Table of Contents
Resources 
ShĂrĂĄz: âAbduâl-VahhĂĄb-i-ShĂrĂĄzĂ
The story of âAbduâl-VahhĂĄb, a youth from ShĂrĂĄz, has been told BahĂĄâuâllĂĄh, by âAbduâl-BahĂĄ and recounted by NabĂl. The first part of the story begins in 1844 in ShĂrĂĄz soon after the Declaration of the BĂĄb, the second part occurs in KĂĄzimayn/BaghdĂĄd area in 1851, and the third part is in the SĂyĂĄh-ChĂĄl dungeon in TihrĂĄn towards end of 1852.
- âAbduâl-VahhĂĄb meets MullĂĄ âAlĂy-i-BastĂĄmĂ in ShĂrĂĄz
The Letters of the Living had just come to recognize the BĂĄb, and following the BĂĄbâs instructions, they were leaving ShĂrĂĄz for various parts of the land to spread the news of the appearance of the Promised one. The first to leave ShĂrĂĄz was the second Letter of the Living MullĂĄ âAlĂy-i-BastĂĄmĂ. It is sometime in July or August 1844. The story of what happened is told by NabĂl [Dawn-Breakers Chapter 3, p87-90]:
The BĂĄb then summoned to His presence MullĂĄ âAlĂy-i-BasáčĂĄmĂ, and addressed to him words of cheer and loving-kindness. He instructed him to proceed directly to Najaf and KarbilĂĄ, alluded to the severe trials and afflictions that would befall him, and enjoined him to be steadfast till the end. âYour faith,â He told him, âmust be immovable as the rock, must weather every storm and survive every calamity. Suffer not the denunciations of the foolish and the calumnies of the clergy to afflict you, or to turn you from your purpose. For you are called to partake of the celestial banquet prepared for you in the immortal Realm. You are the first to leave the House of God, and to suffer for His sake. If you be slain in His path, remember that great will be your reward, and goodly the gift which will be bestowed upon you.â
No sooner were these words uttered than MullĂĄ âAlĂ arose from his seat and set out to prosecute his mission. At about a farsangâs distance from ShĂrĂĄz he was overtaken by a youth who, flushed with excitement, impatiently asked to speak to him. His name was âAbduâl-VahhĂĄb. âI beseech you,â he tearfully entreated MullĂĄ âAlĂ, âto allow me to accompany you on your journey. Perplexities oppress my heart; I pray you to guide my steps in the way of Truth. Last night, in my dream, I heard the crier announce in the market-street of ShĂrĂĄz the appearance of the ImĂĄm âAlĂ, the Commander of