Muhammad and the Course of Islam by H.M. Balyuzi

Of all the wonders spread before us, two heavenly doves catch our eyes. Now that you are with me, we can all watch it together. After all, that past some day was someone’s future, and your and my present and future will become someone else’s past. Can’t you see them? Well, friends, this is the window of imagination which brings the past to life. Let us sit back and open the window wide so nothing will be missed. With that in mind, let this window from these ageless windows to the past open to the endless horizon of selfless dedication and infinite skies of service and sacrifice. This family not only offered two martyrs at the threshold of the Blessed Beauty, but also has the unique distinction of being the only family with the grandfather, father, and son successively honored with the title of Hand of the Case. It will recount one hundred-fifty years of the history of the illustrious family of Varqa. This window will not open just to the life-story of two shining stars of the Faith. With the one-hundred-year anniversary of the martyrdom of Varqa and his son, Ruhu’llah, at hand, this presentation is only a humble tribute to their memory. ‘Abdu’l-Baha named him posthumously as a HAND OF THE CAUSE, and Shoghi Effendi designated him as one of the APOSTLES Of BAHA’U’LLAH. He and his young son, Ruhu’llah, were killed by one of the Qajar courtiers in the aftermath of the assassination of NASIR’D-DIN SHAH. He was a prominent lranian Bahá’í renowned as a poet. Mirza ‘Ali Muhammad Varqa – Varqa means ‘Dove’. Darius K. Shahrokh “ Windows To The Past”.

It was important to list the source here at the top as this is a transcript from an audio-cassette from Dr. Soon, we shall witness the glow of this gifted star. Having inherited his father's poetic talent, his intense poetry testify to the purity of his soul, and true under- standing of the station of Baha'u'llah. In that tender age, he manifested unusual depth in the Faith. He took two of his older sons, Azizu'llah and Ruhu'llah, as well as his father-in-law with him. This was about one year before the Ascension of Baha'u'llah. Mirza Ali-Muhammad Varqa was granted the privilege of a second pilgrimage.

Muhammad and the Course of Islam by H.M. Balyuzi