Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: An Extraordinary Child
“From childhood He was extremely kind and generous. He was a great lover of outdoor life, most of His time being spent in the garden or the fields. He had an extraordinary power of attraction, which was felt by all.”
—‘Abdu’l-Bahá
An extraordinary child was born in Tihrán, Persia (now Iran) in 1817. Named Mírzá Husayn-‘Alí, He later became known as Bahá’u’lláh (“Glory of God” in Arabic). His family descended from the Prophets Abraham and Zoroaster, and from ancient Persian kings.
Bahá’u’lláh’s father, Mírzá ‘Abbás, held a high position in the court of the sháh (king) of Persia. He was honored for his virtuous character and his talent in calligraphy. The sháh so admired him that he gave him the title Buzurg, or “the Great One.”
Bahá’u’lláh’s mother was Khadíjih Khánum. Little is known about her. She was a widow with three children when she married Mírzá Buzurg. Together they had five children, and their third-born was Bahá’u’lláh.
Bahá’u’lláh’s mother was so attached to Him that she disliked being apart, even for a moment. She marveled at His calmness. “This child never cries,” she said. “He is so unlike other babies that cry and scream and are forever restless . . .”
When Bahá’u’lláh was a child, Mírzá Buzurg dreamed that his son was swimming in a vast ocean. Bahá’u’lláh’s body radiated light, and His black hair flowed above the waves in all directions. As He swam, schools of fish attached themselves to the strands of His hair, but Bahá’u’lláh was unharmed.
Mírzá Buzurg consulted a wise man who interpreted dreams. The man said that the ocean symbolized the world. “Single-handed and alone, your son will achieve supreme ascendancy over it,” he said. The fish represented the people who would gather around Him, but “this tumult will never harm His person, nor will His loneliness upon the sea of life endanger His safety.”
Mírzá Buzurg grew even more devoted to his son and hopeful about His future.
Bahá’u’lláh loved being outdoors and riding horses. He spent summers at His family’s luxurious home in the mountain village of Tákur. In Tihrán, they lived in a group of seven interconnected mansions with beautiful furnishings and private baths.
Bahá’u’lláh was tutored at home in the Qur’án, calligraphy, and poetry, as was customary for children of wealth and nobility. He impressed others with His wisdom and insight. By about age 13, Bahá’u’lláh would talk with religious scholars in large gatherings, and they would listen carefully as He explained spiritual ideas.
“Such intelligence! And such perception! He is as a flame of fire!” Mírzá Buzurg said. “Even at this young age He surpasses mature men.”
When Bahá’u’lláh was about 22, Mírzá Buzurg passed away. Bahá’u’lláh was offered a government position, but He declined. When the Prime Minister heard of His refusal, he said, “Leave him to himself. Such a position is unworthy of him.”
Bahá’u’lláh’s mission went far beyond worldly affairs. In 1863, He announced His station as a Messenger of God. Today His followers are found in almost every country. In 2017, Bahá’ís around the globe joyfully celebrate the 200th anniversary of His birth, which the Bahá’í writings say represents “the single greatest worldwide opportunity there has ever been for connecting hearts to Bahá’u’lláh.”
Photos: © Bahá’í International Community
Bahá’í Faith511 Bahá’ís in History198 Word Searches43 BahaLife25 Bahá’u’lláh146 Persia50 Biography51