Secondary Retelling3 min●●○○○'Abdu'l-Bahá's ministry (1892–1921)

A youth sees Bahá’u’lláh revealing Verses of God – recalled by Hand of the Cause Tarázu’lláh Samandari

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When in Bahá'í history

1844'Abdu'l-Bahá (1892–1921)2026

'Akká (today: Acre, Israel)

The Hand of the Cause Tarázu'lláh Samandarí undertook his pilgrimage to the Holy Land when he was a youth. It took place during the last months of Bahá'u'lláh's life. He had the privilege of accompanying Bahá’u’lláh on visits to the Garden of Ridván (near Akka), and was present at the time of Bahá’u’lláh's ascension. Here is a portion of his recollections:

Twice I had the honour of being present in His room during the revelation of the Holy Verses. No one was there except His secretary, Mirzá Áqá Ján, and another time, Mirzá Badi’u’lláh[one of Bahá’u’lláh's sons] was there copying Tablets. On these two precious occasions, as the Essence of Glory and Dignity [Bahá’u’lláh] paced the room and chanted verses, I could gaze upon Him and contemplate His luminous face, and behold the vision of the majesty of God and His divine Kingdom. This was indeed a great blessing. As He revealed the verses of God, His face was radiant. Sometimes, He would gesture with His hands while He looked through the window onto the sea.

It was His custom to drink water while revealing the verses when His lips became dry. Mirzá Áqá Ján was occupied in taking down the revealed words. The floor of the room was covered with papers from the dictation. One might guess that they amounted to about one-fifth of the Qur’án, revealed during those few hours.

The verses were revealed sometimes in a melodious voice, and sometimes with majesty and power - depending on the content of the revealed words. For instance, when the subject was prayer, a heavenly melody was heard; while admonitions and words of warning were uttered with the power of the Lord of lords!

Bahá’u’lláh Himself tells us that day and night the verses descended like torrential rain. From this, whoever is mindful will ask: What can He mean, that the verses descended like torrential rain? This means, without thought. This means, without deliberation. This means that, first the revelation comes down - and only then is it read . . .

The rule always was that when the letters came in from the friends, Khádim [Mirzá Aqá Ján] would be directed by Bahá’u’lláh to read Him the letters. Then, at Bahá’u’lláh's direction, he would make ready paper and pen, and an answer would be vouchsafed. To one after the other, upon each of those who had written, He would bestow an answer.

As to this question of revelation, I am unable to record what one then observes. At the highest possible speed, without any premeditation, these utterances would be revealed [by Bahá’u’lláh]. At such a speed that it would be impossible to conceive any swifter, he [Mirzá Aqá Ján] would write them down. No one could read that 'Revelation-writing,' with the exception of a very, very few early believers who had some familiarity with it. Perhaps they could read some of the verses so recorded - but not the whole. Even Mirzá Aqá Ján, the Revelation scribe himself, was sometimes unable to read this writing, and he would then take it to Bahá’u’lláh, and Bahá’u’lláh would solve the problem.
(Tarazu’llah Samandari, ‘Moments with Baha’u’llah’, quoted in ‘Baha’u’llah A Short Biography’, by Moojan Momen)

Source: Baha'i Stories Blog (https://bahaistories.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-youth-sees-bahaullah-revealing-verses.html).

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For adults

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How does this story illustrate the practice of prayer?
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If you were in Tarázu'lláh Samandarí's place, what might you have done?
What does this story teach about prayer?

Reflection

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Various. *Baha'i Stories Blog*. https://bahaistories.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-youth-sees-bahaullah-revealing-verses.html

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- 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 believer’s eagerness to provide financial assistance to Baha’u’llah – but chose a wrong method— Various, Baha'i Stories Blog
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A youth sees Bahá’u’lláh revealing Verses of God – recalled by Hand of the Cause Tarázu’lláh Samandari

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