Subh-i Azal
Witnesses of Bayan

Subject to his paramount authority, witnesses appointed by Subh-i-Azal in the early period of his tenure of office were intended to function during his lifetime. Baha was a witness appointed by Subh-i-Azal during the Baghdad period of the BÂBi exiles. He acted merely on behalf of Subh-i-Azal (see Delegation of authority from Baha to Subh-i Azal). By reason of his defection from the Bayani Cause, Baha as well as any other appointed witnesses who truckled to him forfeited their appointment. The appointment of any other witnesses who adhered faithfully to Subh-i-Azal lapsed on the death of Subh-i-Azal, their appointor.

As for witnesses to function after Subh-i-Azal’s death, the BÂB maintained the Imamate doctrine of Special Nomination whereunder each Imam (Spiritual guide) owed his appointment to his special nomination by his predecessor in office. Subh-i-Azal was the Primal Mirror appointed by Special Nomination by the Primal Point. Subh-i-Azal was the Speaking Book, overseeing the Silent Book, the Bayan.

Under the provisions of the Point’s Testamentary Dispositions, addressed to Subh-i-Azal, Subh-i-Azal was to bequeath the command to one like unto him, if such an one were to appear in his days, and in default of such an one, he was to render up the command to god and ordain witnesses.

As far as is known Subh-i-Azal left no Will and appointed no successor by Special Nomination. With his death Special Nomination ceased. With his death, the Speaking Book, overseeing the Silent Book, the Bayan, ceased, and the Bayan became the authority. As far as known Subh-i-Azal ordained no witnesses.

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