Memorials of the Faithful
Ustád ‘Alí-Akbar-i-Najjár
Ustád ‘Alí-Akbar, the Cabinet-Maker,
1 was numbered among the just, a prince of the righteous. He was one of Persia’s earliest believers and a leading member of that company. From the beginning of the Cause a trusted confidant, he loosed his tongue to proclaim the
Faith. He informed himself as to its proofs, and went deep into its Scriptures. He was also a gifted poet, writing odes in eulogy of
Bahá’u’lláh.
Exceptionally skilled in his craft, Ustád produced highly ingenious work, fashioning carpentry that, for intricacy and precision, resembled mosaic inlay. He was expert in mathematics as well, solving and explaining difficult problems.
From Yazd, this revered man traveled to
‘Iráq, where he achieved the honor of entering the presence of Bahá’u’lláh, and received abundant grace. The
Blessed Beauty showered favors upon Ustád ‘Alí, who entered His presence almost every day. He was one of those who were exiled from
Baghdád to Mosul, and he endured severe hardships there. He remained a long time in Mosul, in extremely straitened
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