Bahá'u'lláh Leaves the Garden of Riḍván

*A retelling based on **Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era** by J. E. Esslemont, with details from God Passes By (Shoghi Effendi).*

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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:

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> 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.

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*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.

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Bahá'u'lláh left the garden at noon on May 3, 1863. Shoghi Effendi quotes an eyewitness:

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> Believers and unbelievers alike sobbed and lamented. The chiefs and > notables who had congregated were struck with wonder.

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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.

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The Twelfth Day of Riḍván, the day of that departure, is the last of the three Holy Days of the Festival of Riḍván.

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*A retelling based on **Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era**. For the fuller account, see the original.*

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