The Rise of Baha
7. Alleged Baha’s Inspection of the fortifications in the fort of Sheykh Tabarsi
Baha’s Inspection of the fortifications in the fort of Sheykh Tabarsi and his counsels and exhortations to its defenders devoid of historical foundation.
7.3 Nabil’s Account
According to the Dawn-Breakers Nabil’s Narrative: (PP. 348-349) “I have heard Mirza Muhammad-i-Furughi recount the following: ‘Baha, in the course of that visit, inspected the fort and expressed his satisfaction with the work that had been accomplished. In his conversation with Mulla Husayn, he explained in detail such matters as were vital to the welfare and safety of his companions, ‘the one thing this fort and company requires’ he said ‘is the presence of Quddus.’ “
“ ‘He instructed Mulla Husayn to dispatch Mulla Mahdiy-i-Khui, and to demand of Mirza Muhammad Taqi that he immediately deliver Quddus into his hands.’ “
“ ‘Ere he departed, Baha enjoined them to be patient and resigned to the will of the almighty. ‘If it be His Will,’ he added, ‘we shall once again visit you at this spot, and shall lend you our assistance.’ “
“ ‘with these words he departed by way of Nur to Tehran’”
“Mulla Husayn,” Nabil says, set out immediately to carry out the instructions he had received.”
Nabil continues: (P. 369) “In the beginning of the same month [i.e. Muharram 25 A.H. 1265 (December 21, 1848)], Baha, faithful to the promise he had given to Mulla Husayn, set out, attended by a number of his friends, from Nur to the fort of Tabarsi. Among those who accompanied him were Haji Mirza Jani of Kashan [author of the Nuqtatul-Kaf], Mulla Baqir of Tabriz, one of the Letters of the Living, and Mirza Yahya [Subh-i Azal] his brother. Baha had signified his wish that they should immediately proceed to their destination and allow no pause in their journey …..
(p. 369) His companions, however, pressed him to interrupt the journey and to seek a few hours of rest ….. they halted at a lonely house adjoining the road … the secret emissaries of the enemy informed the guards of the neighborhood of the arrival of the party, and ordered the immediate seizure of whether they could find in their possession ‘we have strict orders,’ they told Baha, ‘to arrest every person we chance to meet in this vicinity, and are commanded to conduct him, without ant previous investigation, to Amul and deliver him into the hands of its governor.’ … The leader of the group bade them mount their horses and proceed with him to Amul… At daybreak (ibid, P. 370) “As soon as the message reached him, he went to the Masjid of Amul and summoned the Ulamas and leading Sayyids of the town to gather and meet the party. He was greatly surprised as his eyes saw and recognized Baha, and deeply regretted the orders he had given. He feigned to reprimand him for the action he had taken, in the hope of appeasing the tumult and allaying the excitement of those who had gathered in the Mosque … the acting governor asked the Ulamas who were present to put any question they desired ….
(P. 314) the acting governor was much embarrassed, and realized that any evidence of indulgence on his part would be fraught with grave consequences for the safety of his position. In his desire to hold in check the passions which he had been aroused, he ordered his attendants to prepare the rods and promptly inflict a befitting punishment upon the captives. ‘We will afterwards,’ he added, ‘keep them in prison pending the return of the governor, who will send them to Tehran, (P.372), where they will receive at the hands of the sovereign, the chastisement they deserve.’
The first who was bound to receive the bastinado was Mulla Baqir. ‘I am only a groom of Baha,’ he urged. ’I was on my way to Mashad when they suddenly arrested me and brought me to this place.’ Baha intervened and succeeded in inducing his oppressors to release him. He likewise interceded for Haji Mirza Jani, who he said was a mere tradesman’ whom he regarded as his guest.’ So that he was ‘responsible for any charges brought against him.’ Mirza Yahya [Subh-i-Azal], whom they proceeded to bind, was also set free as soon as Baha had declared him to be his attendant … the acting governor was reluctantly compelled to give orders that Baha alone should be chosen to suffer the indignity which had intended originally for his companions, the first confinement of Baha was in the home of one of the Kad-Khudas (chief of a ward or parish) of Teheran … the second imprisonment of Baha was in the private residence of the governor of Amul …….. the same indignity [i.e. according to Nabil] was inflicted on Baha in the Namaz-Khane [prayer-house] of the Mujtahid [Muhammadan doctor of law] of Amul.
(ibid, P. 375, Nabil continues): “I have heard Baha himself recount the following: ‘No prisoner has been accorded the treatment which I received at the hands of the acting governor of Amul. He treated me with the utmost consideration and esteem. I was generously entertained by him, and the fullest attention was given to cover everything that affected my security and comfort. I was, however, unable to leave the gate of the house” …. the governor of Amul returned. (P. 376) humbly and respectfully, he went to Baha and apologized for the insolence of the inhabitants of a town that he had been chosen to govern … a few days later, he succeeded in arranging for the safe departure of Baha and his companions for Tehran.
Baha’s intention to throw in his lot with the defenders of the fort of Sheykh Tabarsi was destined to remain unfulfilled.
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