Table of Contents
Section One: Last Days in Shíráz
A Western historian notes regarding that time:
This city [Shíráz] became the arena for passionate discussions which profoundly troubled the general peace. The curious, the pilgrims, the scandal-mongers met there commenting upon the news, approving or blaming, exalting the young Siyyid [the Báb], or, on the contrary, heaping upon him maledictions and insults. The mullás saw with bitter anxiety the growing number of adherents to the new doctrine … 1ACT5
A similar pattern was developing in many other towns and cities in the land. Husayn Khán, the power-hungry and manipulative governor of the Fárs province, felt exasperated by the reports of his many spies that the Báb’s power and fame were hourly growing. Some historians note that through secret communications, the Grand Vazír [Hájí Mírzá Áqásí ] then ordered Husayn Khán to immediately and secretly kill the Báb. 2ACT5
The Báb is arrested to be secretly executed
Nabíl records that Husayn Khán summoned ‘Abdu’l-Hamíd Khán , the chief constable of Shíráz, and ordered him as follows:
Proceed immediately to the house of Hájí Mírzá Siyyid ‘Alí [the Báb’s middle uncle]. Quietly and unobserved, scale the wall and ascend to the roof, and from there suddenly enter his home. Arrest the Siyyid-i-Báb immediately, and conduct him to this place together with any of the visitors who may be present with him at that time. Confiscate whatever books and documents you are able to find in that house. As to Hájí Mírzá Siyyid ‘Alí, it is my intention to impose upon him, the following day, the penalty for having failed to redeem his promise. I swear by the imperial diadem of Muhammad Sháh that this very night I shall have the Siyyid-i-Báb executed together with his wretched companions. Their ignominious death will quench the flame they have kindled, and will awaken every would-be follower of that creed to the danger that awaits every disturber of the peace of this realm. 3ACT5
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