Brief history of the Baha'i Faith

[arthra]

Some may appreciate knowing when the Baha'i Faith developed and what were it's antecedents in history.

Also most Baha'is are genrally aware of our history but it is always good to review it again even for long time Baha'is so I'm sharing here the first part of a Brief History of the Baha'i Faith from the Baha'is of Boise Idaho.

First Epoch of the Heroic Age: 1844-1853:

The Ministry of the Bab, the Forerunner

* 12 Nov 1817 Birth of Baha'u'llah [Mirza Husayn-'Ali] in Tihran, to one of the wealthiest families in Persia. Baha'u'llah, never having attended school, is taught calligraphy, riding, classical poetry and a good reading knowledge of the Qur'an which was customary for a nobleman's son at that time.

* 20 Oct 1819 Birth of the Bab [Siyyid 'Ali-Muhammad] in Shiraz, Persia

* pre-1844 Baha'u'llah becomes known as "The Father of the Poor" for His generosity and care of the needy. His father dies in 1839. Baha'u'llah was asked to take His father's place in the government but Baha'u'llah refuses the position.

* 22 May 1844 Declaration of the mission of the Bab in Shiraz to Mulla Husayn at 2 hours, 11 minutes after sunset (technically, 23 May - new day begins after sunset).

* 23 May 1844 Birth of 'Abdu'l-Baha ['Abbas Effendi], eldest son of Baha'u'llah

* soon after: The Bab instructed Mulla Husayn to journey through Persia and Iraq and deliver a scroll to One Who is worthy. The reputation of Baha'u'llah convinces him that He is the intended recipient. Baha'u'llah reads the scroll and immediately becomes a follower of the Bab.

* 12 Dec 1844 The Bab, accompanied by His foremost disciple Quddus, undertakes a pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina where He performs His first public declaration of His divine mission.

* Mar 1845 The Bab returns to Shiraz. His Teachings cause commotion among the populace, especially the clergy.

* soon after: The Shah commands the erudite Vahid to investigate the Bab's claims. Vahid becomes a leading disciple. Hujjat, another dignitary of the realm, also becomes a leading disciple. The anxiety among the clergy increases.

* Sep 1846 The Bab journeys to Isfahan, accorded honours by the people. Death warrant issued by the local high clergy. The Bab journeys to Kashan and Tabriz, receives enthusiastic reception by the people.

* 23 Sep 1846 The Bab is arrested in Shiraz at the house of His uncle. The Shah, prompted by his top advisor, Haji Mirza Aqasi, has the Bab incarcerated at the fortress of Mah-ku in the mountains of Adhirbayjan for nine months. The local populace, at first hostile, comes to revere Him. The Bab reveals one of His great works, the Bayan.

* 1 Apr 1847 Baha'u'llah sends a letter and gifts to the Bab in Mah-ku.

* 20 Mar 1848 Mulla Husayn arrives at Mah-ku to see the Bab.

* 10 April 1848 Due to the great influence He was having with the people of the area, the Bab is transferred to prison in Chirig, a Kurdish area hostile to Persians. Here too many leading citizens become followers. The Bab is arraigned in Tabriz where He makes a dramatic public declaration of His Station. He is returned to Chirig.

* Jun 1848 Conference of Badasht. Organized, directed and hosted by Baha'u'llah and attended by 81 of the Bab's leading followers, the Babi Faith for the first time becomes understood by It's followers as a religion distinct from Islam. Baha'u'llah bestows a new name upon each participant and with no contact, the Bab later confirms and uses those same names [note: the new names are the ones being used in this account]. Tahirih [the pure] pronounces the equality of women and publicly removes her veil. Baha'u'llah reconciles the participants following this great controversy, facilitating their understanding of this new religion.

* 21 Jul 1848 Mulla Husayn hoists the Black Standard and marches from Mashad with 202 fellow disciples to assist Quddus in Mazindaran.

* 4 Sep 1848 Muhammad Shah, intending to order death of Baha'u'llah, dies, succeeded by 17-year old Nasiri'd-Din Shah. Haji Mirza Aqasi, chief antagonist of the Bab [the Antichrist of the Babi Faith], is expelled from the capital.

* 10 Oct 1848 Mulla Husayn and the 202 fellow disciples are besieged at Shaykh Tabarsi, eventually surrounded by twenty thousand soldiers.

* Nov 1848 Quddus arrives at Fort Tabarsi after Mulla Husayn secured his release from Sari.

* Dec 1848 Baha'u'llah imprisoned and tortured in Amul.

* 10 May 1849 The siege at Shaykh Tabarsi ends in betrayal when a promise of "no harm", signed on a Qur'an, is broken. The Babis are tortured, mutilated and massacred.

* 16 May 1849 Martyrdom of Quddus in Barfurush.

* soon after: A force of 5000 men begin extermination of Babis, confiscating possessions, destroying houses, grizzly tortures, mutilations and executions - all inspired by religious fanaticism inflamed by the clergy. 1800 Babis martyred in Zanjan including men, women and children. Hujjat is martyred. The famous Seven Martyrs of Tihran are martyred.

* 29 June 1850 Vahid is mutilated and killed in Nayriz.

* 9 Jul 1850 Attempted execution of the Bab in Tabriz by a firing squad of 750 soldiers in front of 20,000 witnesses fails. The Bab vanishes in the smoke and is found later completing His final instructions to His amanuensis. The leader of the first firing squad refuses to try again. A second attempt is made using a new leader at noon, this time successfully. A gale force wind, earthquake, cholera and famine immediately follow. One third of the firing squad later die in an earthquake, the remainder are executed for mutiny. The bodies of the Bab and Anis are retrieved as directed by Baha'u'llah and ultimately interred at the Shrine of the Bab on the slope of Mt. Carmel, Israel.

* 30 Aug 1851 Baha'u'llah arrives in Karbila, Iraq - the start of a 10 month pilgrimage. Continues to spread the Bab's Teachings.

* 15 Aug 1852 Two crazed Babis attempt to kill Nasiri'd-Din Shah. They are executed on the spot. Nationwide reign of terror sweeps Persia. Anyone suspected of being Babi are killed in unspeakably gruesome and inhumane manners. Many European diplomats witness and record the events. The nominee of the Bab, Mirza Yahya, half-brother of Baha'u'llah, flees [note: the Bab appointed him as His figurehead to deflect attention away from Baha'u'llah]. Upon hearing news of the assassination attempt, Baha'u'llah rides to the military post in Niyavaran. He is arrested and marched in chains, bare headed and bare footed to the Siyah-Chal of Tihran [literally meaning the Black Pit, it was "an abominable pit that had once served as a reservoir of water for one of the public baths" of Tihran].

Here He was surrounded by criminals with His feet in mighty stocks and neck weighed done by a mighty chain, a chain so infamous that it had it's own name.

Tahirih is executed. Her last words: "You can kill me as soon as you like, but you cannot stop the emancipation of women".

Baha'u'llah is now the sole survivor from among the leaders of the Babi Faith. No one would sign His death warrant out of fear that His execution would spark riots throughout Persia. Instead, it was hoped that he would die in this loathsome prison. This was not to be.

(More later...)

 

[Ron Price]

There are now, of course, after more than 160 years of Baha'i history or more than 200 years--if one takes that history back to the Bab and the two major precursors of His Faith--some excellent histories of the Baha'i-Babi Religions. I won't ennumerate all the books involved but the following authors provide excellent background reading on the history: Shoghi Effendi, Hatcher and Martin, Balyuzi, Peter Smith, David Ruhe, et al.-Ron Price, Tasmania

 

[smkolins]

An excellent review and here's a few comments:

* pre-1844 Baha'u'llah becomes known as "The Father of the Poor" for His generosity and care of the needy. His father dies in 1839. Baha'u'llah was asked to take His father's place in the government but Baha'u'llah refuses the position.

Baha'u'llah also marries during this time - His wife is in like manner called "The Mother of Consolation". Perhaps two children are born but both pass away in infancy. Abdu'l-Baha is the first to survive.

* 22 May 1844 Declaration of the mission of the Bab in Shiraz to Mulla Husayn at 2 hours, 11 minutes after sunset (technically, 23 May - new day begins after sunset).

Over the following (days? weeks? Hmm - not sure) 17 other individuals proclaim individual their acceptance of His Revelation. Then...

* soon after: The Bab instructed Mulla Husayn to journey through Persia and Iraq and deliver a scroll to One Who is worthy. The reputation of Baha'u'llah convinces him that He is the intended recipient. Baha'u'llah reads the scroll and immediately becomes a follower of the Bab.
...

* 15 Aug 1852 Two crazed Babis attempt to kill Nasiri'd-Din Shah. They are executed on the spot. Nationwide reign of terror sweeps Persia. Anyone suspected of being Babi are killed in unspeakably gruesome and inhumane manners. Many European diplomats witness and record the events. The nominee of the Bab, Mirza Yahya, half-brother of Baha'u'llah, flees [note: the Bab appointed him as His figurehead to deflect attention away from Baha'u'llah]. Upon hearing news of the assassination attempt, Baha'u'llah rides to the military post in Niyavaran. He is arrested and marched in chains, bare headed and bare footed to the Siyah-Chal of Tihran [literally meaning the Black Pit, it was "an abominable pit that had once served as a reservoir of water for one of the public baths" of Tihran].

Here He was surrounded by criminals with His feet in mighty stocks and neck weighed done by a mighty chain, a chain so infamous that it had it's own name.

My understanding is that he is treated with honor until presented in court, then moving from the court to the prison he is chained, bear headed, etc. It is notable that the host of his personal belonging including home were taken and his family had to flee and stay with relatives.

Additionally, my understanding is that there were two chains, each about 100lbs, which alternated on his neck, eventually causing a permnent stoop. They were indeed infamous and had their own names (both began with "S" as I recall.)

And still further there were a short list of other Babis that were rounded up and shared time in the prison with Baha'u'llah. Most or all were executed.

Baha'u'llah is now the sole survivor from among the leaders of the Babi Faith. No one would sign His death warrant out of fear that His execution would spark riots throughout Persia. Instead, it was hoped that he would die in this loathsome prison. This was not to be.

My understanding is that there were other prominant individuals of the Babi Faith but they were all in hiding. Baha'u'llah walked into the light to be quite visible despite offers of protection from foreign governments and well wishers.

It is also moving I feel to note that Abdu'l-Baha, now 8 years old, on some occasion or occasions was allowed to visit Baha'u'llah while in the Siyah-Chal. It was demanded by Baha'u'llah that he not witness the pitiful conditions and was allowed to meet his son above ground, where the son still fainted on sight of Baha'u'llah. At this or another time, after leaving the prison, Abdu'l-Baha was chased through the streets by mobs of children throwing stones.

 

[arthra]

Steve...

Good notes and I appreciate your catching some of these points i hadn't noticed before!

I think what I was interested in was the overall chronology of Baha'i history because it seems to be a question posed by many inquirers when they first come into contact with the Faith.

- Art

 

[BruceDLimber]

I'm somewhat surprised, Ron, that you didn't also mention "The Dawn-Breakers," by Nabil.

Regards,

Bruce

 

[smkolins]

Steve...

Good notes and I appreciate your catching some of these points i hadn't noticed before!

I think what I was interested in was the overall chronology of Baha'i history because it seems to be a question posed by many inquirers when they first come into contact with the Faith.

- Art

I understand. There are seemingly endless details one could refer to (like who is the first to know of Baha'u'llah's future....) but such obscurities drift from the drama and concise aspects of the history. It was a very good review.

 

[arthra]

From the "Brief History of the Baha'i Faith" endorsed by the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Boise, Idaho:


Aug - Nov 1852 In the Siyah-Chal, Baha'u'llah receives His Intimation that He is the Messenger of God for this Day. He leads the prisoners in song so loud that the Shah hears the singing from his palace. One by one, most of the other Babis chained with Him are executed. By now, an approximate total of 20,000 Babis had been martyred. Baha'u'llah is poisoned, but survives. Baha'u'llah's family and Russian Minister Prince Dolgorouki demonstrate the complete innocence of Baha'u'llah in the matter of the assassination attempt. Baha'u'llah is released after four months of imprisonment, carrying the deep marks of the chains throughout the remainder of His days. 'Abdu'l-Baha recognizes the full impact of the station of His Father. Baha'u'llah bestows upon His Son the designation "Mystery of God".
* 12 Jan 1853 Baha'u'llah is banished, chooses Baghdad for His place of exile. His wealth is confiscated and properties pillaged. His youngest son is left behind with relatives because of the lack of provisions and the harsh winter travel.
* 8 Apr 1853 Baha'u'llah arrives in Baghdad. Mirza Aqa Jan is the first to recognize Him as the Promised One. Baha'u'llah achieves great fame because of the love He shows the people and because of the great Writings He reveals. He is shown veneration by the populace. Mirza Yahya, prodded by Siyyid Muhammad [the Antichrist of the Baha'i Faith], begins to discredit Baha'u'llah out of jealousy.
* 10 Apr 1854 Baha'u'llah leaves for the mountains of Kurdistan (Sulaymaniyyih) so that He would not be a source of disunity among the Babis. Here he stays nearly two years in isolation, except for brief visits to a local town for provisions. Villagers who have contact with Him spread word of Him and are magnetized with His love. Meanwhile, under Mirza Yahya's direction, the Babi community degenerates. Out of desperation, 25 men claimed to be the Promised One foretold by the Bab. 'Abdu'l-Baha, heartbroken by His Father's absence, passes time by copying and memorizing the Bab's Writings.
* 19 Mar 1856 Fame of a man in the mountains of Kurdistan, had reached Baghdad. Baha'u'llah's family realized this man is Baha'u'llah and pleads for His return. He does return to Baghdad on this day and begins to rebuild the Babi community. The community grows in size and respect.
* 1856 Baha'u'llah reveals The Seven Valleys. Later reveals The Four Valleys.
* 1858 Baha'u'llah reveals the Hidden Words.
* circa 1860 Baha'u'llah applies for Ottoman nationality - obtains Turkish passports. Baha'u'llah's attendant is convinced to murder Him as He bathed, but struck by awe in His presence and remorse, he flees. Later, the same man approaches Baha'u'llah with a pistol, but again, in His presence, drops the pistol and flees. Famous meeting occurs between Baha'u'llah and clergy of several different faiths, in which the clergy concedes Baha'u'llah's knowledge and wisdom. They ask Him to perform a miracle as a final proof. Baha'u'llah agrees, but says they must all agree to one miracle (for the Cause of God is not a sideshow with hourly miracles) and put in writing that upon completion of the miracle, they must confess the truth of His Cause. The clergy could not agree on a miracle and drop the challenge. 'Abdu'l-Baha, now 15, visits the local mosques and has dialog with the learned and Himself becomes famous for His wisdom.
* circa 1861-2 Baha'u'llah reveals The Book of Certitude (Kitab-i-Iqan).
* 21 Mar 1863 Baha'u'llah reveals the Tablet of the Holy Mariner, in which He reveals gloomy predictions. Prompted by the stirrings of the clergy and the Persian Consul General of Baghdad, Baha'u'llah was invited to Istanbul on March 26th and given a sum of money for the journey by the Governor of Baghdad. Baha'u'llah accepts the invitation but gives all the money to the poor.
* 22 April 1863 Public declaration of the mission of Baha'u'llah in the Garden of Ridvan [meaning Paradise, then known as the Garden of Najibiyyih] in Baghdad on the shores of the Tigris River, nineteen years after the Bab's declaration, which fulfills the Bab's prophecy.
* 3 May 1863 Baha'u'llah, 11 family members and 26 disciples depart for Constantinople at noon. During the journey, they are accorded enthusiastic receptions wherever they stopped, being preceded by the government cavalry, flags flying and drums beating.
* 13 Aug 1863 Baha'u'llah departs by steamer from the port of Samsun to Constantinople.
* 16 Aug 1863 Arrival in Constantinople [the Sublime Porte] at noon. The house provided was too small. Within a month they were relocated to larger quarters. The Persian government is extremely upset with the courteousness and kindness shown by the Sultan toward Baha'u'llah, Who was received as a guest. Finally the Sultan was unable to resist the political pressure and issues the edict of banishment to the remote Adrianople (modern day Edirne). Baha'u'llah sends His first of many letters to the Kings and rulers of the world, to Sultan 'Abdu'l-'Aziz.
* 12 Dec 1863 Arrival in Adrianople [the Land of Mystery] after a bitterly cold 12 day journey. Here, Baha'u'llah publicly announces His mission, both to His followers and to the world in letters to the Kings, rulers, religious leaders and mankind in general including elected officials. Most Babis accept Him and become known as Baha'is. Note that Baha'u'llah's presence in Constantinople and Adrianople were the first time in recorded world history that a Manifestation of God set foot on European soil. Here, His revelation rose to its zenith; He is shown great respect by local officials, the diplomatic corps, and religious communities. Among those addressed by Baha'u'llah at this time were: Napoleon III, the Czar, Queen Victoria, the Pope, the Sultan and the Shah. In most cases, Baha'u'llah declares His Mission and makes demands of the ruler and states the consequences should He be rejected. All but Queen Victoria reject Him, and all but Queen Victoria succumb to defeat and humiliation, including Pope Pius IX.
* 1864 Baha'u'llah is poisoned by His half brother, Aqay-i-Kalim. He was seriously ill for a month and was left with a shaking hand until the end of His life. (Today, you can see the effects of the poisoning in the penmanship of Baha'u'llah, preserved in the Baha'i archives in Haifa.) Mirza Yahya has the well poisoned which provided water to Baha'u'llah's companions.
* 1865 Les Religions et les Philosophies dans l' Asie Centrale by the Comte de Gobineau is published, making the West aware of the Bab. 'Abdu'l-Baha becomes known by all as "The Master".
* some time later Baha'u'llah reveals the Tablet of Ahmad for Ahmad-i-Yazdi, a resident of Baghdad, who travels throughout Persia confirming that Baha'u'llah is the Promised One of all ages (part of the proof he gave was a written statement by the Bab "which declared that 'He Whom God shall make manifest' would bear the name Baha").
* 12 Aug 1868 Mirza Yahya [who had been given the title Subh-i-Azal (Morning of Eternity) by the Bab), responded to Baha'u'llah's public claim by also claiming he was a messenger of God. Due to the plotting,scheming and intrigues by Mirza Yahya (who was the constant willing tool of Siyyid Muhammad), the Sultan banishes Baha'u'llah and His companions to 'Akka, while Mirza Yahya and his party (the Azalis) are sent to Cyprus. Baha'u'llah and 66 of His followers departs from Adrianople, initially for Gallipoli. Additionally, the government decided that four of the Azalis would accompany the Baha'i group and vice versa. Siyyid Muhammad was one of the four to accompany Baha'u'llah. The lies and calumnies by Mirza Yahya and Siyyid Muhammad damaged the prestige of the Faith in the eyes of its western admirers such as E. G. Browne and A.L.M. Nicolas (the French Diplomat and translator of the Persian and Arabic Bayans). Yahya later died with no followers left to give him a burial as either a Babi or Baha'i.
* 21 Aug 1868 Baha'u'llah departs from Gallipoli by steamer for Haifa and then by sail to 'Akka.
* 31 Aug 1868 Arrival in 'Akka [the Most Great Prison, today known as Acre], a prison city for which it was said at that time that should a bird fly over it, the bird would surely fall to the ground dead for its foul air. During the first short while, almost all the prisoners became ill with malaria, dysentery or other sicknesses. 'Abdu'l-Baha tended to all the sick even though he himself contracted an illness. Baha'u'llah predicts that one day He will pitch His tent on Mt. Carmel. Three succumbed to their illnesses.
* 2 Sep 1868 The Governor of 'Akka visits the "desperate criminals" and is deeply impressed by 'Abdu'l-Baha. He is moved to improve their conditions. Another visitor states that "such pure and sanctified souls had never before been seen in 'Akka". Meanwhile, Siyyid Muhammad and Aqa Jan Big, the source of all the lies to the authorities, convinced some guards to move their quarters to overlook the land gate so that they could identify anyone who arrived if they were Baha'i and thus warning the guards, the pilgrims who had walked for weeks would be turned back without even a glimpse of Baha'u'llah through His cell window.
* 23 Jun 1870 Mirza Mihdi (the Purest Branch, Baha'u'llah's youngest son) falls through a skylight in the prison. Baha'u'llah offers to heal him but Mirza Mihdi instead offers his life as a sacrifice so that those who desire may undertake pilgrimages. Baha'u'llah accepts and the Purest Branch dies at age 22. 70 years later, his body is entombed in the Monument Gardens on Mount Carmel.
* 4 Nov 1870 Release from prison barracks to house within 'Akka (the house of 'Udi Khammar). This house was attached to the house of 'Abbud. The partition between them was later removed and became known as simply the house of 'Abbud.
* 23 Jan 1872 Murder of Siyyid Muhammad (the one who had constantly manipulated Mirza Yahya into his cowardly acts), Aqa Jan Big and another companion Covenant-breaker in 'Akka in retaliation for their persecutions. Baha'u'llah had forbidden any act of retaliation, but seven of His tormented companions succumbed. An army of men descended upon the Baha'is. The seven guilty men were confined for several years. The remainder were confined for six months. The distress caused to Baha'u'llah of this event was immeasurable: "That which can make Me ashamed is the conduct of such of My followers as profess to love Me".
* Aug - Sep 1872 Marriage of 'Abdu'l-Baha and Munirih Khanum. Four of their daughters survived the long imprisonment and distinguished themselves in their lives dedicated to service.
* 1873 A new governor of 'Akka is appointed. This one was captivated by 'Abdu'l-Baha and saw through the ploys of the antagonists. He asked Baha'u'llah what he could do of service: Baha'u'llah requested that the aqueduct be restored to operation. Baha'u'llah reveals the Kitab-i-Aqdas [the Most Holy Book, the Book of Laws and Ordinances of the Baha'i Faith]. In this Book is also found many more addresses to the rulers of the world and is the culmination of His formal declaration. The Baha'i community transformed into a respected community and Baha'is were allowed to open up shops.
* 1875 The new governor is transferred, expresses his sorrow at his separation from Baha'u'llah and His son.
* June 1877 Departure from 'Akka for the Mansion of Mazra'ih and His first visits to the Ridvan Garden.
* Sep 1879 Occupation of the Mansion of Bahji [Joy]. Baha'u'llah increasingly delegates affairs of the Baha'i community toward 'Abdu'l-Baha, helping the community to become gradually accustomed to 'Abdu'l-Baha's role after Baha'u'llah's passing.
* 1883 Visit by Baha'u'llah to Haifa
* 1886 Death of Baha'u'llah's wife Navvab in 'Akka
* April 1890 Edward Granville Browne of Cambridge University, interviews Baha'u'llah and visits with 'Abdu'l-Baha at Bahji.
* Spring 1890 and summer 1891 Two more visits by Baha'u'llah to Haifa; revelation of the Tablet of Carmel; Baha'u'llah's identification of the site of the future Shrine of the Bab.
* 1891 Baha'u'llah's revelation of the Epistle to the Son of the Wolf
* 1892 Revelation of the Kitab-i-'Ahd [the Book of the Covenant], the last Tablet revealed.
* 29 May 1892 Ascension of Baha'u'llah at 8 hours after sunset (approximately. 3AM) in Bahji, 'Akka.
* 7 Jun 1892 Unsealing and reading of Baha'u'llah's Kitab-i-'Ahd at Bahji. 'Abdu'l-Baha ["the Centre of the Covenant of Baha'u'llah", "the Master", "the Most Mighty Branch", "the Exemplar"] is appointed as the interpreter of His teachings and the source of authority in all affairs of the faith.

 

[smkolins]

ran across a set of chronologies here

 

[arthra]

I'm posting the third historical segment (we Baha'is call these Epochs) from the Baha'is of Boise, Idaho here... My thought being that it will serve as a reference for those trying to understand our history and who are interested in the chronology of events:

Third Epoch of the Heroic Age: 1892-1921: The Ministry of 'Abdu'l-Baha

* 1892-1896 Mirza Muhammad-'Ali [also a son of Baha'u'llah, designated The Greater Branch, second in rank to 'Abdu'l-Baha and half-brother of 'Abdu'l-Baha] undertakes covert campaign to discredit 'Abdu'l-Baha and assume leadership of the Baha'i Faith. 'Abdu'l-Baha chooses to keep silent and protect the community .
* 23 Sep 1893 First public mention of the Baha'i Faith in the West. In a session of the World's Parliament of Religions, the Reverend George A. Ford, a Syrian missionary, reads a paper talking about Baha'u'llah.
* Feb 1894 Dr. Ibrahim George Khayru'llah, having arrived in New York in 1892, moves to Chicago and seeks out people interested in the Baha'i Message.
* 1894 Thornton Chase becomes first American Baha'i. 'Abdu'l-Baha confers upon him the title "Steadfast". Louisa A. Moore becomes a Baha'i, given the title "Banner", i.e. Banner of the Cause, and is later designated by the Guardian as "the mother teacher of the West". She marries Edward Getsinger and becomes Lua Getsinger. Mrs. Phoebe Hearst, wife of Senator George F. Hearst, was taught by Lua Getsinger during one of Mrs. Getsinger's extensive travels throughout America.
* 1 Mar 1897 Shoghi Effendi, eldest grandson of 'Abdu'l-Baha, is born of 'Abdu'l-Baha's eldest daughter in the House of Abdu'llah Pasha.. He is descended from Baha'u'llah on his mother's side and related to the Bab on his father's side.
* 1898 Phoebe Hearst organizes historic pilgrimage of 15 early American Baha'is to meet 'Abdu'l-Baha. By now there are hundreds of Baha'is in America. The pilgrims arrive in 'Akka 10 Dec 1898. The hearts of the pilgrims are set ablaze by the love of 'Abdu'l-Baha, so much so that some believe 'Abdu'l-Baha is the return of Jesus Christ. 'Abdu'l-Baha corrects them, saying that He is the Servant of Baha. Robert Turner, the black butler of Mrs. Hearst, shown great kindness by 'Abdu'l-Baha, later becomes the first black Baha'i on the American continent. May Ellis Bolles is asked to teach the Faith in Paris. Dr. Khayru'llah, also among the pilgrims, sought 'Abdu'l-Baha's endorsement of his presentation of the Baha'i Faith. 'Abdu'l-Baha corrects his misconceptions and urged him to seriously study the Baha'i Writings. Khayru'llah refuses.
* 31 Jan 1899 Remains of the Bab finally arrive at Mt. Carmel. 'Abdu'l-Baha begins construction of a befitting resting-place.
* 1899 First Baha'i centre in Europe established in Paris.
* 1900 Dr. Khayru'llah violates Baha'u'llah's Covenant, establishes pact with Mirza Muhammad-'Ali and works against 'Abdu'l-Baha, trying to seize control of the Faith in the West. Almost none of the American Baha'is follow his lead; they remain faithful to 'Abdu'l-Baha. Khayru'llah would continue spreading his poison for two decades, but unsuccessful, finally returns to Syria.
* 1901 'Abdu'l-Baha and His family, until this time free to venture in the area, are once again confined to the prison walls of 'Akka as a consequence of His enemies representation to the authorities that 'Abdu'l-Baha was constructing a fort (in reality, the mausoleum) and building an army (in reality, just visiting pilgrims). He directs attention to correspondence while in prison and visits and assists the needy and the sick of 'Akka.
* summer 1901 May Ellis Bolles teaches Thomas Breakwell, first British Baha'i.
* 1902 May Ellis Bolles weds William Sutherland Maxwell, designer of the superstructure of the Shrine of the Bab, becomes May Maxwell. They establish their home in Montreal, Canada.
* 7 Jun 1903 'Abdu'l-Baha reveals Tablet calling for the erection of a Temple in America.
* 1904 First commission appointed by the Turkish government investigates the charges leveled against 'Abdu'l-Baha. The Spanish Consul offers Him safe passage to any foreign port, but 'Abdu'l-Baha refuses, saying He must abide by whatever the ruling.
* 1907 A second commission, composed of four corrupt officials, finally reaches a decision and announces that the charges against 'Abdu'l-Baha have been substantiated and that He was to be exiled or executed. Upon their return to Turkey, the Young Turk Revolution seizes hold and the four commissioners flee.
* Apr 1908 Purchase of some land for the future House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois.
* 1908 Some Answered Questions by Laura Clifford Barney published, based on her interviews of 'Abdu'l-Baha encompassing her four pilgrimages. The Young Turk Revolution frees all prisoners of the Ottoman Empire, including 'Abdu'l-Baha in September, Who is finally free to leave Palestine. 'Abdu'l-Baha drafts His Will and Testament, detailing the two principal institutions of the Faith (the Guardianship - the sole authority for the interpretation of the Baha'i teachings, and the Universal House of Justice - the primary legislative and administrative authority of the Baha'i community). He begins to focus on building the international community and the establishment of spiritual assemblies in North America and Persia, the forerunners of the future local Houses of Justice.
* 28 Nov 1928 Construction begins on the first Baha'i House of Worship ('Ishqabad, Russia).
* 20 Mar 1909 'Abdu'l-Baha inters the remains of the Bab on the spot chosen by Baha'u'llah years earlier.
* 1909 First of the tablets of 'Abdu'l-Baha published in the West.
* 1910 Though in very poor health due to his long imprisonment, 'Abdu'l-Baha journeys to Egypt to spread the Faith.
* 11 Aug 1911 'Abdu'l-Baha sails for Marseille and later journeys to London (September) and Paris. In December, He returns to Egypt.
* 11 Apr 1912 'Abdu'l-Baha arrives in New York City at the request of the American Baha'is. Visits many cities including Chicago where He laid the cornerstone for "the Mother Temple of the West", Eliot Maine where Sarah Farmer, founder of Green Acre, later opened her facility for Baha'i training, and Montreal where He was the guest of William and May Maxwell, whose home later became the first Canadian Baha'i centre, and whose daughter Mary was to become the wife of Shoghi Effendi. During the next 239 days, 'Abdu'l-Baha spoke at countless churches, halls and homes on many topics such as the basic principles of the Faith, philosophical , moral and spiritual topics, and spoke to church congregations, peace societies, trade unions, university faculties, etc. The talks are later published as "The Promulgation of Universal Peace".
* 1 May 1912 'Abdu'l-Baha lays the foundation stone for the first Baha'i House of Worship in the West at Wilmette, Illinois.
* 19 Oct 1912 'Abdu'l-Baha visits the grave of Thornton Chase in Inglewood, California.
* 29 Jun 1912 'Abdu'l-Baha hosts first Unity Feast at the Wilhelm properties in W. Englewood, New Jersey.
* 5 Dec 1912 'Abdu'l-Baha sails for England, visits Liverpool, London, Bristol and Edinburgh. He visits Paris, Stuttgart, Budapest and Vienna.
* May 1913 'Abdu'l-Baha returns to Egypt.
* 5 Dec 1913 'Abdu'l-Baha returns to Haifa.
* July 1914 By now, 'Abdu'l-Baha has dismissed all the pilgrims from the Holy Land. He has predicted a great world conflict.
* August 1914 The Great War begins and contact between 'Abdu'l-Baha and the West is cut off. 'Abdu'l-Baha again becomes a prisoner of the Turkish government as a result of the machinations of Mirza Muhammad-'Ali and again lives under the constant threat of execution.
* 1916-1917 Tablets of the Divine Plan, the mandate for the global expansion of the Faith, is sent to America.
* 1918 Shoghi Effendi receives Bachelor of Arts degree from the American University at Beirut.
* 23 Sep 1918 'Akka is liberated by British and Indian cavalry and 'Abdu'l-Baha is again freed.
* 1919 First Convention of the Covenant held in New York City. Later that year, Shoghi Effendi Rabbani [Rabbani meaning "Divine", surname given to him by 'Abdu'l-Baha] was acting as the Master's secretary, translator and right-hand man. Shoghi becomes known in "high" circles.
* winter 1919 J. E. Esslemont visits for ten weeks, and in 1927 publishes Baha'u'llah and the New Era.
* 27 Apr 1920 'Abdu'l-Baha's humanitarian services, having saved thousands of people from famine in Palestine after the War due to His personal organization of extensive agricultural operations near Tiberias, results in British Government knighthood.
* 24 Sep 1920 Excavation begins for the foundation of the House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois.
* 1920 'Abdu'l-Baha sends Shoghi Effendi to Oxford to perfect his english. Shoghi Effendi believes his lot in life to be that of a translator and servant of 'Abdu'l-Baha.
* 20 Dec 1920 Construction begins on the House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois.
* 28 Nov 1921 'Abdu'l-Baha dies after a brief illness at 1AM in Haifa. Over ten thousand people, including Muslim, Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Jewish and Druze dignitaries, the British High Commissioner and governors of Jerusalem and Phoenicia attend. Nine speakers, prominent representatives of the Muslim, Christian and Jewish communities, eulogize His pure and noble life. By now the Baha'i community has spread throughout the Middle East, India and North America but most Baha'is still resided in Persia. 'Abdu'l-Baha's last instructions are in an envelope addressed to Shoghi Effendi. < /UL>

 

[smkolins]

I'm posting the third historical segment (we Baha'is call these Epochs) from the Baha'is of Boise, Idaho here... My thought being that it will serve as a reference for those trying to understand our history and who are interested in the chronology of events:
...
* July 1914 By now, 'Abdu'l-Baha has dismissed all the pilgrims from the Holy Land. He has predicted a great world conflict.
* August 1914 The Great War begins and contact between 'Abdu'l-Baha and the West is cut off. 'Abdu'l-Baha again becomes a prisoner of the Turkish government as a result of the machinations of Mirza Muhammad-'Ali and again lives under the constant threat of execution.
* 1916-1917 Tablets of the Divine Plan, the mandate for the global expansion of the Faith, is sent to America.
...
* 27 Apr 1920 'Abdu'l-Baha's humanitarian services, having saved thousands of people from famine in Palestine after the War due to His personal organization of extensive agricultural operations near Tiberias, results in British Government knighthood.

For those looking for content reviewing this period, one of some of the most momentous for the Baha'is and the world at large, and how closely they intertwined, I would commend the book "The Servant, The General, and Armageddon" which synthesizes a number of first hand accounts into a history of events in this area. Unfortunately I can find no significant reference to the work online except from it's publisher. Some other references speak of these events as well (1 and 2 for example.)

The abstract of the book is as follows:

"They called the kings together at the place, called in Hebrew, Armageddon. The seventh angel emptied his bowl into the air, and a voice shouted from the sanctuary, 'The end has come'. Then there were flashes of lightning and peals of thunder and the most violent earthquake that anyone has ever seen since there have been men on the earth.
Revelation 16:16-18

The world war, which has raged across Europe, North Africa and the Ottoman Empire for four years, is finally drawing to a close. General Edmund H. H. Allenby - broad-shouldered, square-jawed man possessed of great physical strength, 'an explosive general' - marches his army north past Megiddo, 'the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon'. The goal: the town of Haifa in the north of Palestine.
In Haifa the small and terrified Bahá'í community gathers in the house of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, the head of the Bahá'í Faith. 'Abdu'l-Bahá calms the excited Bahá'ís and calls them to prayer. He assures them that all will be well. But His own life has been threatened by the Ottoman leader, Djemal Pasha.
Here is the intriguing story of a battle foretold in the Hebrew Bible that linked the lives of two men who shaped history in very different ways. Published to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Armageddon."

However a paper by an individual Baha'i covering many of the issues, and looking more at prophecies about Armageddon, can be found here

 

[arthra]

Again from the Baha'is of Boise Idaho in a continuing excerpt on Baha'i history:

First Epoch of the Formative Age: 1921 - 1947

* 29 Dec 1921 Shoghi Effendi arrives in Haifa, accompanied by Lady Blomfeld and Rouhangeze.
* 3 Jan 1922 Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Baha formally read. The Guardianship is inaugurated and Shoghi Effendi is appointed the Guardian of the Baha'i Faith: the sole authoritative interpreter of the Baha'i Writings. As interpreter, the Guardian analyzed world events in the light of Baha'i Scriptures and sent lengthy letters to Baha'i communities throughout the world with his results. He was asked numerous questions on a broad range of topics. His answers comprise a significant portion of the interpretation of the Baha'i Writings. Shunning any personal acknowledgement or praise, the Guardian forbid any commemoration of events associated with his life and fulfilled his role largely outside of public view; a stark contrast to the charismatic style of 'Abdu'l-Baha. Generally speaking, the Guardian concentrated on: the development of the Baha'i World Center, the translation and interpretation of Baha'i Teachings, the expansion of the administrative order, and the implementation of the divine plan of 'Abdu'l-Baha.
* 15 Dec 1922 Shoghi Effendi returns to Holy Land to resume duties as Guardian.
* 16 Feb 1923 Declaration of the first native Hawaiian Baha'i on (Mae Tilton Fantom, Maui).
* 12 Mar 1923 Shoghi Effendi calls for the establishment of Loca and National Baha'i Funds.
* 1923 National Spiritual Assemblies are formed in British Isles, Germany and India.
* 1924 National Spiritual Assembly is formed in Egypt.
* 1925 National Spiritual Assembly is formed in the United States and Canada (one mutual assembly at this time).
* 1 Aug 1927 Baha'i Summer School opened at Geyserville, California.
* 14 Feb 1929 Work begins on three additional chambers of the Shrine of the Bab.
* 3 Mar 1929 League of Nations Council resolution upholds the Baha'i Community's claim to Baha'u'llah's house in Baghdad.
* 27 Nov 1929 Restoration of the Mansion at Bahji begins.
* 15 Jul 1932 Passing of the Greatest Holy Leaf (Bahiyyih Khanum), Baha'u'llah's daughter, in Haifa. She was the loyal stalwart supporter of the Faith and provided Shoghi Effendi with invaluable support after his appointment as Guardian.
* 1934 National Spiritual Assembly is formed in Persia and Australia.
* 10 May 1934 Tax exemption for Baha'i properties on Mt. Carmel announced.
* 21 Apr 1937 First Seven-Year Plan launched. Goals: to establish at least one local spiritual assembly in every state of the United States and every province of Canada; to make certain that at least one Baha'i teacher was residing in each Latin American republic; to complete the exterior design of the first Baha'i house of worship in North America. The plan was successfully completed in 1944, the centenary of the Bab's declaration.
* 25 Dec 1939 Remains of 'Abdu'l-Baha's Mother (Navvab - The Most Exalted Leaf) and Brother (The Purest Branch) interred together on Mt. Carmel.
* 21 Apr 1946 Second Seven-Year Plan launched. This plan focused on Europe, which only had national spiritual assemblies in Great Britain and Germany. It also called for the formation of local spiritual assemblies in Latin America and a vast increase in assemblies in North America. The plan was successfully completed in 1953, the centenary of Baha'u'llah's Intimation.
* 15 Dec 1946 Completion of plans for erection of arcade of the Shrine of the Bab.

 

[Silverbackman]

I have a question on how Baha'u'llah recieved his revelation. I always characterize three type beings from God;

1. Actual incarnations of God, who are a God in a man's body (ie Jesus, Krishna by some).

2. Prophets of God, who God speaks directly to from heaven (ie Mohammed, Moses).

3. People filled with the knowledge on what God wants but have not ever talked to God directly or not a God themselves. (ie Buddha, Guru Nanak Dev).

I assume Baha'u'llah is number 3? What would Baha'u'llah be characterized as?

 

[arthra]

Baha'u'llah's Revelation:

Silverbackman wrote:

I have a question on how Baha'u'llah recieved his revelation. I always characterize three type beings from God;

1. Actual incarnations of God, who are a God in a man's body (ie Jesus, Krishna by some).

2. Prophets of God, who God speaks directly to from heaven (ie Mohammed, Moses).

3. People filled with the knowledge on what God wants but have not ever talked to God directly or not a God themselves. (ie Buddha, Guru Nanak Dev).

I assume Baha'u'llah is number 3? What would Baha'u'llah be characterized as?

My reply:

Well of course you can believe as you wish but the Baha'i view is different than yours on a few points...

We don't believe God incarnates Himself in a man's body. God in our view is perfectly reflected in a Manifestation of God like a perfect Mirror. So through that medium of the Perfect Mirror God's attributes are reflected to humanity.

We view Krishna, Moses, Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad, the Bab and Baha'u'llah as Manifestations of God and that God was perfectly reflected in all of Them... So if you were around when Jesus was on the earth you would be correct if you said that you saw God in Him... this was a simple teaching but not easily grasped at the time and people began to think Jesus was God and so this concept of incarnation became widespread...but in our view this was not accurate.

There were lesser prophets and teachers that took their inspiration from the Manifestation...So the Disciples received their inspiration from Christ... They were dependent on the inspiration from Christ. Aaron and Mariam and the other prophets of the "Old Covenant" were under the inspiration of Moses...reflected from His radiance..

Now to your question about Baha'u'llah..."how Baha'u'llah recieved his revelation"

Looking down chronologically on the list I posted a few days ago this occurred as follows:

"Aug - Nov 1852 In the Siyah-Chal, Baha'u'llah receives His Intimation that He is the Messenger of God for this Day. He leads the prisoners in song so loud that the Shah hears the singing from his palace. One by one, most of the other Babis chained with Him are executed. By now, an approximate total of 20,000 Babis had been martyred. Baha'u'llah is poisoned, but survives. Baha'u'llah's family and Russian Minister Prince Dolgorouki demonstrate the complete innocence of Baha'u'llah in the matter of the assassination attempt."

So it occurred around the late Fall of 1852 in the darkness of the Siyah Chal Prison which was like a pit or well where He was chained with large heavy chains that left an impression on His skin.. Anyone else would have thought there was no way He could survive these circumstances... Most men died in prison or were executed... Note they even tried to poison Him as well! But He survived it all...

Here is a description:

"I was but a man like others, asleep upon My couch, when lo, the breezes of the All-Glorious were wafted over Me, and taught Me the knowledge of all that hath been. This thing is not from Me, but from One Who is Almighty and All-Knowing. And He bade Me lift up My voice between earth and heaven, and for this there befell Me what caused the tears of every man of understanding to flow."

In another place He revealed:

"I lay asleep on my couch, O my God, when lo, the gentle winds of Thy grace and Thy loving-kindness passed over me, and wakened me through the power of Thy sovereignty and Thy gifts, and bade me arise before Thy servants, and speak forth Thy praise, and glorify Thy word. Thereupon most of Thy people reviled me."

Mujan Momen wrote:

"With Moses, it was the episode of the Burning Bush; in the case of the Buddha, it was his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree; for Christ, the descent of the Spirit of God in the form of a dove lighting upon him after his baptism by John; with Muammad, it was the appearance to him of the Angel Gabriel on the side of Mount Hira; for the Báb, it was a vision of the head of the Imam Husayn; and in the case of Bahá'u'lláh, it was a Maid of Heaven who appeared before him as he lay in chains in a dungeon in Tehran."

Here is what Baha'u'llah revealed:

"But when I saw myself at the culmination of calamity, I heard, from above
my head, the Most Wonderful [wonderful] and Melodious Voice [melodious
voice], and when I turned I witnessed an Houri [a Maiden] (Nymph of
Paradise) of the celebration of the Name of my Lord, suspended in the air
on a level with my head; [.] I saw her, that she was indeed rejoicing
within herself as though the embroidered Garment [garment] of pleasure was
manifesting itself upon her face, and the brightness of the Merciful was
apparent upon her cheeks; and between the earth and heaven, she was
uttering a call, by which all the hearts and minds will be drawn, and at
the same time, gladdening all the limbs of my internal and external being,
with glad-tidings that made my soul rejoice, and those of the noble
servants. Then with her finger, she pointed to my head, and addressed all
those in heaven and earth saying: "By God, This is indeed the Beloved of
the universe, but ye do not understand! This is the Beauty of God among
you, and His Dominion within you, if ye are those who know! This is the
Mystery of God, His Treasure, the Command of God, and His Glory, to those
who are in the Kingdom of power and creation were ye of those who reason!
This is the One whose meeting will be longed for by all those who dwell in
the everlasting spiritual world, and who have taken a station for
themselves in the tents of El-ABHA [El-Abha] while ye yourselves are
turned away from His Beauty!"
....

 

[Popeyesays]

Re: Baha'u'llah's Revelation:

"Aug - Nov 1852 In the Siyah-Chal, Baha'u'llah receives His Intimation that He is the Messenger of God for this Day. He leads the prisoners in song so loud that the Shah hears the singing from his palace. One by one, most of the other Babis chained with Him are executed. By now, an approximate total of 20,000 Babis had been martyred. Baha'u'llah is poisoned, but survives. Baha'u'llah's family and Russian Minister Prince Dolgorouki demonstrate the complete innocence of Baha'u'llah in the matter of the assassination attempt."

So it occurred around the late Fall of 1852 in the darkness of the Siyah Chal Prison which was like a pit or well where He was chained with large heavy chains that left an impression on His skin.. Anyone else would have thought there was no way He could survive these circumstances... Most men died in prison or were executed... Note they even tried to poison Him as well! But He survived it all...
....

I cannot find any record of a poisoning attempt on Baha`u'llah while in the Siyah Chal (Late 1852). There's no mention in God Passes By, nor The Revelation of Baha`u'llah. If he suffered from poisoning in the disgusting conditions of the old cistern converted into a dungeon it was probably a microbe causing dysentery. Food was not provided to prisoners in those days, it had to be brought in by the families of the prisoners and the guards bribed to deliver it.

In 1867, Baha`u'llah's younger half-brother Subhi Azal (Mirza Yahya) did indeed attempt to poison Him, and He nearly died from the poisoning. The poisoning left him with a palsied right hand which affected His penmanship from that day on. Yahya was quick to claim that the poison was meant for Him, but of the two only Baha`u'llah was treated medically at the time for any problems. Yahya also made two other attempts to have Baha`u'llah killed, one a badmash (thug) was hired to shoot Baha`u'llah in the street, but He was dumbstruck by Baha`u'llah's person and later declared himself a Baha`i. The second was when Yahya tried to hire Baha`u'llah's barber to cut His throat while He was shaved. The barber was indignant and reported the attempted conspiracy to the Turkish authorities and to Baha`u'llah.

Regards,
Scott

 

[smkolins]

Re: Baha'u'llah's Revelation:

I cannot find any record of a poisoning attempt on Baha`u'llah while in the Siyah Chal (Late 1852). There's no mention in God Passes By, nor The Revelation of Baha`u'llah. If he suffered from poisoning in the disgusting conditions of the old cistern converted into a dungeon it was probably a microbe causing dysentery. Food was not provided to prisoners in those days, it had to be brought in by the families of the prisoners and the guards bribed to deliver it.

In 1867, Baha`u'llah's younger half-brother Subhi Azal (Mirza Yahya) did indeed attempt to poison Him, and He nearly died from the poisoning. The poisoning left him with a palsied right hand which affected His penmanship from that day on. Yahya was quick to claim that the poison was meant for Him, but of the two only Baha`u'llah was treated medically at the time for any problems. Yahya also made two other attempts to have Baha`u'llah killed, one a badmash (thug) was hired to shoot Baha`u'llah in the street, but He was dumbstruck by Baha`u'llah's person and later declared himself a Baha`i. The second was when Yahya tried to hire Baha`u'llah's barber to cut His throat while He was shaved. The barber was indignant and reported the attempted conspiracy to the Turkish authorities and to Baha`u'llah.

That is generally my understanding as well. I presumed the mention of poisoning was a general environmental statement (a poisonous situation).

 

[smkolins]

Re: Baha'u'llah's Revelation:

We don't believe God incarnates Himself in a man's body. God in our view is perfectly reflected in a Manifestation of God like a perfect Mirror. So through that medium of the Perfect Mirror God's attributes are reflected to humanity.

We view Krishna, Moses, Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad, the Bab and Baha'u'llah as Manifestations of God and that God was perfectly reflected in all of Them... So if you were around when Jesus was on the earth you would be correct if you said that you saw God in Him... this was a simple teaching but not easily grasped at the time and people began to think Jesus was God and so this concept of incarnation became widespread...but in our view this was not accurate.

There were lesser prophets and teachers that took their inspiration from the Manifestation...So the Disciples received their inspiration from Christ... They were dependent on the inspiration from Christ. Aaron and Mariam and the other prophets of the "Old Covenant" were under the inspiration of Moses...reflected from His radiance..

I generally agree but it's worth mentioning some of the details alittle more - Baha'is refer to Greater Prophets or Lesser Prophets on occasion. They are the same that Greater Prophets get Their Revelation from God, generally in the form of a Holy Book. Lesser Prophets, as mentioned above, recieve Their Revelation from the Greater Prophets and thus indirectly from God. They may have this Revelation recorded but it is generally within the context of the Revelation of the Greater Prophet. It is these Greater Prophets to which Baha'is normally refer to as Manifestations of God.

But there are people who write volumns or segments of Scripture which are not Prophets as Baha'is use the term - there are seers, people inspired by the age, poets, philosophers, etc. Just as Baha'is have a limited non-exhaustive list of Greater Prophets we have similar mentions of Lesser Prophets, and these other categories. If I recall, Isaiah is called the greatest of the Lesser Prophets under the dispensation of Moses, the Mormon founder Joseph Smith is called a seer, and Socrates and Confuscious are called divine philosophers.

By the term prophet means different things in different religions - Judaism vs Christianity vs Islam all have their own forms. I am particularly struck by Moses being a Prophet vs some new testament references to prophets being a common position in churches who often need to be corrected by apostles.

 

[arthra]

They sought to poison Him...

"He was taken to the Síyáh-Chál in the hopes he would betray Bahá'u'lláh, Whom he had previously met several times before in his master's company, promising him the Sháh's mother would amply reward him for it. However, every time he was taken into His presence, stood before Him for a few moments, and gazed on His face, he would leave, emphatically denying having ever seen Him.

"Having failed, they sought to poison Him to win the Sháh's mother's favor. Though they intercepted the food He was sent from home and poisoned it, and though it did impair His health for years, He was not killed as they had hoped."

Source:

http://www.bahai-library.com/study/dawnbreakers/db26.html

 

[smkolins]

Re: They sought to poison Him...

"He was taken to the Síyáh-Chál in the hopes he would betray Bahá'u'lláh, Whom he had previously met several times before in his master's company, promising him the Sháh's mother would amply reward him for it. However, every time he was taken into His presence, stood before Him for a few moments, and gazed on His face, he would leave, emphatically denying having ever seen Him.

"Having failed, they sought to poison Him to win the Sháh's mother's favor. Though they intercepted the food He was sent from home and poisoned it, and though it did impair His health for years, He was not killed as they had hoped."

Source:

http://www.bahai-library.com/study/dawnbreakers/db26.html

Learn something new!

Also mentioned here!!

 

[Popeyesays]

Re: They sought to poison Him...

Learn something new!

Also mentioned here!!

Indeed one does! Thank you for the reference.

Regards,
Scott

 

[arthra]

OK Guys... I think I may have found what to me is really an error in this Boise Baha'i History. Check out:

"1864 Baha'u'llah is poisoned by His half brother, Aqay-i-Kalim. He was seriously ill for a month and was left with a shaking hand until the end of His life. (Today, you can see the effects of the poisoning in the penmanship of Baha'u'llah, preserved in the Baha'i archives in Haifa.) Mirza Yahya has the well poisoned which provided water to Baha'u'llah's companions."

Actually Aqay-i-Kalim or Mirza Musa was a full brother of Baha'u'llah and loyal to Him so I think what was meant was "Mirza Yahya" ... Recall that Baha'u'llah was invited to the home of Mirza Yahya and offered some onion flavored food ...

I posted the Boise Baha'i material because it gives a good general idea of chronology... but i really think there was a mess up on this re. Aqay-i-Kalim.

- Art