The Happiest Host

A retelling for children, based on the account of Áqá ‘Alíy-i-Qazvíní in Bahá'í Chronicles.

From the first light of morning until it grew dark outside, Áqá ‘Alí worked hard at his craft. You might think that after such a long day he would want only to rest. But almost every single night, he set out a supper and threw open his door to his friends.

They came and sat together, and Áqá ‘Alí welcomed every one of them with an open hand and a happy heart. He had heard the wonderful news that the Báb had come, and his heart had caught fire with it. So while his guests ate, he told them about the love of God, like someone sharing a beautiful song. Many people first learned about the new Faith right there at his table.

Later, when Bahá'u'lláh declared His mission, Áqá ‘Alí's joy grew even greater. Now his evening gatherings were like flowerbeds in bloom. The friends would read holy verses and chant prayers together, and he would share the good news with friend and stranger alike. He never seemed to run out of kindness to give away.

Then came a long, hard journey. Áqá ‘Alí and his family traveled all the way to the prison-city of ‘Akká. The road was full of troubles and difficulties. But Áqá ‘Alí had one great wish that made every hard mile feel light: he longed to be near Bahá'u'lláh.

At first, life in ‘Akká was comfortable enough. But after a while, Áqá ‘Alí became very poor. Most days he had only bread to eat — nothing else. Instead of tea, he drank water from a little running brook.

And here is the surprising part. Through all of it, Áqá ‘Alí stayed happy. How could that be? His greatest joy was simply being allowed to come into the presence of Bahá'u'lláh. To him, that was better than any feast. He was often quiet and often smiling — but inside, his heart was leaping and dancing for joy.

Áqá ‘Alí was not well, and he often felt pain. Long before, back in his home city of Qazvín, cruel people had hurt him badly, simply because he loved God and shared his faith. Yet he never became bitter or angry. He stayed steady and calm and full of trust, as firmly rooted as the hills. He spent his days praying and turning his heart toward God, and he was showered with kindness all his life long.

Áqá ‘Alí teaches us something quiet and strong. Real joy doesn't come from having lots of fine food or an easy life. It can grow in a heart that loves God and gives kindly to others — even a heart that has only bread to eat and water from a brook.

This is a retelling for children. For the fuller account, see "Áqá ‘Alíy-i-Qazvíní".

editors, B. C.. *Bahá'í Chronicles*. https://bahaichronicles.org/aqa-aliy-i-qazvini/