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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 MUHAMMAD 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 AHMAD-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 Fath-‘Alí Sháh b. His relations with Hájí ‘Abdu’l-Vahháb c. The anecdote of Mírzá Mahmúd-i-Qamsarí d. The arrival of Siyyid Kázim-i-Rashtí His pilgrimage to Mashhad His triumphal entry into Tihrán 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 Hájí Siyyid Muhammad-Báqir-i-Rashtí His allusions to the Promised One The anecdote of Shaykh Hasan-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 Husayn d. Shaykh Hasan’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 Husayn in Karbilá Significance of the year ’60 Departure of Mullá Husayn for Najaf and Búshihr Interview of Mullá Husayn 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 Husayn 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 Husayn CHAPTER IV: MULLA HUSAYN’S JOURNEY TO TIHRÁN Visit of Mullá Husayn to Isfahán a. His relations with the disciples of Hájí Siyyid Muhammad-Báqir b. Story of the Sifter of Wheat c. Conversion of Mullá Sádiq-i-Khurásání His stay in Káshán and Qum His experiences in Tihrán a. His relations with Hájí Mírzá Muhammad-i-Khurásání b. His meeting with Mullá Muhammad-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 Husayn’s arrival in Tihrán a. His meeting with Mírzá Muhammad-Taqíy-i-Núrí b. The two dreams of Mírzá Muhammad-Taqíy-i-Núrí His visit to Núr after Mullá Husayn’s arrival in Tihrán a. His relations with His uncle Azíz b. His meeting with Mullá Muhammad 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 Hájí Mírzá Aqásí CHAPTER VI: MULLA HUSAYN’S JOURNEY TO KHURÁSÁN The instructions of the Báb to the Letters of the Living The first believers of Khurásán Mullá Husayn’s letter to the Báb CHAPTER VII: THE BÁB’S PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA AND MEDINA Incident related by Hájí Abu’l-Hasan-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 Hájí 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 Sádiq-i-Khurásání Afflictions which befell Quddús and Mullá Sádiq a. Interrogation by Husayn Khán of Mullá Sádiq 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 Husayn 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 Husayn Their departure with Mullá Husayn for Isfahán Departure of Mullá Husayn 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 Husayn for Khurásán Siyyid Yahyá’s interviews with the Báb Conversion of Mullá Muhammad-‘Alíy-i-Zanjání Visits of Quddús to Kirmán, Tihrán, and Mázindarán a. His relations with Hájí Siyyid Javád-i-Kirmání b. His visit to Tihrán c. His stay in Barfurúsh Visit of Mullá Sádiq to Yazd a. His relations with Mírzá Ahmad-i-Azghandí b. His experience in the Masjid of Yazd Sufferings of Mullá Yúsúf-i-Ardibílí and others Reference to Hájí Siyyid Javád-i-Karbilá’í Account related by Shaykh Sultán-i-Karbilá’í Advent of the second Naw-Rúz References to the mother and to the wife of the Báb Husayn Khán’s activities a. Report of the chief of his emissaries b. Husayn Khán’s directions to ‘Abdu’l-Hamíd Khán Arrest of the Báb, and outbreak of the plague a. Flight of Husayn Khán b. Recovery of the son of ‘Abdu’l-Hamíd 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 ISFÁHÁN 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 Hájí Mírzá Aqásí The Báb’s visit to Manúchihr Khán Reference to Mullá Muhammad-Taqíy-i-Hiratí Banquet offered to the Báb by Mírzá Ibráhím Death warrant of the Báb issued by the ‘ulamás of Isfahán The plan of Manúchihr Khán for the departure and return of the Báb to Isfahán 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 Muhammad Sháh Departure of the Báb for Káshán CHAPTER XI: THE BÁB’S STAY IN KÁSHÁN Dream of Hájí Mírzá Jání The Báb’s three days at the home of Hájí 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. Muhammad Sháh’s letter to the Báb e. Fears, designs, and Motives of Hájí 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 Hájí Muhammad-Taqíy-i-Milání and Hájí ‘Alí-‘Askar c. Account related by Hájí ‘Alí-‘Askar CHAPTER XIII: THE BÁB’S INCARCERATION IN THE CASTLE OF MÁH-KÚ Account related by Siyyid Husayn-i-Yazdí Situation of Máh-Kú, and character of its people Attachment of inhabitants of Máh-Kú to the Báb Arrival of Shaykh Hasan-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 Muhammad Sháh and his government Departure of Mullá Husayn from Mashhad on his pilgrimage to Máh-Kú a. Motive of his departure xi b. His visit to Tihrán c. His arrival at Máh-Kú and dream of ‘Alí Khán Words of the Báb to Mullá Husayn Accusation against ‘Alí Khán, and the Báb’s consequent transference to Chihríq Farewell of the Báb to Mullá Husayn CHAPTER XIV: MULLA HUSAYN’S JOURNEY TO MÁZINDARÁN Departure of Mullá Husayn for Tihrán His stay at the home of Quddús in Barfurúsh Observations regarding Hájí Mírzá Aqásí and Mullá Husayn Instructions of Quddús to Mullá Husayn Interview of Mullá Husayn with the Sa’ídu’l-‘Ulamá’ Departure of Mullá Husayn, 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 Muhammad (2) Arrival of Mullá ‘Abdu’lláh, and murder of Mullá Taqí (3) Imprisonment of the accused in Tihrán, and intervention and confinement of Bahá’u’lláh (4) Appeal to Muhammad Sháh (5) Execution of first Bahá’í martyr in Persia (6) Attitude of Hájí Mírzá Aqásí, and intervention of Sadr-i-Ardibílí (7) Massacre of Qazvín (8) Effects of the massacre in Tihrán e. Her deliverance by Bahá’u’lláh (1) Her removal to Tihrán (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 Tihrán CHAPTER XVI: THE CONFERENCE OF BADASHT Departure of Bahá’u’lláh from Tihrán 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 Muhammad-‘Alí and his brother b. Mírzá Asadu’lláh c. A dervish from India Believers dismissed from Chihríq Incident concerning Mírzá Muhammad-‘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 Hájí Mírzá Aqásí CHAPTER XIX: THE MÁZINDARÁN UPHEAVAL Mullá Husayn’s departure from Mashhad Death of Muhammad Sháh The Sa’ídu’l-‘Ulamá’’s appeal to the people of Barfurúsh Attack by the people of Barfurúsh on Mullá Husayn and his companions Repulse of the attack by Mullá Husayn Account related by Mírzá Muhammad-i-Furúghí Surrender of the people of Barfurúsh Renewed attempts by Mullá Husayn’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 Muhammad-Taqí Arrival of Quddús at the fort of Shaykh Tabarsí Account related by Mírzá Muhammad-i-Furúghí Incidents in the fort of Shaykh Tabarsí concerning Quddús The Sa’ídu’l-‘Ulamá’’s appeal to Násiri’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 Husayn 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 Husayn Mullá Husayn’s last moments xiii Reference to his burial and achievements Quddus’ warning to his companions Betrayal by Siyyid Husayn-i-Mutavallí Attack by Abbás-Qulí Khán-i-Laríjání Fourth sortie, and complete rout of the enemy Despatch of artillery from Tihrán 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 TIHRÁN Effects of the Mázindarán disaster on the Báb Despatch of Sáyyah to the Shrine of Tabarsí The visit of Sáyyah to Tihrán, and meeting with Bahá’u’lláh Account of Nabíl’s early life Execution of the Seven Martyrs a. Hájí Mírzá Siyyid ‘Alí b. Mírzá Qurbán-‘Alí c. Hájí Mullá Ismá’íl-i-Qumí d. Siyyid Husayn-i-Turshízí e. Hájí Muhammad-Taqíy-i-Kirmání f. Siyyid Murtadá g. Muhammad-Husayn-i-Maraghi’í Incidents related by Bahá’u’lláh Burial of the Seven Martyrs CHAPTER XXII: THE NAYRÍZ UPHEAVAL Journey of Vahíd to Tihrán 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 Hasan 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 Hájí 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 Hamzih 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 Husayn The Báb’s warning to the Farrásh-Báshí Mírzá Muhammad-‘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 Hájí ‘Alí-‘Askar Transference of the Báb’s remains to Tihrán 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 Tihrán The Báb’s message to Hujjat Renewed complaints against Hujjat, and his transference to Tihrán The Báb’s arrival at Zanján and departure for Tabríz Hujjat’s incarceration in Tihrán 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 Násiri’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 Muhsin 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 Ahmad 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 Ahmad for Tihrán 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 Tihrán Bahá’u’lláh’s meeting with Azím 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 Hájí Sulaymán Khán Reference to the Amír-Nizám’s repentance Incident related by the Most Great Branch Hájí Sulaymán Khán’s martyrdom Táhirih’s martyrdom Siyyid Husayn’s martyrdom Incidents in the Síyáh-Chál, as related by Bahá’u’lláh Attempts to prove Bahá’u’lláh’s complicity Azím’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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