Doubts Dispelled by a Dream

Ḥájí Mírzá Ḥaydar-‘Alí wrote this account of his own spiritual awakening and struggles:

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In the early days of the Faith in Isfahan, when I began to study the Tablets and Writings of the Báb, and listen to the explanations of the friends, I found the proofs of His Revelation convincing and conclusive and the testimonies supremely sound and perfect. So I was assured in myself that this Cause was the Cause of God and the Manifestation of His Grandeur, the dawning of the Day-Star of Truth promised to be revealed by the Almighty.

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But when I was alone with no one to talk to, I was often overtaken with doubts. The idle fancies of my past life, and the whisperings of the evil one were tempting me... God knows how much I wept and how many nights I stayed awake till morning. There were days when I forgot to eat because I was so immersed in my thoughts. I tried by every means to relieve myself of these doubts.

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Several times I became steadfast in the Cause and believed, but later I would waver and become perplexed and dismayed.

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Then one night I dreamt that a town-crier in ... Isfahan was announcing this message: 'O people, the Seal of the Prophets [the Prophet Muḥammad] is here in a certain house and has given permission for anyone who wishes to attain His presence to go there. Remember that a mere glance at His countenance is more meritorious than service in both worlds.' On hearing this, I hastened and entered the house. I had never seen such a building.

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I went upstairs and arrived in an area which had a roof over it and was surrounded by rooms and chambers. The Manifestation of the All-Glorious was pacing up and down and some people were standing motionless. I arrived and spontaneously prostrated myself at His feet.

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Graciously, He lifted me up with His own hands and, standing, said 'A person may claim that he has come here wholly for the sake of God, and has truly attained the presence of His Lord, when he is not held back by the onslaught of the peoples of the world, who with drawn swords attack him and intend to take his life because he has embraced the Cause of God.

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Otherwise, he cannot truthfully say that his motive was to seek God.'

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On hearing these words, I woke up from my dream and found myself assured, joyous and thankful. All my doubts had completely disappeared.

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