The Badasht Conference

It was the summer of 1848. The followers of the Báb, the Bábís, were fiercely persecuted in Persia, the birthplace of their Faith. They needed guidance and support. Bahá'u'lláh, Who, at that time, was a directing force among the Bábís, decided to meet with His fellow believers. A group of them gathered in the small village of Badasht in northern Persia.

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Upon His arrival, Bahá'u'lláh rented three gardens, one for Quddús, another for Táhirih, and the third one for Himself. The main purpose of this gathering of Bábís, known as the Badasht Conference, was to consult about the future of the Bábí Faith. Eighty-one Bábís gathered at this most important event. From the day they arrived to the day they left, for twenty-two days, they were all the guests of Bahá'u'lláh.

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Every day, Bahá'u'lláh revealed a new Tablet, which was chanted in this memorable gathering of Bábís. Through these Tablets, Bahá'u'lláh discarded one after another of the established traditions of the past. The Bábís were dismayed as they saw the ways they had worshiped, and many of the teachings they had followed for so long, changed and discarded.

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Bahá'u'lláh bestowed a new name on every believer at Badasht without disclosing the identity of the person who had given those names. From this time on, He became known as "Bahá" (Glory), Quddús (the Most Holy) gained his title, and Táhirih (the Pure One).

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The Bábís were in awe. They did not know the source of all these Revelations. They wondered: Who wrote the Tablets? Who gave them the new names? Some were guessing, each one to his own degree of understanding. Very few, if any, thought Bahá'u'lláh was the author of the changes that were so fearlessly introduced.

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Bahá'u'lláh quietly presided every day over the Conference of Badasht, guiding the discussions and enlightening His fellow believers. Táhirih and Quddús, encouraged by Bahá'u'lláh, discussed the future of the Bábí Revelation. Táhirih wanted to declare its complete break from Islam. Quddús, following a plan agreed beforehand, appeared to reject her views. Bahá'u'lláh did not take sides but let the two examine and contemplate all aspects of this most important matter.

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One day, Bahá'u'lláh was not feeling well and decided to remain in His garden. As soon as Quddús heard this news, he went to His presence. Gradually other believers came too and gathered around Him. Suddenly, a messenger from Táhirih came and gave Quddús a pressing invitation from Táhirih to visit her in her own garden.

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"I have severed myself entirely from her. I refuse to meet her," replied Quddús boldly.

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The messenger refused to return without him. Suddenly, Táhirih appeared at the door. Beautifully adorned, she stood serenely before her companions. She was not wearing her veil, a requirement for women under the laws of Islam.

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Immediately, the men stood up in complete shock, as if struck by lightning. An honorable woman appearing without a veil! How could they gaze on the unveiled face of the one whom they considered the best example of purity, honor, and modesty? Some were so outraged that they fled the place. Some not only left the conference, but they also left the Faith they had been ready to defend. Such was their degree of attachment to the traditions of the past and their anger toward Táhirih's brave action!

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Those who remained listened in complete awe to Táhirih's eloquent speech delivered in a language highly resembling that of the Qur'an, the Holy Book of Islam. In her address, she announced the dawn of a New Day. She announced that this was the time to break away from the traditions of the past. Then, in her strong, melodious voice, she invited her companions to celebrate, declaring: "This day is the day of festivity and universal rejoicing, the day on which the fetters of the past are burst asunder."

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This incident changed the life of the Bábís. The change involved all their manners and customs. It freed them from the obligation of following the Muslim clergy. Yet they remained confused. Many of them wrote letters to the Báb, asking for guidance. Each of those who had gathered at Badasht received a Tablet from Him, addressed by the new name given at Badasht.

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When some complained about Táhirih's actions, He wrote, "What am I to say regarding her whom the Tongue of Power and Glory [Bahá'u'lláh] has named Táhirih [the Pure One]?" By writing this, He also showed that Táhirih's appearance, unveiled in the presence of men, was acceptable.

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Bahá'u'lláh, with His love, wisdom, and patience, built peace and harmony among the remaining believers at Badasht, and brought about a complete reconciliation between Táhirih and Quddús. The main objective of the gathering was achieved; the future of the Bábí Faith was determined. "The clarion-call of the new Order had been sounded... The way was clear for the proclamation of the laws and precepts that were destined to usher in the new Dispensation." (Nabíl, The Dawn-Breakers)

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(Written by Lily Ayman, illustrated by Jacki Ayorinde; ‘Core Curriculum for Spiritual Education’, by the United States National Spiritual Assembly)

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