borhood of
Baha'u'llah his days were blissful, his nights bright as the first morning
in spring.

But then came the Beloved's departure from this world. The Afnan's peace
was shattered, his joy was changed to grief. The Supreme Affliction was
upon us, separation consumed us, the once bright days turned black as
night, and all those roses of other hours were dust and rubble now. He
lived on for a little while, his heart smoldering, his eyes shedding their
tears. But he could not bear the longing for his Well-Beloved, and in a
little while his soul gave up this life and fled to the eternal one;
passed into the Heaven of abiding reunion and was immersed beneath an
ocean of light. Upon him be most great mercy, plenteous bounty, and every
blessing, as the ages and cycles roll on. His honored tomb is in Akka at
the Man_sh_iyyih.

MUHAMMAD-'ALIY-I-ISFAHANI

Muhammad-'Ali of Isfahan was among the earliest of believers, guided to
the Faith from its very beginning. He was one of the mystics; his house
was a gathering place for them, and the philosophers. Noble, high-minded,
he was one of Isfahan's most respected citizens, and served as a host and
sanctuary for every stranger, rich or poor. He had verve, an excellent
disposition, was forbearing, affable, generous, a boon companion; and it
was known throughout the city that he enjoyed a good time.

Then he was led to embrace the Faith and caught fire from the Sinaitic
Tree. His house became a teaching center, dedicated to the glory of God.
Day and night the believers flocked there, as to a lamp lit by heavenly
love. Over a long period, the sacred verses were chanted in that house and
the clear proofs set forth. Although this was widely known, Muhammad-'Ali
was not molested, because he was a kinsman of the Imam-Jum'ih of Isfahan.
Finally, however, things came to such a pass that the Imam-Jum'ih himself
sent him away, telling him: "I can protect you no longer. You are in grave
danger. The best thing for you is to leave here, and go on a journey."

He left his home then, went to 'Iraq, and entered the presence of the
world's Desired One. He spent some time there, progressing every day; he
had little to live on, but was happy and content. A man of excellent
disposition, he was congenial to believers and others alike.

When Baha'u'llah and His retinue left Ba_gh_dad for Constantinople,
Muhammad-'Ali was in His company, and continued on with Him to the Land of
Mystery, Ad