“In Hamadán, however, the ecclesiastical leaders of the city were divided in their attitude towards her.”

In Hamadán, however, the ecclesiastical leaders of the city were divided in their attitude towards her. A few sought privily to provoke the people and undermine her prestige; others were moved to extol openly her virtues and applaud her courage. “It behoves us,” these friends declared from their pulpits, “to follow her noble example and reverently to ask her to unravel for us the mysteries of the Qur’án and to resolve the intricacies of the holy Book. For our highest attainments are but a drop compared to the immensity of her knowledge.” 

- Nabil (‘The Dawn-Breakers’ chapter 15)

An “enthusiastic reception was accorded her [Táhirih] on her arrival in Kirmansháh”: the governor and his family “acknowledged the truth of the Cause and testified to their admiration and love for Táhirih”

According to Muḥammad Mustafá (p. 112), an enthusiastic reception was accorded her on her arrival in Kirmansháh. Princes, ‘ulamás, and government officials hastened to visit her, and were greatly impressed by her eloquence, her fearlessness, her extensive knowledge, and the force of her character. The commentary on the Súrih of Kawthar, revealed by the Báb, was publicly read and translated. The wife of the Amír, the governor of Kirmansháh, was among the ladies who met Táhirih and heard her expound the sacred teachings. The Amír himself, together with his family, acknowledged the truth of the Cause and testified to their admiration and love for Táhirih. According to Muhammad Mustafá (p. 116), Táhirih tarried two days in the village of Sahnih on her way to Hamadán, where she was accorded a reception no less enthusiastic than the one which had greeted her in the village of Karand. The inhabitants of the village begged to be allowed to gather together the members of their community and to join hands with the body of her followers for the spread and promotion of the Cause. She advised them, however, to remain, extolled and blessed their efforts, and proceeded to Hamadán. 

(Footnotes to chapter 15 of ‘The Dawn-Breakers’ provided by Shoghi Effendi)

Táhirih was accompanied by about forty of her followers

According to Muhammad Mustafá (p. 111), the following accompanied Táhirih from Khaniqin (on the Persian frontier) to Kirmansháh: Shaykh Sáliḥ-i-Karímí, Shaykh Muhammad-i-Shibl, Shaykh Sulṭán-i-Karbilá’í, Siyyid Ahmad-i-Yazdí, Siyyid Muhammad-i-Bayigání, Siyyid Muhsin-i-Kázimí, Mullá Ibráhím-i-Mahallátí, and about thirty Arab believers. They tarried three days in the village of Karand, where Táhirih fearlessly proclaimed the teachings of the Báb and was highly Revelation. Twelve hundred persons are reported to have volunteered to follow her and do her bidding. 

(Footnotes to chapter 15 of ‘The Dawn-Breakers’ provided by Shoghi Effendi)

Táhirih received a warm reception in Kirmansháh

The ‘ulamás of Kirmansháh respectfully received her and presented her with various tokens of their esteem and admiration. 

- Nabil (‘The Dawn-Breakers’ chapter 15)

Táhirih “was ordered to leave Turkish territory”

The question whether she should be allowed to continue her teaching was submitted first to the Páshá of Baghdád and then to the central government, the result being that she was ordered to leave Turkish territory.” 

(“A Traveller’s Narrative,” Note Q. p. 310; footnotes to chapter 15 of ‘The Dawn-Breakers’ provided by Shoghi Effendi)

By the order of the governor of Baghdád Táhirih and her companions were transferred to the house of the Muftí of Baghdád “pending the receipt of fresh instructions from the Sultán in Constantinople”

On their arrival they took up their quarters in the house of Shaykh Muhammad-ibn-i-Shiblu’l-’Aráqí, after which they were, by order of the governor of Baghdád to the house of the Muftí Siyyid Mahmúd-i-Álúrí, the well known author of the celebrated commentary entitled “Ruhu’-Má’ání,” pending the receipt of fresh instructions from the Sulṭán in Constantinople. The “Kashfu’l-Ghitá” further adds (p. 96) that in the “Ruhu’l-Má’ání” references are reported to have been found to the conversations which the Muftí had had with Táhirih, to whom, it is reported, he addressed these words: “O Qurratu’l-‘Ayn! I swear by God that I share in thy belief. I am apprehensive, however, of the swords of the family of Uthmán.” “She proceeded directly to the house of the chief Muftí, before whom she defended her creed and her conduct with great ability. 

(“A Traveller’s Narrative,” Note Q. p. 310; footnotes to chapter 15 of ‘The Dawn-Breakers’ provided by Shoghi Effendi)

Among Táhirih’s ladies and disciples who accompanied her to Baghdád were the mother and sister of Mullá Husayn

According to Muḥammad Mustafá (pp. 108–9), the following disciples and companions were with Táhirih when she arrived in Baghdád: Mullá Ibráhím-i-Mahallátí, Shaykh Ṣáliḥ-i-Karímí, Siyyid Aḥmad-i-Yazdí (father of Siyyid Husayn, the amanuensis of the Báb) Siyyid Husayn and her daughter, the wife of Mírzá Hádíy-i-Nahrí and his mother. According to the “Kashfu’l-Ghitá” (p. 94), the mother and sister of Mullá Husayn were among the ladies and disciples who accompanied Táhirih on her journey from Karbilá to Baghdád. 

(“A Traveller’s Narrative,” Note Q. p. 310; footnotes to chapter 15 of ‘The Dawn-Breakers’ provided by Shoghi Effendi)

Táhirih’s move from Karbilá to Baghdád

From Karbilá she proceeded to Baghdád. A representative delegation, consisting of the ablest leaders among the shí’ah, the sunní, the Christian and Jewish communities of that city, sought her presence and endeavoured to convince her of the folly of her actions. She was able, however, to silence their protestations, and astounded them with the force of her argument. Disillusioned and confused, they retired, deeply conscious of their own impotence. 

- Nabil (‘The Dawn-Breakers’ chapter 15) 

An example of Táhirih’s bold actions

According to Samandar (manuscript, p. 9), the main reason for the agitation of the people of Karbilá which induced them to accuse Táhirih before the governor of Baghdád was her bold action in disregarding the anniversary of the martyrdom of Husayn which was being commemorated in the early days of the month of Muharram in the house of the late Siyyid Kázim in Karbilá, and in celebrating instead the anniversary of the birthday of the Báb, which fell on the first day of that month. She is reported to have asked her sister and relatives to discard their mourning garb and wear instead gay attire, in open defiance of the customs and traditions of the people on that occasion. 

(Footnotes to chapter 15 of ‘The Dawn-Breakers’ provided by Shoghi Effendi)

The opposition of the divines of Karbilá to Táhirih’s plans to send “a large number of her faithful admirers” to Khurásan, Persia, as directed by the Báb

The Báb’s appeal, which was originally addressed to His followers in Persia, was soon transmitted to the adherents of His Faith in ‘Iráq. Táhirih gloriously responded. Her example was followed immediately by a large number of her faithful admirers, all of whom expressed their readiness to journey forthwith to Khurásán. The ‘ulamás of Karbilá sought to dissuade her from undertaking that journey. Perceiving immediately the motive which prompted them to tender her such advice, and aware of their malignant design, she addressed to each of these sophists a lengthy epistle in which she set forth her motives and exposed their dissimulation. 

- Nabil (‘The Dawn-Breakers’ chapter 15)

Táhirih enlisted “the allegiance of a considerable number of the Persian and Arab inhabitants of ‘Iráq”

Shaykh Sultán was also among those who fell under the spell of Táhirih. On his return from Shíráz, he identified himself with the Faith, boldly and assiduously promoted its interests, and did his utmost to execute her instructions and wishes. Another admirer was Shaykh Muḥammad-i-Shibl, the father of Muḥammad-Mustafá, an Arab native of Baghdád who ranked high among the ‘ulamás of that city. By the aid of this chosen band of staunch and able supporters, Táhirih was able to fire the imagination and to enlist the allegiance of a considerable number of the Persian and Arab inhabitants of ‘Iráq, most of whom were led by her to join forces with those of their brethren in Persia who were soon to be called upon to shape by their deeds the destiny, and to seal with their life-blood the triumph, of the Cause of God. 

- Nabil (‘The Dawn-Breakers’ chapter 15)

Shaykh Sálih, an Arab resident of Karbilá, became the first martyr of the Bábi Dispensation – taught by Táhirih

Among the men who in Karbilá eagerly embraced, through the efforts of Táhirih, the Cause of the Báb, was a certain Shaykh Sálih, an Arab resident of that city who was the first to shed his blood in the path of the Faith, in Tihrán. She was so profuse in her praise of Shaykh Ṣáliḥ that a few suspected him of being equal in rank to Quddús. 

- Nabil (‘The Dawn-Breakers’ chapter 15)

The “first among the women of Karbilá” to recognize the Báb: - “the revered widow of Siyyid Kázim, who was born in Shíráz”

She [Táhirih] was able to win to the Cause the revered widow of Siyyid Kázim, who was born in Shíráz, and was the first among the women of Karbilá to recognise its truth. I have heard Shaykh Sultán describe her extreme devotion to Táhirih, whom she revered as her spiritual guide and esteemed as her affectionate companion. He was also a fervent admirer of the character of the widow of the Siyyid, to whose gentleness of manner he often paid a glowing tribute. “Such was her attachment to Táhirih,” Shaykh Sultán was often heard to remark, “that she was extremely reluctant to allow that heroine who was a guest in her house to absent herself, though it were for an hour, from her presence. So great an attachment on her part did not fail to excite the curiosity and quicken the faith of her women friends, both Persian and Arab, who were constant visitors in her home. In the first year of her acceptance of the Message, she suddenly fell ill, and after the lapse of three days, as had been the case with Siyyid Kázim, she departed this life.” 

- Nabil (‘The Dawn-Breakers’ chapter 15)

Táhirih: - “All who met her in Karbilá were ensnared by her bewitching eloquence and felt the fascination of her words. None could resist her charm”

Her indomitable spirit was quickened by the fire of her love for the Báb, and the glory of her vision was further enhanced by the discovery of the inestimable blessings latent in His Revelation. The innate fearlessness and the strength of her character were reinforced a hundredfold by her immovable conviction of the ultimate victory of the Cause she had embraced; and her boundless energy was revitalised by her recognition of the abiding value of the Mission she had risen to champion. All who met her in Karbilá were ensnared by her bewitching eloquence and felt the fascination of her words. None could resist her charm; few could escape the contagion of her belief. All testified to the extraordinary traits of her character, marvelled at her amazing personality, and were convinced of the sincerity of her convictions. 

- Nabil (‘The Dawn-Breakers’ chapter 15)

Qazvin, Persia: Táhirih heard about the Cause of the Báb for the first time

“It was in her own family [at Qazvin] that she heard, for the first time, of the preaching of the Báb at Shíráz and learned the meaning of his doctrines. This knowledge, even incomplete and imperfect as it was, pleased her extremely; she began to correspond with the Báb and soon espoused all his ideas. She did not content herself with a passive sympathy but confessed openly the faith of her Master. She denounced not only polygamy but the use of the veil and showed her face uncovered in public to the great amazement and scandal of her family and of all the sincere Mussulmans but to the applause of many other fellow citizens who shared her enthusiasm and whose numbers grew as a result of her preaching. Her uncle the doctor, her father the jurist, and her husband tried in every way to bring her back at least to a conduct more calm and more reserved. She rebuffed them with arguments inspired by a faith incapable of placid resignation.” 

(Comte de Gobineau’s “Les Religions et les Philosophies dans l’Asie Centrale,” pp. 137–138; (Footnotes to chapter 15 of “The Dawn-Breakers’, provided by Shoghi Effendi)

Táhirih declared her faith “without attaining His [the Báb’s] presence”

The Báb’s immediate response to her declaration of faith which, without attaining His presence, she was moved to make, animated her zeal and vastly increased her courage. She arose to spread abroad His teachings, vehemently denounced the corruption and perversity of her generation, and fearlessly advocated a fundamental revolution in the habits and manners of her people. 

- Nabil (‘The Dawn-Breakers’ chapter 15)

1846-47: Táhirih arrived in Karbilá

According to Muhammad Musṭafá (p. 108), Táhirih arrived in Karbilá in the year 1263 A.H.[1846-47] She visited Kúfih and the surrounding district, and was engaged in spreading the teachings of the Báb. She shared with the people whom she met the writings of her Master, among which was His commentary on the Súrih of Kawthar. 

(Footnotes to chapter 15 of “The Dawn-Breakers’, provided by Shoghi Effendi)

Táhirih “perceived the dawning light of the promised Revelation breaking upon the city of Shíráz”

She [Táhirih] had left her native town of Qazvín and had arrived, after the death of Siyyid Kázim, at that holy city, in eager expectation of witnessing the signs which the departed siyyid had foretold. In the foregoing pages we have seen how instinctively she had been led to discover the Revelation of the Báb and how spontaneously she had acknowledged its truth. Unwarned and uninvited, she perceived the dawning light of the promised Revelation breaking upon the city of Shíráz, and was prompted to pen her message and plead her fidelity to Him who was the Revealer of that light. 

- Nabil (‘The Dawn-Breakers’ chapter 15)

The Báb asked “every loyal adherent of the Faith” to “’hasten to the Land of Khá,’ the province of Khurásán”

In pursuance of the Divine decree, in the days when Quddús was still residing in Mashhad, there was revealed from the pen of the Báb a Tablet addressed to all the believers of Persia, in which every loyal adherent of the Faith was enjoined to “hasten to the Land of Khá,” the province of Khurásán. The news of this high injunction spread with marvellous rapidity and aroused universal enthusiasm. It reached the ears of Táhirih, who, at that time, was residing in Karbilá and was bending every effort to extend the scope of the Faith she had espoused. 

- Nabil (‘The Dawn-Breakers’ chapter 15)

The Báb “summond” “those twin great lights” -Quddús and Táhirih – “to hasten to the land of Tá, the day-spring of glory, the home of Bahá’u’lláh…to seek His advice, to reinforce His efforts, and to prepare the way for His coming Revelation.”

The hand of Omnipotence, however, was busily engaged, at a time when the host of evil-doers were darkly plotting against Him, in confounding their schemes and in nullifying their efforts. In the easternmost province of Persia, the Almighty had, through the hand of Quddús, lit a fire that glowed with the hottest flame in the breasts of the people of Khurásán. And in Karbilá, beyond the western confines of that land, He had kindled the light of Táhirih, a light that was destined to shed its radiance upon the whole of Persia. From the east and from the west of that country, the voice of the Unseen summoned those twin great lights to hasten to the land of Tá, the day-spring of glory, the home of Bahá’u’lláh. He bade them each seek the presence, and revolve round the person of that Day-Star of Truth, to seek His advice, to reinforce His efforts, and to prepare the way for His coming Revelation. 

- Nabil (‘The Dawn-Breakers’ chapter 15)

The “blazed forth in the heart of Khurásán…caused such a conflagration in the hearts of men that the effects of its quickening power were felt in the most outlying provinces of Persia.”

As the appointed hour approached when, according to the dispensations of Providence, the veil which still concealed the fundamental verities of the Faith was to be rent asunder, there blazed forth in the heart of Khurásán a flame of such consuming intensity that the most formidable obstacles standing in the way of the ultimate recognition of the Cause melted away and vanished.  That fire caused such a conflagration in the hearts of men that the effects of its quickening power were felt in the most outlying provinces of Persia. It obliterated every trace of the misgivings and doubts which had still lingered in the hearts of the believers, and had hitherto hindered them from apprehending the full measure of its glory. The decree of the enemy had condemned to perpetual isolation Him who was the embodiment of the beauty of God, and sought thereby to quench for all time the flame of His love. 

- Nabil (‘The Dawn-Breakers’ chapter 15)

The Cause “spread more rapidly in Khurásán than it had anywhere else”

“It will surprise no one to learn,” writes Clement Huart, “that the new sect spread more rapidly in Khurásán than it had anywhere else. Khurásán has been singularly fortunate in that she has always offered to new ideas the most propitious field. It is out of this province that came many evolutions which caused fundamental changes in the Muhammadan Orient. It is enough to recall that in Khurásán the idea of the Persian renovation originated after the Arabian conquest. It was there likewise that the army was organized which, under the orders of Abú-Muslim placed the Abbassides upon the throne of the Khalífs by overthrowing the aristocracy of Mecca which had occupied it since the accession of the Umayyads.” 

(“La Religion de Báb,” pp. 18–19.; Footnotes to chapter 15 of ‘The Dawn-Breakers’, provided by Shoghi Effendi)

According to traditions, the city of Mashhad is believed to be the place when the Shi’ih twelfth Imám will reappear

“It is believed,” writes Lieut.-Col. P. M. Sykes, “that the twelfth Imám never died, but in A.H. 260 (873) disappeared into miraculous concealment, from which he will reappear on the Day of Judgment in the mosque of Gawhar-Shád at Mashhad, to be hailed as the Mihdí or ‘Guide’ and to fill the earth with justice.” 

(“A History of Persia,” vol. 2, p. 45; footnotes to chapter 15 of “The Dawn-Breakers’, provided by Shoghi Effendi)

“The house of Bábíyyih” became a center to give “rise to a wave of enthusiasm which swept over the entire city of Mashhad”

Shortly after it was completed, Quddús arrived at Mashhad and abode in that house. A steady stream of visitors, whom the energy and zeal of Mullá Husayn had prepared for the acceptance of the Faith, poured into the presence of Quddús, acknowledged the claim of the Cause, and willingly enlisted under its banner. The all-observing vigilance with which Mullá Husayn laboured to diffuse the knowledge of the new Revelation, and the masterly manner in which Quddús edified its ever-increasing adherents, gave rise to a wave of enthusiasm which swept over the entire city of Mashhad, and the effects of which spread rapidly beyond the confines of Khurásán. The house of Bábíyyih was soon converted into a rallying centre for a multitude of devotees who were fired with an inflexible resolve to demonstrate, by every means in their power, the great inherent energies of their Faith. 

- Nabil (‘The Dawn-Breakers’ chapter 14)

Mullá Husayn completed his assignment from Quddús: a house named Bábíyyih was built in Mashhad

Alone and with a heart wholly detached from all else but God, Mullá Husayn set out on his journey to Mashhad. His only companion, as he trod his way to Khurásán, was the thought of accomplishing faithfully the wishes of Quddús, and his one sustenance the consciousness of his unfailing promise. He went directly to the home of Mírzá Muhammad-Báqir-i-Qá’iní, and was soon able to buy, in the neighbourhood of that house in Bálá-Khiyabán, a tract of land on which he began to erect the house which he had been commanded to build, and to which he gave the name of Bábíyyih, a name that it bears to the present day. 

- Nabil (‘The Dawn-Breakers’ chapter 14)