A Faithful Companion from Yazd
'Abdu'l-Bahá, Memorials of the Faithful, (1915), Bahá'í Publishing Trust · Read original
When in Bahá'í history
A retelling for children of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's account of Muḥammad-‘Alí Ṣabbáq of Yazd in Memorials of the Faithful, as given on Bahá'í Chronicles.
Muḥammad-‘Alí Ṣabbáq came from Yazd, in Persia. He became a believer while he was still young, living in ‘Iráq. He could neither read nor write, but 'Abdu'l-Bahá says he was sharp and intelligent, and a friend who could be trusted.
One of the believers brought him into the presence of Bahá'u'lláh in Baghdád, and he soon became known as one of His disciples. He found a corner to live in beside Bahá'u'lláh's house, and every morning and every evening he came into His presence. For a time he was supremely happy.
When Bahá'u'lláh left Baghdád for Constantinople, Muḥammad-‘Alí went with Him. The government then ordered Bahá'u'lláh on to Adrianople, and Muḥammad-‘Alí was left behind in Constantinople to help the believers who passed through the city. There he was alone, with no friend or companion and no one to look after him, and he suffered a great deal.
After two years he came on to Adrianople and worked there as a peddler. Then a time of great trouble came, and the believers were made prisoners. Muḥammad-‘Alí was among those sent into exile with Bahá'u'lláh to the fortress of ‘Akká.
He spent a long time in the Most Great Prison. Afterwards Bahá'u'lláh asked him to go to Sidon and work there as a trader. Now and then he came back and was received by Bahá'u'lláh. In Sidon he was respected and trusted by everyone.
After the passing of Bahá'u'lláh, Muḥammad-‘Alí returned to ‘Akká and spent the rest of his life near His Shrine. All the friends were pleased with him. 'Abdu'l-Bahá remembers him as a kind and excellent man, content with God's will, thankful, dignified and patient. His grave is in ‘Akká.
This is a retelling for children. For the fuller account, see "Muḥammad ‘Alí Ṣabbáq of Yazd".
Cite this story
'Abdu'l-Bahá. (1915). *Memorials of the Faithful*. Bahá'í Publishing Trust. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/memorials-faithful/
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