Black Pearls

by Abu'l-Qasim Afnan

Discover the hidden history of the early black believers who served the Báb, and later, Bahá'u'lláh. From the earliest days of Bahá'í history, African servants in the holy households were present and witnessed the new revelation. They served, they protected, they believed. Included is the story of Haji Mubarak, the Ethiopian servant of the Báb, who accompanied him on his pilgrimage to Mecca, and who served and protected Báb's family until his death. Also, the remarkable story of Isfandiyar--servant of Bahá'u'lláh--who was the only manservant to remain loyal after Bahá'u'lláh was arrested and imprisoned. Available for the first time, these are the heroic stories of the earliest black believers. They are told by the author, a member of the Báb's family, who draws on the oral histories he heard from his ancestors. A new foreword places the stories in historical perspective.