A believer’s eagerness to provide financial assistance to Baha’u’llah – but chose a wrong method
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When in Bahá'í history
Baghdád (today: Baghdad, Iraq)
Aqa Mirza Ja'jar was an erudite divine of Islam. In his
youth, he taught at a theological school... He left the school altogether when
he embraced the Cause and became a very steadfast believer. In those days, the
Ancient Beauty was in Baghdad. Knowing that He was living an austere life in
that city, Mirza Ja'jar wished to provide some funds for the relief of His
blessed Person. In the end he came up with a plan. There were many vases and
other ornaments made of copper in the mosques of Yazd. He used to go to a
mosque at night, climb to the upper chambers, dismantle the ornamental copper
vessels which were hanging from the ceiling, and take them home. Little by
little he stole similar vessels from several mosques. In the end he gathered
nearly half a ton of these copper items... He then transported them to Ardikan
(about 100 miles from Yazd) to the home of a certain Ustad Kazim, an
ironmonger. There he cut the copper articles to pieces and eventually succeeded
in selling the metal for 70 tumans (a large sum of money in those days) in
silver coins. He placed the silver inside a specially made leather cummerbund,
tied it around his waist and set off on his journey on foot to Baghdad where he
attained the presence of Baha’u’llah and presented the money to Him. The
Blessed Beauty accepted the money from him, and bestowed upon him His blessings
and favors. But He ordered him to accompany Mirza Aqa Jan, Khadimu'llah (the
Servant of God), to the banks of the river and throw the money into its waters.
Mirza Jajar became a servant of the household, and was among those companions
who accompanied Baha’u’llah to Istanbul. Source: Baha'i Stories Blog (https://bahaistories.blogspot.com/2017/12/a-believers-eagerness-to-provide.html).
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 Adib Taherzadeh's response in this account?
For teens
- If you were in Adib Taherzadeh's place, what might you have done?
- What does this story teach about service?
Reflection
- Is there someone in your life who would be helped by hearing this story?
- Sit quietly for a moment after reading. What does this story stir in you?
- Take one line from this story and let it stay with you today.
Comprehension quiz
Which source is "A believer’s eagerness to provide financial assistance to Baha’u’llah – but chose a wrong method" 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
Various. *Baha'i Stories Blog*. https://bahaistories.blogspot.com/2017/12/a-believers-eagerness-to-provide.html
This story shares quotes with 94 other stories
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Also in
- 1844: A lonely youth’s encounter with Bahá’u’lláh by a roadside in Mazindaran and his amazing recognition of His station— Various, Baha'i Stories Blog
- 1848: Baha’u’llah describes the consternation that seized the Bábís when Tahirih suddenly appeared unveiled at the conference of Badasht— Various, Baha'i Stories Blog
- 1851 Karbilá, Iraq: A disciple of the Báb becomes the first person to whom Baha'u'llah confided His Divine Mission – as was prophesied by the Báb in 1848— Various, Baha'i Stories Blog
- A funny incident while in the company of the Master— Various, Baha'i Stories Blog
- A mujtahid’s dream about Baha’u’llah during His youthful years – recalled by ‘Abdu’l-Baha— Various, Baha'i Stories Blog
- …and 89 more
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