Memorials of the Faithful
Ustád Ismá’íl
Yet another from amongst that blessed company was Ustád Ismá’íl, the builder. He was the construction overseer of Farru
kh Khán (Amínu’d-Dawlih) in
Ṭihrán, living happily and prosperously, a man of high standing, well regarded by all. But he lost his heart to the
Faith, and was enraptured by it, till his holy passion consumed every intervening veil. Then he cast caution aside, and became known throughout Ṭihrán as a pillar of the Bahá’ís.
Farrukh Khán ably defended him at first. But as time went on, he summoned him and said, “Ustád, you are very dear to me and I have given you my protection and have stood by you as best I could. But the Sháh has found out about you and you know what a bloodthirsty tyrant he is. I am afraid that he will seize you without warning, and he will hang you. The best thing for you is to go on a journey. Leave this country, go somewhere else, and escape from this peril.”
Composed, happy, Ustád gave up his work, closed his eyes to his possessions, and left for
‘Iráq, where he lived in poverty. He had recently taken a bride, and loved her beyond measure. Her mother arrived, and by subterfuge, obtained his permission to conduct the daughter back to Ṭihrán, supposedly for a visit. As soon as she reached
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