Table of Contents
of large logs. The companions were organized into groups and each given one part of the fort to defend.67ACT8
As the fort was being constructed, the Bábís were continually attacked or harassed by the people of the neighbouring villages, who were being incited by the implacable, hate-ridden Sa‘ídu’l-‘Ulamá’ of Bárfurúsh . The companions withstood every attack, while continuing the construction of the fort. While the construction work proceeded, Mullá Husayn began preparations for storage of food and water, for he knew the siege of the fort lay ahead.
Visit of Bahá’u’lláh
The initial work on the fort had just been completed when Shaykh Abú-Turáb arrived with the news that Bahá’u’lláh had arrived at the village of Nazar Khán and was on His way to visit them. The survivors of Shaykh Tabarsí have described how this news brought indefinable joy to Mullá Husayn. Nabíl quotes one of them as saying:
He [Mullá Husayn] hastened immediately to his companions and bade them bestir themselves for the reception of Bahá’u’lláh. He himself joined them in sweeping and sprinkling with water the approaches to the shrine, and attended in person to whatever was necessary for the arrival of the beloved Visitor. As soon as he saw Him approaching with Nazar Khán, he rushed forward, tenderly embraced Him, and conducted Him to the place of honour which he had reserved for His reception. We were too blind in those days to recognise the glory of Him whom our leader had introduced with such reverence and love into our midst. What Mullá Husayn had perceived, our dull vision was as yet unable to recognise. With what solicitude he received Him in his arms! … He [Mullá Husayn] was so lost in admiration that he was utterly oblivious of us all. His soul was so wrapt in contemplation of that Countenance that we who were awaiting his permission to be seated were kept standing a long time beside him. It was Bahá’u’lláh Himself who finally bade us be seated.68ACT8
357 / 803