Táhirih: learning, voice, and courage

Qurratu'l-'Ayn, a Baha'i, was a poetess. She discomfited the learned men of Persia by her brilliancy and fervor. When she entered a meeting, even the learned were silent. She was so well versed in philosophy and science that those in her presence always considered and consulted her first. Her courage was unparalleled; she faced her enemies fearlessly until she was killed. She withstood a despotic king, the Shah of Persia, who had the power to decree the death of any of his subjects.

Consider how many men in this wondrous Cause ascended to the highest levels of knowledge and possessed clear exposition, conclusive proof, eloquent tongue and wonderful speech. Yet because she was among women, the blessed leaf, the honorable Tahirih, shone forth infinitely more and became the cause of everyone's amazement.

Ponder the manner in which Jinab-i-Tahirih used to teach. She was free from every concern, and for this reason she was resplendent.

You have surely heard how Tahirih, when imprisoned in the house of the chief of police, what a flame she ignited. … When the wedding gathering was arranged and the veiled ladies of the ministers, officials and princes were present, and from every direction the sound of tar, tanbur, lute, oud, harp and chang rose up, and the evening's entertainment was prepared - as the musicians and singers and performers began their music and song in the feast, Tahirih opened her tongue in speech and so moved them all that everyone abandoned that affair and gathered around her to hear her glad tidings.

Amongst the women of our own time is Qurratu'l-'Ayn, the daughter of a Muhammadan priest. At the time of the appearance of the Bab she showed such tremendous courage and power that all who heard her were astonished. She threw aside her veil despite the immemorial custom of the women of Persia, and although it was considered impolite to speak with men, this heroic woman carried on controversies with the most learned men, and in every meeting she vanquished them. The Persian Government took her prisoner; she was stoned in the streets, anathematized, exiled from town to town, threatened with death, but she never failed in her determination to work for the freedom of her sisters.

O questioner, deliver thou this epistle unto Tahirih when she departeth from the house of Jalil, and when thou arrivest in the Holy Land, unto those who dwell in the house of justice, that all may be informed of the decisive word regarding origin and return. I have indeed permitted the pilgrimage which she desired by her Lord's command. O Ahmad, in that House follow thou My decree and forbid her not. Gather her companions and protect her affairs that she may suffer no hurt from anyone, for she is a faithful believer.

God's mercy be upon him who showeth mercy unto her and watcheth over her affairs.

As for what you asked about people's differences regarding Tahirih, the essence of what should be accepted about her is that it is incumbent upon all to remain silent concerning her station, and that she was a leaf who believed in her Lord. … When she advanced in the knowledge of the family of God, it is not befitting for a believer to deny her or harm her. She did not rule except by what was detailed in the Book.

We immediately summoned Muhammad-Hadiy-i-Farhadi, and gave him the necessary directions to release her from her captivity, and escort her to the capital. As the enemy had seized Our house, We were unable to accommodate her indefinitely in Our home. Accordingly, We arranged for her transference from Our house to that of the Minister of War, who, in those days, had been disgraced by his sovereign and had been deported to Kashan. We requested his sister, who still was numbered among Our friends, to act as hostess to Tahirih.

None of our companions had remained in Niyala except Tahirih and a young man from Shiraz, Mirza 'Abdullah. The violence with which we were assailed had brought desolation into our camp. I found no one into whose custody I could deliver Tahirih except that young man, who displayed on that occasion a courage and determination that were truly surprising. Sword in hand, undaunted by the savage assault of the inhabitants of the village, who had rushed to plunder our property, he sprang forward to stay the hand of the assailants. Though himself wounded in several parts of his body, he risked his life to protect our property. I bade him desist from his act. When the tumult had subsided, I approached a number of the inhabitants of the village and was able to convince them of the cruelty and shamefulness of their behaviour.

Qurratu'l-'Ayn was a Persian woman without fame and importance -- unknown, like all other Persian women. When she saw Baha'u'llah, she changed completely, visibly, and looked within another world. … She became so attracted to the divine threshold that she forsook everything and went forth to the plain of Badasht, no fear in her heart, dauntless, intrepid, openly proclaiming the message of light which had come to her. The Persian government stood against her. They made every effort to quiet her, they imprisoned her in the governor's house, but she continued to speak. Then she was taken and killed.

For many have made claims of divinity and lordship - His Holiness Quddus, may my spirit be sacrificed for him, revealed a book on the interpretation of Samad where from beginning to end it is "I am God", and the honorable Tahirih raised "I am God" to the highest heavens in Badasht, and likewise some loved ones in Badasht, and the Blessed Beauty in the Qasidiy-i-Varqa'iyyih states: "All divinities became divine from a sprinkling of my command, and all lords became lordly from an overflow of my wisdom."

After being released, she went with a number of believers to a celebration outside the city, in a grove near a deserted village. The Blessed Perfection was present. It was a meeting filled with faith, love, and rejoicing. In speaking to the meeting, she became so inspired she removed the cover from her face. Her mother and some of her relatives were present, and her action produced a great commotion among them. When the news came to the ears of the Muhammadans, their charges and persecutions against her became violent and bitter. Finally, she was taken away from her friends and put to death. She died a martyr and a heroine. In her impassioned speech she had said, ' What God has created pure shall I call impure?' removing her veil as she said it.

She was imprisoned in the governor's house where, by chance, a wedding was being celebrated with all manner of festivity, music, song, food and drink. But Qurratu'l-'Ayn spoke with such power that all abandoned the wedding festivities and gathered around her. No one paid attention to the wedding while she alone spoke. Though the Shah had ordered her execution, and although she had never adorned herself in her lifetime, on that day she adorned herself, which astonished everyone. When asked why, she replied, "This is my wedding day." With perfect dignity and composure she went to that garden. While all were saying she would be killed, she continued to proclaim, "I am that trumpet-call mentioned in the Gospel!" In this state, they martyred her in the garden and cast her into a well.

That one who first awoke them, who gave her life for this noble cause, was Qurratu'l'Ain. Blessed is she among women!"

Abdul Baha: No. In the presence of some of the more intimate friends who used to visit her, she would unveil but not in public.

And as to attributing such matters unto the Pure Leaf: verily do I call God to witness that she is free and innocent of all this, and hath believed in naught save that which is set forth in the clear Book.

… Wherefore should he who hath followed Me repudiate her? For she speaketh not save through the shining guides from among the People of Infallibility and the radiant tokens from among the people of truth.

And among others, that Point of Attraction, Her Holiness Ta [Tahirih], upon her be the glory of God, the Most Glorious - remained for a time with this servant, and she would not have exchanged the meeting with this Youth for the sovereignty of this world and the next, nor did she desire to be separated from Me for even less than that. But what was decreed came to pass. And how numerous are the verses and poems that she composed concerning this wondrous Cause! Among them, she composed a ghazal in description of the Divine Countenance, of which one couplet is the following:

Should Baha cast aside the veil from His face, A hundred thousand like unto Azal would come into being.

Kurat-el-Ayn had attained to this supreme state.

… Although she never cared for dress, that day she wore her best white silk dress and jewelry and perfumed herself with the most fragrant attar of roses. She hailed the chamber of death as a happy bride entering the nuptial bower of the bridegroom.