well-Beloved, into the ‘Akká prison.
** Áqá Faraj**
Born: Unknown
Death: After 1892
Place of Birth: Unknown
Location of Death: ‘Akká, Israel
**Burial Location: **‘Akká Cemetery
In all these straits, Áqá Faraj was the companion of Abu’l-Qásim . When, in Persian Iraq, he first heard the uproar caused by the Advent of the Most Great Light, he shook and trembled, clapped his hands, cried out in exultation and hastened off to Iraq. Overcome with delight, he entered the presence of his holy Lord. He was gathered into the loving fellowship, and blissfully received the honor of attending upon Bahá’u’lláh . Then he returned, bearing glad tidings to Sultán-Ábád.
Here the malevolent were lying in wait, and disturbances broke out, with the result that the sainted Mullá-Báshí and some other believers who had none to defend them were struck down and put to death. Áqá Faraj and Abu’l-Qásim, who had gone into hiding, then hurried away to Adrianople, to fall, ultimately, with the others and with their Well-Beloved, into the ‘Akká prison.
Áqá Faraj then won the honor of waiting upon the Ancient Beauty. He served the Holy Threshold at all times and was a comfort to the friends. During the days of Bahá’u’lláh he was His loyal servitor, and a close companion to the believers, and so it was after Bahá’u’lláh’s departure: he remained true to the Covenant, and in the domain of servitude he stood like a towering palm; a noble, superior man, patient in dire adversity, content under all conditions.
Strong in faith, in devotion, he left this life and set his face toward the Kingdom of God, to become the object of endless grace. Upon him be God’s mercy and good pleasure, in His Paradise. Greetings be unto him, and praise, in the meadows of Heaven.
**
Source:
**‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Memorials of the Faithful. Bahai.org.
**Image:
**(c) Baha’i Chronicles
Tags Áqá Faraj Baha'i Memorials of the Faithful
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William Sears
Source: Bahá'í Chronicles (https://bahaichronicles.org/aqa-faraj/).
Discuss this story
For adults
- Where do devotion and faith meet in this story?
- What does the setting of this account contribute to its meaning?
- What stands out about Áqá Faraj's response in this account?
For teens
- What is one quality you'd want to carry forward from this account?
- Which line in this story surprised you the most?
Reflection
- Where in your own life are you being asked to practice devotion?
- Take one line from this story and let it stay with you today.
- What in this account feels timely? What feels timeless?
Comprehension quiz
Which source is "Áqá Faraj" drawn from?
Where does this story take place?
What period of Bahá'í history does this story belong to?
Which historical figure is featured most prominently in this story?
Which virtue does this story most clearly illustrate?
Cite this story
editors, B. C.. *Bahá'í Chronicles*. https://bahaichronicles.org/aqa-faraj/
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