arthra

The Birth of Baha'u'llah is coming up later this week so I wanted to share this youtube:

arthra

Birth of Baha'u'llah

Bahá'u'lláh was born on November 12, 1817, two years before the Báb, Whose revelation set the stage for His own. As with the Báb, there are no elaborate traditions surrounding His birth. He was born Husayn Alíy-i-Núrí in Tehran. His father was Mírzá Abbás Núrí, also known as Mírzá Buzurg, a prominent and wealthy man who had been a minister at the court of Fath-'Alí Sháh and subsequently the governor of Burujird and Luristan. When Fath-'Alí Sháh died in 1834, his son Muhammad Sháh executed a government purge in which Mírzá Buzurg was stripped of his title and his government salary but retained the Núrí family estates.

Bahá'u'lláh's early life reflected his well-to-do circumstances. He received the education typical of a child of the minor nobility: riding, calligraphy, and Arabic (so as to be able to read the Qur'án). Yet unlike many privileged children, He developed no attachment to wealth and ease.

As with Jesus and the Báb, a few stories have been handed down regarding Bahá'u'lláh's childhood, stories that indicate He was no ordinary boy. A number of these were compiled by Hand of the Cause of God 'Alí-Akbar Furútan in his book, Stories of Bahá'u'lláh. One parallels an old Christian tradition about the infant Jesus:

"The mother of [Bahá'u'lláh] was so enthralled with Him that she could not contain her amazement at His behavior. 'This child never cries,' she would say; 'He is so unlike other babies who cry and scream and are forever restless while in the nursing stage..."
(p. 1)

Another story recalls a dream that Bahá'u'lláh related to His father. In His dream, He was in a garden while huge birds attacked him on all sides. Yet the birds were unable to harm Him. He then went to sea, where He was attacked by birds and fish, but again wasn't harmed. His father summoned a famous seer to interpret the dream, and was told that His son would become the founder of a great Cause and would be attacked by the leaders and learned men of the world. But they would be unable to harm Him, and He would be victorious over them all.

Bahá'u'lláh developed a fine sense of justice and fairness at a very young age. Throughout His life He would display these qualities, but perhaps one of the most remarkable demonstrations of this came while He was still a child. He witnessed three confrontations between His father and a tax collector who was "in a cruel and unjust manner" demanding payment. Incensed, Bahá'u'lláh rode to Tehran, a journey of two days, and sought the dismissal of the "tyrannical" tax collector. Incredibly, He was successful in His quest. ..

Source:

Birth of Baha'u'llah

LordOfGoblins

A proof of Baha'u'llahs mission:
Why would someone who has material wealth aplenty and offered a position at the kings court give it all up to become a hated Babi and imprisoned and exiled to teach his faith? He had all the respect he could ever want or need if he had chosen the material path. People rarely think about these things...

arthra

Consider Moses... He was adopted more or less into the family of Pharaoh..Could have had a life of ease..

The Buddha was born a Prince and in His early years was in luxury..

Muhammad was well connected..married a wealthy woman in trade when He began His ministry...

aidan

St Paul was a tax collector,a privileged Roman civil service position.

arthra

arthra

tonybahaiforums

>>>> The birth of Baha'u'llah Presentation.wmv - YouTube

A wonderful youtube link !

LordOfGoblins

Yep, nice..
For Moses though I guess one could argue that he accidently killed someone so thereby forfeited his position. However you might always argue that he could have begged Pharaoh for forgiveness and had his position re-instated???
What do you think? Since I dont know the history and culture that well..

arthra

Well I don't know that we'll ever be sure of that one way or another.. It seems though He began a search to find His family and in the process was sympathetic for their plight.. His actions could be seen as attempting to defend His "brethren".

Here are some selections on Moses:


Whilst passing, one day, through the market, in His early days, ere His ministry was proclaimed, He saw two men engaged in fighting. One of them asked the help of Moses against his opponent. Whereupon, Moses intervened and slew him. To this testifieth the record of the sacred Book. Should the details be cited, they will lengthen and interrupt the course of the argument.

The report of this incident spread throughout the city, and Moses was full of fear, as is witnessed by the text of the Book. And when the warning: "O Moses! of a truth, the chiefs take counsel to slay Thee"[1] reached His ears, He went forth from the city, and sojourned in Midian in the service of Shoeb. While returning, Moses entered the holy vale, situate in the wilderness of Sinai, and there beheld the vision of the King of glory from the "Tree that belongeth neither to the East nor to the West."[2]

There He heard the soul-stirring Voice of the Spirit speaking from out of the kindled Fire, bidding Him to shed upon Pharaonic souls the light of divine guidance; so that, liberating them from the shadows of the valley of self and desire, He might enable them to attain the meads of heavenly delight, and delivering them, through the Salsabil of renunciation, from the bewilderment of remoteness, cause them to enter the peaceful city of the divine presence.

When Moses came unto Pharaoh and delivered unto him, as bidden by God, the divine Message, Pharaoh spoke insultingly saying: "Art thou not he that committed murder, and became an infidel?" Thus recounted the Lord of majesty as having been said by Pharaoh unto Moses: "What a deed is that which Thou hast done! Thou art one of the ungrateful. He said: 'I did it indeed, and I was one of those who erred. And I fled from you when I feared you, but My Lord hath given Me wisdom, and hath made Me one of His Apostles.'"[3]

[1 Qur'án 26:19.]
[2 Qur'án 24:35.]
[3 Qur'án 28:20.]


~ Baha'u'llah, The Kitab-i-Iqan, pp. 53-54

And now ponder in thy heart the commotion which God stirreth up. Reflect upon the strange and manifold trials with which He doth test His servants. Consider how He hath suddenly chosen from among His servants, and entrusted with the exalted mission of divine guidance Him Who was known as guilty of homicide, Who, Himself, had acknowledged His cruelty, and Who for well-nigh thirty years had, in the eyes of the world, been reared in the home of Pharaoh and been nourished at his table. Was not God, the omnipotent King, able to withhold the hand of Moses from murder, 56 so that manslaughter should not be attributed unto Him, causing bewilderment and aversion among the people?

~ Baha'u'llah, The Kitab-i-Iqan, p. 55

From the Bible:

Exodus 2:10 And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water.

2:11 And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren.

2:12 And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand.

2:13 And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow? 2:14 And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known.

2:15 Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well.

arthra

arthra

Early Life of Bahá'u'lláh
Father, Family, Lineage, Location

Looking north onto the shore of the Caspian Sea, and nestling against the protective rocky peaks to the south, lies the small village of Takur. This village is the ancestral home of one of the most ancient, wealthy and renowned families of Nur, a family honoured by its descent from Abraham, Zoroaster and the ancient Prophets, and through the last Zoroastrian King of Persia. Many members of this family held important Government posts, both in the Civil and the Military.

It was to this illustrious family that Bahá'u'lláh's father was born, and named 'Abbas. As an adult, he was married, and lived within the Persian Capital of Tihran, where he was a favoured minister of the Crown.
Father Named 'Mirza Buzurg'

Bahá'u'lláh's father was distinguished by a special name from the Shah himself. One day the Shah was marvelling at a masterpiece of beautiful writing, wondering if anyone alive could ever create its equal. Bahá'u'lláh's father was suggested, and was sent for. Challenged to match its excellence and beauty, he copied this work of art, adding his own lines, and after illuminating them, he brought the new masterpiece as a present to the Shah.

The Shah was overwhelmed with admiration, and he issued a royal decree giving Bahá'u'lláh's father the name of 'Mirza Buzurg'; he also gave him a robe of honour, which he had himself worn, and exempted his entire village from tax. A few years later, Bahá'u'lláh's father was made a high-ranking advisor to the Shah's own son, and so he prospered in this and many other ways.
Birth of Bahá'u'lláh

Bahá'u'lláh's father had seven wives, and a great many children through them. At dawn, on the second day of the Islamic Year, on 12 November 1817, his wife Khadijih Khanum gave birth to the eldest of her surviving sons.

At that very same moment, Shaykh Ahmad, who announced the coming of the Báb and Bahá'u'lláh, was found fallen upon his face, repeating in wrapt devotion the words, 'God is Great!' and saying, 'That which I have been announcing to you is now revealed. At this very hour the light of the Promised One has broken, and is shedding illumination upon the world.'

Given the name of Husayn-'Ali, as the Child grew from an infant into adulthood, He astounded all who encountered Him, and would later, as Bahá'u'lláh, change the face of history.
Infancy

From His birth, Bahá'u'lláh never cried, always remaining in a most remarkable state of peacefulness. His mother was completely astonished, and before long it became obvious to everyone around, that her Child was entirely different from other children.
Residence

Bahá'u'lláh was brought up on the outskirts of Tihran, close to a moat. Part of every year, typically in the summer months, He would spend in His father's great mansion in their ancestral village of Takur, on the shores of the sea.

In a prominent place of this mansion, there still survives the inscription of Bahá'u'lláh's father, recording, "When you reach the threshold of the Beloved, say 'Yea'; for 'Peace' and 'Upon Thee' find no place there. This is the vale of Love, pause your steps; this is holy ground, cast off your shoes!"
Character and Qualities

Bahá'u'lláh as a child displayed a purity of character quite extraordinary, and a wonderful, innate wisdom and knowledge.

He greatly loved outdoor life, spending most of His time in the garden or fields.

Extremely kind and generous, He had an incredible power of attraction, which was felt by all. People always crowded around Him, children were devoted to Him, and the ministers and people of the Court would gather about Him.
Schooling

As He grew up, Bahá'u'lláh desired no schooling. He received a little customary education at home, in riding, using a sword or gun, good manners, calligraphy, poetries, and the ability to read out the words of the Qur'an.

Despite a lack education, Bahá'u'lláh shone forth in wisdom and ability, and all who knew Bahá'u'lláh were astonished. It was usual for them to say, that such a child will not live beyond maturity.
Letter

To His aunt, when still so young in years, the Child Bahá'u'lláh wrote this remarkable and most literate letter:-

"He is the Well-Beloved! God willing you are abiding restfully beneath the canopy of Divine mercy, and the tabernacle of His bounty. Although to outward seeming, I am little and cannot write, yet because this Illiterate One is clinging to the Divine Lote tree, He can read without knowledge and write without being taught. And this fact is clear and evident in the spiritual realm to those endowed with insight. Those who are outside have been, and still are, unaware of this mystery."

Birth and Childhood of Baha'u'llah

http://www.paintdrawer.co.uk/david/f...0Bahaullah.pdf

aidan

Is there a breakdown of the faith which indicates how many are of Moslem extraction and how many christian ?

arthra

I've not seen any such breakdown.. You could assume that depending on the country you could guess the origins of a lot of Baha'is..also family names are indicative perhaps.

arthra

Dream of Swimming in an Ocean

One night Bahá'u'lláh appeared in a dream, which was so very vivid, it awakened its dreamer.
Bahá'u'lláh was in a garden; great birds flew overhead; they attacked Him, yet they were powerless to harm Him. He was bathing in the sea, and began to swim in a vast, limitless ocean; His body shone out, and illuminated the sea! Above the waters, His long, jet-black locks, stood forth, floating in great profusion above the waves in all directions. Large numbers of fish gathered around Him, each fish holding fast to the end of a hair with its mouth. There were every kind of fish: large fish, small fish, white and black: and wherever He swam, they followed the light of His face. Such a vast number of fish clinging so tightly, caused no damage: not even a hair was lost from His head. Free and unrestrained, Bahá'u'lláh moved above the waters, with all the fish following His light.
His father was stunned by this dream, and with the Shah's permission, laid it before his well-known seer. The seer, swept away with amazement, explained how the garden and its birds, and the limitless ocean with its fish, were the world of existence, and its people, and that Bahá'u'lláh would single-handedly triumph over it, unhindered and alone; yet, he declared himself quite unable to imagine how it could ever come to pass. So His father took him to see Bahá'u'lláh, who was just a Child of five, and his praise and admiration of Bahá'u'lláh was so profuse, and so great his concern that He be protected, that His father became yet more passionately devoted to Him.

Short in Size

As Bahá'u'lláh was walking one day, and His parents were watching Him, His mother happened to comment upon His shortness. His father immediately rejoined that such things had no importance: "Just look how intelligent He is!" he said:- "What a wonderful mind He has!"

Tax Collector

During His childhood, Bahá'u'lláh witnessed three confrontations between His father, and a very unjust tax collector, who was cruelly demanding payment. Incensed, Bahá'u'lláh, though merely seven, mounted His horse, and rode for two days to Tihran, where He sought the dismissal of the arrogant tax collector. He succeeded in obtaining the necessary papers ordering his dismissal, and returned successful to His parents.

Banu Qurayza

The story of the execution for treason of a large number of Jews, one day came before Bahá'u'lláh's eyes, and He was so moved, so profoundly filled with sadness and grief. Yet He felt surging before Him the limitless ocean of God's mercy and forgiveness, and He implored God to grant in the world the establishment of unity and love.

Transfiguration

A short while after, suddenly before dawn, Bahá'u'lláh was overcome by a transfiguration, lasting for twelve days, unceasingly, bringing glad-tidings of the highest success and joy. Entirely transforming His manners, thought and speech, from thenafter the ocean of His words began to surge, and the sun of assurance shone forth from Him.

Skill and Renown

By the time he was thirteen, Bahá'u'lláh was renowned for His ability to discuss any matter, and resolve any problem presented before Him.
He was always courteous and patient, and only the disrespectful reference to a Messenger or Chosen One of God was able to arouse His displeasure; even then, He would address the offender with kindliness and calm.
He appeared before large gatherings in discussions with the leading clergy, resolving intricate religious questions, whilst everyone paid deep attention and interest, and His explanations became the authoritative word on every matter.
Despite these abilities, the kulah on His head and the locks flowing over His shoulders meant no one ever suspected a person of such a class would become the fountain of a new Truth and revitalising Spirit.

Political Unambition

Bahá'u'lláh was held in the highest regard by all levels of society, yet He showed no desire for the splendid ranks and positions opening out everywhere before Him; the Prime Minister himself had even offered Him a post in the government. All these very things His ancestors pursued and cultivated, and His relatives held out great hopes for Him. His lack of interest in such things of importance was therefore a cause of great surprise and frequent comment.

Generosity

Whilst declining such wealthy position and income, Bahá'u'lláh showed astonishing generosity. The doors of His home were open to all, and He always had many guests, giving abundantly to all in need. He was a refuge for every weak one, a shelter for the fearful one, kind to the destitute, and lenient and loving to all creatures. This unbounded generosity amazed everyone, as He did not use it to promote His position; rather, it was clear to everyone that such free generosity would quickly cause His wealth to disappear entirely. The more spiritually-minded saw in these acts His attraction to the celestial realm of God and a great destiny to come.

Turbaned Divines on Gabriel

One day, two hugely-turbaned divines were instructing some ladies hidden behind a curtain. They were questioning whether the angel Gabriel was superior to the first Imam's servant; and, whether the brother of the martyred third Imam was superior to a certain companion of Muhammad. Bahá'u'lláh was astonished at the tone of their debate, saying that since the Holy Spirit descended upon the heart of Muhammad through Gabriel, then even the first Imam himself could not remotely reach Him!

Dream of the Promised One (Qa'im)

Distantly related to Bahá'u'lláh, there was a famous religious doctor who taught a thousand scholars, and he would present them with complex questions to resolve.
It was Bahá'u'lláh's custom to stop by. One morning after prayer, this religious doctor told Bahá'u'lláh's mother of a most impressive and powerful dream he had experienced. In this dream, he found himself outside a house. No one was allowed to enter, and the door-keeper told him that the Promised One was inside, in a secret meeting with Bahá'u'lláh. He was very surprised that the son of a government advisor should be so privileged, instead of someone with a religious calling like himself; after a little reflection, he decided that this privilege of a secret meeting with the Promised One must have been given Bahá'u'lláh by virtue of His distant kinship to himself!

Daughters of Fatimih and Mary

On another occasion, Bahá'u'lláh was sitting with this same man, along with other scholars and divines. They asked Bahá'u'lláh to resolve a question, as they had been unable to answer it themselves with any satisfaction. How could Fatimih, they wondered, be the best of all women, except the one born of Mary, when Mary had no daughter? Bahá'u'lláh replied that this was simply in praise of there being no woman comparable to Fatimih. The teacher held a stern silence, and the next day rebuked his disciples for letting an unturbaned youth solve a matter which they, with all their years of training, were unable to resolve.

http://bahai-library.com/davidmerric...ys_birthofbaha

arthra

Dream of the Trunks

On another night, this same doctor had a second dream, in which he came across a room full of trunks. He was told the trunks belonged to Bahá'u'lláh, and when he opened one, he found it packed with books. All the lines of the books were studded with gems, shining so brilliantly, that he awoke out of his dream.

Jesus Christ at Door

One day, Bahá'u'lláh was present in the gathering of a famous Sufi whom the Shah admired immensely. The sufi began boasting that if his servant brought him news that Jesus was at the door asking to see him, he was so detached he would feel no wish to go. Many kept silent; others murmured flatteringly their assent. Bahá'u'lláh alone spoke up, turning to the boaster, and challenging him. "The Shah is very devoted to you; however, if the chief executioner and ten men arrived at the door and told you the monarch wanted to see you, would you be calm, or troubled?" The sufi paused for a while, and admitted he would feel rather anxious. Bahá'u'lláh's authoritative statement, that he should therefore not make such claims, left him lost for a reply.

Puppet Show

When Bahá'u'lláh was still a child, His father arranged for one of His older brothers to marry. The festivities lasted for seven days and nights, and on the final day, there was a puppet show. A large number of princes, dignitaries, and notables gathered from the capital for the occasion, and Bahá'u'lláh was sitting in one of the upper rooms of the building, watching. A tent was pitched in the courtyard, and from it soon some tiny human-like figures emerged, crying, "His Majesty is coming! Arrange the seats at once!" Other figures came out, engaged in sweeping and sprinkling of water, and then the chief town crier bade the people assemble for the audience with the king. Several groups began to arrive and take their places, the first wearing hats and sashes, the second wielding battleaxes, and the third of footmen and executioners with batons. Finally, the king himself appeared in majesty and splendour, crowned with a royal diadem, bearing himself with unspeakable superiority and grandeur. Advancing with pauses, he proceeded with great seriousness to his throne.

As he sat upon his throne, a surge of shots were fired, and trumpets sounded; the king and the tent were enveloped in a great pall of smoke. As it cleared, the king was seen upon his throne surrounded by a suite of ministers, princes, and dignitaries standing to attention. A thief was brought before the king, and ordered to be beheaded. The chief executioner cut off his head, with blood flowing from him. News was brought in of a rebellion, and the king reviewed and despatched several regiments and artillery. Cannons began booming from behind the tent, and the battle was announced.

The royal scene came to an end; the curtain was drawn down, and twenty minutes later, a man emerged from behind the tent carrying a box under his arm.

Bahá'u'lláh asked him about the box, and he replied that all the lavish display was now contained within that box. Bahá'u'lláh experienced the world as an impermanent and inconsequential puppet display, and marvelled how men should pride themselves upon the vain and fleeting things around them.

Asiyih Khanum

When Bahá'u'lláh was nearly fifteen, His elder sister was married. The man she married had a younger, only sister, whose name was Asiyih Khanum. She was an endearing, vivacious and very beautiful young woman, tall, slender and graceful, with dark blue eyes and a wonderful intelligence. She was most considerate and gentle with everybody, her actions overflowing with loving-kindness springing from a pure heart. Her very presence enfolded everyone in the fragrance of her good spirits. When He was eighteen, Bahá'u'lláh's sister asked their father if he would seek Asiyih for Bahá'u'lláh: and so their marriage took place in October 1835.

Bahá'u'lláh later named her Navvab, and bestowed upon her the unique distinction of being His everlasting companion in all the worlds of God.

Asiyih came from a noble and wealthy family; her wedding treasures were so extensive, forty mules were needed to carry them to His home. For six months before the marriage, a jeweller worked at her home, preparing jewellery - even the buttons of her garments were gold, set with precious stones. These two marriages roused much interest in the land, the people seeing great wealth adding to more wealth.

Father and Mother of the Poor

Yet the wealth they inherited, they spent on charitable ends. Taking part as little as possible in State functions, social ceremonies, and the luxurious habits of high-placed and wealthy families, they treated worldly pleasures of no worth, and occupied themselves instead in caring for the poor, and for all who were unhappy or troubled. From their doors nobody was ever turned away, and a welcoming table was spread for all who might come. The poor women flowed constantly to Asiyih, pouring out their stories of woe, and were comforted and consoled by her love and helpfulness.

Bahá'u'lláh was called "the Father of the Poor," whilst Asiyih was named "the Mother of Consolation."

Bahá'u'lláh told to warn Father

The Shah passed away, and his grandson took up the throne. Through the good friendship of the Prime Minister, Bahá'u'lláh's father became both governor and tax collector over a large and rebellious region, taming the unruly inhabitants with such excellence and justice, that he was commended by the Shah. A vain man persuaded the Shah to put this friend treacherously to death, and then rose immediately to the high position of Prime Minister himself. Bahá'u'lláh's father could not hide his feelings of horror and disgust, and on hearing a rumour that the Shah had replaced him, expressed his delight in a letter to a Prince, who then showed the letter to him. Infuriated, the Prime Minister sent for Bahá'u'lláh and showed him his father's letter, asking why he had deserved this. Bahá'u'lláh held silence. One of those present took the letter, and trying to smooth matters away, stated it was a forgery. The Prime Minister exclaimed this was impossible, since no one else could produce such a beautiful calligraphy and style of writing. Still Bahá'u'lláh kept silent, and the Prime Minister advised Him to write to His father to ensure it should not happen again. However, firm in eliminating his chief rivals, he retaliated as soon as he was able, and had Bahá'u'lláh's father dismissed from the governorship, stopped his annual allowance, and induced his last wife, the daughter of the previous Shah, whom he had married a few years earlier, to divorce him. In dire financial straits and with such a very large family, Bahá'u'lláh's father was driven into selling part of his properties and mortgaging others, including those in Tihran where he and his family resided, whilst flooding destroyed the better part of the mansion he had built and richly furnished in Takur. Some while later he bought them back through Bahá'u'lláh.

Though His father was brought to ruin by such powerful enemies, yet they continued to hold Bahá'u'lláh in very high esteem.

Father's Woes - Divorce, Reselling and Resettlement

With the backing of the Prime Minister and her powerful nephew, his last wife forced through the divorce with such a heavy settlement that he could not pay it immediately: so she had Bahá'u'lláh's father imprisoned in his own house, and set men to beat him daily and torture him to extract the money from him. At last, he was obliged to sell again his houses and furnishings in the capital for a negligible sum, leading to the separation of Bahá'u'lláh from His brother, who went to live near the entrance of a Mosque, whilst Bahá'u'lláh rented a place to live near the Gate of Shimiran, near the theological college where Mulla Husayn would stay on his journey, carrying the message of the Báb to Tihran.

Bahá'u'lláh Living near Gate of Shimiran

Bahá'u'lláh took with Him, His mother, wife, other step-mothers and the other brothers and sisters, and remained in this residence for the remaining years of His stay in Iran. The children of Bahá'u'lláh - 'Abdu'l-Bahá, Bahiyyih Khanum and Mirza Mihdi - were all born to Asiyih Khanum in this rented accommodation.

Regaining Houses

The storms eventually subsided, and Bahá'u'lláh's father attempted to regain the houses auctioned off for such a negligible sum. The illegality of the sale was announced by some noted divines; however, no reparation was ever made.

Passing of Father

He made plans to retire to 'Iraq; however, death intervened, and Bahá'u'lláh's father passed away, in 1839. He was carried on to 'Iraq, and remained remembered highly for his calligraphy. Bahá'u'lláh, though still a youth, was left responsible for His younger brothers and sisters, and the management of the extensive family estates.

Position Offered

With His father's passing, the Government was eager for Bahá'u'lláh to succeed His father in the Ministry. Bahá'u'lláh declined this custom, and so the Prime Minister left Him to pursue the higher-minded aims He clearly sought, and continued to show Bahá'u'lláh the utmost consideration, visiting Him in His home, and addressing Him as his own son.

Bahá'u'lláh's Youthful Position

Receiving such continuous marks of consideration and favour from the Prime Minister, despite the great alienation from His father, his successor and other ministers became filled with envy and resented the superiority which Bahá'u'lláh, a mere youth, was clearly given, and they expected and feared the time He would succeed His father.

Jealousy

The high regard of the Prime Minister for Bahá'u'lláh meant he would inevitably come to seek Bahá'u'lláh's support for one of his intrigues. The uprightness of Bahá'u'lláh's dealings with the Prime Minister, His skill in handling such a confrontation and His faith in Divine protection, ensured that He came through unscathed.

Purchase of Estate Thwarted

One day, the Prime Minister was passing through a village belonging to Bahá'u'lláh. He was so impressed by its charm, beauty and abundant water that he decided to become its owner. He summoned Bahá'u'lláh to purchase the village for him immediately. Bahá'u'lláh replied that He willingly would have done so had it been wholly His, but other inhabitants shared the village with Him, and He would need to have their approval. So the Prime Minister began to plan an underhand means to gain the property. Bahá'u'lláh, with the consent of everyone concerned, transferred the village to the Shah's sister, who had often desired to become its owner. This made the Prime Minister furious, and he attempted to seize it forcibly, claiming he had purchased it. His representatives were severely rebuked by those of the Shah's sister. He complained to the Shah, who had that same night learnt of the matter. The Shah demanded the Prime Minister give up the idea, and so he in turn summoned Bahá'u'lláh and strove by every means to discredit His name. Bahá'u'lláh responded vigorously to every charge, and succeeded in establishing His innocence. In a fury, the Prime Minister declared how Bahá'u'lláh must be plotting against him, as seen by the number and variety of His daily guests. Bahá'u'lláh made it clear how out of the abundance of His heart, He was sharing His bread with his fellow men. The Prime Minister dared not reply, and though supported by the religious and civil powers of Persia, he found himself defeated in every contest he ventured against Bahá'u'lláh.

Birth and Childhood of Baha'u'llah

arthra

I pray that all of us will have a meaningful Holy Day... If there was something you'd like to share about this Day feel free to post it!

arthra

I have something to share! We had a lady who played the Didgeridoo at our Birth of Baha'u'llah in Riverside, California ..actually she'd been practicing only since last August and she demonstrated her technique on three Didgeridoo instruments seen in the enclosed photo:

aidan

The Baha'i Christmas?

Yeshua

Happy "Birth of Baha'u'llah" Day to all of my Baha'i brothers and sisters out there!

I pray you all have a blessed holy day.


What are the plans for today? How will you all mark it? Any customs/personal family traditions?