Navváb in the Days of the Síyáh-Chál

Whilst her beloved husband was in prison, Navváb, the wife of Bahá’u’lláh, a pearl, a flower amongst women, was pregnant and alone with their three children; most of their servants ran away, and it was too dangerous to stay in their home. Gathering up her marriage treasures Navváb took the children and fled. They lived in fear; it seemed the whole city was baying for Bahá’u’lláh’s blood.

1 / 4

Each day they heard that one of the Bábís had been put to death; the streets rang with the sound of a beating drum, crowds jeering and cursing in the public square as another Bábí was martyred. They clung together, begging God that it was not Bahá’u’lláh. A great mob of men had burst into the house and plundered all their possessions.

2 / 4

Their enemies clamoured for a death sentence for her Husband, but through all their hysterical demands one thing became clear. Bahá’u’lláh had had nothing to do with the attempt on the life of the King. After four months the authorities could prove no guilt; they had to release Him. The condition of His release was exile.

3 / 4

Having little else, Navváb sold most of her precious wedding treasures, her jewels and embroidered garments to provide for the journey; they had barely enough to survive.

4 / 4