My Memories of Baha’u’llah

When Bahá’u’lláh was banished from Baghdad in 1863, a few steadfast companions were chosen to accompany Him in this new exile. Among these was Ustád Muhammad-‘Alíy-i Salmání, who served as his barber. In this short memoir Salmání tells his story and gives us an intimate glimpse of the beginnings of the Bahá’í Faith and the life of Baha’u’llah in exile.

He begins with his early conversion to the Bábí Faith in Isfahan, and his discovery of Bahá’u’lláh in Baghdad, the march from Baghdad to Istanbul (Constantinople), and further banishment to Edirne (Adrianople). It includes recollections of the lives and troubles the believers faced.

Salmání’s memories of life with Bahá’u’lláh are fascinating pilgrim notes. Together they give us a powerful appreciation of his devotion to his Beloved. The selection of the barber’s poems, translated at the end of the book, allows us to experience something of the joy of nearness that he knew.