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LESSON FIVE - THE LETTERS OF THE LIVING

Preparation: Sheet for each child ( containing writing of the Báb and Mulla Husayn). Crayons, scissors, glue and old birthday cards or magazines.

Summary of the previous lesson: Having arrived in Shiraz, Mulla Husayn met the Báb Who invited him to His home. There He told Mulla Husayn that He was the Promised One and Mulla Husayn became His first follower, known as the Bab'ul-Báb.

The Báb did not want Mulla Husayn to tell anybody about that special night. Instead he was told to go to the mosque and pray and teach students of religion. Mulla Husayn did as the Báb asked, and very soon he had many students in his class.

Some days, the Báb's servant would come to him and ask him to go to the Báb's house, where he would stay all night listening to the Báb. One evening the Báb said, "Tomorrow, thirteen of your companions will arrive. To each of them extend the utmost loving kindness. Leave them not to themselves for they have dedicated their lives to the quest of their Beloved. Pray to God that He may graciously enable them to walk securely in that path which is finer than a hair and keener than a sword".

That morning the thirteen disciples arrived at the mosque to find Mulla Husayn quietly and calmly teaching. Mulla Aliy-i-Bastami spoke to him, in great surprise, "You know well how great is our confidence in you... Obedient to your summons, we have forsaken our homes and have gone forth in search of our promised Beloved. You were the first to set us this noble example. We have followed in your footsteps. We have determined to relax in our efforts until we find the Object of our quest.

We have followed you to this place, ready to acknowledge whomsoever you accept, in the home of seeking the shelter of His protection... How is it that we now see you teaching the people and conducting their prayers and devotions with the utmost tranquillity?" He begged to know the reason why Mulla Husayn was so calm so that the others might finish their long search.

What could Mulla Husayn say to reassure his friends without giving away his secret? Firstly he must tell Mulla Ah that he had not given up his search, that nothing would ever take him away from his Beloved, and that he had promised to give up his life if he had to. Mulla Husayn asked whether Mulla Ah might think it possible that, because he had looked so longingly and for such a time, it was possible that God had led him to his heart's desire, but for the time being he should not speak to the people about it. Mulla Ali grew very excited by this news and begged Mulla Husayn to tell him more. Mulla Husayn told him that he could not, but that Mulla Ah should trust in God, "for He will surely guide your steps, and appease the tumult of your heart".

Mulla Ah told the other disciples what Mulla Husayn had said and they decided to pray and fast once more, asking God to lead them quickly to the Promised One. After three nights, Mulla Ah had a dream. He saw a light which moved around him. He followed the light until it led him to his Beloved. Mulla Ah then left his room and went to Mulla Husayn to tell him this joyful news. At dawn, Mulla Husayn took Mulla Ah to the Báb's home. The servant was waiting for them at the door. He told them that the Báb had said that two men would be coming and that he was to open the door and show them in. So Mulla Ah met the Báb and became a faithful follower.

The other twelve disciples in their turn found the Báb and accepted Him.

1. What did Mulla Husayn do after he left the Bab's house?

2. How many disciples did the Báb say would visit Mulla Husayn?

Give the children each the following sheet. Ask the children to read the words.

Decorate by colouring and cut out pictures from the cards/magazines.

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