Table of Contents
this event when it occurred, but he knew it was not the right time to disclose this to others. So, he kept silent about it.32 Â Â
Eventually, Shaykh Ahmad left Persia to live in Karbalá’. His devoted disciples, among them Siyyid Kázim, faithfully followed him to his new home.
Shaykh Ahmad leaves Karbalá’ and Siyyid Kázim is appointed as his chosen successor
Shaykh Ahmad’s stay in Karbalá’ was brief. He knew that his life was coming to an end and decided to spend his final days in the holy cities of Mecca and MedĂna. Out of love and respect, Siyyid Kázim, asked to accompany him, but Shaykh Ahmad refused his offer saying:
You have no time to lose. Every fleeting hour should be fully and wisely utilized. You should …. Strive day and night to rend asunder, by the grace of God and by the hand of wisdom and loving-kindness, those veils of heedlessness that have blinded the eyes of men. For verily I say, the Hour is drawing nigh, the Hour I have besought God to spare me from witnessing, for the earthquake of the Last Hour will be tremendous. You should pray to God to be spared the overpowering trials of that Day, for neither of us is capable of withstanding its sweeping force. Others, of greater endurance and power, have been destined to bear this stupendous weight. 33
Shaykh Ahmad bid farewell to Siyyid Kázim after having appointed him as his chosen successor.
Siyyid Kázim’s suffering in Karbalá’ and death of Shaykh Ahmad
Siyyid Kázim faced significant resistance from conservative forces, particularly the Islamic clergy, as he led the ShaykhĂ group from Karbalá’. The more he emphasized the imminent arrival of a new era, different from expectations, the stronger the resistance grew. Siyyid Kázim’s struggles reached a point where he penned a heartfelt letter to Shaykh Ahmad, detailing the challenges and seeking clarity on when the Promised One would appear, hoping for an end to the opposition. Shaykh Ahmad replied:
32 Dawn-Breakers Chapter 1, p12-13
33 Dawn-Breakers Chapter 1, p16