Vaḥíd and the Commentary on the Kawthar
'Abdu'l-Bahá, A Traveler's Narrative, (1886), Cambridge University Press · Read original
When in Bahá'í history
Shíráz (today: Shíráz, Iran)
In A Traveler's Narrative, 'Abdu'l-Bahá writes that the stir around the Báb grew until Muḥammad Sháh sent Siyyid Yaḥyá of Dáráb to Shíráz to look into the matter himself. Siyyid Yaḥyá was, in 'Abdu'l-Bahá's words, "one of the best known of doctors and Siyyids as well as an object of veneration and confidence," and the Sháh gave him a horse and money for the journey. Nabíl's Dawn-Breakers calls him by the title by which he is remembered, Vaḥíd.
'Abdu'l-Bahá records what happened in Shíráz:
When the above-mentioned Siyyid arrived at Shíráz he interviewed the Báb three times. In the first and second conferences questioning and answering took place; in the third conference he requested a commentary on the Súrih called Kawthar, and when the Báb, without thought or reflection, wrote an elaborate commentary on the Kawthar in his presence, the above-mentioned Siyyid was charmed and enraptured with Him.
What Vaḥíd did next, the narrative says, he did "without consideration for the future or anxiety about the results." He hastened to Burújird to tell his father, Siyyid Ja'far, known as Kashfí. Though he was wise and prudent and used to weighing the needs of the time, he wrote "without fear or care" a detailed account of what he had seen to Mírzá Luṭf-'Alí, the chamberlain, to be laid before the Sháh. Then he travelled through Persia and in every town summoned the people from the pulpit, until other learned men decided that he must be mad, "accounting it a sure case of bewitchment."
Later in the narrative 'Abdu'l-Bahá names him once more. When troops besieged the Bábís at Nayríz, "Siyyid Yahyá of Daráb was the leader and arbiter." The defenders at first sought a reconciliation. After many battles they yielded to oaths and promises sworn on the Qur'án, and were then put to the sword.
A retelling based on A Traveler's Narrative. For the fuller account, see the original.
Cite this story
'Abdu'l-Bahá. (1886). *A Traveler's Narrative*. Cambridge University Press. https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/19300
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