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The Dawn-Breakers: Nabíl’s Narrative of the Early Days of the Bahá’í Revelation

• Author:

• Nabil

• Source:
• US Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1932 edition
• Pages:
• 676

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Pages vii-xvii

TABLE OF PRINCIPAL CONTENTS OF THE NARRATIVE

[Frontispiece] TABLE OF PRINCIPAL CONTENTS OF THE NARRATIVE LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS FACSIMILE OF THE BÁB’S AUTOGRAPH TABLETS ADDRESSED TO THE LETTERS OF THE LIVING AND TO BAHÁ’U’LLÁH INTRODUCTION PERSIA’S STATE OF DECADENCE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY A. THE QÁJÁR SOVEREIGNS B. THE GOVERNMENT C. THE PEOPLE D. THE ECCLESIASTICAL ORDER CONCLUSION BAHÁ’U’LLÁH’S TRIBUTE TO THE BÁB AND HIS CHIEF DISCIPLES DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF SHÍ’AH ISLÁM GENEALOGY OF THE PROPHET MUḤAMMAD THEORY AND ADMINISTRATION OF LAW IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY KEY TO THE GENEALOGY OF THE BÁB THE QÁJÁR DYNASTY ACKNOWLEDGMENT [Introductory Note] PART ONE: PRE-REVELATION DAYS CHAPTER I: THE MISSION OF SHAYKH AḤMAD-I-AHSÁ’Í His departure from Bahrayn to ‘Iráq His visit to Najaf and Karbilá His journey to Shíráz His stay in Yazd a. His correspondence with Fatḥ-‘Alí Sháh b. His relations with Ḥájí ‘Abdu’l-Vahháb c. The anecdote of Mírzá Maḥmúd-i-Qamsarí d. The arrival of Siyyid Kázim-i-Rashtí His pilgrimage to Mashhad His triumphal entry into Ṭihrán His departure for Kirmansháh His return to Karbilá His journey to Mecca and Medina, and his death CHAPTER II: THE MISSION OF SIYYID KÁZIM-I-RASHTÍ His relations with Ḥájí Siyyid Muḥammad-Báqir-i-Rashtí His allusions to the Promised One The anecdote of Shaykh Ḥasan-i-Zunúzí a. Siyyid Kázim’s visit to the Báb b. The Báb’s attendance at the teaching classes of Siyyid Kázim c. The Báb’s visit to the shrine of Imám Ḥusayn d. Shaykh Ḥasan’s visit to Shíráz and Máh-Kú e. His meeting with Bahá’u’lláh in Karbilá References to the Promised One in the works of Siyyid Kázim The siege of Karbilá The allusions of Siyyid Kázim to his unfaithful disciples The account related by Shaykh Abú-Turáb The exhortations of Siyyid Kázim to his disciples The meeting of Siyyid Kázim with the Arab shepherd Death of Siyyid Kázim PART TWO: THE REVELATION OF THE BÁB CHAPTER III: THE DECLARATION OF THE BÁB’S MISSION The arrival of Mullá Ḥusayn in Karbilá Significance of the year ’60 Departure of Mullá Ḥusayn for Najaf and Búshihr Interview of Mullá Ḥusayn with the Báb in Shíráz Arrival of Mullá ‘Alíy-i-Bastamí and his companions in Shíráz viii Arrival of Quddús in Shíráz The early days of the Báb a. His birth b. His school-days c. His marriage d. His stay in Búshihr Letters of the Living Reference to Táhirih Explanation of the term Bálá-Sarí Dismissal of Mullá Ḥusayn Departure of Mullá ‘Alíy-i-Bastamí from Shíráz Story of ‘Abdu’l-Vahháb Sufferings of Mullá ‘Alíy-i-Bastamí The Báb’s farewell address to the Letters of the Living The Báb’s parting words to Mullá Ḥusayn CHAPTER IV: MULLA ḤUSAYN’S JOURNEY TO ṬIHRÁN Visit of Mullá Ḥusayn to Iṣfahán a. His relations with the disciples of Ḥájí Siyyid Muḥammad-Báqir b. Story of the Sifter of Wheat c. Conversion of Mullá Ṣádiq-i-Khurásání His stay in Káshán and Qum His experiences in Ṭihrán a. His relations with Ḥájí Mírzá Muḥammad-i-Khurásání b. His meeting with Mullá Muḥammad-i-Núrí, and his message to Bahá’u’lláh CHAPTER V: BAHÁ’U’LLÁH’S JOURNEY TO MÁZINDARÁN His reference to Mírzá Buzurg His visit to Núr prior to Mullá Ḥusayn’s arrival in Ṭihrán a. His meeting with Mírzá Muḥammad-Taqíy-i-Núrí b. The two dreams of Mírzá Muḥammad-Taqíy-i-Núrí His visit to Núr after Mullá Ḥusayn’s arrival in Ṭihrán a. His relations with His uncle Azíz b. His meeting with Mullá Muḥammad c. His conversation with a dervish d. The effects of Bahá’u’lláh’s visit to Núr The Vazír’s dream of Bahá’u’lláh The relations of Bahá’u’lláh with Ḥájí Mírzá Aqásí CHAPTER VI: MULLA ḤUSAYN’S JOURNEY TO KHURÁSÁN The instructions of the Báb to the Letters of the Living The first believers of Khurásán Mullá Ḥusayn’s letter to the Báb CHAPTER VII: THE BÁB’S PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA AND MEDINA Incident related by Ḥájí Abu’l-Ḥasan-i-Shírází Reference to Journey in the Persian Bayán Arrival at Jaddih, and an incident on the way to Mecca The circumambulation of the Ka‘bih by the Báb His declaration to Mírzá Muhít-i-Kirmání His message to the Sherif of Mecca, and the account related by Ḥájí Níyáz-i-Baghdádí His visit to Medina ix CHAPTER VIII: THE BÁB’S STAY IN SHÍRÁZ AFTER THE PILGRIMAGE The Báb’s return to Búshihr and farewell to Quddús Visit of Quddús to the Báb’s maternal uncle in Shíráz Meeting of Quddús with Mullá Ṣádiq-i-Khurásání Afflictions which befell Quddús and Mullá Ṣádiq a. Interrogation by Ḥusayn Khán of Mullá Ṣádiq b. Account of an eye-witness regarding the persecution Return of the Báb to Shíráz a. Incident related by leader of the Báb’s escort b. The Báb’s meeting with Ḥusayn Khán c. Declaration of the Báb in the Masjid-i-Vakíl Reference to those who embraced the Faith in Shíráz The Báb’s communication to the believers in Karbilá Arrival of the believers at Kangavar, and their meeting with Mullá Ḥusayn Their departure with Mullá Ḥusayn for Iṣfahán Departure of Mullá Ḥusayn for Shíráz Arrival of six believers at Shíráz Account related by Mullá ‘Abdu’l-Karím-i-Qazvíní Meeting of Nabíl with Mullá ‘Abdu’l-Karím-i-Qazvíní CHAPTER IX: THE BÁB’S STAY IN SHÍRÁZ AFTER THE PILGRIMAGE (Continued) Departure of Mullá Ḥusayn for Khurásán Siyyid Yaḥyá’s interviews with the Báb Conversion of Mullá Muḥammad-‘Alíy-i-Zanjání Visits of Quddús to Kirmán, Ṭihrán, and Mázindarán a. His relations with Ḥájí Siyyid Javád-i-Kirmání b. His visit to Ṭihrán c. His stay in Barfurúsh Visit of Mullá Ṣádiq to Yazd a. His relations with Mírzá Aḥmad-i-Azghandí b. His experience in the Masjid of Yazd Sufferings of Mullá Yúsúf-i-Ardibílí and others Reference to Ḥájí Siyyid Javád-i-Karbilá’í Account related by Shaykh Sulṭán-i-Karbilá’í Advent of the second Naw-Rúz References to the mother and to the wife of the Báb Ḥusayn Khán’s activities a. Report of the chief of his emissaries b. Ḥusayn Khán’s directions to ‘Abdu’l-Ḥamíd Khán Arrest of the Báb, and outbreak of the plague a. Flight of Ḥusayn Khán b. Recovery of the son of ‘Abdu’l-Ḥamíd Khán c. Release of the Báb Farewell of the Báb to His relatives, and His departure from Shíráz CHAPTER X: THE BÁB’S SOJOURN IN IṢFÁHÁN x His letter to Manúchihr Khán The welcome extended by the Imám-Jum’ih a. Honours accorded by the people to the Báb b. Deference shown the Báb by the Imám-Jum’ih c. The Báb’s commentary on the Súrih of Va’l-‘Asr d. The Báb’s interview with Manúchihr Khán Fears of Ḥájí Mírzá Aqásí The Báb’s visit to Manúchihr Khán Reference to Mullá Muḥammad-Taqíy-i-Hiratí Banquet offered to the Báb by Mírzá Ibráhím Death warrant of the Báb issued by the ‘ulamás of Iṣfahán The plan of Manúchihr Khán for the departure and return of the Báb to Iṣfahán Meeting of the believers with the Báb The Báb’s prediction of the approaching death of Manúchihr Khán Last days of Manúchihr Khán Dismissal of the believers Gurgín Khán’s communication to Muḥammad Sháh Departure of the Báb for Káshán CHAPTER XI: THE BÁB’S STAY IN KÁSHÁN Dream of Ḥájí Mírzá Jání The Báb’s three days at the home of Ḥájí Mírzá Jání a. Reference to Siyyid ‘Abdu’l-Báqir b. The meeting of Mihdí with the Báb CHAPTER XII: THE BÁB’S JOURNEY FROM KÁSHÁN TO TABRIZ His approach to Qum His stay at the village of Qummrud His arrival at the fortress of Kinár-Gird His stay at the village of Kulayn a. Arrival of a number of believers b. Joy of the Báb at the gift and message from Bahá’u’lláh c. An incident of the journey d. Muḥammad Sháh’s letter to the Báb e. Fears, designs, and Motives of Ḥájí Mírzá Aqásí Last stage of the Báb’s journey to Tabríz a. Arrival of the believers at the village Síyáh-Dihán b. Intervention of Hujjat-i-Zanjání c. The Báb’s farewell to His guards d. The Báb welcomed by His youthful disciple The Báb’s arrival at Tabríz a. Enthusiastic reception by the people of Tabríz b. The Báb’s meeting with Ḥájí Muḥammad-Taqíy-i-Milání and Ḥájí ‘Alí-‘Askar c. Account related by Ḥájí ‘Alí-‘Askar CHAPTER XIII: THE BÁB’S INCARCERATION IN THE CASTLE OF MÁH-KÚ Account related by Siyyid Ḥusayn-i-Yazdí Situation of Máh-Kú, and character of its people Attachment of inhabitants of Máh-Kú to the Báb Arrival of Shaykh Ḥasan-i-Zunúzí, and the Báb’s message to him Dream of ‘Alí Khán-i-Máh-Kú Change in the attitude of ‘Alí Khán Reference to the Persian Bayán Visit of the Báb’s disciples to Máh-Kú Incidents in the life of the Báb at Máh-Kú Dream of the Báb prior to the declaration of His Mission Misfortunes befall Muḥammad Sháh and his government Departure of Mullá Ḥusayn from Mashhad on his pilgrimage to Máh-Kú a. Motive of his departure xi b. His visit to Ṭihrán c. His arrival at Máh-Kú and dream of ‘Alí Khán Words of the Báb to Mullá Ḥusayn Accusation against ‘Alí Khán, and the Báb’s consequent transference to Chihríq Farewell of the Báb to Mullá Ḥusayn CHAPTER XIV: MULLA ḤUSAYN’S JOURNEY TO MÁZINDARÁN Departure of Mullá Ḥusayn for Ṭihrán His stay at the home of Quddús in Barfurúsh Observations regarding Ḥájí Mírzá Aqásí and Mullá Ḥusayn Instructions of Quddús to Mullá Ḥusayn Interview of Mullá Ḥusayn with the Sa’ídu’l-‘Ulamá’ Departure of Mullá Ḥusayn, and his arrival at Mashhad CHAPTER XV: TÁHIRIH’S JOURNEY FROM KARBILÁ TO KHURÁSÁN Allusion to Bahá’u’lláh Epistle of the Báb to the believers Response of Táhirih to the appeal of the Báb a. Her Activities in Karbilá b. Her activities in Baghdád c. Her stay in Kirmansháh and Hamadán d. Her confinement in Qazvín (1) Her reply to Mullá Muḥammad (2) Arrival of Mullá ‘Abdu’lláh, and murder of Mullá Taqí (3) Imprisonment of the accused in Ṭihrán, and intervention and confinement of Bahá’u’lláh (4) Appeal to Muḥammad Sháh (5) Execution of first Bahá’í martyr in Persia (6) Attitude of Ḥájí Mírzá Aqásí, and intervention of Sadr-i-Ardibílí (7) Massacre of Qazvín (8) Effects of the massacre in Ṭihrán e. Her deliverance by Bahá’u’lláh (1) Her removal to Ṭihrán (2) Effects of her departure from Qazvín (3) Her attitude towards the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh f. Her departure for Khurásán (1) Instructions of Bahá’u’lláh to Áqáy-i-Kalím (2) Her departure from Ṭihrán CHAPTER XVI: THE CONFERENCE OF BADASHT Departure of Bahá’u’lláh from Ṭihrán Departure of Quddús for Mázindarán Meeting of Bahá’u’lláh with Quddús in Sháh-Rud Their arrival at Badasht a. Significance of the gathering in Badasht b. Incident related by Shaykh Abú-Turáb c. Differences among the believers d. Reconciliation achieved by Bahá’u’lláh e. Departure from Badasht The incident in Níyálá as related by Bahá’u’lláh Outcome of that incident xii CHAPTER XVII: THE BÁB’S INCARCERATION IN THE CASTLE OF CHIHRÍQ Attitude of the people of Chihríq towards the Báb The Báb’s instructions to an attendant Acceptance of the Message by uulamas and government officials a. Mírzá Muḥammad-‘Alí and his brother b. Mírzá Asadu’lláh c. A dervish from India Believers dismissed from Chihríq Incident concerning Mírzá Muḥammad-‘Alí CHAPTER XVIII: EXAMINATION OF THE BÁB AT TABRIZ His visit to Urúmíyyih His arrival at Tabríz His examination by the ‘ulamás Indignity inflicted upon Him His return to Chihríq, and His epistle to Ḥájí Mírzá Aqásí CHAPTER XIX: THE MÁZINDARÁN UPHEAVAL Mullá Ḥusayn’s departure from Mashhad Death of Muḥammad Sháh The Sa’ídu’l-‘Ulamá’’s appeal to the people of Barfurúsh Attack by the people of Barfurúsh on Mullá Ḥusayn and his companions Repulse of the attack by Mullá Ḥusayn Account related by Mírzá Muḥammad-i-Furúghí Surrender of the people of Barfurúsh Renewed attempts by Mullá Ḥusayn’s companions to sound the adhán Sortie from the caravanserai of the Sabzih-Maydán Intercession of the notables of Barfurúsh Instructions given to Khusraw-i-Qádí-Ka’la Incident in the forest of Mázindarán Arrival at the shrine of Shaykh Tabarsí Dream of the guardian of the shrine of Shaykh Tabarsí Attack and repulse of the horsemen of Qádí-Kalá Visit of Bahá’u’lláh to the fort of Shaykh Tabarsí Liberation of Quddús Reference to the Black Standards Confinement of Quddús in the house of Mírzá Muḥammad-Taqí Arrival of Quddús at the fort of Shaykh Tabarsí Account related by Mírzá Muḥammad-i-Furúghí Incidents in the fort of Shaykh Tabarsí concerning Quddús The Sa’ídu’l-‘Ulamá’’s appeal to Náṣiri’d-Dín Sháh Encampment of the army of ‘Abdu’lláh Khán-i-Turkamán near the fort of Shaykh Tabarsí First sortie from the fort of Shaykh Tabarsí Message of Prince Mihdí-Qulí Mírzá to Mullá Ḥusayn Second sortie from the fort of Shaykh Tabarsí Injury sustained by Quddús Bahá’u’lláh’s attempt to join the occupants of the fort of Shaykh Tabarsí Reference to Bahá’u’lláh’s activities prior to the declaration of His Mission CHAPTER XX: THE MÁZINDARÁN UPHEAVAL (Continued) Third sortie, and fall of Mullá Ḥusayn Mullá Ḥusayn’s last moments xiii Reference to his burial and achievements Quddus’ warning to his companions Betrayal by Siyyid Ḥusayn-i-Mutavallí Attack by Abbás-Qulí Khán-i-Laríjání Fourth sortie, and complete rout of the enemy Despatch of artillery from Ṭihrán Distress of the besieged Exhortations of Quddús to his companions Fifth sortie, and death of Ja’far-Qulí Khán Increasing distress of the companions A declaration by Quddús Sixth and last sortie Deliberation of the prince with chiefs of his staff Incident related by Áqáy-i-Kalím Desertion and capture of a number of the companions Oath taken by the prince to ensure safety of the besieged Abandonment of the fort Capture of a number of the companions General massacre Fate of three of the companions Martyrdom of Quddús List of the martyrs CHAPTER XXI: THE SEVEN MARTYRS OF ṬIHRÁN Effects of the Mázindarán disaster on the Báb Despatch of Sáyyah to the Shrine of Tabarsí The visit of Sáyyah to Ṭihrán, and meeting with Bahá’u’lláh Account of Nabíl’s early life Execution of the Seven Martyrs a. Ḥájí Mírzá Siyyid ‘Alí b. Mírzá Qurbán-‘Alí c. Ḥájí Mullá Ismá’íl-i-Qumí d. Siyyid Ḥusayn-i-Turshízí e. Ḥájí Muḥammad-Taqíy-i-Kirmání f. Siyyid Murtadá g. Muḥammad-Ḥusayn-i-Maraghi’í Incidents related by Bahá’u’lláh Burial of the Seven Martyrs CHAPTER XXII: THE NAYRÍZ UPHEAVAL Journey of Vahíd to Ṭihrán and Yazd Celebration of the Feast of Naw-Rúz in Yazd Activities of the Navváb-i-Radaví Tumult and dispersal of the enemy Declaration of Vahíd to the people of Yazd Repulse of the forces near the fort of Narin Proclamation of Vahíd to the inhabitants of Yazd Sortie ordered by Vahíd Departure of Vahíd’s wife for her father’s home Vahíd’s instructions to his servant Ḥasan Vahíd’s departure for Nayríz Vahíd’s appeal to the people of Nayríz First sortie from the fort of Khájih Second sortie from the fort of Khájih xiv Division of labour in the fort Interception of Zaynu’l-Ábidín Khán’s message Renewed appeal to Prince Fírúz Mírzá Third sortie from the fort of Khájih Names of martyrs Oath taken by enemy to conclude peace Vahíd’s response to the enemy’s invitation Vahíd’s message to his companions, and treachery of Ḥájí Siyyid Abid Capture of the companions Martyrdom of Vahíd Fate of Vahíd’s companions CHAPTER XXIII: MARTYRDOM OF THE BÁB Motives of the Amír-Nizám for execution of the Báb Order of the Amír-Nizám to Navváb Ḥamzih Mírzá Disposal by the Báb of His documents Arrival of the Báb at Tabríz Order issued by the Amír-Nizám Confinement of the Báb in the barracks Incident related by Siyyid Ḥusayn The Báb’s warning to the Farrásh-Báshí Mírzá Muḥammad-‘Alí’s refusal to recant Issue of the Báb’s death-warrants Sám Khán’s request from the Báb The Báb’s miraculous escape Resignation of the Farrásh-Báshí Resignation of Sám Khán Renewed and final attempt on the Báb’s life Account related by Ḥájí ‘Alí-‘Askar Transference of the Báb’s remains to Ṭihrán Reference to Mírzá Áqá Khán-i-Núrí Effects of the Báb’s martyrdom CHAPTER XXIV: THE ZANJÁN UPHEAVAL Reference to the Báb’s afflictions Activities of Hujjat prior to his conversion Hujjat’s acceptance of the Báb’s Message Hujjat accused and summoned to Ṭihrán The Báb’s message to Hujjat Renewed complaints against Hujjat, and his transference to Ṭihrán The Báb’s arrival at Zanján and departure for Tabríz Hujjat’s incarceration in Ṭihrán Hujjat’s escape to Zanján The occasion for the enemy’s attack on Hujjat and his companions The enemy’s preparation for renewed assault Hujjat’s entry into the fort of ‘Alí-Mardán Khán Assault attempted by a siyyid Hujjat’s admonitions to his companions Sadru’d-Dawlih commissioned by the Amír-Nizám to lay siege to the fort The sufferings, labours, and temptations of the besieged Heroism of Zaynab, a village maiden Effects of the shouted prayers of the companions Hujjat’s petition to Náṣiri’d-Dín Sháh Arrest of bearer of petition, and despatch of reinforcements Effect on the companions of the news of the Báb’s martyrdom xv Despatch of the Amír-Tumán with further reinforcements Meeting of Azíz Khán-i-Mukrí with Hujjat Storming of the fort The Amír-Nizám’s warning to the Amír-Tumán Repulse of the combined forces of the enemy Death of Muḥsin Nuptial celebrations in the fort Death of five sons of Karbilá’í ‘Abdu’l-Báqí Umm-i-Ashraf’s heroism Assistance rendered by the women Amír-Tumán’s attempt to deceive the companions Hujjat’s advice to his companions Resumption of the enemy’s offensive Wound sustained by Hujjat Capture of the fort, and its effects upon the besieged Repulse of further attacks on the companions Consultation of the Amír-Tumán with his staff Driving of underground passages Death of Hujjat’s wife and child Death of Hujjat, and his interment Last encounter Treatment of survivors Indignities inflicted on Hujjat’s body, and fate of his kinsmen Number of martyrs Sources of information CHAPTER XXV: BAHÁ’U’LLÁH’S JOURNEY TO KARBILÁ AND ITS CONSEQUENCES Incidents related by Bahá’u’lláh Nabíl’s meeting with Mírzá Aḥmad and Bahá’u’lláh in Kirmansháh Reference to Siyyid Basir-i-Hindí Reason for Bahá’u’lláh’s departure for Karbilá Nabíl’s departure with Mírzá Aḥmad for Ṭihrán Bahá’u’lláh’s activities in Karbilá CHAPTER XXVI: ATTEMPT ON THE SHÁH’S LIFE, AND ITS CONSEQUENCES Death of the Amír-Nizám Bahá’u’lláh’s return to Ṭihrán Bahá’u’lláh’s meeting with Aẓím Attempt on the Sháh’s life Bahá’u’lláh’s imprisonment in the Síyáh-Chál Fate or would-be murderers Reign of terror Reference to Ḥájí Sulaymán Khán Reference to the Amír-Nizám’s repentance Incident related by the Most Great Branch Ḥájí Sulaymán Khán’s martyrdom Táhirih’s martyrdom Siyyid Ḥusayn’s martyrdom Incidents in the Síyáh-Chál, as related by Bahá’u’lláh Attempts to prove Bahá’u’lláh’s complicity Aẓím’s confession and death Bahá’u’lláh’s possessions plundered in Mázindarán Effects of the turmoil in Yazd and Nayríz Bahá’u’lláh’s release and banishment to Baghdád EPILOGUE APPENDIX: LIST OF THE BÁB’S BEST-KNOWN WORKS WORKS CONSULTED BY THE TRANSLATOR ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS OF PERSIA IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY LARGER PROVINCES OR DISTRICTS BRITISH AND RUSSIAN ENVOYS TO THE COURT OF PERSIA, 1814–1855 LIST OF MONTHS OF THE MUHAMMADAN CALENDAR APPENDIX: GUIDE TO THE PRONUNCIATION OF THE PROPER NAMES TRANSLITERATED IN THE NARRATIVE GLOSSARY xvi xvii

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