Shaykh Maḥmúd's Change of Heart

It is related of Shaykh Maḥmúd of ‘Akká that he hated the Bahá’ís. While many of his fellow-townsmen had gradually come to realize how very wrong they had been and were speaking of the prisoners in terms of appreciation and praise, Shaykh Maḥmúd remained adamant in his hatred. One day he was present at a gathering where people were talking of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as a good man, a remarkable man.

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The Shaykh could bear it no longer and stormed out, saying that he would show up this ‘Abbás Effendi for what He was. In blazing anger he rushed to the mosque, where he knew ‘Abdu’l-Bahá could be found at that hour, and laid violent hands upon Him.

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The Master looked at the Shaykh with that serenity and dignity which only He could command, and reminded him of what the Prophet Muhammad had said: “Be generous to the guest, even should he be an infidel.”

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Shaykh Maḥmúd turned away. His wrath had left him. So had his hate. All that he was conscious of was a deep sense of shame and bitter compunction. He fled to his house and barred the door. Some days later he went straight into the presence of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, fell on his knees, and besought forgiveness: “Which door but thine can I seek; whose bounty can I hope for but thine?” He became a devoted Bahá’í.

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