A Traveler's Narrative
page 38
the idea of molestation, until Bahá'u'lláh quitted Tihrán at the
permission of the King and was permitted to withdraw to the
Supreme Shrines.
When He reached Baghdád and the crescent moon of the
month of Muharram of the year [A.H. one thousand two
hundred and] sixty-nine (which was termed in the books of the
Báb "the year of `after a while'" and wherein He had promised
the disclosure of the true nature of His religion and its mysteries)
shone forth from the horizon of the world, this covert
secret, as is related, became apparent amongst all within and
without [the society]. Bahá'u'lláh with mighty steadfastness
became a target for the arrows of all amongst mankind, while
Mírzá Yahyá in disguise passed his time, now in the environs
and vicinity of Baghdád engaged for better concealment in
various trades, now in Baghdád itself in the garb of the Arabs.
Now Bahá'u'lláh so acted that the hearts of this sect were
drawn towards Him, while most of the inhabitants of `Iráq
were reduced to silence and speechlessness, some being
amazed and others angered. After remaining there for one
year He withdrew His hand from all things, abandoned relatives
and connections, and, without the knowledge of His
followers, quitted `Iráq alone and solitary, without companion,
supporter, associate, or comrade. For nigh upon two
years He dwelt in Turkish Kurdistán, generally in a place
named Sar-Galú, situated in the mountains, and far removed
from human habitations. Sometimes on rare occasions He
used to frequent Sulaymáníyyih. Ere long had elapsed the
most eminent doctors of those regions got some inkling of His
circumstances and conditions, and conversed with Him on
the solution of certain difficult questions connected with the
most abstruse points of theology. Having witnessed on His part
ample signs and satisfactory explanations they observed towards
Him the utmost respectfulness and deference. In consequence
of this He acquired a great fame and wonderful reputation
in those regions, and fragmentary accounts of Him were
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