ified, confident, strong in faith, sheltered by the
All-Merciful, they happily spent their days. Ustad Baqir was the first to
die, and some time afterward his brother followed him.

These two were firm believers, loyal, patient, at all times thankful, at
all times supplicating God in lowliness, with their faces turned in His
direction. During that long stay in the prison they were never neglectful
of duty, never at fault. They were constantly joyful, for they had drunk
deep of the holy cup; and when they soared upward, out of the world, the
friends mourned over them and asked that by the grace of Baha'u'llah, they
should be favored and forgiven. These two were embosomed in bounty, and
Divinely sustained, and the Blessed Beauty was well pleased with them
both; with this provision for their journey, they set out for the world to
come. Upon them both be the glory of God the All-Glorious; to each be a
seat of truth(39) in the Kingdom of Splendors.

MUHAMMAD HANA-SAB

This man of dignity and rank, Aqa Muhammad, was yet another among those
who abandoned their homes, and was one of the earliest believers. From the
dawn tide, he was widely known as a lover of the Most Great Light. He was
then in Isfahan, and he shut his eyes to this world and the next as
well,(40) and opened them to the beauty of Him Who is the embodiment of
all that is lovable.(41)

Aqa Muhammad could no longer find rest, for he had come alive through the
musk-laden breathings of God; his heart was alight, he could inhale the
holy fragrance, he had an eye to see, an ear to hear. He guided a number
of souls, remaining true and loyal to the great Cause. He endured terrible
persecution and torment, but did not falter. Then he found favor in the
eyes of the King of Martyrs and became a trusted attendant of the Beloved
of Martyrs,(42) serving them for some years. He was confirmed in his work,
so that on many occasions the King of Martyrs expressed satisfaction with
him, saying, "This man is one of those souls who are at rest; he is indeed
well-pleased with his Lord, and well-pleasing unto Him.(43) His faith is
unalloyed, he loves God, he has a good character, and leads a good life.
He is also an agreeable companion, and an eloquent one."

After the King of Martyrs was put to death, Aqa Muhammad stayed on for a
time in Isfahan, consumed with mourning for him. Finally he emigrated to
the Most Great Prison, where he was received by Baha'u'llah, and won th