‘Abdu’l-Bahá is quoted in the “Traveller’s Narrative,” pp.
34–35, as making the following statement on the moral aspect of their action:
“The minister (Mírzá Taqí Khán), with the utmost
arbitrariness, without receiving any instructions or asking permission, sent
forth commands in all directions to punish and chastise the Bábís. Governors
and magistrates sought a pretext for amassing wealth, and officials a means of
acquiring profits; celebrated doctors from the summits of their pulpits incited
men to make a general onslaught; the powers of the religious and the civil law
linked hands and strove to eradicate and destroy this people. Now this people
had not yet acquired such knowledge as was right and needful of the fundamental
principles and hidden doctrines of the Báb’s teachings, and did not recognise
their duties. Their conceptions and ideas were after the former fashion, and
their conduct and behaviour in correspondence with ancient usage. The way of
approach to the Báb was, moreover, closed, and the flame of trouble visibly
blazing on every side. At the decree of the most celebrated doctors, the
government, and indeed the common people, had, with irresistible power,
inaugurated rapine and plunder on all sides, and were engaged in punishing and
torturing, killing and despoiling, in order that they might quench this fire
and wither these poor souls. In towns where there were but a limited number,
all of them with bound hands became food for the sword, while in cities where
they were numerous, they arose in self-defence in accordance with their former
beliefs, since it was impossible for them to make enquiry as to their duty, and
all doors were closed.”
Bahá’u’lláh, on proclaiming some years later His Mission,
left no room for uncertainty as to the law of His Dispensation in such a
predicament when He affirmed: “It is better to be killed than to kill.”
- Shoghi
Effendi (‘Introduction to ‘The Dawn-Breakers’)
