Undeterred, unruffled, exultant with joy, Táhirih arose, [1] and, without the least premeditation and in a language strikingly resembling
that of the Qur’án, delivered a fervid and eloquent appeal to the remnant of
the assembly, ending it with this bold assertion: “I am the Word which the
Qá’im is to utter, the Word which shall put to flight the chiefs and nobles of
the earth!” Thereupon, she invited them to embrace each other and celebrate so
great an occasion.
On that memorable day the “Bugle” mentioned in the Qur’án
was sounded, the “stunning trumpet-blast” was loudly raised, and the
“Catastrophe” came to pass. The days immediately following so startling a
departure from the time-honored traditions of Islám witnessed a veritable
revolution in the outlook, habits, ceremonials and manner of worship of these
hitherto zealous and devout upholders of the Muhammadan Law.
- Shoghi Effendi (‘God Passes By)
[1] Reference to Tahirih’s appearance at the conference of
Badasht
