June 1845 - Shiraz: First direct interaction between the Báb and the clergy

Shaykh Abú-Turáb, the Imám-Jum’ih of Shíráz, who was present at that meeting [between the Báb and the Governor of Fars, Husayn Khan] and who strongly disapproved of the conduct of Husayn Khán, ordered that the Báb’s turban be replaced upon His head, [1] and invited Him to be seated by his side. Turning to the governor, the Imám-Jum’ih explained to him the circumstances connected with the revelation of the verse of the Qur’án [2] which the Báb had quoted, and sought by this means to calm his fury. “This verse which this youth has quoted,” he told him, “has made a profound impression upon me. The wise course, I feel, is to enquire into this matter with great care, and to judge him according to the precepts of the holy Book.” Husayn Khán readily consented; whereupon Shaykh Abú-Turáb questioned the Báb regarding the nature and character of His Revelation. The Báb denied the claim of being either the representative of the promised Qá’im or the intermediary between Him and the faithful. “We are completely satisfied,” replied the Imám-Jum’ih; “we shall request you to present yourself on Friday in the Masjid-i-Vakíl, and to proclaim publicly your denial.” 

- Nabil  (‘The Dawn-Breakers’, translated and edited by Shoghi Effendi)

[1] Qur’án, 49:6 - “If any bad man come unto you with news, clear up the matter at once, lest through ignorance ye harm others, and be speedily constrained to repent of what ye have done.”

[2] The Governor’s attendant had struck the Báb in the face so violently that His turban had fallen to the ground. [adapted from ‘The Dawn-Breakers’]