One of the qualities that he noticed about the Báb was the
nobility of His character and the charm of His personality. He recalled that
the Báb was always very dignified, serene and calm. Although He was very
handsome He did not show much interest in pursuing those activities that were
common to boys His age.
Shaykh ‘Abid also remembered that every now and then the Báb
used to come late to the school. When asked why He was late, the Báb would
typically remain silent. On some occasions he would become worried about His
absence and would end up sending some of His classmates to go and check on His
whereabouts. They would come back and tell him that they had found the Báb at
His own home engaged in prayers. This wasn’t commonly expected of children his
age – He was about ten years old then.
On one occasion when His schoolmaster questioned the Báb why
He was late, He quietly replied that He had been in the house of His
'Grandfather'. This was a common way in which those who were descendents of
Prophet Muhammad would refer to their time of devotions in the spiritual
presence of Muhammad. When Shaykh ‘Abid angrily said that He was only ten years
old and that such rigorous attention to devotions was not required of Him, the
Báb calmly said ‘I wish to be like My Grandfather’. His schoolmaster did not make
of it much and attributed it to the Báb’s innocence and lack of adequate
understanding of the subject being covered.
(Adapted from 'The Báb - The Herald of the Day of Days', by
Hand of the Cause Balyuzi)
