A Traveler's Narrative
page 32
deed with the idea and design of taking blood revenge
for his Master, and that it concerned no one else. And when
the truth of the matter became evident the innocence of
Bahá'u'lláh from this suspicion was established in such wise
that no doubt remained for anyone; the decision of the court
declared His purity and freedom from this charge; and it
became apparent and clear that what had been done with
regard to Him was due to the efforts of His foes and the hasty
folly of the Hajíbu'd-Dawlih. Therefore did the government
of eternal duration desire to restore certain properties and
estates which had been confiscated, that thereby it might
pacify Him. But since the chief part of these was lost and only
an inconsiderable portion was forthcoming, none came forward
to claim them. Indeed Bahá'u'lláh requested permission
to withdraw to the Supreme Shrines (15) [of Kárbilá and Najaf]
and, after some months, by the royal permission and with the
leave of the Prime Minister, set out accompanied by one of the
King's messengers for the Shrines.
Let us return, however, to our original subject. Of the Báb's's
writings many remained in men's hands. Some of these were
commentaries on, and interpretations of the verses of the
Qur'án; some were prayers, homilies, and hints of [the true
significance of certain] passages; others were exhortations,
admonitions, dissertations on the different branches of the
doctrine of the Divine Unity, demonstrations of the special
prophetic mission of the Lord of existing things [Muhammad],
and (as it hath been understood) encouragements
to amendment of character, severance from worldly
states, and dependence on the inspirations of God. But the
15. Atabát Alíyat, literally Supreme Shrines, a term by which the Shí'ih Muslims referred to the cities of Kazímayn, Najaf, and Kárbilá and generally applied to the region of eastern `Iráq, of which Baghdád was the center. When Bahá'u'lláh was released from prison and banished from Persia, He chose Baghdád for the place of His exile.
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