Fort Shaykh Tabarsí is Built11

Quddús’ arrival at Fort Shaykh Tabarsí

It was the end of October / early November 1848. The occupants of Fort Shaykh Tabarsí had been prepared by Mullá Husayn to receive Quddús. Mullá Husayn had told them that they should approach Quddús, as if they were in the presence of the Báb Himself. He had added:

As to myself, you must consider me as his lowly servant. You should bear him such loyalty that if he were to command you to take my life, you would unhesitatingly obey. If you waver or hesitate, you will have shown your disloyalty to your Faith.

When the messenger arrived, saying that Quddús was approaching the fort, Mullá Husayn could not repress his joy. He jumped to his feet and ordered about one hundred of the companions to join him. To each he gave two candles, one in each hand, which they lit and proceeded on foot to greet Quddús. As they reached Quddús who was on horseback, Mullá Husayn raised the refrain:

Holy, holy, the Lord our God, the Lord of the angels and the spirit.

The companions echoed this refrain. The forest of Mázindarán was filled with this jubilant refrain, with Quddús on his horse surrounded by a sea of candles. Such was Quddús’ arrival at the Fort of Shaykh Tabarsí.

Three Hundred and Thirteen

As soon as they arrived at the shrine door Quddús dismounted and, leaning against the shrine recited this verse from the Qur’án:

The Baqíyyatu’lláh

[Remnant of God] will be best for you if ye are of those who believe. ,

These were the first words uttered by Quddús at Fort Shaykh Tabarsí. And thereby was fulfilled the prophecy recorded in this hadíth attributed to the Prophet Muhammad:

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