The Rise of Baha
10. Baha’s Sudden Flight to Suleymaniyya
Baha arrived in Baghdad upon expulsion from Iran, on “Jamad Thani 28, 1269 A.H. (April 8, 1853), Shoghi Effendi’s god passes by, P. 109.
Baha’s activities in Iraq from the time of his arrival in Baghdad till his removal to Istanbul on “Dhil Qa’da 14, 1279 A.H. May 3rd, 1863”, ibid, P. 133.
10.1 Abbas Effendi’s Account on Baha’s Sudden Departure
Sir Abbas Effendi’s account in the Traveller’s Narrative:
(PP. 64-65): Now Baha so acted that the hearts of this sect were drawn towards him, which most of the inhabitants of Iraq were reduced to silence and speechlessness, some being amazed and others angered. After remaining there for one year he withdrew his hand from all things, abandoned relatives and connections, and without knowledge of his followers, quitted Iraq [i.e. Baghdad] alone and solitary, without companion, supporter, associate or comrade. For nigh upon two years he dwelt in Turkish Kurdistan, generally in a place named Sarkalu, situated in the mountains, and far removed from human habitation. Sometimes on rare occasions he used to frequent to Suleymaniyya. Erelong had elapsed the most eminent doctors of those regions got some inhaling of his circumstances and conditions, and conversed with him on the solution of certain difficult question connected with the most abstruse points of theology ….
In consequences of this he acquired a great fame and wonderful reputation in those regions, and fragmentary accounts of him were circulated in all quarters and directions, to wit that a stranger, a Persian, had appeared in the district of Suleymaniyya (which hath been, from of old, the place where the most expert doctors of the Sunnites have arisen and that the people of the country had loosed their tongue in praise of him.
From the rumour thus heard it was known that, that person was none other than Baha. Several persons, therefore hastened thither, and begin to entreat and implore, and the urgent entreaty of all brought about his return.”
(ibid, PP. 60-65) “After his return Baha made such strenuous efforts in educating, teaching, training and reconstructing this community.”
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