Thereupon Siyyid Kázim conceived the plan of securing the
support and good will of one of the most formidable and outstanding
ecclesiastical dignitaries of Persia, the renowned Hájí Siyyid Muhammad
Báqir-i-Rashtí, who lived in Isfáhán and whose authority extended far beyond
the confines of that city. This friendship and sympathy, Siyyid Kázim thought,
would enable him to pursue untrammelled the course of his activities, and would
considerably enhance the influence which he exercised over his disciples. “Would
that one amongst you,” he was often heard to say to his followers, “could
arise, and, with complete detachment, journeyto Isfáhán, and deliver this
message from me to that learned Siyyid: ‘Why is it that in the beginning you
showed such marked consideration and affection for the late Shaykh Ahmad, and
have now suddenly detached yourself from the body of his chosen disciples? Why
is it that you have abandoned us to the mercy of our opponents?’ Would that
such a messenger, putting his trust in God, might arise to unravel whatever
mysteries perplex the mind of that learned Siyyid, and dispel such doubts as
might have alienated his sympathy. Would that he were able to obtain from him a
solemn declaration testifying to the unquestioned authority of Shaykh Ahmad,
and to the truth and soundness of his teachings. Would that he also, after
having secured such a testimony, might visit Mashhad and there obtain a similar
pronouncement from Mírzá Askarí, the foremost ecclesiastical leader in that
holy city, and then, having completed his mission, might return in triumph to
this place.”
(Chapter 2, ‘The Dawn-Breakers’)
