Bahá'u'lláh Leaves the Garden of Riḍván
J. E. Esslemont, Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era, (1923), George Allen & Unwin · Read original
When in Bahá'í history
Baghdád (today: Baghdad, Iraq)
A retelling based on Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era by J. E. Esslemont, with details from God Passes By (Shoghi Effendi).
Bahá'u'lláh had been ordered to leave Baghdád for Constantinople. For twelve days, from April 22 to May 3, 1863, He stayed in the Garden of Najíb Páshá outside the city, now known as the Garden of Riḍván, while the caravan was prepared for the journey. Esslemont writes:
During those days Bahá'u'lláh, instead of being sad or depressed, showed the greatest joy, dignity and power. His followers became happy and enthusiastic, and great crowds came to pay their respects to Him. All the notables of Baghdád, even the Governor himself, came to honor the departing prisoner.
God Passes By names two of those visitors. Álúsí, the Muftí of Baghdád, came with tears in his eyes. The governor, Námiq Páshá, expressed his regret at the developments that had led to Bahá'u'lláh's departure and gave the officer who was to accompany Him a written order telling the governors along the route to extend to the exiles the utmost consideration.
Bahá'u'lláh left the garden at noon on May 3, 1863. Shoghi Effendi quotes an eyewitness:
Believers and unbelievers alike sobbed and lamented. The chiefs and notables who had congregated were struck with wonder.
He rode a red roan stallion, the best His followers could buy for Him. Nabíl, who saw it, recalled that "numerous were the heads" which bowed to the dust at the feet of His horse. The journey to Constantinople, Esslemont writes, lasted between three and four months.
The Twelfth Day of Riḍván, the day of that departure, is the last of the three Holy Days of the Festival of Riḍván.
A retelling based on Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era. For the fuller account, see the original.
Cite this story
Esslemont, J. E.. (1923). *Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era*. George Allen & Unwin. https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/19241/pg19241-images.html
This story shares quotes with 2 other stories
“During those days Bahá'u'lláh, instead of being sad or depressed,”
Also in
- Twelve Days in the Garden of Najíb Páshá— J. E. Esslemont, Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era
- The Family Joins Bahá'u'lláh in the Garden— J. E. Esslemont, Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era
“showed the greatest joy, dignity and power. His followers became”
Also in
- The Family Joins Bahá'u'lláh in the Garden— J. E. Esslemont, Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era
“happy and enthusiastic, and great crowds came to pay their respects”
Also in
- The Family Joins Bahá'u'lláh in the Garden— J. E. Esslemont, Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era
Record yourself reading this story
Recording stays on this device only. Nothing is uploaded.
Related stories
The Road from Baghdád to Constantinople
After leaving the Garden of Riḍván on 3 May 1863, Bahá'u'lláh travelled with His family and twenty-six companions across eastern Anatolia to Constantinople. Officials and villagers welcomed Him along the way, and His companions served Him on foot.
The Master at Eighteen
In Baghdád 'Abdu'l-Bahá grew into a youth beloved by all who knew Him. The Chosen Highway records how, before the exile of 1863, He shielded His Father, arranged His move to the Garden of Riḍván and set out with Him on the journey to Constantinople.
Honored at Every Stage
On the long journey from Baghdád to the Black Sea in 1863, officials and villagers received Bahá'u'lláh with honour in town after town. As the caravan neared Sámsún, He revealed the Tablet of the Howdah.
The Red Roan Stallion
At noon on 3 May 1863 Bahá'u'lláh rode out of the Garden of Riḍván on a red roan stallion, the best His lovers could buy for Him. Crowds bowed at His horse's feet, and believers and unbelievers alike wept.