To the Mountains of Ádhirbáyján13

“Not once, but seven times”

Hájí ‘Alí-‘Askar

was one of the two believers who met the Báb that day. He recounts that their first visit with the Báb lasted about two hours. At the end of it, the Báb entrusted them with certain tasks and also assured them that at whatever time they desired to meet Him, no one would hinder them from entering His presence. Hájí ‘Alí-‘Askar relates that he had to return to meet the Báb several more times, and not once did he encounter the slightest opposition on the part of the guards, nor were they offensive or asked for any gifts in return for what they were doing.

The story of Hájí ‘Alí-‘Askar’s meetings with the Báb in Tabríz has more to it:

Hájí ‘Alí-‘Askar had previously gone to Shíráz to meet the Báb, but the Báb had already left. Hájí ‘Alí-‘Askar was heart-broken but went on to join Mullá Husayn with whom he travelled and taught the Faith for a period of time. That is when Mullá Husayn had made this promise to him:

Grieve not. The Almighty is no doubt able to compensate you in Tabríz for the loss you have sustained in Shíráz. Not once, but seven times, can He enable you to partake of the joy of His presence in return for the one visit you have missed.

Hájí ‘Alí-‘Askar further recounts:

I was amazed at the confidence with which he [Mullá Husayn] uttered those words. Not until the time of my visit to the Báb in Tabríz, when, despite adverse circumstances, I was, on several occasions, admitted into His presence, did I recall those words of Mullá Husayn and marvel at his remarkable foresight. How great was my surprise when, on my seventh visit to the Báb, I heard Him [the Báb] speak these words:

Praise be to God, who has enabled you to complete the number of your visits and who has extended to you His loving protection.

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