Table of Contents
Section Six: The Third of Seven
Hájí Mullá Ismá’íl-i-Qumí – the learned divine
Hájí Mullá Ismá’íl-i-Qumí , a native of Faráhán [which is between Qum and Hamedan]. He had been a student of Siyyid Kázim in Karbalá’ and had after the Siyyid’s passing eventually come to Shíráz, where he learnt about the Revelation of the Báb, and became a believer. He had been part of the group of believers at Badasht, where he was given the title of Sirru’l-Vujúd [mystery of existence] by Bahá’u’lláh65_ACT11 It is recorded: “In the exposition of the meaning of the verses of the Qur’án and the traditions of Islám, he displayed an insight which few could rival.” 66_ACT11
Hájí Mullá Ismá’íl-i-Qumí had wanted to join the defenders of Shaykh Tabarsí, but sickness had prevented him from doing so. By the time he had recovered, the episode of Shaykh Tabarsí had ended. Hájí Mullá Ismá’íl-i-Qumí was deeply saddened that he could not have been part of that heroic band, and in response rose with fresh determination in teaching the Cause of the Báb. This is what had brought him to Tihrán and led to his arrest.
As he was brought to the execution square and saw the beheaded bodies of the two who had gone before him which lay entwined in each other’s arms, Hájí Mullá Ismá’íl-i-Qumí cried out: “Well done, beloved companions! You have turned Tihrán into a paradise. Would that I had preceded you.” He then drew from his pocket a coin, which he handed to his executioner and said: “Buy some sweets and sweeten your mouth. I have forgiven you your act; approach and deliver your blow” And turning his face to the heavens, he began to cry out: “Accept me, O my God, unworthy though I be. …. “ The executioner’s sword cut short his prayer.
67_ACT11
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