The acceptance by Quddús of the truth of the Báb’s
Revelation completed the assigned number of His chose disciples. Quddús, whose
name was Muhammad-‘Alí, was, through his mother, a direct descendant of the
Imám Hasan, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. He was born in Barfurúsh, in the province of
Mázindarán. It has been reported by those who attended the lectures of Siyyid
Kázim that in the last years of the latter’ life, Quddús enrolled himself as
one of the Siyyid’s disciples. He was the last to arrive, and invariably
occupied the lowliest seat in the assembly. He was the first to depart upon the
conclusion of every meeting. The silence he observed and the modesty of his
behaviour distinguished him from the rest of his companions. Siyyid Kázim was
often heard to remark that certain ones among his disciples, though they
occupied the lowliest of seats, and observed the strictest silence, were none
the less so exalted in the sight of God that he himself felt unworthy to rank
among their servants. His disciples, although they observed the humility of
Quddús and acknowledged the exemplary character of his behaviour, remained
unaware of the purpose of Siyyid Kázim. When Quddús arrived in Shíráz and
embraced the Faith declared by the Báb, he was only twenty-two years of age.
Though young in years, he showed that indomitable courage and faith which none
among the disciples of his master could exceed. He exemplified by his life and
glorious martyrdom the truth of this tradition: “Whoso seeketh Me, shall find
Me. Whoso findeth Me, shall be drawn towards Me. Whoso draweth nigh unto Me,
shall love Me. Whoso loveth Me, him shall I also love. He who is beloved of Me,
him shall I slay. He who is slain by Me, I Myself shall be his ransom.”
(Chapter 3, ‘The Dawn-Breakers’)
