Quddús:

1. Contents

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About: The book presents the fascinating, real-life story of Quddús, the son of a poor Persian rice farmer who rose to become the most illustrious disciple of the Báb. Thoroughly researched and broad in scope, it is a story of the rugged journey, filled with pathos and exhilarating triumph at every turn, during the five short, eventful years he spent in absolute servitude to the Báb. We experience the vivid details of a life which left no room for settling down, as he valiantly approached the centre of an intense, ever-increasing maelstrom at the very inception and birth of a new world religion, fraught with opposition and intrigue, yet filled with spiritual confirmations culminating in an unprecedented climax.

This work also features new translations of select Tablets by Bahá’u’lláh and the Báb, as well as previously unpublished writings of Quddús. The book spans 605 pages and includes 87 illustrations.

             Table of Contents

Acknowledgments .......... viii
Illustrations .......... xi
Foreword .......... xv

Preface

Part I
 The seeker
	1.	The early years .......... 1
	2.	Years of study .......... 11
	3.	Finding the Promised One .......... 36
	4.	The chosen companion .......... 47
	5.	“First to suffer persecution in Persia” .......... 62

Part II 
The promoter
	6.	A special mission from the Báb .......... 81
	7.	Quddús in Mázindarán .......... 92
	8.	Two extraordinary friends reunited .......... 103
	9.	The House of Bábíyyih .......... 115

Part III:
 The leader
	10.	The Badasht conference .......... 133
	11.	August 1848 – Five stories .......... 155
	12.	The long march of Mullá Ḥusayn .......... 168
	13.	Settling into Shaykh Ṭabarsí .......... 191

Part IV
 The hero
	14.	The eight Shaykh Ṭabarsí battles .......... 205
	15.	Living conditions in Shaykh Ṭabarsí fort .......... 269
	16.	The massacre of 10 May 1849 .......... 296

Part V
 The martyr
	17.	Martyrdom of Quddús .......... 311
	18.	The family of Quddús .......... 344

The saint
	19.	The station of Quddús .......... 357
	20.	Reverence for Quddús .......... 375
	21.	The pen of Quddús .......... 385

Part VII
 His legacy
	22.	In retrospect .......... 395
	23.	What happened next .......... 408
	24.	Quddús as the mirror of the Báb .......... 416

Part VIII 
Miscellanea
	25.	Shrine of Quddús .......... 437
	26.	Conceptions of the early Bábís .......... 452
	27.	The role of women and families in Shaykh Ṭabarsí .......... 476
	28.	Prayers and letters by Quddús .......... 490
	29.	Quddús in the arts .......... 497
	30.	Social impact .......... 507

Afterword - My writing journey .......... 528

Appendix
	1.	Tablet of Visitation for Mullá Ḥusayn and Quddús .......... 532
	2.	Tablet of Visitation for Quddús .......... 537
	3.	A tribute to Mullá Ḥusayn  .......... 539

Glossary and pronunciation guide .......... 546
Index of names .......... 549
Bibliography .......... 554

2. Sample chapters

3. Reviews

"The importance of exploring the early history of religions cannot be overstated. This is especially important with the 19th century Bábí religion which rapidly evolved from a messianic movement to a globally esteemed Bahá'í Faith. Through his two recent publications, The Dispensation of the Báb and Quddús the First in Rank, Professor Boris Handal has offered a substantial body of valuable information that enables us to discern the intrinsic connection between the Bábí and the Bahá'í religions despite the stark differences in their worldviews."

— Fereydun Vahman, Professor Emeritus, University of Copenhagen

“Quddús' exemplary sacrifice and unwavering devotion to the teachings of the Báb, aimed at bringing about a new reality in all spheres of human endeavour, have served as an inspiration to many. Boris Handal's detailed book on the life of Quddús will surely inspire many more and provide them with complete information about his life."

— Dr Amin Egea, author of the two volumes of The Apostle of Peace

“How can one obtain a better impression of one who was described by the Guardian of the Bahá'í Faith as 'the essence of sanctity and purity'. most certainly throughout the Bahá'í Dispensation. Bahá'ís will laudably try to get a better impression of this 'stainless mirror' of the Báb's Manifestation. This book is the first time an author has dedicated his whole endeavour to get us closer to Quddús, to enable us to look more closely at the rays of sanctity and holiness reflected upon us. It is a great accompaniment to the immortal pages and passages of the Guardian's abiding Dawn-breakers."

— Dr Khazeh Fananapazir, Bahá'í translator and author

“This gripping book brings to life the extraordinary account of Quddús, one of the most revered figures in Bahá'í history. The author transports readers to the tumultuous dawn of the Bábí religion, which shook the foundations of nineteenth-century Persia. The story of Quddús's life and sacrifice, unwavering faith, and spiritual conviction-rendered in poignant detail-blaze forth from the chapters of Quddús: The First in Rank and resonate in readers long after the final page is turned."

— Dr Omid Ghaemmaghami, Associate Professor of Arabic and Islamic Studies at the State University of New York

"In his comprehensive biography of Quddús, the 'most outstanding disciple' of the Báb. Boris Handal has told us more about the great Bábí hero than can be found anywhere else. Professor Handal has combined his astounding diligence-and talent for research-with his geographical knowledge of Persia. He has produced more than a book but rather an encyclopaedia."

— Michael Day, author of Point of Adoration: The story of the Shrine of Baha'u'llah 1873-1892, and a trilogy telling the story of the Shrine of the Báb

"Boris Handal has written an engaging, accessible, and extensive biography of Quddús, a pivotal figure in the drama of the early Bábí movement which unfolded in nineteenth-century Iran. What sets this book apart is its valuable historical context that enriches our understanding of the life of Quddús.”

— Dr Zackery Mirza Heern, Professor of History, Idaho State University

“Quddús: The First in Rank is the most comprehensive work in English on Quddús (who 'reflected more than any of the disciples of the Báb the light of His teaching,' according to Shoghi Effendi), portraying Quddús, in five parts, as a seeker, promoter, leader, hero and saint. Well researched, engaging."

— Dr Christopher Buck, author of God & Apple Pie: Religious Myths and Visions of America and Religious Myths and Visions of America