• His reference to Mirza Buzurg     109
• His visit to Nur prior to Mulla Husayn's arrival in Tihran     111
  • a. His meeting with Mirza Muhammad-Taqiy-i-Nuri     111
  • b. The two dreams of Mirza Muhammad-Taqiy-i-Nuri     111
• His visit to Nur after Mulla Husayn's arrival in Tihran     112
  • a. His relations with His uncle Aziz     113
  • b. His meeting with Mulla Muhammad     113
  • c. His conversation with a dervish     117
  • d. The effects of Baha'u'llah's visit to Nur     118
• The Vazir's dream of Baha'u'llah     119
• The relations of Baha'u'llah with Haji Mirza Aqasi     120

Extended Contents View with Summaries

   
• His reference to Mirza Buzurg     109    

  Bahá'u'lláh relates story of how His father, despite misfortunes and attacks on him, maintained his benevolence, dignity, and kindness.

• His visit to Nur prior to Mulla Husayn's arrival in Tihran     111
     
  Bahá'u'lláh had visited Núr before the Declaration of the Báb
  
  
  • a. His meeting with Mirza Muhammad-Taqiy-i-Nuri     111    

    Bahá'u'lláh lucidly expounded an abstruse Islamic teaching amidst disciples of Mírzá Muhammad-Taqíy-i-Núrí, a very well-respected mujtahid who was disappointed that his followers were incapable of answering what One Who wore the kuláh (hat of laity) could answer.

  • b. The two dreams of Mirza Muhammad-Taqiy-i-Nuri     111
     

  Was denied to enter house of Sáhibu'z-Zamán because He was in private conversation with another Person (Bahá'u'lláh).
  
  Found books of Bahá'u'lláh in coffers each letter of which was set in exquisite jewels‚he was so overpowered, he awoke.

• His visit to Nur after Mulla Husayn's arrival in Tihran     112
  
  Mírzá Muhammad-Taqíy-i-Núrí had died on His return visit. His Successor was Mullá Muhammad. Disciples had dwindled and were enthusiastic with Bahá'u'lláh's arrival. They marveled at His disinterest in the affairs of the government and His great advocacy of the Cause of the Báb and His eloquence as He was not of the theologians.
  
  
  • a. His relations with His uncle Aziz     113    

    Though 'Azíz opposed Him, Bahá'u'lláh intervened on his behalf when some were attempting to silence and injure 'Azíz for his challenges.

  • b. His meeting with Mulla Muhammad     113    

    Mullá Muhammad was approached by 'Azíz who claimed Bahá'u'lláh sought to disrupt Islám and that was either a sorcerer or charmer. Mullá Muhammad joked that 'Azíz had had the same tea and heard Him, but 'Azíz attributed his "immunity" to Mullá Muhammad's protection.
    
    As he could not arouse populace or combat His ideas directly, Mullá Muhammad responded by writing "O 'Azíz, be not afraid, no one will dare molest you." Due to a grammatical error, it offended the notables of Tákur and defamed 'Azíz and Mullá Muhammad.
    
    By earnestness of Bahá'u'lláh's appeal, the people of Núr arose to disseminate the Message and praise its Promoter while Mullá Muhammad's disciples tried to have him ascertain the Revelation from Him in person. He gave an answer while they insisted that it was his duty to preserve the integrity of Shí'ah Islám by investigating any movement affecting its interests.
    
    Mullá Muhammad acceded to delegate 2 eminent lieutenants, Mullá 'Abbás and Mírzá Abu'l-Qásim to visit Him & determine the character of His Message. He, in turn, would submit unreservedly to their decision.
    
    They sought Him at His winter resort & upon hearing Bahá'u'lláh reveal a commentary on the opening Súrih of the Qur'án "The Seven Verses of Repetition," Mullá 'Abbás was moved to trembling and tears, forgetting his questions, forsaking his teacher, and vowing to serve Bahá'u'lláh. His companion likewise agreed.
    
    The news of this spread throughout the district: dignitaries of State and clergy, traders, and peasants flocked to Him and a good number joined. Some of the distinguished said that the triumph of this Faith would be assured if Mullá Muhammad also joined.
    
    Bahá'u'lláh said that He would travel 100 leagues to visit a seeker and acceded by setting of to visit Mullá Muhammad.
    
    Bahá'u'lláh was ceremoniously received by him, but He only wished to deliver the Message. He asked him what it was that perplexes him from recognizing its Truth, and Mullá Muhammad insisted on first consulting the Qur'án. Bahá'u'lláh acceded, and without disclosing the verse, Mullá Muhammad claimed he found it inadvisable to proceed. Being disinclined to cause him further embarrassment (his fear was evident to most there), Bahá'u'lláh arose, asked to be excused, and said farewell.

  • c. His conversation with a dervish     117    

    While riding into the country with companions, Bahá'u'lláh came upon dishevelled youth (Mustafá) who was cooking and eating. The youth said he was eating, cooking, and burning God.
    
    Bahá'u'lláh was pleased with his unaffected simplicity and spoke to him with unrestrained tenderness, causing him to be enlightened as to the true nature of God. The youth recognized Him, followed Him immediately leaving his utensils behind, and spontaneously composed and chanted a love-song to Him before any had recognized Him.

  • d. The effects of Baha'u'llah's visit to Nur     118
     

  By His eloquence, purity, dignity, logic, loving-kindness, Bahá'u'lláh won their hearts and enrolled them in Faith. Stones and trees even seemed quickened by spiritual power.
  
  When He left, they continued to consolidate, many suffered and were martyred. Mázindarán and Núr in particular were first to eagerly accept Cause as Núr within mountains was first to catch rays from Shíráz.

• The Vazir's dream of Baha'u'llah     119    

  His father, the Vazír, dreamt that Bahá'u'lláh was swimming in a limitless ocean with His body shining on the waters illumining the sea. Around His head, distinctly appearing out of the waters, radiated His long jet-black locks floating in great profusion above the waves. Many fish gathered around Him and held onto hair, following Him in whatever direction, not removing any hair or injuring Him. He moved unrestrained.
  
  A famous soothsayer of the region interpreted the ocean to be the world of being, and that Bahá'u'lláh would achieve ascendancy over it with the fish signifying turmoil amidst peoples clinging to Him for protection of God though He will not be harmed.
  
  The soothsayer was taken to see Him and was so charmed by Him & full of praise for His countenance that His father became even more devoted to Him.

• The relations of Baha'u'llah with Haji Mirza Aqasi     120
     

  Although he did not like His father, Hájí Mírzá Áqásí showed Him every favour to the degree that his successor, Mírzá Áqá Khán-i-Núrí, the I'timádu'd-Dawlih was envious especially since He was only a youth at the time.
  
  After Vazír's death, Hájí Mírzá Áqásí continued to show Bahá'u'lláh consideration and address Him as a son until he wished to acquire the village of Qúch-Hisár which Bahá'u'lláh and some others owned. Since He was not the sole owner, Bahá'u'lláh requested that Hájí Mírzá Áqásí seek their consent. Despite this, he fraudulently sought to become the owner. Bahá'u'lláh transferred the title to Muhammad Sháh's sister, who by objecting and gaining the Sháh's approval, prevented his designs. The Grand Vazír sought to discredit Bahá'u'lláh through false charges to which Bahá'u'lláh vigorously and successfully defended His innocence.
  
  Grand Vazír showed jealousy of the attendance of Bahá'u'lláh's banquets to which Bahá'u'lláh questioned whether a man should be accused of criminal intentions who seeks to share his bread with his fellow-men.
  
  Despite all his powers he was unable to succeed against Bahá'u'lláh. Bahá'u'lláh's success over His opponents was vindicated on other occasions, spreading His fame abroad and convincing many that it was nothing short of Divine protection. He did not accede to the views of the dignitaries despite the dangers against Him--He instead championed truth, asserted rights of the downtrodden, defended the weak, and protected the innocent.

The Declaration of the Báb's Mission

(Condensed Summary of Chapter 5)

Cross-References for Chapter 5