In the year 1231 A.H. [1815-16 A.D.], when only twenty-two
years old, he, [Siyyid Kázim] forsaking home, kindred, and friends, departed from Gílán,
intent upon attaining the presence of him who had so nobly arisen to announce
the approaching dawn of a Divine Revelation. He had been in the company of
Shaykh Ahmad for only a few weeks, when the latter, turning to him one day,
addressed him in these words: “Remain in your house and cease attending my
lectures. Such of my disciples as may feel perplexed will turn henceforth to
you, and will seek to obtain from you directly whatsoever assistance they may
require. You will, through the knowledge which the Lord your God has bestowed
upon you, resolve their problems and tranquillise their hearts. By the power of
your utterance you will help to revive the sorely neglected Faith of Muhammad,
your illustrious ancestor.” These words addressed to Siyyid Kázim excited the
resentment and kindled the envy of the prominent disciples of Shaykh Ahmad,
among whom figured Mullá Muhammad-i-Mamaqání and Mullá ‘Abdu’l-Kháliq-i-Yazdí.
So compelling was the dignity of Siyyid Kázim, however, and so remarkable were
the evidences of his knowledge and wisdom, that these disciples were awed and
felt compelled to submit.
(Chapter 1, ‘The Dawn-Breakers)
