In the flower of tender youth,
Muhammad-‘Alí, the illumined,
heard the cry of God, and lost his heart to heavenly
grace. He entered the service of the Afnán, offshoot
of the Holy Tree, and lived happy and content. This was
how he came to the city of ‘Akká, and was for quite a time
present at the Sacred Threshold, winning a crown of lasting
glory. The eye of Bahá’u’lláh’s grace and favor was
upon him. He served with a loyal heart. He had a happy
nature, a comely face; he was a man believing, seeking,
tested and tried.