So violent was the blow, that the Báb’s turban fell to the ground
And so, the guards began their journey back to Shíráz with the Báb, who was meant to be their prisoner but instead rode free ahead of the escort, who followed Him in an attitude of respectful devotion. Reaching the city, they proceeded directly to the seat of the government. Whoever observed the cavalcade marching through the streets could not help but marvel at this most unusual spectacle.
As soon as Husayn Khán was informed of the arrival of the Bab, he summoned Him to his presence. He received Him with the utmost insolence and bade Him occupy a seat facing him in the centre of the room. He publicly rebuked Him, and in abusive language denounced His conduct, saying:
Do you realise, what a great mischief you have kindled? Are you aware what a disgrace you have become to the holy Faith of Islam and to the august person of our sovereign? Are you not the man who claims to be the author of a new revelation which annuls the sacred precepts of the Qur’án? 20ACT4
The Báb calmly replied, with this verse of the Qur’án:
If any bad man come unto you with news, clear up the matter at once, lest through ignorance ye harm others, and be speedily constrained to repent of what ye have done. 21ACT4
These words inflamed the wrath of Husayn Khán. “What!” he exclaimed. “Dare you ascribe to us evil, ignorance, and folly?” Turning to his attendant, he bade him strike the Báb in the face. So violent was the blow, that the Bab’s turban fell to the ground. 22ACT4
Present at that meeting was Shaykh Abú-Turáb
,the
Imám-Jumih 23ACT4 of Shíráz. He was a reasonable man and a close friend of the Báb’s uncles. He knew the Báb, and had even presided over the Báb’s wedding at the Báb’s middle uncle’s house some years earlier.
24ACT4 He immediately intervened and tried to defuse the situation
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