The Dawn-Breakers Study Outline
Chapter 3
6) Jump to the actual Chapters of The Dawn-Breakers:Intro.1 Intro.2 Preface 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Epilogue Other Sections
Introduction Preface 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Epilogue
For other sections, see the Contents page.
Inspired disciples saddened by attacks on them after Siyyid Kázim's death
Reminded them they were to leave and seek him but they did not respond
Imám Ja'far had said Cause shall be revealed then
Muhyi'd-Dín-i-'Arabí wrote followers to be Persian, name to be 'Alí-Muhammad, Mírzá Muhammad-i-Akhbárí (poet) and tradition of 'Alí predicts renewal of Faith
Left with Muhammad-Hasan (brother) and Muhammad-Báqir (nephew)
Retired for 40 days in prayer & fasting
Mullá 'Alíy-i-Bastámí (learned disciple of Siyyid Kázim) and 12 companions joined up with them and followed suit.
Sensed previous presence of Báb in Búshihr but drawn to Shíráz
Said he would "God Willing" join them later in evening prayer
Greeted and embraced lovingly, told to commit companions to care of God.
Poured water for ablutions, gave a refreshing beverage and tea, assured him he was not breaking his pledge by missing the evening prayer. The Báb declared Himself to be the Promised One, Mullá Husayn was skeptical & felt remorse after expressing this. Asked Báb to unravel treatise and then reveal a commentary on the Súrih of Joseph. Báb complied and more, then said that it was not for his servants to judge Him and then revealed the first chapter of His commentary. Mullá Husayn begged to leave but Báb assured that he would be considered mad, pointed out significance of the night, ordered food, revealed verses, explained what was happening, and gave him instructions.
Mullá Husayn followed instructions and was told that companions would arrive.
Companions looked to Husayn for answers--he assured them, directed them to trust in God. Mullá 'Alí came with and the evening was repeated without argument. 12 other companions found him (and 3 others eventually).
Quddús (Hájí Mullá Muhammad-'Alíy-i-Bárfurúshí-(SAQ, p. 54)) sought him out, recognized Him through communion. (Quddús was favored disciple of Siyyid Kázim despite his modest appearance & behavior)
Was born of well-liked nobility, lost His father when an infant/young child.
Uncle, Hájí Mírzá Siyyid 'Alí placed the Báb under tutelage of Shaykh 'Ábid who was astounded when He interpreted Qur'án and returned Him to uncle. Uncle induced Him back to school, he was induced to take Him instead into business in which He excelled also.
Married and had a son, Ahmad, who died. Báb described this as but one sacrifice for Beloved before martyrdom as He asked for world unity.
Engaged here in commercial pursuits (insistently returned sum He had not invested to client at appreciated value) but on Fridays devoted to worship, directed gaze to Sun though heedless imagined Him to be directing to physical sun. Tenderly & tearfully attended meetings in praise of Imám Husayn (Bahá'u'lláh was return of Imám Husayn).
18 Letters of the Living were enrolled.
Recognized Him in a dream, sent a letter to Him. She (Zarrín-Táj (Crown of Gold)) was daughter of renowned Bálá-Sarí mujtahid who supported Siyyid Kázim and praised Shaykh Ahmad's teachings in letter to Siyyid Kázim. He responded in praise of her, leading to her title Qurratu'l-'Ayn. After Badasht, those who sought to undermine her were silenced as the Báb titled her Táhirih.
Had participated in discussions behind veil as bold, learned exponent of Islám.
Worshipers who entered the upper section of the shrine of the Imám Husayn The Shaykhís felt it improper to do so.
The Báb dismissed Mullá Husayn and assured him of assistance and protection until his task was accomplished. Told him that Quddús instead would join Him on pilgrimage. Told him to visit cities, alluded to secret (Bahá'u'lláh) in Tihrán, and told him to await instructions once in Najaf and Karbilá.
The Báb directed him to Najaf and Karbilá, alluded to severe trials and enjoined steadfastness as he was 1st to suffer for His sake. Mullá 'Alí left promptly.
Youth sought Mullá 'Alí and asked to join him as he saw him standing in the same place he had seen him in a dream as Imám 'Alí distributing charters of salvation. Mullá 'Alí tried to dissuade him to no avail.
'Abdu'l-Vahháb's father through pride of his court position and out of anger, savagely beat Mullá 'Alí while Mullá 'Alí calmly exhorted him and predicted that he would later feel regret. The father brought the son home who related the story of the dream. The father felt regret until Bahá'u'lláh Himself taught and forgave him. Mullá 'Alí taught that His proof was His Word--He revealed verses of all subjects to equal Qur'án in 48 hours which took Muhammad 23 years. Shaykh Muhammad-Hasan (ecclesiastic) denounced and abused him, brought him in chains to government and advocated his death for blasphemy. Was imprisoned (merchant urged the Muftí to judge him dispassionately which he refused. Reports of Mullá 'Alí's eventual death conflicted, but still a hero.
Gave special commands to remaining Letters (return to native province, raise the call, but do not divulge His name) and urged detachment and perseverance and assured assistance.
The Báb comforted Mullá Husayn as to not accompanying Him on pilgrimage and gave him further courage.
The Declaration of the Báb's Mission
(Condensed Summary of Chapter 3)
Cross-References for Chapter 3