He [Mullá Husayn] continued in this manner, in the presence
of the assembled disciples, to expound the teachings of Shaykh Ahmad and Siyyid
Kázim, to vindicate their truth, and to defend their cause, until the time when
the Mu’adhdhin, calling the faithful to prayer, suddenly interrupted the flow
of his argument. The next day, he similarly, in the presence of a large and
representative assembly, and whilst facing the Siyyid, resumed his eloquent
defence of the high mission entrusted by an almighty Providence to Shaykh Ahmad
and his successor. A deep silence fell upon his hearers. They were seized with
wonder at the cogency of his argument and the tone and manner of his speech.
The Siyyid publicly promised that on the following day he would himself issue a
written declaration wherein he would testify to the eminence of the position
held by both Shaykh Ahmad and Siyyid Kázim, and would pronounce whosoever
deviated from their path as one who had turned aside from the Faith of the
Prophet Himself. He would likewise bear witness to their penetrative insight,
and their correct and profound understanding of the mysteries which the Faith
of Muhammad enshrined. The Siyyid redeemed his pledge, and with his own hand
penned the promised declaration. He wrote at length, and in the course of his
testimony paid a tribute to the character and learning of Mullá Husayn. He
spoke in glowing terms of Siyyid Kázim, apologised for his former attitude, and
expressed the hope that in the days to come he might be enabled to make amends
for his past and regrettable conduct towards him. He read, himself, to his
disciples the text of this written testimony, and delivered it unsealed to
Mullá Husayn, authorising him to share its contents with whomsoever he pleased,
that all might know the extent of his devotion to Siyyid Kázim.
(Chapter 2,
‘The Dawn-Breakers’)
