Baha’s First Believer
2. Baha’s First Believer
On the strength of the Point’s theory of theophanies enunciated in the Persian Bayan, an outgoing Manifestation in his return is the First believer in, and the First Letter of the Living of an incoming Manifestation. An outgoing Manifestation ranks after an incoming manifestation but before all others.
When this fundamental principal of the Primal Point, whom Shoghi Effendi regards as co-author of Bahaism together with Baha, is applied to Baha’s ministry, the Primal Point in his return turns out to be Mirza Aqa Jan, denounced by Sir Abbas Effendi, as “reprobate, apostate, croaker, hypocrite and devil” (Material for the Study of the BÂBi Religion by Prof. Browne (P. 88), and reproved by Shoghi Effendi for having “thrown in his lot with the Covenant-Breakers and allowed himself to be enshared by them”. (God Passes By, P.247)
Baha’s mission was preceded and followed by assassinations committed by Baha’s men.
Baha destroying his own 'verses'
In his writings in the early days of his ministry, Baha speaks of his verses ‘revealed’ in Iraq as having been destroyed in the river as pure eyes to behold them were few and far between. In his writing towards the end of his days Baha speaks of them as having been sent to various parts of the world of the edification of mankind. Both versions are devoid of historical foundation. What he actually destroyed in the river at Baghdad were his scribing-note papers on which he practiced to acquire rapidity of delivery and style (P. 8).