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DATE_THIS | 1932 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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TAGS | Dawn-Breakers (book);Babi history;Bab, Life of (documents) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
TITLE_THIS | Dawn-Breakers: Nabíl's Narrative of the Early Days of The Bahá'í Revelation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
SUBTITLE_THIS | Study Guide | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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NOTES | This publication is posted with the kind permission of the Bahá'í Publishing Trust, Wilmette, IL. The tables of contents have been added and are not part of the original print document. Note: This work has been referred to by Shoghi Effendi in "This Decisive Hour", letter no. 8: "Will you kindly send me a few more copies of the Study Guide to Nabíl's narrative7...copies...of which I wish to distribute among those who are deeply interested." | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CONTENT | A Study Guide to The Dawn-Breakers Feel impelled appeal entire body American believers to henceforth regard Nabíl's soul-stirring Narrative as essential adjunct to reconstructed Teaching program, as unchallengeable textbook in their Summer Schools, as source of inspiration in all literary and artistic pursuits, as an invaluable companion in times of leisure, as indispensable preliminary to future pilgrimage to Bahá'u'lláh's native land, and as unfailing instrument to allay distress and resist attacks of critical, disillusioned humanity. Introduction This Study Guide to The Dawn-Breakers has been prepared for two reasons: first, because Shoghi Effendi has laid emphasis on the need of the believers knowing the early history of the Bahá'í Faith thoroughly through this translation; and second, because the content, form and length of the Narrative demand some assistance on behalf of the average reader. The Study Guide is in three parts: Part I comprises a synopsis of the Narrative, a kind of skeleton or framework upon which the details can be hung as one continues to study. Part II is the Questionnaire which, in logical order and careful detail, brings out in bold relief each character and many events. Part III provides a key for the pronuncation of the most important names. The Study Guide is offered as one method which may be useful where study classes are conducted, with the hope that it will assist in bringing about that knowledge of the Faith which Shoghi Effendi so urgently desired. Some General Suggestions for Use of Guide 1. Use the synopsis of the story as a preliminary to the close study of the text itself. 2. Read the embellishing stories and inspiring passages and use them for short talks in meetings. 3. Make a special study of the chief characters in the book and the stirring events in which they took part by use of the questionnaire. Practically every page in The Dawn-Breakers has been covered in the questionnaire. 4. Practice the correct pronunciation of the proper names transliterated in the Narrative. Guide to pronunciation is to be found on page 673. 5. Make freqent use of the Bahá'í Glossary, available as separate item. (There is a brief Glossary on page 674 also.) 6. In the references, pages of the Introduction are in Roman numerals; the other pages are in Arabic numerals. +P 1 Part I. Synopsis of "The Dawn-Breakers"
+P 13 Conclusion By the pronouncement of the sentence of banishment of Násiri'd-Dín Sháh was unconsciously assisting in the unfoldment of the divine destiny that had moved in these dramatic events. Bahá'u'lláh had chosen 'Iráq as His place of exile and the city of Baghdád was to be the scene of the first proclamation of the great Movement of which Bahá'u'lláh was the Author, the Bahá'í Movement. Upon this stage appeared for the first time the chief Actor in His true role--He Whom God shall manifest. The Sháh had imagined that the new Faith had been successfully demolished by the violence of the persecution; by the end of his reign he was to witness a triumphant revival of the shattered forces, resulting in the spread of the Cause far beyond the confines of persia. The divine power which centered in the personality of Bahá'u'lláh transcended all calculations of Násiri'd-Dín Sháh. Under this inspired leadership the Cause of the Báb in its glorious new version "had risen phoenix-like from its ashes and was pressing forward along the road leading to undreamt-of achievements." The writer of the Epilogue says in conclusion of this heart-awakening narrative: "Who knows but that triumphs, unsurpassed in splendour, are not in store for the mass of Bahá'u'lláh's toiling followers? Surely, we stand too near the colossal edifice His hand has reared to be able, at the present stage of the evolution of His Revelation, to claim to be able even to conceive the full measure of its promised glory. Its past history, stained by the blood of countless martyrs, may well inspire us with the thought that, whatever may yet befall this Cause, however formidable the forces that may still assail it, however numerous the reversed it will inevitably suffer, its onward march can never be stayed, and that it will continue to advance until the very last promise, enshrined within the words of Bahá'u'lláh, shall have been completely redeemed." +P 14 Part II. Questionnaire 1. What was Nabíl's family name? Give full surname. See end of preface; 434 2. What was his family background? 434 3. Where was he born? (village and province) 434 4. Give date of birth. 434 5. What was his profession? 434 6. State the extent of his education. 434 7. Give his religious impressions as a child. 434-435 8. At what age and under what circumstances did he first hear of the Revelation of the Báb? 435 9. What effect did this sudden knowledge have upon him? 435 10. Give the names of the two Bábís who met Nabíl and confirmed him in the Bahá'í Faith. 168, 435-437 11. What were the points stressed by Siyyid Ismá'íl which led to the confirmation of Nabíl in the Bábí Faith? 437, 438 12. Was Nabíl able to fulfill his wish and join the defenders of the Fort of Tabarsí? 438, 439 13. Who were some of the Bábís that Nabíl met in Tihrán? xxxvii; 440-442 14. What was Nabíl's reaction to Mírzá Yahyá? (Surname Subh-i-Azal) 441 15. What was the cause of Nabíl's having to leave Tihrán suddenly for Zarand? 442-445 16. Read the account of the seven martyrs of Tihrán, then tell in your own words the tragic fate of those heroes. 445-458 17. After Nabíl was able to leave his home again, with whom did he spend many months, serving and working in the Cause of the Báb? 587, 588, 591, 592 18. In what city did Nabíl join Bahá'u'lláh in His exile? xxxvii 19. Where was he living when Bahá'u'lláh ascended? xxxvii 20. In what way did Nabíl meet his death? xxxvii 21. In what year did Nabíl begin his chronicle and who assisted him? xxxvii; see preface. 22. How long did it take him to write it? xxxvii 23. What two people reviewed and approved the manuscript? xxxvii 24. How far does the complete work carry us in Bahá'í history? xxxvii 25. Why has the chronicle of Nabíl a unique value? xxxvi, xxxvii 26. What does the name "Nabíl" mean? See glossary. +P 15 Shaykh Ahmad-i-Ahsá'í (Answers all within chapter 1) 1. In what town and district was Shaykh Ahmad born? 1, footnote 2. 2. Give date of birth. 1, footnote 2. 3. Where was he living and at what age did he arise to dedicate his life to his religious convictions? 2. 4. State briefly what his religious convictions were. 1, 2. 5. To what two cities did he first proceed in his journey? 2. 6. State briefly the extent of his accommplishments and influence while in these cities. 2, 3. 7. To what country did he next proceed? 4. 8. Name two cities that Shaykh ahmad visited on his way to Mashhad–state at least one important circumstance connected with his visit to each city. 4-12. 9. Whom did Shaykh Ahmad choose as his successor and favored disciple? 10, 11, 16. 10. What was the essence of the last words of Shaykh Ahmad to Siyyid Kázim? 16. 11. What important event did Shaykh Ahmad foretell while in Mashhad? 12 12. Speak of the attentions showered upon Shaykh Ahmad by the Sháh and his eldest son. 12-15. 13. Where did the death of Shaykh Ahmad take place? 18. 14. At what age did he die? 18. 15. In what city was he buried? 18. +P 16 Siyyid Kázim-i-Rashtí (Answers within chapters: 1, 2) 1. Give date of birth. Reckon from date of death (age 60 at death). 44. 2. What was his native province? 9. 3. What was his family background? 9, footnote 3. 4. What qualities of character made him outstanding as a youth? 10. 5. What event lead him to Shaykh Ahmad? 9, 10, footnote 3. 6. At what age did he reach the presence of Shaykh Ahmad? 10. 7. What position did Siyyid Kázim hold among the disciples of Shaykh Ahmad? 10, 11. 8. After the death of Shaykh Ahmad what was the attitude of the people toward Siyyid Kázim? 19. 9. In what city did Siyyid Kázim continue to teach until his death? 17, 45. 10. State briefly the first mission that Siyyid Kázim sent one of his disciples on and give this disciple's name. 19-24. 11. Tell of the first time that Siyyid Kázim met the Báb. 26, 27. 12. Either write briefly or give orally the episode of the appearance of the Báb in the classroom of Siyyid Kázim. 27, 28. 13. Quote some of the allusions that Siyyid Kázim directed toward those of his disciples who were spiritually blind. 38. 14. Repeat the beautiful and touching words that Siyyid Kázim addressed to the Báb. 33, 34 15. What memorable event happened to Siyyid Kázim as a result of the respect in which he was held by the Ottoman Government? 34-37. 16. Quote from the words of Siyyid Kázim to his disciples and show how such instructions can apply to our lives in this day. 40, 41, 42. 17. In what way was Siyyid Kázim told of his approaching death? 42-45. 18. What was the date of his death? 44, footnote 1. 19. Where were his sacred remains interred? 45. 20. State the significance of the teachings of Shaykh Ahmad and Siyyid Kázim in relation to the Revelation of the Báb. 1, 2, 4, 5, 12, 16, 17, 24, 25, 40, 41, 42. +P 17 Mullá Husayn (Answers within chapters: 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 13, 14, 16, 19, 20, 21) 1. What was Mullá Husayn's native town and province? 415. 2. At what age did he proceed to Karbilá and become a pupil of Siyyid Kázim? 383, 415 3. For how many years was he closely associated with Siyyid Kázim? 383, 415, 416. 4. What were some of the outstanding characteristics of Mullá Husayn? 22, 24, 255, 263, 265, 383. 5. What was the journey that he undertook as a disciple of Siyyid Kázim? 20-22. 6. What were the instructions of Siyyid Kázim to his disciples upon his death? 47, 48. 7. In what ways did Mullá Husayn arise to carry out these instructions? 47, 48, 50, 51, 52. 8. Who was the first person to acknowledge the Revelation of the Báb? Tell the story of that historic meeting. 52-65. 9. What was the effect of this upon Mullá Husayn? 65, 66. 10. What was the station of the Báb conferred upon Mullá Husayn? 63. 11. Quote the significant words of the Báb concerning the attitude we should have in seeking to draw near to God and His manifestations. 61. 12. State some of the ways in which the other Letters of the Living became conscious of the Reality of the Báb. 66-70, 81. 13. Give the words of the Báb and the explanation by Nabíl of the inner bonds of understanding that existed among the holy souls of that day. 70. 14. What were some of the instructions the Báb gave to Mullá Husayn as he prepared to go on his first journey? 85, 86, 87, 96. 15. Repeat the story of the Sifter of Wheat. 99. 16. As a result of prayer and meditation what bounty was bestowed upon Ismu'lláhu'l-Asdaq? 100. 17. Who was the first to embrace the Faith in Káshán? 101. 18. What was the crowning event of Mullá Husayn's visit to Tihrán? 104-107. 19. What was the success of Mullá Husayn's sojourn in Khurásán? 123-126. 20. When was the second time that Mullá Husayn attained to the presence of the Báb? 160, 161. 21. What circumstances made it necessary for Mullá Husayn to seek the protection of his native province? 170. 22. By what means did Mullá Husayn travel to Máh-Kú and attain to the presence of the Báb for the third time? 255. 23. Give briefly the dream 'Alí Khán had about Mullá Husayn. 256. 24. What were the words of the Báb concerning Poets? 258, 259. 25. What was the essence of the teaching which the Báb gave to Mullá Husayn during that visit in preparation for the mighty events ot follow? 260. 26. What proved to be the "Hidden Treasure" that the Báb told Mullá Husayn would be made manifest to him in Mázindarán? 261-263. 27. What lesson can we draw from the recognition of Quddús by Mullá Husayn as a demonstration of selflessness? 264, 265. +P 18 (Mullá Husayn continued) 28. What was the name of the house Mullá Husayn was instructed by Quddús to build in Mashhad? 267. 29. With the arrival of Quddús and the zeal and energy of Mullá Husayn, what did this house soon become converted into? 267. 30. What happened to Mullá Husayn as a result of the tremendous influence he had in Mashhad? 288-291, 324. 31. Who instructed Mullá Husayn to unfurl the Black Standard and hasten to the assistance of Quddús? 324, 325. 32. What was the significance of the Black Standard? 351. 33. From what city and to what Shrine was it carried by the hand of Mullá Husayn? 351. 34. After reading the account of that heroic march, give the story of the battle of Bárfurúsh and the feat of Mullá Husayn. 326-344. 35. Under what circumstances only did Mullá Husayn and his companions fight? 330. 36. At the completion of the Fort who visited Mullá Husayn and his companions, giving them inspiration and advice? 347-349. 37. Was Mullá Husayn aware of the station of Bahá'u'lláh? 348, 349. 38. In how many battles did Mullá Husayn take part, arising to tremendous heights of courage and power in each one? 382, 383. 39. In what way did he finally become fatally wounded? 379, 380. 40. At whose feet did he die? 381. 41. In what year was this? 382. 42. Where was he buried? 381. 43. What glorious tribute did the Báb and Bahá'u'lláh pay to Mullá Husayn? 416, 431; 23, footnote 5. 44. Tell of the family of Mullá Husayn. 383, footnote 1. +P 19 The Báb (Answers below within chapters: genealogical chart, 1-3, 6-13, 17, 18, 21, 23, epilogue) Family (Answers within chapters: genealogical chart, 1, 3, 9) 1. What was the Báb's family name? 14, 72. 2. From whom did both His mother and father descend? 14; 72, 73. 3. Speak briefly concerning the character of both parents. 72, 73. 4. What was His father's name? 72. 5. What was His mother's name? Consult genealogical chart in front of book. 6. Through what means did the Báb's mother become awakened to the station of her Son? 191. How many years did she live after the death of the Báb? 192, footnote 1 Birth and Youth (Answers within chapters: 1 and 3) 7. What is the date of the Báb's birth? 14, 72. 8. In what city and province was he born? 72. 9. At approximately what age was the Báb when His father died? 72, footnote 3. 10. After the death of the Báb's father, who reared Him? 75. 11. What did the Báb's schooling consist of; what did He learn and how long did He remain a student? 75, footnote 1. 12. Why was the Báb finally dismissed from school? 75, 76. 13. Into what occupation did the Báb enter after His school days and with whom? 30, 76, footnote 1; 77, footnote 1. 14. At what age did He leave Shíráz and to what city did he go? 77, footnote 1. Marriage (Answers within chapters: genealogical chart, 3, 9) 15. At what age was the Báb married? 76, footnote 2. 16. Whom did the Báb marry? Consult genealogical chart in the front of the book. 17. Give a short description of her character; when did she recognize the mission of her husband and how long did she live? 191, 192. 18. Give name of the Báb's child and the approximate length of His life. Read the beautiful words of the Báb consecrating his death. 76, 77. Description of the Báb (Answers within chapters: introduction, 2, 3, 8, 9, 12, 13, 18, and 23) 19. Portray as completely as possible the Báb's physical appearance. xxxiii, 25, 53, 57. 20. Describe some of the characteristics of the Báb. xxiv; 25, 27, 30, 38, 52, 53, 55, 59, 61, 62, 66, 75, 76, 79, 80, 149, 175, 191, 223, 237, 244, 245, 249, 315, 507, 508. Declaration (Answers within chapters: introduction, 2, 3, 7, 13, 18, epilogue) 21. State at least one of the prophecies concerning the advent of the Báb. liii; 25, 33, 41, 48, 49 22. Repeat the dream of the Báb which came to Him before His Declaration. 253. 23. Give the date of His Declaration. 56, 61. 24. In what city was He at this time? 52. +P 20 (The Báb continued) 25. To whom did the Báb declare Himself on that memorable night? 52, 63. For further questions on event of Declaration see life of Mullá Husayn. 26. Speak definitely of the Station of the Báb. xxix, xxx, xxxi; 63, 134, 135; 315-319; 658, footnote 1. Mission (Answers within chapters: 3, 6-13, 17, 18, 21, 23) 27. What were the first disciples of the Báb called and how many were there? 63, 80, 81. 28. What is the significance of the work Kull-i-Shay'? 123 29. Study thoroughly the Báb's parting words to His disciples; memorize at least four or five lines, quote these from memory. 92-94. 30. What was the first time that the Báb received word of Bahá'u'lláh's immediate and active support of His Mission? 127, 128. 31. What was the first journey that the Báb undertook after His Declaration? 129. 32. Who was the Báb's companion on this journey? 129. 33. State one event of importance that happened on this journey. 130-132. 34. What two prominent people did the Báb declare His Mission to while in Mecca? 134, 135, 138. 35. For what reason was "The Epistle Between the Two Shrines" revealed by the Báb? 136; 137, footnote 2. 36. With what thoughts of mind and spirit did the Báb approach Medina? 140-141. 37. After the Báb's return from His pilgrimage in what city did He live for over a year? 150. 38. Give the account of the Báb's journey to Shíráz. What lesson can we learn from the words of the Báb to the guards? 148, 149, 150. 39. What was the outcome of the interview of the Báb with Husayn Khán? 153, 154. 40. Who first awakened the Báb's uncle to a realization of the Station of the Báb? 143. 41. In what way did Hájí Mírzá Siyyid 'alí meet his death? 446-449. 42. Tell the story of Mullá 'Abdu'l-Karím-i-Qazvíní. 162-169. 43. In what way was Siyyid Javád's relation with the Báb unique? 155-159, 188, 189. (170-177 are covered in life of Vahíd.) 44. What was the first Confinement the Báb suffered at the hands of His enemies? 194-198. 45. After the above episode, to what city did the Báb next proceed? 199. 46. What was the extent of the Báb's influence in that city? 200-204. 47. Speak of the Mu'tamid in that city and the extent of his devotion to the Báb. 204-215. 48. By whose command was the Báb ordered to Tihrán? 215, 216. 49. What circumstance led to a bountiful hospitality being prepared for the visit of the Báb to Káshán, and who was His host? 217-222. 50. Why did the Báb eventually go to Tabríz instead of Tihrán? 229-235. +P 21 (The Báb continued) 51. What was the attitude of Muhammad Big towards the Báb? 223-228; 236, 237. 52. Tell the story of the healing of the sick child by the Báb. 236, footnotes 1 & 2. 53. What event on this journey brought profound joy to the heart of the Báb? 227. 54. What was the reception afforded the Báb in Tabríz? 237, 241. 55. Where did the Báb's second confinement take place? Give name of place and geographical location. 243, 244. 56. What was the effect of the presence of the Báb on the castle warden and surrounding inhabitants? 245, 251. 57. What important work did the Báb reveal at this time? 248. 58. By what means did the Báb continue to promulgate His Message after His captivity? 249, 250. (254-260 are covered in life of Mullá Husayn.) 59. Where was the Báb's third incarceration? 301. 60. What was the attitude of the castle warden and inhabitants of Chihríq towards the Báb? 302. 61. Relate some of the events that began to cause perturbation to the government at this time. 303-306 62. Write or give orally the story of Muhammad-'Alíy-i-Zunúzí. 306-308. 63. Underwhat circumstances did the Báb make His second visit to Tabríz? 309-312. 64. Account for the reaction to the statement of the Báb. 314-320. 65. What was the significance of that gathering? 322. 66. What unjust punishment was inflicted upon Him at this time? 320. 67. Tell the subsequent fate of the tyrant who perpetrated this deed. 321. 68. Where was the Báb taken from Tabríz? 322. 69. What effect did the fate of the heroes of Tabarsí have upon the Báb? 430-431 70. To whom did the Báb send His personal documents shortly before His martyrdom? 504, 505. Martyrdom (Answers within chapter 23) 71. Who gave the order for the execution of the Báb? 504, 526. 72. In what city did His martyrdom take place? 506 73. What was the name of the Bábí who died with the Báb? 507, 508. 74. Tell of the actual circumstances of the martyrdom. 509-514. 75. Quote from memory the last words of the Báb. 514. 76. What was the date of the martyrdom of the Báb? 517. 77. How old was the Báb at the time of His death? 517 78. Speak of the "signs and wonders" surrounding this momentous event. 515-517. General (Answers within chapters: introduction, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12, 23) 79. What became of the Báb's body immediately after death? 517-521. 80. What was the fate of the regiment that shot the Báb? 525, 526. 81. Speak of the tribulations that beset the masses of people who witnessed the martyrdom of the Báb. 523, 524. +P 22 (The Báb continued) 82. How many years did the Báb's Mission last? Deduct the date of Declaration from the date of Martyrdom. 83. What does the word "Báb" signify? xxx, xxxi; 63. 84. State several of the ways in which the Báb made it clear that "Him Who will be made Manifest" was Bahá'u'lláh. xxxv, xxxvi; 31-33; 78. 86, 96; 126-128; 227, 228; 505, footnotes 3, 4; 190. 85. Tell something of the tribute that Bahá'u'lláh pays to the Báb and His chief disciples. xliv, l, li; 49, 50, 51. 86. Explain why, and give examples of the fact, that the Báb was ever the guide to His own life and fate. +P 23 Quddús (Answers within chapters: 3, 6-9, 14, 16, 19, 20) 1. What was the family name of Quddús? 71. 2. Through his mother, from whom did he descend? 71. 3. Where was he born? 71. 4. How long was he a student of Siyyid Kázim? 415. 5. At what age did Quddús embrace the Faith declared by the Báb? 72. 6. Repeat the story of the arrival of Quddús in Shíráz. 69, 70. 7. By what behavior was Quddús distinguished from the rest of his companions? 72, 183. 8. Was Quddús one of the Letters of the Living? 81. 9. In what way did Quddús serve the Báb on the pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina? 132. 10. When did the Báb tell Quddús that the days of their companionship on earth were ended? 142. 11. What was the first persecution that Quddús suffered and who was tortured with him? 144-148. 12. Name at least two of the cities that Quddús visited on his journey to Tihrán. 179-182. 13. Whom did he meet in Tihrán? 183. 14. Was Quddús aware of the Mission of Bahá'u'lláh? 127, 128, 353. 15. Where did Quddús live for two years after his journey to Tihrán? 183. 16. What event revealed the true station of Quddús? 262-265. 17. What was the extent of the influence of Quddús in Mashhad? 288-291. 18. What was the part that Quddús played at the Conference at Badasht? 291-300. 19. What was the fate of Quddús after the episode in Níyálá? 300; 350-351. 20. Who instructed that Quddús should be one of the members of the Fort of Tabarsí? 349. 21. Describe his arrival at the Fort. 352. 22. How many Bábís took part in the heroic struggle of the Fort? 354. 23. Who was their leader? 356. 357. 24. In what marvelous way did the companions of the Fort prove to the world that the power of prayer and daily communion can sustain man through the greatest of trials? 355, 356, 389, 390, 392, 393. 25. After reading the story of Fort Tabarsí tell at least two of the thrilling episodes connected with that memorable event. 357, 368; 378-399. 26. Quote the words of Quddús concerning the extent to which the loved ones of God should be united. 382. 27. In what way was Quddús injured during one of the battles? 367, 368. 28. Did Quddús permit any offensive fighting on the part of the members of the Fort? 396. 29. By what means did the enemy finally overcome the occupants of the Fort? 399-407. 30. Under what circumstances did Quddús meet his death? 408-413. 31. In what city was he buried? 413, footnote 1. 32. What was the date of his death? 415. 33. What tradition did the life of Quddús gloriously exemplify? 72. 35. Who conferrred upon Quddús the appellation of "Quddús?" 293. +P 24 Vahíd (Answers within chapters: 6, 9, and 22) 1. What was the family name of Vahíd? 171. 2. Where was he born? 466. 3. Speak briefly of the character of his father. 171, footnote 2; 177, footnote 2. 4. For what qualities was Vahíd renowned throughout Persia? 172, 177; 177, footnote 2. 5. Who delegated Vahíd to investigate the claim of the Báb? 171. 6. Where was Vahíd living at this time. 172. 7. To what city did he proceed to meet the Báb? 172. 8. How many interviews did Vahíd have with the Báb? 173, 174. 9. Give the details of the last interview and the words of Vahíd concerning it. 174, 175, 176; 469. 10. What was the first journey that the Bab sent Vahíd upon? 177. 11. Where was Vahíd during the early days of the siege of the Fort of Tabarsí? 465. 12. Who prevented him from journeying at once to Mázindarán? 465. 13. In what city did Vahíd first fall a victim to the intrigues of his enemies? 466-474. 14. To what city did he next direct his steps? 475. 15. What was the extent of his devotion and service on this journey? 476. 16. Speak briefly of the reception given Vahíd upon his arrival at Nayríz. 477, 478. 17. What was the Vahíd's first act upon entering the city? Give the effect on the people. 478, 479, 480. 18. For what reason did the governor wish to stamp out the life of Vahíd and the Cause he proclaimed? 481. 19. Where did Vahíd and his companions valiantly resist the onslaught of the enemy? 481, 482. 20. Tell of the events that transpired while Vahíd and his companions were in the fort. 482-488. 21. Speak of the approximate ages of those companions who fought so heroically. 486, 491. 22. By what means were the Bábís finally overcome? 488-499. 23. What was the fate of Vahíd? 494, 495, footnote 3. 24. Was Vahíd aware of the fate that was to befall him? 465, footnote 1. 25. In what year did this take place? 499. 26. What were Bahá'u'lláh's words concerning this noble and heroic life? 495, footnote 2. 27. After a study of Vahíd's life explain why he was such a unique and noble character. 28. What is the meaning of the word "Vahíd?" Who gave Vahíd this title? 123, footnote 1; 188, footnote 1. +P 25 Hujjat (Answers within chapters: 9 and 24) 1. What was the family name of Hujjat? 529. 2. Who conferred the name of "Hujjat" upon him? 533. 3. In what year was he born? 529. 4. Where was he born? 529. 5. Speak of his character. 178, 179; 529, 530, 531. 6. What was the extent of Hujjat's influence at Zanján? 530, 531, 540. 7. What was the attitude of Hujjat when he heard the Call from Shíráz? 178, 530. 8. What event lead to the conversion of Hujjat? Give his attitude thereafter. 179, footnote 1; 533. 9. How many times was Hujjat called before the Sháh and ecclesiastical leaders and what was the outcome each time? 531-534; 537, 538. 10. With whom was Hujjat in close association while in Tihrán? 539. 11. What event lead to Hujjat's final return to Zanján? 539, 540. 12. What two events, unimportant in themselves but significant in the light of future events, brought about the Zanján upheaval? 540-544. 13. In what fort did Hujjat and his companions finally seek shelter? 545. 14. How many Bábís were there in the fort? 546. 15. What was Hujjat's repeated command to his companions concerning the extent to which they might fight? 546. 16. After reading an account of the fort repeat from memory the stories of Zaynab and Umm-i-Ashraf. 545-577. 17. In what way was Hujjat injured nineteen days before his death? 569. 18. Quote the wonderful words of Hujjat upon the death of his wife and child? 572. 19. What was the date of his death? 573. 20. Tell of the indignities heaped upon the body of Hujjat. 578. 21. Did Hujjat ever meet the Báb? 534. 22. Tell why Hujjat was one of the greatest heroes of the Bábí movement. +P 26 Bahá'u'lláh (Answers within chapters: 1, 2, 4-6, 15, 16, 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, epilogue) 1. State one of the prophecies concerning the advent of Bahá'u'lláh. 8, 9, 12; 31-33; 41. 2. What was the name of the father of Bahá'u'lláh? 11, 12, 104. 3. Tell something of the family background of Bahá'u'lláh. 12, 104, 109. 4. Give the family name of Bahá'u'lláh. 12, footnote 3; 106. 5. What was the date of His birth? 12, 13. 6. Where was He born? 12; 109. 7. Tell of the characteristics of Bahá'u'lláh as a young man. 32, 105, 106; 111. 8. Repeat the dream that Bahá'u'lláh's father had concerning Bahá'u'lláh when He was still a child. 119. 9. When, as far as Nabíl's chronicle relates, was the first time that Bahá'u'lláh received an epistle from the Báb? 106-107. 10. What was the first journy Bahá'u'lláh undertook for the purpose of promoting the Revelation announced by the Báb? 106-107. 11. Tell the story of the Dervish. 117, 118. 12. At what age was Bahá'u'lláh when He arose to spread the teachings of the Báb? 376. 13. What were the results of His first journey? 111-119. 14. What was the first confinement to which Bahá'u'lláh was subjected? 279. 15. Why did Bahá'u'lláh next proceed to Khurásán? 269, 460. 16. Upon His arrival in Badasht what was His first act? 292. 17. What momentous events took place in Badasht in the days that followed? 293-298; 460, 461. 18. What do you consider was the significance of the leadership of Bahá'u'lláh at this conference? 293-297. 19. How long did Bahá'u'lláh remain in Badasht? 298. 20. Describe the incident that took place in the village of Níyálá as related by Bahá'u'lláh. 299 21. In what way did Bahá'u'lláh encourage and inspire the Bábís in the Fort of Tabarsí? 349. 22. What was His promise to them at that time? 349. 23. Relate the circumstances that made the fulfillment of this promise impossible. 369-371; 373-377; 461, 462; 584. 24. What was the first chastisement that Bahá'u'lláh was subjected to? Compare it with the first indignity inflicted upon the Báb. 372. 25. Quote as nearly as possible the beautiful words of Nabíl concerning the love of the Báb and Bahá'u'lláh for one another. 373. 26. Did the Báb and Bahá'u'lláh ever meet "face to face?" 461. 27. State one of the circumstances that led to the exaggerated claims of Mírzá yahyá. 432, 433. 28. Why was Bahá'u'lláh commanded to leave for Karbilá and in what year was this? 587, 591. 29. What was the secret which He confided to Shaykh Hasan-i-Zunúzí in Karbilá? 593. +P 27 Bahá'u'lláh (continued) 30. What were the consequences following the death of Mírzá Taqí Khán, the Amír-Nizám? 598. 31. In what way was Bahá'u'lláh received when He reached Tihrán? 598, 599. 32. What was the advice of Bahá'u'lláh to 'Azím when he confieded to Him the plan he had conceived? 599. 33. In what year was the attempt made to take the life of the Sháh? 599. 34. What was the motive for this act? 599. 35. By what means was the assassination attempted? 600. 36. What was the result of this unfortunate act throughout Persia? 601, 602, 604, 605, 611, 612, 642, 643, 644, 645. 37. In what way did this act affect the life of Bahá'u'lláh? 603, 604, 606, 607. 38. Describe the conditions inflicted upon those in the Síyáh-Chál. 631-633. 39. Repeat the story told by The Most Great Branch of one of his experiences at this time. 616. 40. State briefly the circumstances surrounding the martyrdom of Hájí Sulaymán Khán. 618-620. 41. What event led to the exoneration of the name of Bahá'u'lláh in connection with the attempt on the life of the Sháh? 634-637; 646. 42. What was the sight which the eyes of the emissary beheld when he went to the Síyáh-Chál to free Bahá'u'lláh? 647, 648. 43. As a result of Bahá'u'lláh's release what command was sent throughout Persia by order of the Grand Vazír? 648, 649. 44. At what point does this volume of Nabíl's history leave us in the life of Bahá'u'lláh? 650. 45. Of all the outstanding figures in the Faith of the Báb, Who alone remained, thus fulfilling an utterance of Muhammad? 654. 46. What was the unique position which Bahá'u'lláh occupied as the Prime Mover of the forces which were destined to reshape the face of His native land before the time of the Cause He Himself revealed? 128; 376, 377. (This question can best be answered after a careful study of that part of Bahá'u'lláh's life as portrayed all through Nabíl's history.) 47. Give illustrations to show that Bahá'u'lláh was aware of His Divine Calling before His declaration. 658, footnote 2. 48. Read the significant word of Mírzá Áqá Khán concerning Bahá'u'lláh. 523. +P 28 Táhirih (Answers within chapters: 3, 15, 16, 21, 26) 1. In what year was Táhirih born? 628. 2. Tell something of her family history. 81, footnote 2; 82, footnote 2. 3. Why was she sometimes called Qurrat-i-'Ayní and who first addressed her in this manner? 83; 629, footnote 1. 4. Who gave her the name of Táhirih and what does the name mean? 293. 5. What were the qualities that made her renowned, even as a child? 84, footnote 1; 628, 629, footnote 1; footnote 2. 6. In what way did Táhirih first hear of the teachings of Siyyid Kázim? 81, footnote 2. 7. Did she ever actually meet Siyyid Kázim? 81, footnote 2; 269. 8. What was the message she sent by her brother-in-law to the Promised One? 81, 82. 9. In what way was she led to perceive the Reality of the Báb and His Revelation? 81, footnote 2. 10. What was the Báb's reply to Táhirih? 82; 269. 11. Does Nabíl's history say whether she met the Báb or not? 269. 12. Upon her acceptance of the Báb's message, what did Táhirih arise to do? 81, footnote 2; 269-271. 13. In what city was shre residing at this time? 269; 81, footnote 2. 14. Name at least one person whom Táhirih was able to win to the Cause of the Báb during the early days of her discipleship. 270, 271. 15. Why did Táhirih decide to proceed to Khurásán? 271. 16. Speak of the receptions she received in Baghdád and other cities on her journey to Qazvín. 272, footnotes 1, 2, 3 and 4; 273. 17. Who influenced Táhirih to proceed to Qazvín? 273. 18. What was the name of her husband? 82. 19. Why did Táhirih eventually bring their relationship to a close? 274, 275. 20. How many children did Táhirih have? 81, footnote 2. 21. Did they accept the Revelation of the Báb? 81, footnote 2. 22. What events led to the confinement of Táhirih in the home of her father? 276-284. 23. Who signified His wish that Táhirih be released from her captivity, and brought it about? 284, 285, 460. 24. Did Táhirih recognize the station of Bahá'u'lláh? 285, 286. 25. Did Táhirih ever meet mullá Husayn or Vahíd? 285, footnotes 1 and 2. 26. Why was her acceptance of the Báb and Bahá'u'lláh unique and wonderful? 269, 285, 286; 629, footnote 1. 27. Where did Táhirih go after leaving Qazvín? 284. 28. By what means did she finally reach Khurásán? 286, 287. 29. Relate, after careful study, the part that Táhirih played in the conference of Badasht? 294-298; 460, 461. 30. What was the significance of the conference in Badasht? 296-298. 31. With whom did Táhirih proceed to Núr after the conference? 299. 32. As a result of what event was Táhirih martyred? 621. +P 29 Táhirih (continued) 33. What was the extent of the popularity of Táhirih in Tihrán at this time? 622. 34. Tell something of her eloquence and ability as a poetess. 286; 627, 628; 629, footnote 1. 35. Relate from memory the account of Táhirih's martyrdom as told by the wife of Kalantar. 622-628. 36. Was Táhirih aware of her approaching martyrdom? 623. 37. At what age was she when she died? 628. 38. Why was Táhirih's life and martyrdom almost a miracle in itself? 627, 628; 629, footnote 1. 39. In what way has Táhirih's life influenced the destiny of women the world over? 294, 295; 629, footnote 1. It is necessary to read the whole life before answering this question. 40. Speak of the portection and kindness with which Bahá'u'lláh ever surrounded Táhirih. +P 30 Questions for General Discussion (Answers explicitly mentioned below are within chapters: Introduction, 2, 3, 17, 20, 22, 24, 25) 1. Tell in your own words the value each individual received in knowing thoroughly the content of The Dawn-Breakers? 2. What Muhammadan prophecies were fulfilled by the coming of the Báb and the revealing of His Message? 3. How did the death of Muhammad Sháh affect the Cause of the Báb? 4. How does the study of The Dawn-Breakers make us more aware of the deep significance of the word "sacrifice"? 5. Give examples of several Bábís who lost opportunities for glorious services by their lack of severence from worldly ties. 6. Quote the stories found in the life of the Báb concerning justice and its application to business relations. 79, 80, 303. 7. What points of similarity are to be found between the early days of Christianity and the early days of the Bábí Movement? 8. Describe conditions in Persia during the nineteenth century. Introduction. 9. Give examples of how a lack of moderation and consultation on the part of some followers of the Báb brought about disastrous results to the Cause of the Báb. 10. What episode marked the first affliction which befell a disciple of the Báb, and who was this disciple? 87-91. 11. Give the geographical location of Persia and important cities mentioned in The Dawn-Breakers. 12. What was the relation of Bahá'u'lláh to the Báb's disciples as studied in the questionnaire? 13. Quote source of the vital methods of teaching and spreading the Cause as stressed in The Dawn-Breakers. 40-42, words of Siyyid Kázim; 85-87, 90-94, words of the Báb; 582-586, words of Bahá'u'lláh; 391-392, words of Quddús; 65, words of Mullá Husayn; 476, words and attitude of Vahíd; 572, words of Hujjat. 14. Give reasons why Nabíl's Narrative is an unchallengeable textbook. +P 31 Questions for General Discussion (Continued) 15. Show how, in this wonderful record of the past, is to be found our guide for the present and future in resisting attack and allaying distress. 16. Give examples of the fact that the characters so vividly portrayed in The Dawn-Breakers show us a marvelous vision of what it means "to tread the mystical way with practical feet." +P 32 Part III. Proper Names in "The Dawn-Breakers"
+P 33 Pronunciation
The apostrophe and reversed apostrophe are used to indicate two Persian letters that cannot be satisfactorily described unless the reader already knows something of Persian or Arabic. The vowels that accompany these apostrophes in the transliteration take care of their sound, not entirely but sufficiently for the purpose, and the reader may disregard the apostrophes in pronouncing words in which they occur. The bar underneath two letters means that the two together give a sound represented by a single letter in the Persian alphabet. There are two h's, two t's, three s's and four z's in Persian and in order to indicate the particular letter used in the original, different methods of indicating the same sound have been adopted: e.g., s, s and th all sound s. H's are always pronounced, whether they come before a vowel or after. H at the end of a word, preceded by a long (accented) vowel, is pronounced strongly. H at the end of a word, preceded by a short (unaccented) vowel, is pronounced only slightly. Double letters are given their full value. The tendency is for the stress to fall on the final syllable, whether the vowel sound is long or short. As in French, there is not a strongly marked stress. The -i- (pronounced as e in get) connecting two names, has the force of "the" or "the one." When the name ends in a vowel and is followed by the -i- connecting it with a following name, a y is added before the -i- for euphony, giving it the sound of -ye- as in yet: e.g., Mullá 'Alíy-i-Bastámí, which might be paraphrased as Mullá 'Alí, the one from Bastám. This connecting -i- should be pronounced with the preceding word. The i at the end of names derived from places means "of" or "coming from" or "belonging to" the place concerned. * See also Bahá'í Glossary +P 34 It is suggested that those using the foregoing key should make for themselves a list of at least the more important names occurring in The Dawn-Breakers, writing out in a column opposite the phonetic spelling of each name. This will make a convenient list for reference and will give practice in the use of the key that will be helpful in reading other names where the same system of transliteration is employed. It does not seem feasible to include such a list in this discussion, but the pronunciation of four names frequently used by Bahá'ís will be considered.
Composition of Names During the period covered by Nabíl each person had a given name but not generally a surname passed on in the family. (The use of family names is now becoming more general.) For instance, when the caption under the picture of Nabíl opposite page lxiii says "surnamed Nabíl-i-A'zam; "this means a name bestowed only upon Muhammad-i-Zarandí, not a surname such as Smith and Brown that is passed down the family line. In addition to the name conferred in childhood a person, through the usage of friends and acquaintances, might come to acquire a surname, descriptive, occupational or place, which would serve to distinguish him more fully from others of the same given name. This surname might come to supplant the original given name.Examples of Descriptive Names
+P 35 Examples of Occupational Names
Examples of Place Names
Titles Preceding Names Mullá and Shaykh both generally indicate a Muhammadan learned man. Shaykh, in Arabia, may also mean the head of a tribe. There does not seem to be a hard and fast distinction between Mullá and Shaykh when used before names as titles. Shaykh also gives the idea of venerable, respected, learned, leader (usually religious). Mullá and Shaykh were both used also as a title equivalent to our "Reverend" before the name of a clergyman. Mír, used as a title before the name, is the same as Siyyid, a descendant of Muhammad. The other titles used in The Dawn-Breakers are explained in the Glossary, pp. 674-676, or in the footnotes as they occur. * The Shaykhís, referred to on pages 102-3 and elsewhere, were the followers of Shaykh Ahmad-i-Ahsá'í, who came to form a kind of religious sect based on his teachings. When the Báb proclaimed Himself, not all of the Shaykhís accepted Him as the One foretold, Whose coming they were anticipating. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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