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| Karbila, circa 1930s |
In the following incident Nabil gives an example of Siyyid
Kazim’s efforts to prepare his disciples to gradually remove the veils of
age-old erroneous understandings and superstition, to become ready to recognize
their Lord, the Báb:
In those days Siyyid Kázim became increasingly aware of the
approach of the Hour at which the promised One [the Báb] was to be revealed. He
realised how dense were those veils that hindered the seekers from apprehending
the glory of the concealed Manifestation. He accordingly exerted his utmost
endeavour to remove gradually, with caution and wisdom, whatever barriers might
stand in the way of the full recognition of that Hidden Treasure of God.
He repeatedly urged his disciples to bear in mind the fact
that He whose advent they were expecting would appear neither from Jabúlqá nor
from Jabúlsá.’ [1] He even hinted at His presence in their very midst:
“You behold Him with your own eyes,” he often observed, “and
yet recognise Him not!”
To his disciples who questioned him regarding the signs of
the Manifestation, he would say:
“He is of noble lineage. He is a descendant of the Prophet
of God, of the family of Háshim. [2] He is young in age, and is possessed of
innate knowledge. His learning is derived, not from the teachings of Shaykh
Ahmad, [his master] but from God. My knowledge is but a drop compared with the
immensity of His knowledge; my attainments a speck of dust in the face of the
wonders of His grace and power. Nay, immeasurable is the difference. He is of
medium height, abstains from smoking, and is of extreme devoutness and
piety.”
