A new version of the Bahá’í Reference Library is now available. This ‘old version’ of the Bahá’í Reference Library will be replaced at a later date.
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A new version of the Bahá’í Reference Library is now available. This ‘old version’ of the Bahá’í Reference Library will be replaced at a later date.
The new version of the Bahá’i Reference Library can be accessed here »
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Muḥammad Haná-Sab |
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This man of dignity and
rank, Áqá Muḥammad,
was yet another among those who abandoned their homes,
and was one of the earliest believers. From the dawn tide,
he was widely known as a lover of the Most Great Light.
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He was then in Iṣfahán, and he shut his eyes to this world
and the next as well,
1
and opened them to the beauty of
Him Who is the embodiment of all that is lovable.
2
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Áqá Muḥammad could no longer find rest, for he had
come alive through the musk-laden breathings of God; his
heart was alight, he could inhale the holy fragrance, he
had an eye to see, an ear to hear. He guided a number of
souls, remaining true and loyal to the great Cause. He endured
terrible persecution and torment, but did not falter.
Then he found favor in the eyes of the King of Martyrs
and became a trusted attendant of the Beloved of Martyrs,
3
serving them for some years. He was confirmed in
his work, so that on many occasions the King of Martyrs
expressed satisfaction with him, saying, “This man is one
of those souls who are at rest; he is indeed well-pleased
with his Lord, and well-pleasing unto Him.
4
His faith is
unalloyed, he loves God, he has a good character, and
leads a good life. He is also an agreeable companion, and
an eloquent one.”
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After the King of Martyrs was put to death, Áqá Muḥammad
stayed on for a time in Iṣfahán, consumed with
mourning for him. Finally he emigrated to the Most Great
Prison, where he was received by Bahá’u’lláh, and won
the high honor of sweeping the ground about the Threshold.
He was patient, forbearing, a true friend and companion.
Then the Supreme Affliction came upon us, and
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Áqá Muḥammad was in such anguish that he was unable
to rest for a moment. At every dawn he would rise and
would sweep the ground about the house of Bahá’u’lláh,
his tears pouring down like rain, chanting prayers as he
worked.
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What a holy being he was, how great a man! He could
not bear the separation very long, but died, and hastened
onward to the world of lights, to the assemblage where the
beauty of God is unveiled. May God shed upon his grave
rays from the realm of forgiveness, and lull his spirit in the
heart of Paradise. May God exalt his station in the gardens
above. His bright tomb is in ‘Akká.
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| 1. |
This reference to two worlds, du jihán, may indicate the saying: Iṣfahán is half the world—Isfahan nisf-i-jihán.
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| 2. |
For this definition of the Manifestation of God, see God Passes By, p. 119.
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| 3. |
These “twin shining lights” were two brothers, famous merchants of Iṣfahán. Because he owed them a large sum of money, the leading priest—Imam Jum’ih—of the city brought about their martyrdom. See Bahá’u’lláh’s Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, and God Passes By, pp. 200–201 and 219.
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| 4. |
Qur’án 89:27–30.
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