Table of Contents
View of Isfáhán. Archival photo.
41ACT5
Epistle on the Proofs of the Prophethood of Muhammad
42ACT5
One day the Mu’tamid himself came to the Imám-Jum’ih’s house in Isfáhán to visit the Báb. At that gathering that day were present the most brilliant and accomplished of the ‘ulamá [meaning the learned clergy] of Isfáhán. The Mu’tamid was a Christian and he previously had asked these ‘ulamá if they could explain and prove to him the nature and validity of the Prophet Muhammad’s mission [referred to as Nubuvvat-i-Khássih , meaning specific mission]. He had not been satisfied with the answers they had given him. So, in their presence, he now asked the Báb if He could answer this.
Nabíl recounts what happened next:
“Which do you prefer,” asked the Bab, “a verbal or a written answer to your question?”
“A written reply,” the Mu’tamid answered, “not only would please those who are present at this meeting, but would edify and instruct both the present and future generations.”
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