|
The Second Coming (1:2) The Baha'i Faith originated in the year 1844, in the land of Persia (present-day Iran). It has now become the second-most geographically widespread religion in the world, the first being Christianity. The Founder's name is Baha'u'llah, an Arabic title that means "The Glory of God." He claims to be the Christ returned in the Glory of the Father. (1:3) In the Baha'i view, Christ has come the second time, as He did the first time, largely unrecognized by those who were looking for the literal fulfillment of prophecy. Baha'u'llah has invited the world to investigate His claim. (1:4) Baha'u'llah was born in 1817 in Tihran, now the capital of Iran. His life was remarkable from birth. In infancy, He never cried-a cause of astonishment to His mother. In childhood and youth He manifested a rare quality of attraction which endeared Him to all, and a wisdom surpassing that of learned men. Reminiscent of Jesus Christ, Who at the age of twelve was found conversing in the temple with the doctors who were astonished at His understanding (luk 2:46-47), Baha'u'llah would converse with the religious scholars of His time, answering questions and explaining the meaning of diffcult passages of scripture, although He, too, had never attended any school. By the time He was fourteen, His penetrating understanding and eloquence were widely recognized in both religious and government circles. (1992 Encyclopedia Britannica Book of the Year ) (1:5) Baha'u'llah was born into a noble family. He was a direct descendant of King David. When He was a young man, He was offered a high position by the grand vazir, but He refused it, wishing instead to devote His time to ministering to the oppressed, the sick, and the poor. When He was nearly eighteen years of age, He married a young woman named Asiyyih Khanum, tenderhearted and also of noble birth. Both had inherited large fortunes, yet neither was attached to luxury; rather, they were motivated by their love and concern for others: (1:6) He was most generous, giving abundantly to the poor. None who came to Him were turned away. The doors of His house were open to all. He always had many guests. This unbounded generosity was conducive to greater astonishment from the fact that He sought neither position nor prominence. In commenting upon this His friends said He would become impoverished, for His expenses were many and His wealth becoming more and more limited. "Why is he not thinking of his own afeairs?" they inquired of each other; but some who were wise declared, "This personage is connected with another world; he has something sublime within him that is not evident now; the day is coming when it will be manifested. (pup 25-26 ) (1:7) Baha'u'llah's wealth and status were not to last, for He would, in time, lose everything: His wealth, His freedom, His homeland. His future was presaged by a dream that His father had when He was a child. In the dream, Baha'u'llah was swimming in a vast, a limitless ocean, His body radiating a light that illumined the waters. His long, black hair floated in great profusion in all directions. A multitude of fishes gathered around Him, each one holding on to the end of one hair. Fascinated by His radiant face, the fish followed Him in whatever direction He swam, and no matter how great their numbers or how firmly they clung to the hairs of His head, not one hair became detached, nor did Baha'u'llah suffer any injury as He swam free and unrestrained (see db 119-120). (1:8) Baha'u'llah's father was greatly impressed by this dream, and he summoned a soothsayer who was famous in that region to interpret it. This man told Baha'u'llah's father: (1:9) The limitless ocean that you have seen in your dream, O Vazir, is none other than the world of being. Single-handed and alone, your son will achieve supreme ascendancy over it. Wherever He may please, He will proceed unhindered. No one will resist His march, no one will hinder His progress. The multitude of fishes signifies the turmoil which He will arouse amidst the peoples and kindreds of the earth. Around Him will they gather, and to Him will they cling. Assured of the unfailing protection of the Almighty, this tumult will never harm His person, nor will His loneliness upon the sea of life endanger His safety. (db 119) (1:10) Two significant aspects of the life of Baha'u'llah are the sufferings He endured and the influence that He had on the hearts of the people. When, in 1844, a Youth1 from the southern city of Shiraz began calling the people to purify their hearts in anticipation of a Messenger mightier than Himself Who would usher in a New Day of God, Baha'u'llah began espousing this.
(1:11)
|