Many of the incidents of this unhappy story are given by
Nabíl in his history, and among these the happenings at Mázindarán, Nayríz, and
Zanján stand out by reason of the character of the episodes of the heroism of
the Bábís when thus brought to bay. On these three occasions a number of Bábís,
driven to desperation, withdrew in concert from their houses to a chosen
retreat and, erecting defensive works about them, defied in arms further
pursuit. To any impartial witness it was evident that the mullás’ allegations
of a political motive were untrue. The Bábís showed themselves always ready—on
an assurance that they would be no longer molested for their religious
beliefs—to return peacefully to their civil occupations. Nabíl emphasises their
care to refrain from aggression. They would fight for their lives with
determined skill and strength; but they would not attack. Even in the midst of
a fierce conflict they would not drive home an advantage nor strike an
unnecessary blow.
- Shoghi Effendi (‘Introduction to ‘The Dawn-Breakers’)
