…in these years [A.H. one thousand two hundred and]
sixty-six and sixty-seven throughout all Persia fire fell on the households of
the Bábís, and each one of them, in whatever hamlet he might be, was, on the
slightest suspicion arising, put to the sword. More than four thousand souls
were slain, and a great multitude of women and children, left without protector
or helper, distracted and confounded, were trodden down and destroyed. And all
these occurrences were brought about solely by the arbitrary decision and
command of Mírzá Taqí Khán, [Persian Prime Minister] who imagined that
by the enactment of a crushing punishment this sect would be dispersed and
disappear in such wise that all sign and knowledge of them would be cut off.
Ere long had passed the contrary of his imagination appeared, and it became
certain that [the Bábís] were increasing. The flame rose higher and the
contagion became swifter: the affair waxed grave and the report thereof reached
other climes. At first it was confined to Persia: later it spread to the rest
of the world. Quaking and affliction resulted in constancy and stability, and
grievous pains and punishment caused acceptance and attraction. The very events
produced an impression; impression led to investigation; and investigation
resulted in increase. Through the ill-considered policy of the Minister this
edifice became fortified and strengthened, and these foundations firm and
solid. Previously the matter used to be regarded as commonplace: subsequently
it acquired a grave importance in men’s eyes. Many persons from all parts of
the world set out for Persia, and began to seek with their whole hearts. For it
hath been proved by experience in the world that in the case of such matters of
conscience laceration causeth healing; censure produceth increased diligence;
prohibition induceth eagerness; and intimidation createth avidity.
(‘Abdu’l-Baha,
‘A traveler’s Narrative’)
