The mullás encountered here no cause for delay and found
little need for scheming. The bigotry of the Muhammadans from the Sháh
downwards could be readily roused against any religious development. The Bábís
could be accused of disloyalty to the Sháh, and dark political motives could be
attributed to their activities. Moreover, the Báb’s followers were already
numerous; many of them were well-to-do, some were rich, and there were few but
had some possessions which covetous neighbours might be instigated to desire.
Appealing to the fears of the authorities and to the base national passions of
fanaticism and cupidity, the mullás inaugurated a campaign of outrage and
spoliation which they maintained with relentless ferocity till they considered
that their purpose had been completely achieved.
- Shoghi Effendi (‘Introduction
to ‘The Dawn-Breakers’)
