Qurratu'l-‘Ayn [Tahirih] 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. The reins of
volition were taken out of her hands by heavenly attraction. She was so
overcome that physical susceptibilities ceased. Her husband, her sons and her
family arose in the greatest hostility against Baha'u'llah. 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. To her very last breath she spoke with fervid eloquence and so became
famous for her complete attraction in the path of God. If she had not seen
Baha'u'llah, no such effect would have been produced. She had read and heard
the teachings of scriptures all her life, but the action and enkindlement were
missing.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a talk; ‘The Promulgation of Universal Peace’)
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a talk; ‘The Promulgation of Universal Peace’)
