The Master and the Turkish Commissions

*A retelling based on the section "Turkish Commissions of Investigation" in **Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era** by J. E. Esslemont. Words in quotation marks are Esslemont's.*

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In the first years of the twentieth century 'Abdu'l-Bahá was still a prisoner of the Ottoman government in 'Akká. In 1904 and again in 1907 the government in Constantinople appointed commissions to inquire into charges brought against Him, and lying witnesses gave evidence against Him.

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'Abdu'l-Bahá answered the charges, and at the same time said He was entirely ready to submit to any sentence the tribunal chose. He declared that if they should throw Him into jail, drag Him through the streets, curse Him, spit upon Him, stone Him, hang Him or shoot Him, He would still be happy.

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Esslemont writes: "Between the sittings of the Commissions of Investigation He pursued His ordinary life with the utmost serenity, planting fruit trees in a garden and presiding at a marriage feast with the dignity and radiance of spiritual freedom."

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The Spanish Consul offered to arrange a safe passage for Him to any foreign port He might choose. 'Abdu'l-Bahá refused, "gratefully but firmly," saying that whatever the consequences He must follow in the footsteps of the Báb and Bahá'u'lláh, Who had never tried to save Themselves or run away from Their enemies. He did urge most of the Bahá'ís to leave the neighbourhood of 'Akká, which had become very dangerous for them, and He remained with a few of the faithful to await what would come.

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The four officials of the last commission arrived in 'Akká early in the winter of 1907, stayed a month, and left for Constantinople ready to report that the charges had been proved and to recommend His exile or execution. Soon after they reached Turkey the Revolution broke out, and the four commissioners, men of the old regime, had to flee for their lives. The Young Turks set free all the political and religious prisoners of the empire. In September 1908 'Abdu'l-Bahá was released, and the following year Sulṭán ʻAbdu'l-Ḥamíd was himself made a prisoner.

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*This is a retelling. For the full passage, see **Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era** by J. E. Esslemont.*

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