Portraits – Page 13 – Dawn Breakers

Adolescence and the Báb’s Eldest Uncle and the Kitáb-i-Íqán

Although still an adolescent, Mírzá Áqá was on fire with the love of the Báb and he became an active teacher of the Cause. He first taught his own parents and helped them recognize the station of the Báb. He then took on the challenge of teaching the Báb’s Eldest Uncle. This was possible, because Mírzá Áqá was very good friends with the Eldest Uncle’s son, Mírzá Buzurg, who was the same age as Mírzá Áqá. They all lived in Shíráz. The two boys had decided to go into the merchant business together. The boys were seventeen years old at that time, and they had asked Mírzá Buzurg’s dad (the Eldest Uncle) and one of Mírzá Áqá’s maternal uncles (who lived in Yazd), to help them get started. Mírzá Áqá describes that during this period he had many discussions with the Eldest Uncle regarding the station of the Báb. It was spiritual struggle between a boy of seventeen and the venerable Eldest Uncle of the Báb. Years later, Mírzá Áqá told his own son about this time and what transpired:

At the beginning when I broached the subject, the uncle expressed total refusal. I went on presenting proofs supporting my argument. We went through several meetings until one day, when I was strenuously following my line, he said with great amazement: “Mírzá Áqá! Do you mean to say that the son of my sister is the Qá’im of the House of Muhammad?” I replied: “Why not?” Then he showed still more amazement and said: “It is strange, very strange.” I replied: “There is nothing strange about it!”. Then he became very pensive. That made me smile. He asked me: “Why do you smile?” I answered: “It will not be polite if I say why.” He said: “Don’t be shy, tell me.” I replied: “Now that you allow me, I will say it. What you said just now is exactly what Abú-Lahab exclaimed: “Is it possible for my nephew to be a Prophet!”. Indeed it is possible, and the Nephew of Abú-Lahab was the Messenger of God. Now, will you investigate and find out for yourself? The Sun has arisen from your house, this Light has shone from your abode; you must feel proud. Don’t be amazed, don’t seek avoidance. God the Almighty has the power to have made the Son of your sister the Qá’im of the House of Muhammad. The hand of God is not tied. As the Qur’án declares: ‘His hand is free!’ ” Then he [the uncle of the Báb] said: “Núr-i-Chashm, you gave me an answer which is unanswerable! What can I say and what should I do now?” I replied: “Firstly, it is necessary that you go on pilgrimage to ‘Iráq and meet your sister

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