The King of the Martyrs and Beloved of the Martyrs were born
to a noble family in Isfahan. They were nine and ten years of age respectively
when the Declaration of the Báb took place in 1844.
Their two illustrious uncles, Mirza Hadi and Mirza
Muhammad-'Ali (the father of Munirih Khanum, the wife of 'Abdu'l-Bahá) had
embraced the Faith of the Báb in the early days of its Revelation. They both
took part in the Conference of Badasht. But their father, Mirza Ibrahim, was
not a believer at the time; he recognized the truth of the Faith later. He was
engaged in the service of Mir Siyyid Muhammad, the Imam-Jum'ih [1] of Isfahan,
as manager of his financial affairs. When the Báb went to that city He stayed
part of the time as a guest in the home of the Imam-Jum'ih.
Because of his close association at that time with the Báb,
Mirza Ibrahim, though not a believer, entertained Him one day in his home. On
that occasion the two young brothers and their uncles attained the presence of
the Báb. This meeting left an abiding impression on the two youths, who became
ardent believers through the efforts of their uncles, especially Mirza
Muhammad-'Ali who later accompanied them to Baghdad where they attained the
presence of Bahá'u'lláh. As a result of their meeting with Him, they became
aware of His exalted Station and were filled with the spirit of faith and
certitude. The splendours of the Face of their Lord brightly illumined their
beings and they returned home radiant as shining lights.
In those days merchants occupied an important position in
the community. The King and the Beloved of the Martyrs were held in high esteem
as merchants of note by the inhabitants of Isfahan. These two brothers had
established a very prosperous business there, but they were not attached to
earthly possessions. Through their generous support they were able to alleviate
some of the hardships which Bahá'u'lláh and His companions had to endure in the
course of His successive exiles and confinements. They also spent much of their
enormous wealth on the poor, and lovingly harboured the distressed and the
needy at all times. For example, they provided food and other necessities for a
great many starving people during a famine in Isfahan. In their dealings with
people they were renowned for their trustworthiness, honesty, compassion,
loving-kindness and generosity. They were shining embodiments of all Bahá'í
ideals. Their love and devotion for Bahá'u'lláh knew no bounds. The praise that
Bahá'u'lláh has lavishly showered upon them is ample testimony to the loftiness
of their station, the nobility of their character and the purity of their
souls.
(Adib Taherzadeh, The Revelation of Baha'u'llah vol. 4)
[1] A high religious dignitary of the city.
