Mulla Husayn was still in Mashhad during the conference of
Badasht as a guest of the Governor-General of the province of Khurasan - where
he was treated with courtesy and consideration. After leaving the camp of the
Governor-General, he was preparing his anticipated trip to Karbila when a
messenger arrived bearing to him the Báb’s turban and conveying the news that a
new name, that of Siyyid ‘Alí, had been conferred upon him by his Master.
“Adorn your head,” was the message, “with My green turban,
the emblem of My lineage, and, with the Black Standard unfurled before you,
hasten to the Jazíriy-i-Khadrá, [literally: ‘Verdant Isle’] and lend your
assistance to My beloved Quddús.”
As soon as that message reached him, Mullá Husayn arose to
execute the wishes of his Master. Leaving Mashhad for a place situated at a
farsang’s distance [about 3 miles] from the city, he hoisted the Black
Standard, placed the turban of the Báb upon his head, assembled his companions,
mounted his steed, and gave the signal for their march to the Jazíriy-i-Khadrá.
His companions, who were two hundred and two in number, enthusiastically
followed him. That memorable day was July 21st, 1848.
Wherever they tarried, at every village and hamlet through
which they passed, Mullá Husayn and his fellow-disciples would fearlessly
proclaim the message of the New Day, would invite the people to embrace its
truth, and would select from among those who responded to their call a few whom
they would ask to join them on their journey.
