Deception and Treachery – Page 2

Vahíd knows of their deception but honours the Holy Book

Vahíd received the Qur’án with great reverence and kissed it devoutly. Turning to his companions, he said:

Though I am well aware of their designs, I feel it my duty to accept their call and take the opportunity to attempt once again to unfold the verities of my beloved Faith.

He then bade the companions to continue to maintain their positions in the fort and place no reliance on what their adversaries might say. He, however, ordered them to suspend all manner of hostilities until further notice from him. He added:

Our appointed hour has struck. Our acceptance of their invitation will surely make them feel the baseness of their treachery.

With these words, Vahíd bade farewell to the companions in the fort and accompanied by five companions set out for the camp of the enemy. Sadly, one of these five companions turns out to be a traitor.

The Governor closes the trap

The Governor and the group of officers he had assembled received Vahíd and his companions in the Governor’s tent. They showed great respect to Vahíd, who appealed to them and presented proofs for the Cause of the Báb. Vahíd said to them:

I am come to you armed with the testimony with which my Lord has entrusted me. Am I not a descendant of the Prophet of God? Wherefore should you have risen to slay me? For what reason have you pronounced my death-sentence, and refused to recognise the undoubted rights with which my lineage has invested me?

But these words fell on deaf ears, even though for three days they lavishly entertained Vahíd and followed him in their congregational prayers and listened to his discourses. Vahíd was so eloquent, that the Governor got concerned Vahíd would convince the other officers, whom the Governor had worked hard to

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