Three Basic Questions and
The Bab’s Confusing Answers

“Bab”

Haji Mulla Mahmud (HAJI):The command of His Imperial Majesty, the King is that you should set forth your claims in the presence of the doctors of Islam, so that the truth or falsehood thereof may be established. Although I myself am not amongst the learned and only occupy the position of an attendant, I am free from prejudice and my conversation will not be without importance. Now I have three questions to be asked of you. Firstly are these books in the fashion and style of the Quran, of Epistles and of Prayers, and disseminated through all parts and regions of Persia yours? Did you compose them or do men (wrongly) attribute them to you?

Bab: They are from God

HAJI: I am no great scholar: if they are yours, say so and if not, don’t.

Bab: They are mine

HAJI: The meaning of your saying they are from God is that your tongue is like the Tree on Sinai (The Burning Bush. Refer Quran 27:7-9and 28:29-30)

If to say ‘I am the Truth (i.e., God) be right in a tree, Why should it be not right in some favoured man?”

Bab: Mercy be upon you.

HAJI: They call you the Bab. Who gave you this name and where did they give it? What is the meaning of Bab? and are you content with this name or not?

Bab: God gave me this name.

HAJI: Where? In the House of the Kaaba, or in the Holy House (Jerusalem) or in the Frequented House?\' (Refer Quran 3:4 and explanation in the commentaries)

Bab: Wherever it was, it is a divine name’

HAJI: In that case of course you are content with a divine name. What is the meaning of Bab?

Bab: The same as the word Bab in the tradition

“I am the city of knowledge and Ali is the Bab (Gate)”

HAJI: Then you are the Gate of the City of Knowledge?

Bab: Yes

HAJI: Praise be to God! For forty years have I journeyed seeking to meet with one of the Gates and it was not granted to me. Now praise be to God you have come to me in my own country, even to my very pillow! If it be so, and I can but assure myself that you are the Gate, give me, I pray, the office of shoe-keeper.

Bab: Surely you are Haji Mulla Mahmud?

HAJI: Yes.

Bab: Your dignity is great; surely great offices should be bestowed upon you.

HAJI: I only want that office and it is sufficient for me.

The Prince: We too shall leave and deliver over this throne to you who are the Gate.

To summarize the preceding passage, Bab has made known his

sketchy position. That, he has been sent by God, he is the Door (Bab) we presume and moreover he has claimed to be the Door (Bab) to the City of Knowledge.

Sourced from:www.TheBahaiTruth.com