HIS HOLINESS BAHAOLLAH Mirzá Abul-Fadl, p 59-60 Now the jealousy and hostility of the clergy of Irak began to be aroused. The cities of Kerbela, Nejef, Kazemeyeh, and Samereh, the most famous in Irak, are the important centers of the Shiite sect. Here the tombs of most of the twelve Imams, who are leaders and examples of the Shiites are located. Each year, vast numbers wend in pilgrimages to these sanctuaries, from Persia, Indis, Yemen, and other countries. Moreover, these cities are the headquarters of learning, centers whence the Persian divines secure their certificates if religious law. Therefore, the prominent Shiite doctors reside at Kerbela and Nejef; men celebrated for their influence and prominence in public esteem among the Shiites in general, and respected by them in all parts of the world. When the doctors of Irak realized,the effectiveness of the word of the Babís, and especially the influence of Bahaollah, they assembled together under the leadership of Sheikh-Abdul-Hussein the Mujtahid, and determined to suppress them. But the most distinguished and respected divine, Sheikh Murtaza Ansàri refused to ally himself with their plans and withdrew from their party. Finally they appointed one of the doctors, and sent him ast an envoy to Bahaollah. when this envoy returned from Baghdad, a manifest emotion was visible in him, for his heart was filled with respect and reverence toward Bahaollah and His Cause. Briefly, he reported to the doctors that The truth concerning Bahaollah and His community was exactly contrary to what they had imagined or believed; and that He was a veritable sea, boundless and overwhelming with knowledge. He also stated that Bahaollah was ready to confer at any time with the divines and the public, in order to elucidate and demonstrate the truth of His teachings, furnishing them decisive proofs and solid arguments. If the erudite doctors were not satisfied with mere scientific controversy, seeking heavenly proofs and a Divine Sign, He was ready to furnish, on this appointed occasion, whatever The doctors should unanimously desire, and thus to end the matter.
Posted on: Wed, 30 Oct 2013 19:46:30 +0000