Dec 5, 2021

The Báb's early Childhood recalled by His mother

The following story which was narrated by the mother of the Báb, is recorded by Mirza Habibu’llah Afnan, a relative of the Báb, who was born in the House of the Báb in Shiraz and reared by Khadijih Khanum, the widow of the Báb:

“From the moment of birth, it was evident that, unlike other children, He was not rapacious in drinking milk. Normally, He was serene and made no noise. During the twenty-four-hour period, He would desire milk only four times. While nursing He would be most gentle, and no movement was discerned from His mouth. Often I would become anxious and ask myself, ‘Why is this Child not like other children? Perhaps He has some illness that prevents His desiring milk.’ Then I would console myself, saying, ‘If He really had some unknown illness, He would manifest signs of agitation and restlessness.’

Unlike other children, He did not complain or behave in an unseemly manner during the weaning period. I was most thankful that now that the Exalted Lord had granted me this Child, He was gentle and agreeable.”

(The Genesis of the Bábi-Bahá’i Faiths in Shiraz and Fars by Mirza Habibu’llah Afnan, translated by Ahang Rabbani)