The Poet Who Walked from Baghdad

A retelling for children of the account of Jináb-i-Muníb in 'Abdu'l-Bahá's Memorials of the Faithful, as given in Bahá'í Chronicles.

His name was Mírzá Áqá, and he came from the city of Káshán, in Persia. He is remembered as Jináb-i-Muníb. He was drawn to the Faith in the days of the Báb, and his heart caught fire with the love of God. He was a handsome young man, full of charm. He was a fine calligrapher and a poet, and he had a remarkable singing voice.

In Persia he had been known for loving an easy and pleasant life. He was somewhat soft and delicate, and used to having his own way.

When Bahá'u'lláh was living in Iraq, Mírzá Áqá left Káshán and hurried to be near Him. He lived in a small, humble house, had barely enough to live on, and spent his time writing out the words of God. In all the world he had only one treasure, his daughter, and even she had stayed behind in Persia.

When Bahá'u'lláh left Baghdad for Constantinople, Mírzá Áqá went with the party on foot. For someone used to comfort, that long walk was very hard. Still, he gladly covered the desert miles, and spent his days and nights chanting prayers.

'Abdu'l-Bahá was his close companion on that journey. On some nights the two of them walked on either side of Bahá'u'lláh's howdah, the covered seat in which He rode, and Mírzá Áqá sang poems. 'Abdu'l-Bahá wrote that "the joy we had defies description."

When Bahá'u'lláh left Constantinople, He told Mírzá Áqá to go back to Persia and teach the Faith. For a long time he served there, especially in Ṭihrán. Then he came to Adrianople and was again in the presence of Bahá'u'lláh.

When Bahá'u'lláh was exiled to 'Akká, Mírzá Áqá was made a prisoner too. By now he was very ill and weak. He could have stayed behind in Adrianople to be treated, but he would not agree, because he wanted to give his life at the feet of his Lord.

When they reached the sea, it took three men to lift him onto the ship. On board he grew worse. At Smyrna the captain insisted that he be put ashore, because the ship would not carry a passenger so ill.

So he had to be taken to the hospital in Smyrna. Too weak to speak, he dragged himself to Bahá'u'lláh, lay down at His feet and wept. There was deep pain on the face of Bahá'u'lláh as well.

'Abdu'l-Bahá and the others carried him to the hospital, but they were allowed to stay only one hour. They laid him on the bed, put his head on the pillow, and held him and kissed him many times. Then they were made to leave. Mírzá Áqá died there, and his grave is in Smyrna.

Many years later 'Abdu'l-Bahá wrote, "Whenever I think of that moment, the tears come." He remembered him as wise, steadfast and modest, and wrote that "there was no one like him for faith and certitude."

This is a retelling for children. For the fuller account, see "Jináb-i-Muníb".

editors, B. C.. *Bahá'í Chronicles*. https://bahaichronicles.org/jinab-i-munib-upon-him-be-the-glory-of-the-all-glorious/