The Man Who Clapped for Joy

*A retelling for children, based on the account of **Áqá Faraj** in Bahá'í Chronicles.*

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In a faraway land called Persia, there lived a man named Áqá Faraj.

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One day a great piece of news came rushing through the country — the news that a new Light had come into the world, that Bahá'u'lláh had appeared. When Áqá Faraj heard it, he could not hold still. He shook all over. He clapped his hands. He cried out for joy. And then, without waiting, he hurried off on a long journey to find this wonderful Teacher.

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When at last he came into the presence of Bahá'u'lláh, his heart was so full of happiness that he could hardly believe it. He was welcomed like a beloved friend. Then he traveled home again, carrying the good news to share with everyone in his town.

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But not everyone was glad. There were people who did not want this new Light, and they began to make trouble. It became dangerous to be a friend of Bahá'u'lláh. Some of the believers were even hurt, and Áqá Faraj had to hide. With his good friend Abu'l-Qásim beside him, he slipped away and traveled far, far across the world to a city called Adrianople, just to be near his Well-Beloved again.

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In the end, his journey led to a place no one would choose to go: the prison-city of 'Akká. Bahá'u'lláh was sent there, and Áqá Faraj went too, along with the other faithful friends. They were locked away together.

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Now, you might think that being shut up in a prison would make a person sad and bitter. But Áqá Faraj was not like that at all. Wherever he was, he served. He helped. He cheered up the other friends when their hearts were heavy. No matter how hard things became, he stayed calm and grateful, like a tall palm tree that stands straight and tall no matter how the wind blows.

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When Bahá'u'lláh passed away, some people forgot their promises. But not Áqá Faraj. He stayed loyal and true, faithful right to the very end of his life.

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Áqá Faraj began his journey with a clap and a shout of joy — and he kept that joy through long roads, hard times, and even prison walls. That is what real faith looks like: not just being happy when everything is easy, but staying faithful and kind even when things are hard.

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*This is a retelling for children. For the fuller account, see ["Áqá Faraj"](/stories/bc-aqa-faraj).*

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