There was a believer by the name of Shaykh Ṣádiq
of Yazd. He had emigrated from Persia to Baghdád during the time of Baha’u’llah.
‘Abdu’l-Baha has described him as “a man esteemed, and righteous as his name, Ṣádiq.
[truthful, loyal] He was a towering palm in the groves of Heaven, a star
flaming in the skies of the love of God.”
Here is the story told by the Master:
“It was during the ‘Iráq period that he hastened to the
presence of Bahá’u’lláh. His detachment from the things of this world and his
attachment to the life of the spirit are indescribable. He was love embodied,
tenderness personified. Day and night, he commemorated God. Utterly unconscious
of this world and all that is therein, he dwelt continually on God, remaining
submerged in supplications and prayers. Most of the time, tears poured from his
eyes. The Blessed Beauty singled him out for special favor, and whenever He
turned His attention toward Ṣádiq, His loving-kindness was clear to see.
On a certain day they brought word that Ṣádiq was at the
point of death. I went to his bedside and found him breathing his last. He was
suffering from ileus, an abdominal pain and swelling. I hurried to Bahá’u’lláh
and described his condition. “Go,” He said. “Place your
hand on the distended area and speak the words: ‘O Thou the Healer!’” [Yá Sháfí]
I went back. I saw that the affected part had swollen up to
the size of an apple; it was hard as stone, in constant motion, twisting, and
coiling about itself like a snake. I placed my hand upon it; I turned toward
God and, humbly beseeching Him, I repeated the words, “O Thou the Healer!”
Instantly the sick man rose up. The ileus vanished; the swelling was carried
off.”
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (‘Memorials of the Faithful’)
