Table of Contents
Section Five: The Second of Seven
MĂrzĂĄ QurbĂĄn-âAlĂ â the learned SĂșfĂ dervish
MĂrzĂĄ QurbĂĄn-âAlĂ , a native of BĂĄrfurĂșsh [the same city from which QuddĂșs came] was an outstanding figure from the NiâmatuâllĂĄhĂ SĂșfĂ order 51_ACT11 The SĂșfĂ orders have a particular lifestyle focused on renunciation of worldly possessions and drawing closer to God through prayer and meditative practices. SĂșfĂs, often called dervishes, have a spiritual master or guide whom they follow. MĂrzĂĄ QurbĂĄn-âAlĂ was considered to be one such master. His immense learning as well as spiritual station was well recognized in the SĂșfĂ orders, such that he had many followers who looked to him as their spiritual guide and master. He himself, however, really disliked attention and did not want leadership or power. MĂrzĂĄ QurbĂĄn-âAlĂ usually wore a simple white tunic, with a coarsely woven cloak and the simple head-dress of the people of âIrĂĄq. His attire was that of a poor dervish, and although highly respected, he led a life detached from the things of this world.
When MullĂĄ Husayn was on his travels through different parts of the land, he met MĂrzĂĄ QurbĂĄn-âAlĂ and taught him about the BĂĄb. MĂrzĂĄ QurbĂĄn-âAlĂ was on fire with the love of the BĂĄb. He had taken ill during the period of TabarsĂ and could not travel to go there. He deeply deplored that. NabĂl records that he often heard MĂrzĂĄ QurbĂĄn-âAlĂ say:
How greatly I grieve, to have been deprived of my share of the cup which MullĂĄ Husayn and his companions have quaffed! I long to join VahĂd and enrol myself under his banner and strive to make amends for my previous failure. 52_ACT11
He was preparing to leave TihrĂĄn, when he was suddenly arrested. His arrest caused a great commotion in TihrĂĄn, as he was well-known with a large following, which included the ShĂĄhâs mother. She is reported to have said the ShĂĄh: âHe is no BĂĄbĂ but has been falsely accused.â 53_ACT11
When he was brought in front of the AmĂr-KabĂr, the AmĂr said to him:
Since last night, I have been besieged by all classes of State officials who have vigorously interceded in your behalf. From what I learn of the position you
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