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

Generosity, love and devotion of the King and Beloved of Martyrs

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When in Bahá'í history

1844'Abdu'l-Bahá (1892–1921)2026

Baghdád (today: Baghdad, Iraq)

The King of the Martyrs and Beloved of the Martyrs were born to a noble family in Isfahan. They were nine and ten years of age respectively when the Declaration of the Báb took place in 1844.

Their two illustrious uncles, Mirza Hadi and Mirza Muhammad-'Ali (the father of Munirih Khanum, the wife of 'Abdu'l-Bahá) had embraced the Faith of the Báb in the early days of its Revelation. They both took part in the Conference of Badasht. But their father, Mirza Ibrahim, was not a believer at the time; he recognized the truth of the Faith later. He was engaged in the service of Mir Siyyid Muhammad, the Imam-Jum'ih [1] of Isfahan, as manager of his financial affairs. When the Báb went to that city He stayed part of the time as a guest in the home of the Imam-Jum'ih.

Because of his close association at that time with the Báb, Mirza Ibrahim, though not a believer, entertained Him one day in his home. On that occasion the two young brothers and their uncles attained the presence of the Báb. This meeting left an abiding impression on the two youths, who became ardent believers through the efforts of their uncles, especially Mirza Muhammad-'Ali who later accompanied them to Baghdad where they attained the presence of Bahá'u'lláh. As a result of their meeting with Him, they became aware of His exalted Station and were filled with the spirit of faith and certitude. The splendours of the Face of their Lord brightly illumined their beings and they returned home radiant as shining lights.

In those days merchants occupied an important position in the community. The King and the Beloved of the Martyrs were held in high esteem as merchants of note by the inhabitants of Isfahan. These two brothers had established a very prosperous business there, but they were not attached to earthly possessions. Through their generous support they were able to alleviate some of the hardships which Bahá'u'lláh and His companions had to endure in the course of His successive exiles and confinements. They also spent much of their enormous wealth on the poor, and lovingly harboured the distressed and the needy at all times. For example, they provided food and other necessities for a great many starving people during a famine in Isfahan. In their dealings with people they were renowned for their trustworthiness, honesty, compassion, loving-kindness and generosity. They were shining embodiments of all Bahá'í ideals. Their love and devotion for Bahá'u'lláh knew no bounds. The praise that Bahá'u'lláh has lavishly showered upon them is ample testimony to the loftiness of their station, the nobility of their character and the purity of their souls.

(Adib Taherzadeh, The Revelation of Baha'u'llah vol. 4)

[1] A high religious dignitary of the city.

Source: Baha'i Stories Blog (https://bahaistories.blogspot.com/2014/07/generosity-love-and-devotion-of-king_10.html).

Discuss this story

For adults

If you were to share this story aloud at a devotional gathering, which sentence would you read first?
What in your own life does this story bring to mind?
Where do you see compassion appearing — visibly or quietly — in this passage?

For teens

If you were in Adib Taherzadeh's place, what might you have done?
What does this story teach about compassion?

Reflection

If you could bring one quality from this story into your next conversation, what would it be?
What single image from this story will stay with you?
How does compassion show up in your life right now — and where is it being asked of you?

Comprehension quiz

Which source is "Generosity, love and devotion of the King and Beloved of Martyrs" 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/2014/07/generosity-love-and-devotion-of-king_10.html

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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 believer’s eagerness to provide financial assistance to Baha’u’llah – but chose a wrong method— Various, Baha'i Stories Blog
- A funny incident while in the company of the Master— Various, Baha'i Stories Blog
- …and 89 more

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Bahá'u'lláh 'Abdu'l-Bahá the Báb Adib Taherzadeh #stories #martyrdom #exile #family #hospitality #holy-day #recognition

Generosity, love and devotion of the King and Beloved of Martyrs

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