‘Alí-Asghar Qazvíní
‘Alí-Asghar Qazvíní (187? - July 10, 1945) was a Persian Bahá'í who served Shoghi Effendi in the Holy Land for twenty-five years, notably as his Secretary, but only for communications to Bahá'ís in the Holy Land and nearby Jordan.[1]
Biography[edit]
‘Alí-Asghar was born in Qazvín. He worked at a pharmacy for a time in his youth, but later began selling nuts and seeds on the street. He was interested in studying the Qur'an, and he was introduced to the Faith by a customer who was a Bahá'í who he traveled with for a time. He then traveled to Alexandretta, now Iskendrun, in Turkey and associated with the Bahá'ís there before traveling to Haifa. He had a wife and son, but they did not become Bahá'ís and did not accompany him when he departed Persia.
He arrived in Haifa shortly after the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in 1921, and offered to serve the newly appointed Guardian of the Bahá'í Faith, Shoghi Effendi. He undertook any task which was required, including teaching the Bahá'í children Persian, serving as secretary for local communications, delivering mail to the Guardian from the Post Office, and serving as watchman of the House of the Master which he lived in the basement of.[2]
He became ill in the mid-1940's, and Shoghi Effendi informed him that he was cabling the Persian Bahá'í community regarding his service and entitling him "the lion of the forest of the Love of God". He passed away on July 10, 1945 and Shoghi Effendi anointed his body for burial personally and sent the following cable after his passing:
"Distinguished servant, blessed house, lion-hearted, steadfast, vigilant, indefatigable ‘Alí-Asghar ascended Abhá Kingdom. Twenty-five years exemplary, unforgettable service triumphantly ended. His innumerable services rendered Persian pilgrims merit holding memorial gatherings throughout Persia. Inform all believers. ‘Iráq friends should likewise honour his memory."
References[edit]
- Obituary published in Bahá'í World, Vol. 10, pp 530-532.
