Among the Shí‘ihs it is universally acknowledged that He
[the Báb] never studied in any school, nor acquired learning from any teacher.
To this the people of Shíráz, each and all, bear witness. Nevertheless, He
suddenly appeared before the people, endowed with consummate knowledge, and
though but a merchant, confounded all the divines of Persia.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Table talks in Akka, authenticated by ‘Abdu’l-Baha; ‘Some Answered Questions’ –
2014 revised translation by the Baha’i World Centre)