Muḥammad Ḥaná-Sáb
Bahá'í Chronicles editors, Bahá'í Chronicles · Read original
Studio narration for this story is coming — it’ll be generated by the cloud-TTS pipeline (voice: auto-selected from the source author).
When in Bahá'í history
Iṣfahán (today: Isfahan, Iran)
He guided a number of souls, remaining true and loyal to the great Cause. He endured terrible persecution and torment, but did not falter. Then he found favor in the eyes of the King of Martyrs and became a trusted attendant of the Beloved of Martyrs, serving them for some years.
** Muḥammad Ḥaná-Sáb**
Born: Unknown
Death: Unknown
Place of Birth: Unknown
Location of Death: ‘Akká, Israel
**Burial Location: **No cemetery details
This man of dignity and rank, Áqá Muḥammad, was yet another among those who abandoned their homes, and was one of the earliest believers. From the dawn tide, he was widely known as a lover of the Most Great Light. He was then in Iṣfahán, and he shut his eyes to this world and the next as well, and opened them to the beauty of Him Who is the embodiment of all that is lovable.
Áqá Muḥammad could no longer find rest, for he had come alive through the musk-laden breathings of God; his heart was alight, he could inhale the holy fragrance, he had an eye to see, an ear to hear. He guided a number of souls, remaining true and loyal to the great Cause. He endured terrible persecution and torment, but did not falter. Then he found favor in the eyes of the King of Martyrs and became a trusted attendant of the Beloved of Martyrs , serving them for some years. He was confirmed in his work, so that on many occasions the King of Martyrs expressed satisfaction with him, saying, “This man is one of those souls who are at rest; he is indeed well-pleased with his Lord, and well-pleasing unto Him. His faith is unalloyed, he loves God, he has a good character, and leads a good life. He is also an agreeable companion, and an eloquent one.”
After the King of Martyrs was put to death, Áqá Muḥammad stayed on for a time in Iṣfahán, consumed with mourning for him. Finally he emigrated to the Most Great Prison, where he was received by Bahá’u’lláh, and won the high honor of sweeping the ground about the Threshold. He was patient, forbearing, a true friend and companion. Then the Supreme Affliction came upon us, and Áqá Muḥammad was in such anguish that he was unable to rest for a moment. At every dawn he would rise and would sweep the ground about the house of Bahá’u’lláh, his tears pouring down like rain, chanting prayers as he worked.
What a holy being he was, how great a man! He could not bear the separation very long, but died, and hastened onward to the world of lights, to the assemblage where the beauty of God is unveiled. May God shed upon his grave rays from the realm of forgiveness, and lull his spirit in the heart of Paradise. May God exalt his station in the gardens above. His bright tomb is in ‘Akká.
**Source:
**‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Memorials of the Faithful. Bahai.org.
**Image:
**Art Design by Joe Paczkowski
Tags Baha'i Memorials of the Faithful Muḥammad Ḥaná-Sáb
Facebook X Pinterest LinkedIn
You may also like
William Sears
Source: Bahá'í Chronicles (https://bahaichronicles.org/mu%e1%b8%a5ammad-%e1%b8%a5ana-sab/).
Discuss this story
For adults
- Read the closing lines once more. What single phrase stays with you?
- What does the setting of this account contribute to its meaning?
- What stands out about Muḥammad Ḥaná-Sáb's response in this account?
For teens
- If you were in Muḥammad Ḥaná-Sáb's place, what might you have done?
- What does this story teach about faith?
Reflection
- How does faith show up in your life right now — and where is it being asked of you?
- Is there someone in your life who would be helped by hearing this story?
- Where in your own life are you being asked to practice faith?
Comprehension quiz
Which source is "Muḥammad Ḥaná-Sáb" 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/mu%e1%b8%a5ammad-%e1%b8%a5ana-sab/
Record yourself reading this story
Recording stays on this device only. Nothing is uploaded.
Related stories
Ismu’lláhu’l-Asdaq (Mullá Ṣádiq Khurasani)
When young, he joined the circle of the late Siyyid Kázim and became one of his disciples. He was known in Persia for his purity of life, winning fame as Mullá Ṣádiq the saintly. ** Ismu’lláhu’l-Asdaq (Mullá ****Ṣ****ádiq…
‘Abdu’l-Bahá Abbas
‘Abdu’l-Bahá spent His early years in an environment of privilege, wealth, and love. ** ‘Abdu’l-Bahá…
‘Alavíyyih Khánum and Mullá ‘Alí Ján
Mullá ‘Alí Ján and ‘Alavíyyih Khánum, not content with the conversion of the inhabitants of Máhfurúzak to the Bahá’í Faith, started to organize the life of the village on a spiritual basis. They encouraged each family to set aside a…
Áqá Muḥammad-Ibráhím
Áqá Muḥammad had a fine poetic gift, and he would create verses like stringed pearls. **…