Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: A Heartfelt Transformation
“Through the spirit of oneness, they may heal the sickness of a divided humanity” —Bahá’u’lláh
As the sun dipped below the horizon in ‘Akká (now in Israel), a boy named Mahmúd and his family began eating dinner. Suddenly, a brilliant light illuminated the night sky. “The sun has come back!” Mahmúd cried.
The family was amazed to see light after sunset. No one had electricity. What were they seeing? They asked a trusted advisor to explain. He shared a prophecy that one day, when Mahmúd was grown, the “Great One” would come to ‘Akká. He told Mahmúd to welcome this spiritual teacher with love and devotion.
Many years passed, and the boy grew into a respected Muslim leader called Shaykh Mahmúd. When Bahá’u’lláh arrived in ‘Akká as a prisoner, Shaykh Mahmúd was told that Bahá’u’lláh was evil and an enemy of Islam. This wasn’t true, but many people believed terrible rumors that were spread about the Bahá’ís. They were prejudiced against them before they’d even seen them. Though he had never met Bahá’u’lláh, Shaykh Mahmúd’s heart boiled with hate, and he decided to kill Him.
Shaykh Mahmúd tried twice to reach Bahá’u’lláh to fulfill his deadly mission. But both times, Bahá’u’lláh knew his intentions and refused to see him until his heart was freed from hatred. Astonished, Mahmúd returned home.
Then he had a dream that reminded him of the prophecy from his childhood. Shaykh Mahmúd was humbled. His anger began to fade. He returned to the prison and this time, he spoke with Bahá’u’lláh’s eldest son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. His kind words and manner helped Shaykh Mahmúd’s prejudices melt away. He met Bahá’u’lláh face to face and came to love Him and His teachings.
Now, instead of hating the Bahá’ís, Shaykh Mahmúd began to help them. At the time, guards and spies watched the city gates to stop Bahá’ís from leaving or entering ‘Akká. Many Bahá’ís who had come to see Bahá’u’lláh were sent away. Shaykh Mahmúd risked his own safety to help them. He walked outside the city walls to meet Bahá’ís in secret. When the sun set, he gave them a lantern to carry so they could pretend to be a servant guiding their employer back to ‘Akká. Other times, Shaykh Mahmúd even threw ropes over the walls to help Bahá’ís climb over and enter the city without using the gate.
Shaykh Mahmúd was one of many people who experienced the transforming power of Bahá’u’lláh’s love. Today, Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings continue to unite millions of people around the world and inspire them to work together to build peace.
Photos © Bahá'í International Community
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