Father of the Poor

Before Mírzá Ḥusayn-'Alí was called Bahá'u'lláh, before He was known as the Promised One of God, He was called by another title: "Father of the Poor." Mírzá Ḥusayn-'Alí was born into a wealthy family. His father was a mírzá, a nobleman, who was so admired for his talents, especially his beautiful handwriting, that the Sháh gave him the title "Buzurg," meaning "the great one." He was later made a vizier.

1 / 14

Mírzá Buzurg owned a vast estate, and many peasants worked the land and tended his livestock for him.

2 / 14

When He was nearly eighteen, Mírzá Ḥusayn-'Alí married Ásíyih Khánum, the daughter of another wealthy nobleman. Ásíyih Khánum had everything a young woman in Persia could hope to have. She was tall and beautiful, wise, gentle, and kind. The young couple started their life together with great wealth and comfort. A jeweler worked for six months fashioning her jewels, even creating gold buttons studded with gems for her clothing. Forty mules carried Ásíyih Khánum's belongings to her new home. The couple would, everyone thought, enjoy a grand life of power and luxury, filled with parties and important ceremonies.

3 / 14

But Mírzá Ḥusayn-'Alí was not interested in living a life of wealth and ease. He and Ásíyih Khánum took as little part as possible in the ceremonies of the wealthy and powerful. Instead, they took care of the poor. They listened to their problems and tried to help them. Often they invited them to share meals with them. No needy person was ever turned away. Because of the kind comfort she offered so willingly, Ásíyih Khánum soon earned the title "Mother of Consolation." And the generous, wise Mírzá Ḥusayn-'Alí was known as "Father of the Poor."

4 / 14

It was no wonder that Mírzá Ḥusayn-'Alí and Ásíyih Khánum's children would grow to have the same loving and generous hearts. One day, when He was still a boy, their Son 'Abdu'l-Bahá went to the mountains to see His Father's sheep. What a sight it must have been - thousands of them roamed the mountainsides! The shepherds were happy to be visited by their kind, young master, and they prepared a feast for Him.

5 / 14

Finally, it was time for 'Abdu'l-Bahá to go home.

6 / 14

The head shepherd drew 'Abdu'l-Bahá aside. "It is the custom to leave the shepherds a gift," the shepherd told Him.

7 / 14

"But I have nothing to give," 'Abdu'l-Bahá replied.

8 / 14

"They have just given you a feast," the shepherd pointed out. "You must give them something."

9 / 14

'Abdu'l-Bahá thought a moment and then decided. "I will give them all the sheep!"

10 / 14

'Abdu'l-Bahá must have wondered what His Father would say when He learned that His Son had given away thousands of His sheep.

11 / 14

But Mírzá Ḥusayn-'Alí only laughed. "We will have to protect 'Abdu'l-Bahá from Himself—some day He will give Himself away," He said.

12 / 14

Bahá'u'lláh truly was the "Father of the Poor."

13 / 14

(Written by Gail Radley, illustrated by Jay Kenyatta-Anderson; ‘Core Curriculum for Spiritual Education’, by the United States National Spiritual Assembly)

14 / 14