Father of the Poor

Before Mirza Husayn-'Ali was called Baha'u'llah, before He was known as the Promised One of God, He was called by another title: "Father of the Poor." Mirza Husayn-'Ali was born into a wealthy family. His father was a mirza, a nobleman, who was so respected for his talents, wisdom, generosity, and courage that the Shah gave him the title "Buzurg," meaning "the great one," and made him governor.

Mirza Buzurg owned a vast estate, and many peasants worked the land and tended his livestock for him. Often young Mirza Husayn-'Ali walked or rode His horse through the countryside, stopping to speak with the peasants and learn about their lives and troubles. Believing that He would one day rule the estate, the peasants watched Him as He grew and were no doubt comforted by the understanding Mirza Husayn-'Ali showed.

When He was nearly eighteen, Mirza Husayn- Ali married Asiyih Khanum, the daughter of another wealthy nobleman. Asiyih Khanum had everything a young woman in Persia could hope to have. She was tall and beautiful, wise, gentle, and kind. The young couple started their life together with great wealth and comfort. A jeweler worked for six months fashioning her jewels, even creating gold buttons studded with gems for her clothing. Forty mules carried Asiyih Khanum's belongings to her new home. The couple would, everyone thought, enjoy a grand life of power and luxury, filled with parties and important ceremonies.