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When He reached Baghdad 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 Bab "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). Baha'u'llah with mighty steadfastness became a target for the arrows of all amongst mankind, while Mirza Yahya in disguise passed his time, now in the environs and vicinity of Baghdad engaged for better concealment in various trades, now in Baghdad itself in the garb of the Arabs. (38:1) Now Baha'u'llah so acted that the hearts of this sect were drawn towards Him, while most of the inhabitants of 'Iraq 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 'Iraq alone and solitary, without companion, supporter, associate, or comrade. For nigh upon two years He dwelt in Turkish Kurdistan, generally in a place named Sar-Galu, situated in the mountains, and far removed from human habitations. Sometimes on rare occasions He used to frequent Sulaymaniyyih. 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 circulated in all quarters and directions, to wit that a stranger, a Persian, had appeared in the district of Sulaymaniyyih (which hath been, from of old, the place whence the most expert doctors of the Sunnites have arisen), and that the people of that country had loosed their tongues in praise of Him. From the rumor thus heard it was known that Person was none other than Baha'u'llah. Several persons, therefore, hastened thither, and began to entreat and implore, and the urgent entreaty of all brought about His return.
(38:2)
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