Secondary Retelling2 min●●○○○'Abdu'l-Bahá's ministry (1892–1921)

An example of Baha’u’llah bestowing physical healing upon a believer

Baha'i Stories Blog · Read original

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When in Bahá'í history

1844'Abdu'l-Bahá (1892–1921)2026

Yazd (today: Yazd, Iran)

There was a believer by the name of Shaykh Ṣádiq of Yazd. He had emigrated from Persia to Baghdád during the time of Baha’u’llah. ‘Abdu’l-Baha has described him as “a man esteemed, and righteous as his name, Ṣádiq. [truthful, loyal] He was a towering palm in the groves of Heaven, a star flaming in the skies of the love of God.”

Here is the story told by the Master:

“It was during the ‘Iráq period that he hastened to the presence of Bahá’u’lláh. His detachment from the things of this world and his attachment to the life of the spirit are indescribable. He was love embodied, tenderness personified. Day and night, he commemorated God. Utterly unconscious of this world and all that is therein, he dwelt continually on God, remaining submerged in supplications and prayers. Most of the time, tears poured from his eyes. The Blessed Beauty singled him out for special favor, and whenever He turned His attention toward Ṣádiq, His loving-kindness was clear to see.

On a certain day they brought word that Ṣádiq was at the point of death. I went to his bedside and found him breathing his last. He was suffering from ileus, an abdominal pain and swelling. I hurried to Bahá’u’lláh and described his condition. “Go,” He said. “Place your hand on the distended area and speak the words: ‘O Thou the Healer!’” [Yá Sháfí]

I went back. I saw that the affected part had swollen up to the size of an apple; it was hard as stone, in constant motion, twisting, and coiling about itself like a snake. I placed my hand upon it; I turned toward God and, humbly beseeching Him, I repeated the words, “O Thou the Healer!” Instantly the sick man rose up. The ileus vanished; the swelling was carried off.”

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (‘Memorials of the Faithful’)

Source: Baha'i Stories Blog (https://bahaistories.blogspot.com/2016/04/an-example-of-bahaullah-bestowing.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?
If you were to share this story aloud at a devotional gathering, which sentence would you read first?

For teens

If you were in Bahá'u'lláh's place, what might you have done?
What does this story teach about faith?

Reflection

What single image from this story will stay with you?
How does faith show up in your life right now — and where is it being asked of you?
Read the passage a second time, slowly. What did you notice that you missed the first time?

Comprehension quiz

Which source is "An example of Baha’u’llah bestowing physical healing upon a believer" 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/2016/04/an-example-of-bahaullah-bestowing.html

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An example of Baha’u’llah bestowing physical healing upon a believer

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