The Merchant Who Wanted to Become a Bahá’í

The Master once told a pilgrim the following story. He was concluding an interview by telling of the time when He was travelling with a party which included a merchant. When the caravan halted in a certain village, quite a few people gathered around to meet ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. The travellers later continued their journey and when they stopped in another town the same thing happened, and then it happened again.

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The merchant noticed this very obvious love and respect, which were showered on the Master. He then took Him aside and told Him he wished to become a Bahá’í. When the Master asked him why he desired this, he replied, without apparent shame, ‘You are a Bahá’í, and wherever you go, great crowds of people flock out to meet you, while no one comes to meet me; so I wish to become a Bahá’í.’ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá probed deeper.

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He asked him if that was the real reason. Whereupon the merchant replied with candour, ‘I also think it will help my business, as I will have all these people come to meet me.’ It was then that he was told very frankly, ‘Do not become a Bahá’í. It is better for you to remain as you are.’

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