“In Hamadán, however, the ecclesiastical leaders of the city were divided in their attitude towards her.”

In Hamadán, however, the ecclesiastical leaders of the city were divided in their attitude towards her. A few sought privily to provoke the people and undermine her prestige; others were moved to extol openly her virtues and applaud her courage. “It behoves us,” these friends declared from their pulpits, “to follow her noble example and reverently to ask her to unravel for us the mysteries of the Qur’án and to resolve the intricacies of the holy Book. For our highest attainments are but a drop compared to the immensity of her knowledge.” 

- Nabil (‘The Dawn-Breakers’ chapter 15)

An “enthusiastic reception was accorded her [Táhirih] on her arrival in Kirmansháh”: the governor and his family “acknowledged the truth of the Cause and testified to their admiration and love for Táhirih”

According to Muḥammad Mustafá (p. 112), an enthusiastic reception was accorded her on her arrival in Kirmansháh. Princes, ‘ulamás, and government officials hastened to visit her, and were greatly impressed by her eloquence, her fearlessness, her extensive knowledge, and the force of her character. The commentary on the Súrih of Kawthar, revealed by the Báb, was publicly read and translated. The wife of the Amír, the governor of Kirmansháh, was among the ladies who met Táhirih and heard her expound the sacred teachings. The Amír himself, together with his family, acknowledged the truth of the Cause and testified to their admiration and love for Táhirih. According to Muhammad Mustafá (p. 116), Táhirih tarried two days in the village of Sahnih on her way to Hamadán, where she was accorded a reception no less enthusiastic than the one which had greeted her in the village of Karand. The inhabitants of the village begged to be allowed to gather together the members of their community and to join hands with the body of her followers for the spread and promotion of the Cause. She advised them, however, to remain, extolled and blessed their efforts, and proceeded to Hamadán. 

(Footnotes to chapter 15 of ‘The Dawn-Breakers’ provided by Shoghi Effendi)

Táhirih was accompanied by about forty of her followers

According to Muhammad Mustafá (p. 111), the following accompanied Táhirih from Khaniqin (on the Persian frontier) to Kirmansháh: Shaykh Sáliḥ-i-Karímí, Shaykh Muhammad-i-Shibl, Shaykh Sulṭán-i-Karbilá’í, Siyyid Ahmad-i-Yazdí, Siyyid Muhammad-i-Bayigání, Siyyid Muhsin-i-Kázimí, Mullá Ibráhím-i-Mahallátí, and about thirty Arab believers. They tarried three days in the village of Karand, where Táhirih fearlessly proclaimed the teachings of the Báb and was highly Revelation. Twelve hundred persons are reported to have volunteered to follow her and do her bidding. 

(Footnotes to chapter 15 of ‘The Dawn-Breakers’ provided by Shoghi Effendi)

Táhirih received a warm reception in Kirmansháh

The ‘ulamás of Kirmansháh respectfully received her and presented her with various tokens of their esteem and admiration. 

- Nabil (‘The Dawn-Breakers’ chapter 15)

Táhirih “was ordered to leave Turkish territory”

The question whether she should be allowed to continue her teaching was submitted first to the Páshá of Baghdád and then to the central government, the result being that she was ordered to leave Turkish territory.” 

(“A Traveller’s Narrative,” Note Q. p. 310; footnotes to chapter 15 of ‘The Dawn-Breakers’ provided by Shoghi Effendi)

By the order of the governor of Baghdád Táhirih and her companions were transferred to the house of the Muftí of Baghdád “pending the receipt of fresh instructions from the Sultán in Constantinople”

On their arrival they took up their quarters in the house of Shaykh Muhammad-ibn-i-Shiblu’l-’Aráqí, after which they were, by order of the governor of Baghdád to the house of the Muftí Siyyid Mahmúd-i-Álúrí, the well known author of the celebrated commentary entitled “Ruhu’-Má’ání,” pending the receipt of fresh instructions from the Sulṭán in Constantinople. The “Kashfu’l-Ghitá” further adds (p. 96) that in the “Ruhu’l-Má’ání” references are reported to have been found to the conversations which the Muftí had had with Táhirih, to whom, it is reported, he addressed these words: “O Qurratu’l-‘Ayn! I swear by God that I share in thy belief. I am apprehensive, however, of the swords of the family of Uthmán.” “She proceeded directly to the house of the chief Muftí, before whom she defended her creed and her conduct with great ability. 

(“A Traveller’s Narrative,” Note Q. p. 310; footnotes to chapter 15 of ‘The Dawn-Breakers’ provided by Shoghi Effendi)

Among Táhirih’s ladies and disciples who accompanied her to Baghdád were the mother and sister of Mullá Husayn

According to Muḥammad Mustafá (pp. 108–9), the following disciples and companions were with Táhirih when she arrived in Baghdád: Mullá Ibráhím-i-Mahallátí, Shaykh Ṣáliḥ-i-Karímí, Siyyid Aḥmad-i-Yazdí (father of Siyyid Husayn, the amanuensis of the Báb) Siyyid Husayn and her daughter, the wife of Mírzá Hádíy-i-Nahrí and his mother. According to the “Kashfu’l-Ghitá” (p. 94), the mother and sister of Mullá Husayn were among the ladies and disciples who accompanied Táhirih on her journey from Karbilá to Baghdád. 

(“A Traveller’s Narrative,” Note Q. p. 310; footnotes to chapter 15 of ‘The Dawn-Breakers’ provided by Shoghi Effendi)

Táhirih’s move from Karbilá to Baghdád

From Karbilá she proceeded to Baghdád. A representative delegation, consisting of the ablest leaders among the shí’ah, the sunní, the Christian and Jewish communities of that city, sought her presence and endeavoured to convince her of the folly of her actions. She was able, however, to silence their protestations, and astounded them with the force of her argument. Disillusioned and confused, they retired, deeply conscious of their own impotence. 

- Nabil (‘The Dawn-Breakers’ chapter 15)