The Master's Only Cloak

At a time of constant anxiety for the Master’s family and friends, the Governor of ‘Akká was dismissed, and replaced by a new Governor who was appointed in Beirut. This man was very unfriendly to the Master, and did not permit any of His friends to approach Him. In a short time this antagonistic official was recalled to Beirut, where his conduct as an official gave great offence, and he was dismissed from his post.

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On hearing of his downfall, the Master straightway sent a special messenger to enquire as to his health and to assure him of His good wishes; He also sent a very precious ring as a present. This envoy was charged to tell the unfortunate man that, although in captivity, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was ready to do everything in His power for him.

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Such was the Master’s kindness, disregarding always the bitter persecution directed against Himself. The man was much ashamed of his behaviour, and begged the Master to forgive him all the harmful deeds he had wrought against Him. The Master forgave all the evil done to Himself, but the people of Beirut were not ready to overlook his behaviour, and rejoiced in his downfall.

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It was during these dark days that one of the government officials asked the Master to give an ‘aba (cloak) to him. “I have only this ‘aba, which I am wearing, I will gladly give it to you.” The man replied that he did not like that ‘aba, but wanted a better one.

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“I do not possess a better one, but if you wish,” said the Master, “I will give you money to buy a good ‘aba for yourself.” This offer did not content the man, so ‘Abdu’l-Bahá promised to send and buy a new ‘aba for him, meanwhile letting him keep His only one!

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In spite of all this kindness, the man continued to speak evil concerning the Master, to bring false accusations against Him, to make more rigorous the prison rules, and in many ways to harass and annoy the noble prisoner. He set soldiers to watch all those who tried to approach the Master, and to prevent their meeting Him.

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Whilst this official busied himself in working evil against ‘Abdu’l-Bahá he offended a brother official, who accused him to the Vali of Beirut of certain treacheries; for instance, of possessing a book of which he could foretell future events.

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By this book he prophesied “that the Sultanate would not last more than two years.” This aroused the suspicions of the Vali, who sent an escort of soldiers to arrest that faithless public servant, also to seize all his possessions and papers, and to bring him and his belongings, including the prophetic book, to Beirut.

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