THE BÁB AND THE START OF THE HEROIC AGE GRADE 3 LESSON 15

THE BÁB AND THE START OF THE HEROIC AGE

Introducing The Principal Theme

The purpose of this lesson is for the children to learn that the Báb began the Heroic Age of the Bahá’í Era. Remember the theme of the previous lesson?

We know that the Báb was the Herald of a New Era. The time has finally come for all the peoples of the world to learn to live together in peace.

Who can remember when this new Era in the life of humanity began? It began with the Declaration of the Báb in 1844. We call this new era “the Bahá’í Era”, which will last for centuries, but the first part of it, beginning in 1844 and ending in 1921 when ‘Abdu’l-Bahá passed away, has a special name. It is called the Heroic Age. Can you calculate how many years the Heroic Age lasted?

Do you remember from earlier lessons that whenever a new Manifestation of God appears, the first ones to believe in Him are called upon to perform deeds of great heroism? The Heroic Age of the Bahá’í Faith is distinguished by the sacrificial acts of thousands upon thousands of courageous souls who resisted the cruelest persecution ever faced by the followers of any religion.

Some twenty thousand disciples of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh gave their lives joyfully so that the religion of God for today could be firmly established.

Those who rose against the new Faith were ignorant and fooled by leaders, hungry for power, and full of pride and arrogance. They attacked the new believers, beat them, took away their belongings, and imprisoned them, hoping that they would recant their faith. To recant their faith, all they had to say was ‘I do not believe that the Báb is the Promised Qá’im’, or to say ‘I do not believe that Bahá’u’lláh is a Manifestation of God’. But the faith of these saintly souls was so strong, and their love for God and humanity so great, that they refused to pronounce these words and accepted the dire consequences.

QUEEN OF CARMEL

TEACH US THY ONENESS BY ANNA MCDONALD MASTER

THE POWER OF HIS MIGHT

In the following passage from the Writings of the Báb, we supplicate to God, that He may gladden our hearts through His love and His good pleasure and give us steadfastness and firmness so that we are able to accept whatsoever He wishes for us.

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Historical Episodes

STORY 1

It was the summer of 1848, only four years after the declaration of the Báb, and all of Persia was in a state of commotion. The Conference of Badasht had just concluded. Thousands upon thousands of people were accepting the Message of the Báb, but His enemies were arising in great force to persecute the followers of the new-born Faith. The Báb Himself was, as you know, imprisoned in a far-off corner of Persia. Quddús was confined in the house of a leading clergyman in the province of Mázindarán, and even Bahá’u’lláh, Who belonged to the nobility of Persia, was subjected to suffering for His support of the Cause of the Báb. Mullá Ḥusayn had spent the preceding months in the province of Khurásán proclaiming the Message of the Báb with extraordinary success. Then, one day, a messenger arrived bringing him the Báb’s turban and His instructions to raise the Black Standard, go to Mázindarán, and assist Quddús. The unfurling of a black flag, according to the Prophet Muḥammad, would signalize the coming of God’s new Revelation. Mullá Ḥusayn immediately obeyed the instructions of his beloved Báb, put the green turban on his head, raised the Black Standard, and, in the company of two hundred and two men, began his journey from Khurásán to Mázindarán.

During the first part of the journey, every village this company of pious and courageous men entered received them with open arms. In each village, people would listen to the joyful news of the coming of the Promised Qá’im and numerous souls would accept the new Faith. A few even joined the group on their journey towards Mázindarán. But as they approached Mázindarán, Mullá Ḥusayn began to warn them of the sufferings that were in store for them. Pointing in the direction of Mázindarán, he reminded them that this was the way that led to their martyrdom. Whoever was unprepared for the trials ahead, he said, should leave and go back to his home. Several times he repeated this warning. Some twenty of Mullá Ḥusayn’s companions finally chose to leave, but the majority rode on, eager to sacrifice their lives in the path of their Beloved.

As they neared the town of Bárfurúsh in Mázindarán, Mullá Ḥusayn once again warned his companions of the fate that awaited them. He then asked them to throw away their belongings, except for their horses and swords, so that the inhabitants of the villages and towns they would pass through would not think they were interested in material possessions. The first to obey Mullá Ḥusayn was a believer carrying a bag full of precious jewels from his father’s mine in Khurásán. He did not even hesitate for a moment and threw to the ground what was a small fortune at that time. All the others followed his example and rid themselves of the things of this world.

The leading clergyman of Bárfurúsh was an arrogant and power-hungry man who was afraid of the influence the Bábís were having on everyone with whom they came into contact. When he heard that Mullá Ḥusayn and his companions were nearing Bárfurúsh, he sent his messengers out to gather the people in the mosque. There, in front of a large crowd, he climbed the pulpit, threw his turban to the ground, tore open the neck of his shirt, and announced that the worst enemies of the religion of God were but a short distance from the town. So persuasive was he in delivering his sermon full of lies that the crowd became angry, obeyed his command, armed itself, and went out to the nearby forest to attack this band of sanctified souls, whose only wish was to proclaim the glad- tidings of the dawn of a new age.

When Mullá Ḥusayn saw the crowd, he asked his companions to be patient, hoping that he could reason with these misinformed people who had been deceived by their insincere and ambitious leader. But then the crowd opened fire on them and, one by one, seven of his companions fell to the ground.

Mullá Ḥusayn raised his eyes to heaven and prayed: “Behold, O God, my God, the plight of Thy chosen companions, and witness the welcome which these people have accorded Thy loved ones. Thou knowest that we cherish no other desire than to guide them to the way of Truth and to confer upon them the knowledge of Thy Revelation. Thou hast Thyself commanded us to defend our lives against the assaults of the enemy. Faithful to Thy command, I now arise with my companions to resist the attack which they have launched against us.” He then drew his sword and charged with his companions into the midst of the enemy. So great was the courage displayed by this small company of God-fearing men that the hearts of their attackers were filled with fear.

Mullá Ḥusayn himself, unmindful of the bullets that rained upon him, forced his way through the ranks of the enemy and headed for Bárfurúsh. He rode straight to the residence of the leading clergyman who was to be blamed for the whole incident, circled his house three times, and cried out: “Let that contemptible coward, who has incited the inhabitants of this town wage holy warfare against us and has ignominiously concealed himself behind the walls of his house, emerge from his inglorious retreat. . . . Has he forgotten that he who preaches a holy war must need himself march at the head of his followers, and by his own deeds kindle their devotion and sustain their enthusiasm?”

The people of Bárfurúsh were dumbfounded by these acts of heroism and bravery. “Peace, peace!” they began to cry out as they sent a few of their leaders to ask for mercy and forgiveness from Mullá Ḥusayn. Mullá Ḥusayn knew that they were not sincere and would repeat their cruel acts the moment they had another chance, yet he accepted their plea, and peace was established, at least for that day. Mullá Ḥusayn and his companions then rode triumphantly to the large guest house in the town plaza and set down to rest.

This extraordinary incident marked the beginning of the tragic events that were to befall this small band of the followers of the Báb in the months to come in Mázindarán. Quddús would soon be released from his confinement and would join Mullá Ḥusayn and his companions, who had made their way to a holy site outside Bárfurúsh. Someday you will read about the events that occurred at that site, called the fort of Shaykh Ṭabarsí, and when you hear that name you will remember with thrilling hearts the courage displayed by those early heroes of the Faith. But your hearts will be filled with sadness, as well, at knowing the shameful cruelty with which they were treated. All food and water would be cut off to them, and they would be surrounded by a trained and fierce army that greatly outnumbered them. Yet, at the cry “Mount your steeds, O heroes of God!” the Báb’s followers would charge fearlessly through the troops and disperse them. The treacherous enemy would then regroup and try again to crush them, only to fail.

Sadly, however, many from this small company of devoted believers would eventually fall victim to the bullets that rained down upon them, preferring to give up their lives rather than abandon the truth of the Message they had accepted. Indeed, it was in the dark of one fatal night that Mullá Ḥusayn himself, having boldly charged the enemy troops and scattered them in every direction, was suddenly struck in the breast by a bullet. Thrown from his horse, he staggered a few steps and fell to the ground. He was bleeding heavily. Two of his young companions came to his rescue and helped him make his way back to the fort. But, by the time he was brought to Quddús, he seemed to have lost consciousness. “Leave me alone with him,” were the words of Quddús. “There are certain confidential matters which I desire him alone to know.” He asked one of his closest companions to watch the door to make sure they were undisturbed.

This trusted soul later gave the following account of what occurred next: “I was watching Quddús,” he explained, “through a fissure in the door. As soon as he called his name, I saw Mullá Ḥusayn arise and seat himself, in his customary manner, on bended knees beside him. . . . He listened to every word that fell from the lips of Quddús, and answered his questions.” For the next two hours, they could be heard conversing with each other. At last, Quddús called the others back into the room, where the body of Mullá Ḥusayn lay peaceful. “I have bade my last farewell to him,” said Quddús, as they entered the room. It was the hour of dawn. Quddús then attended to Mullá Ḥusayn’s burial and, with his own hands, placed his body in a tomb where it would be safe from enemy forces. The seven companions who stood alongside Quddús wept with great sadness.

As was to be expected, not even the death of the lion-hearted Mullá Ḥusayn could slacken the resolve of the small band of heroic souls, who continued to defend themselves fearlessly against attack. By now their food and water were all but gone, and they were forced to cook their own saddlebags and eat bark off the trees. And still, they did not give in. Throughout the region, people could recognize in their fortitude and strength the power of God’s new Revelation. The military chiefs knew that they were losing authority over their troops, and the religious leaders could see that their power over the people was slipping away. Something had to be done. And so the prince who was in charge of the troops devised a most dishonest and despicable plan.

He sent messengers to the fort and asked that two representatives be designated to meet with him. To this request, Quddús readily agreed. Brought before the prince, the two were treated most courteously. “The hostilities between us,” the prince remarked, “have been unduly prolonged.” He expressed his desire to promote peace and friendliness.

He then gave his written oath to the two representatives, stating that all hostilities would cease and no further harm would come to the Báb’s followers, and he asked that it be delivered to their leader. He added that he would send, that very afternoon, a number of horses to carry them to a special tent that would be raised for their reception. They would be his guests until their safe departure could be arranged.

Upon receiving the written promise of the prince, Quddús instructed his companions to prepare themselves to leave. “By our response to their invitation,” he told them, “we shall enable them to demonstrate the sincerity of their intentions.” At the appointed hour, the horses arrived, and Quddús and his companions made their way to the tent that had been set up for them. But he warned them when they arrived to remain strong. “You should show forth exemplary renunciation,” he told them, “for such behavior on your part will exalt our Cause and redound to its glory. Pray the Almighty to grant that even to your last hour He may graciously assist you to contribute your share to the exaltation of His Faith.”

As you may have already imagined, the prince did not intend to keep to his promise. Some of Quddús’ companions were led away, stripped of their possessions, and sold as slaves. Those who remained were put to death in the most cruel ways. As for their beloved leader, Quddús, he was taken to Bárfurúsh, where the prince handed him over to the leading clergyman who, so hostile to the Bábís, had incited the crowds against them once before. “I wash my hands of all responsibility for any harm that may befall this man,” the prince said to the clergyman. “You are free to do what you like with him.” No sooner had the prince departed than this heartless and despicable clergyman had his victim stripped of his clothes, loaded down with chains, and paraded through the streets.

The anger of the mob was high, and men and women alike, who believed the lies of the clergyman, did the most unspeakable things to Quddús’ body. Yet, even in his agony, he could be heard asking God to forgive them for their behavior. Then, as he approached the gate to the marketplace, where public gatherings and spectacles took place, he raised his voice and said: “Would that my mother were with me, and could see with her own eyes the splendor of my nuptials!” At hearing this expression of joy at knowing his death was near, the mob descended upon him and killed him. When the Báb learned of the circumstances of Quddús’ martyrdom and the other events that had befallen His followers in Mázindarán, His sorrow was so great that for several months He ceased to reveal the tablets and verses which had flowed from Him with such rapidity since His declaration in Shíráz.

This historical episode offers insights into the dynamics of such qualities as courage and steadfastness. What other spiritual insights did you glean from the episode?

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FACTS ABOUT THE BÁB

• The Heroic Age of the Bahá’í Era began in 1844.
• The Heroic Age of the Bahá’í Era lasted seventy-seven years.
• Mullá Ḥusayn and his companions marched from Khurásán to Mázindarán in October 1848.
• Mullá Ḥusayn and his companions marched under the Black Standard, which was the sign that the Promised Qá’im had appeared and a new Revelation had come.
• At the fort of Shaykh Ṭabarsí, three hundred and thirteen of the followers of the Báb, led by Quddús and Mullá Ḥusayn, were attacked.
• Mullá Ḥusayn was struck in the breast by a bullet and died at dawn in February 1849.
• Mullá Ḥusayn was buried in the fort of Shaykh Ṭabarsí in Mázindarán.
• The siege at the fort of Shaykh Ṭabarsí lasted about seven months.
• Quddús was martyred in the city of Bárfurúsh.

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SKIT BASED ON STORY 1

Cast

• Narrator
• MESSENGER
• Mullá Ḥusayn
• Travel companions of Mullá Ḥusayn
• Believer carrying a bag of gems

NARRATOR: It was the summer of 1848, only four years after the declaration of the Báb, and all of Persia was in a state of commotion. The Conference of Badasht had just concluded. Thousands upon thousands of people were accepting the Message of the Báb, but His enemies were arising in great force to persecute the followers of the new-born Faith. The Báb Himself was, as you know, imprisoned in a far-off corner of Persia. Quddús was confined in the house of a leading clergyman in the province of Mázindarán, and even Bahá’u’lláh, Who belonged to the nobility of Persia, was subjected to suffering for His support of the Cause of the Báb. Mullá Ḥusayn had spent the preceding months in the province of Khurásán proclaiming the Message of the Báb with extraordinary success.

MESSENGER ( comes in looking tired and agitated): I have just arrived and need to speak with Mullá Ḥusayn immediately!

Mullá Ḥusayn walks in

Messenger to  Mullá Ḥusayn: Here is the Báb’s turban and His instructions to raise the Black Standard, go to Mázindarán and assist Quddús.

Messenger leaves

NARRATOR: The unfurling of a black flag, according to the Prophet Muḥammad, would signalize the coming of God’s new Revelation.

Mullá Ḥusayn: I will follow the instructions of my beloved Báb immediately! I will gather men to make this journey with me.

Mullá Ḥusayn gathers a people to travel with him and they start the journey

NARRATOR:  Mullá Ḥusayn put the green turban on his head, raised the Black Standard, and, together with a company of two hundred and two men, began his journey from Khurásán to Mázindarán. During the first part of the journey, every village this company of pious and courageous men entered received them with open arms. In each village, people would listen to the joyful news of the coming of the Promised Qá’im and numerous souls would accept the new Faith. A few even joined the group on their journey towards Mázindarán. But as they approached Mázindarán, Mullá Ḥusayn began to warn them of the sufferings that were in store for them. Pointing in the direction of Mázindarán, he reminded them that this was the way that led to their martyrdom.

Mullá Ḥusayn: Whoever was unprepared for the trials ahead, should leave and go back to his home.

NARRATOR: Several times he repeated this warning. Some twenty of Mullá Ḥusayn’s companions finally chose to leave, but the majority rode on, eager to sacrifice their lives in the path of their Beloved. As they neared the town of Bárfurúsh in Mázindarán, Mullá Ḥusayn once again warned his companions of the fate that awaited them.

Mullá Ḥusayn: throw away your belongings, except for your horses and swords, so that the inhabitants of the villages and towns we pass through would not think we are interested in material possessions.

Believer carrying a bag full of precious jewels: This is a bag full of gems from my father’s mine in Khurásán,

Believer throws away the bag of gems

Other travelers:  follow his example and rid themselves of the things of this world.

NARRATOR: The leading clergyman of Bárfurúsh was an arrogant and power-hungry man who was afraid of the influence the Bábís were having on everyone with whom they came into contact. When he heard that Mullá Ḥusayn and his companions were nearing Bárfurúsh, he sent his messengers out to gather the people in the mosque. There, in front of a large crowd, he climbed the pulpit, threw his turban to the ground, tore open the neck of his shirt, and announced that the worst enemies of the religion of God were but a short distance from the town. So persuasive was he in delivering his sermon full of lies that the crowd became angry, obeyed his command, armed itself, and went out to the nearby forest to attack this band of sanctified souls, whose only wish was to proclaim the glad- tidings of the dawn of a new age.

Mullá Ḥusayn: There is a crowd coming our way, please be patient, I will try to reason with these misinformed people who had been deceived by their insincere and ambitious leader.

NARRATOR: The crowd opened fire on them and, one by one, seven of his companions fell to the ground.

Mullá Ḥusayn (raise eyes to the heaven and pray):  “Behold, O God, my God, the plight of Thy chosen companions, and witness the welcome which these people have accorded Thy loved ones. Thou knowest that we cherish no other desire than to guide them to the way of Truth and to confer upon them the knowledge of Thy Revelation. Thou hast Thyself commanded us to defend our lives against the assaults of the enemy. Faithful to Thy command, I now arise with my companions to resist the attack which they have launched against us.”

Mullá Ḥusayn and travel companions: draw your swords and charge into the midst of the enemy.

NARRATOR: So great was the courage displayed by this small company of God-fearing men that the hearts of their attackers were filled with fear. Mullá Ḥusayn himself, unmindful of the bullets that rained upon him, forced his way through the ranks of the enemy and headed for Bárfurúsh. He rode straight to the residence of the leading clergyman who was to be blamed for the whole incident,

Mullá Ḥusayn: circle the house three times and cry out: “Let that contemptible coward, who has incited the inhabitants of this town to wage holy warfare against us and has ignominiously concealed himself behind the walls of his house, emerge from his inglorious retreat. . . . Has he forgotten that he who preaches a holy war must need himself march at the head of his followers, and by his own deeds kindle their devotion and sustain their enthusiasm?

NARRATOR: The people of Bárfurúsh were dumbfounded by these acts of heroism and bravery. “Peace, peace!” they began to cry out as they sent a few of their leaders to ask for mercy and forgiveness from Mullá Ḥusayn. Mullá Ḥusayn knew that they were not sincere and would repeat their cruel acts the moment they had another chance, yet he accepted their plea, and peace was established, at least for that day. Mullá Ḥusayn and his companions then rode triumphantly to the large guest house in the town plaza and set down to rest.

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