The news of the passing of his beloved master brought
unspeakable sorrow to the heart of Siyyid Kázim. Inspired by the verse of the
Qur’án, “Fain would they put out God’s light with their mouths; but God only
desireth to perfect His light, albeit the infidels abhor it,” he arose with
unswerving purpose to consummate the task with which Shaykh Ahmad had entrusted
him. He found himself, after the removal of so distinguished a protector, a
victim of the slanderous tongue and unrelenting enmity of the people around
him. They attacked his person, scorned his teachings, and reviled his name. At
the instigation of a powerful and notorious shí’ah leader, Siyyid
Ibráhím-i-Qazvíní, the enemies of Siyyid Kázim leagued together, and determined
to destroy him.
(Chapter 2, ‘The Dawn-Breakers’)
