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“Outwardly they serve and reverence her shrine; inwardly they disgrace her dignity”
The conduct and influence of the Báb had been such that the hardened escort of guards had become totally subservient to Him and His wishes. As the escort approached the city of Qum, the leader [Muhammad Big] told the Báb that even though they had been strictly forbidden to give the Báb access to this city, and particularly the holy Shrine there, if He wished, they would escort Him right to the Shrine. The Báb however declined and said:
The heart of the true believer is the throne of God.
He then added, referring to Himself and to the outward acts holiness of Shí’a and their inner spiritual blindness and corruption:
He who is the ark of salvation and the Almighty’s impregnable stronghold is now journeying with you through this wilderness. I prefer the way of the country rather than to enter this unholy city. The immaculate one whose remains are interred within this shrine, her brother, and her illustrious ancestors no doubt bewail the plight of this wicked people. With their lips they pay homage to her; by their acts they heap dishonour upon her name. Outwardly they serve and reverence her shrine; inwardly they disgrace her dignity. 90ACT55
Qumrùd: A simple village north of Qum
Proceeding by a route that skirted the northern end of the city of Qum, they halted at the small village of Qumrúd . The village was owned by a relative of Muhammad Big. All its inhabitants, like Muhammad Big and the escort, belonged to the ‘Alíyu’lláhí sect91ACT5. At the invitation of the village headman, the Báb spent the night there, and was very touched by the warmth and spontaneity of the reception, which those simple folk accorded Him. Before leaving, He invoked the blessings of the Almighty for them, and expressed His appreciation and love to them.
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