Bahíyyih Khánum | |
|---|---|
 The Greatest Holy Leaf, aged forty-nine | |
| Born | Bahá'íyyih Núrí 1846 |
| Died | July 15, 1932 |
| Parent(s) | Father: Bahá’u’lláh Mother: Navvábih Khánum |
The Greatest Holy Leaf, Bahíyyih Khánum (1846 - July 15, 1932) was the second child and first daughter of Bahá’u’lláh and his wife Ásíyih Khánum. Known by the Persian friends as "Ḥadrat-i-Varaqiyih-'Ulyá" meaning Her Holiness the Greatest Holy Leaf. Beloved by the Bahá’ís, she is regarded as one of the greatest women to have ever lived.
She stayed faithful to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi during their ministries. Unusually she chose never to marry, rather to devote her life to the Cause. After the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in 1921, she helped the then 24 year old Shoghi Effendi with his obligations. Under her care, the Holy Family remained united and with the help from her close friend Munírih Khánum the covenant breakers remained distant.
Her passing in 1932 was a cruel blow to the Holy Family, in particular Shoghi Effendi. Amatu'l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum describes how “he [Shoghi Effendi] never ceased to remember her.” Complying with the wishes of his adored great-aunt, Shoghi Effendi erected a monument where she is buried next to her illustrious mother, beloved brother and dearly loved sister-in-law.
Early Life and Exile To Baghdad[edit]
The Greatest Holy Leaf was born in a rented house in Tihrán in 1846. Bahá’u’lláh, who regarded her as His most beloved daughter, and the beautiful Navváb Khánum chose the name “Bahá’íyyih” for their daughter. The name, never heard of before, comes from the Arabic word “Bahá” meaning “glory” or “splendour”. The second child of the young couple, the Greatest Holy Leaf lived a happy and privileged life in their mansion. Coming from the renowned “Núrí” family, she could trace her ancestry back to the ancient Kings of Persia and even the prophet Zoroaster; therefore unlike girls of her era, Bahíyyih Khánum was given an education mastering Persian, Arabic and Turkish. The Greatest Holy Leaf says how she “loved to play in the beautiful gardens” along with her older brother ‘Abbás.
Sadly however, the happiness was short lived. When she was just six her Father was arrested and was taken a prisoner in the infamous Siyáh-Chál in Tihrán. Her home was looted and everything was taken from it. This included books, ornaments, and other belongings. Ásíyih Khánum took control of the family, sheltering them and courageously protecting them.
Aged seven she, along with the whole of Bahá'u'llah's family and a group of devoted Bábí’s, were banished out of Irán. After a journey of three months, she finally arrived in Baghdad. Whilst in Baghdad, the Greatest Holy Leaf had to share a room with her brother ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, her mother and a newly born baby brother. The Holy Family were often poor and hungry and everything they owned had been stolen. A kind and loving uncle Mírzá Músá came to stay and helped them.
Whilst in Baghdad, the half brother of Bahá’u’lláh, Mirza Yahyá, came to Baghdad. Jealous of Bahá’u’lláh, he tried to create as much chaos and disunity as he could. Bahá’u’lláh decided to retreat to the mountains and pray to God. The Holy Family were left in the care of Mirza Yahyá. Being a coward, Mirza Yahyá bolted all the doors so that no one was able to visit the Holy Family. He also wouldn't allow a doctor to come and visit the new baby who was very ill. The baby would later die, and it is a mystery where he is buried. She described in "The Chosen Highway": "The sweet body of our beautiful baby was given to a man, who took it away, and we never knew even where he was laid. I remember so clearly the sorrow of those days." The Greatest Holy Leaf was forbidden to go outside and play with the children.
Prison City 'Akká[edit]
From Baghdad, the holy family and friends were transported to Constantinople. From Constantinople they were sent to Adrianople and from there they were taken to the notorious city of 'Akká. Once they arrived in the bay of 'Akká, angry mobs screamed curses and threw stones at them. The Greatest Holy Leaf, aged 22, was hungry, thirsty and exhausted. The holy family and friends were then thrown into a dirty prison, right in the center of the city. It smelled horrible and the only water they could find was a dirty puddle on the muddy floor. The Greatest Holy Leaf put the water near her lips, but the stench was so unbearable that she fainted. The holy family and friends would not be given proper food or water for 3 days.
During the imprisonment, her beloved younger brother Mírzá Mihdí, The Purest Branch fell through a sky-light while in prayer and was badly injured. Bahá’u’lláh asked The Purest Branch whether wanted to live, but The Purest Branch asked that he be a sacrifice so that the prison gates could be opened and the pilgrims would be able to visit Bahá’u’lláh. He was aged just 22 at the time. The Greatest Holy Leaf kept his prayer beads and clothes. Four days later, the holy family and friends were released from the prison and allowed to live in a house nearby. Pilgrims flooded into the house, and The Greatest Holy Leaf often gave her bed to the American friends. Her warm heart and kindness touched everyone around her. In her youth, like her mother, the Greatest Holy Leaf was regarded as a great beauty and was thought of as a suitable match for men who were Bábís and, later, Bahá’ís. However, she asked her Father if she could remain unmarried and, instead, devote her life to her family and the Faith. Her Father gladly accepted this request, although it was a very strange thing for a girl of her rank and era to do.
After Bahá’u’lláh[edit]
Bahá’u’lláh passed away in 1892 and the Greatest Holy Leaf dedicated herself to serving her brother, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. The Greatest Holy Leaf helped serve the pilgrims that came to 'Akká. Although in poor health, she was perpetually selfless, giving money and food to the poor. She often looked after the children and women of the household. In World War I, The Greatest Holy Leaf gave food, clothes, money and medical care to the needy and hungry. Whilst in 'Akká, the sacred remains of the Báb were left in her room until they were officially laid to rest on Mount Carmel.
After ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi[edit]
‘Abdu’l-Bahá; Center of the Covenant, Mystery of God, Perfect Exemplar ascended to the Abhá Kingdom in 1921. It was The Greatest Holy Leaf's idea to bury ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's holy body in the Shrine of the Báb. During the periods of Shoghi Effendi's absence it was the Greatest Holy Leaf who would take care of matters.
Later Life and Ascension[edit]
During the late 1920's The Greatest Holy Leaf's health began to deteriorate. She still however, welcomed pilgrims and was charitable to all. She passed away on July 15th 1932 aged 86. Her whole life had been dedicated to her Father, Mother, Brothers, the Faith and the poor and needy. After her passing Shoghi Effendi suspended all religious festivals for nine months. He described her as a "pure, angelic soul". She is buried in the beautiful Monument Gardens.
In the Writings[edit]
In Bahá’í literature there are tablets, prayers and writings dedicated to her. However, not many of these, in particular Bahá’u’lláh’s writings, have been translated into English. Shoghi Effendi translated prayers written for her that show how Bahá’u’lláh described her as the greatest woman who ever lived: "Verily, We have elevated thee to the rank of one of the most distinguished among thy sex, and granted thee, in My court, a station such as none other woman hath surpassed."[1] ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s letters to His sister are translated into English, showing his love and devotion. Shoghi Effendi dedicated much of his writings to her memory, which are readily available in English.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá wrote many touching and poignant letters to His sister. He writes: "O My well-beloved, deeply spiritual sister! Day and night thou livest in my memory. Whenever I remember thee my heart swelleth with sadness and my regret groweth more intense. Grieve not, for I am thy true, thy unfailing comforter"
Shoghi Effendi writes: "O ye who burn in the flames of bereavement! By the Day-star of the World, my bereaved and longing heart is afire with a grief that is beyond my description. The sudden, the grievous and calamitous news that the Most Exalted, the pure, the holy, the immaculate, the brightly shining Leaf, the Remnant of Bahá, and His trust, the eternal fruit and the one last remembrance of the Holy Tree—may my life be offered for the wrongs she suffered—has ascended, reached me like live coals cast into a frail and afflicted heart. The foundations of my serenity were shattered, and tears of desolation came like a flood that carries all away"
Legacy[edit]
After her ascension Shoghi Effendi banned Bahá’í celebrations for nine months and had an intesive period of mourning. To Bahá’ís Bahíyyih Khánum's station is similar to the Virgin Mary to Christians or Fátimih Zahrá to Muslims. She is a paragon of selflessness, devotion, love and godliness. Shoghi Effendi writes: "May God help us to follow her example..". In her memory Bahá’ís have written many articles describing her life. Recently, a biography of her life has been published. The name Bahíyyih is very popular amongst Bahá’ís. Her resting-place is a sacred place of pilgrimage for the Bahá’ís.
Notes[edit]
- ↑ Bahá’u’lláh, quoted in The Bahá’í World, vol. V, p. 171
References[edit]
- Writings by and about Bahiyyih Khanum, The Greatest Holy Leaf
- A Concise Encyclopedia of the Bahá’í Faith
- Stories of the Greatest Holy Leaf
- The Chosen Highway, Lady Blomfield
