The venerable Haji Mirza Siyyid 'Ali, the maternal uncle of the Báb who reared Him when His father passed away, becomes “the first, after the Letters of the Living, to embrace the Cause in Shíráz”

Shiraz-1850

Quddús, with feelings of unshakable determination to carry out the expressed wishes of his Master, set out from Búshihr. Arriving at Shíráz, he was affectionately welcomed by Hájí Mírzá Siyyid ‘Alí, who received him in his own home and eagerly enquired after the health and doings of his beloved Kinsman. Finding him receptive to the call of the new Message, Quddús acquainted him with the nature of the Revelation with which that Youth had already fired his soul. The Báb’s maternal uncle, as a result of the endeavours exerted by Quddús, was the first, after the Letters of the Living, to embrace the Cause in Shíráz. 

(Chapter 8, ‘The Dawn-Breakers’)

The Báb entrusted Quddús with a copy of a Tablet and a letter for His material uncle

The Báb then delivered into his hands a letter He had written to Hájí Mírzá Siyyid ‘Alí, His maternal uncle, in which He had informed him of His safe return to Búshihr. He also entrusted him with a copy of the Khasá’il-i-Sab‘ih, [Literally meaning “The Seven Qualifications”] a treatise in which He had set forth the essential requirements from those who had attained to the knowledge of the new Revelation and had recognised its claim. As He bade Quddús His last farewell, He asked him to convey His greetings to each of His loved ones in Shíráz. 

(Chapter 8, ‘The Dawn-Breakers’)

The Báb’s farewell address to Quddús – “you have been chosen as the standard-bearer of the host of affliction”

While still in Búshihr, He [the Báb]summoned Quddús to His presence and with the utmost kindness bade him depart for Shíráz.

“The days of your companionship with Me,” He told him, “are drawing to a close. The hour of separation has struck, a separation which no reunion will follow except in the Kingdom of God, in the presence of the King of Glory. In this world of dust, no more than nine fleeting months of association with Me have been allotted to you. On the shores of the Great Beyond, however, in the realm of immortality, joy of eternal reunion awaits us. The hand of destiny will ere long plunge you into an ocean of tribulation for His sake. I, too, will follow you; I, too, will be immersed beneath its depths. Rejoice with exceeding gladness, for you have been chosen as the standard-bearer of the host of affliction, and are standing in the vanguard of the noble army that will suffer martyrdom in His name. In the streets of Shíráz, indignities will be heaped upon you, and the severest injuries will afflict your body. You will survive the ignominious behaviour of your foes, and will attain the presence of Him who is the one object of our adoration and love. In His presence you will forget all the harm and disgrace that shall have befallen you. The hosts of the Unseen will hasten forth to assist you, and will proclaim to all the world your heroism and glory. Yours will be the ineffable joy of quaffing the cup of martyrdom for His sake. I, too, shall tread the path of sacrifice, and will join you in the realm of eternity.” 

(Chapter 8, ‘The Dawn-Breakers’)

circa May 1845: The Báb returned to Persia

Bushihr 1840

The visit of the Báb to Medina marked the concluding stage of His pilgrimage to Hijáz. From thence He returned to Jaddih, and by way of the sea regained His native land. He landed at Búshihr nine lunar months after He had embarked on His pilgrimage from that port. In the same khán [similar to a caravanserai] which He had previously occupied, He received His friends and relatives, who had come to greet and welcome Him. 

(Chapter 8, ‘The Dawn-Breakers’)