As for the Báb—may my soul be His sacrifice!—it was at a
young age, that is, in the twenty-fifth year of His blessed life, that He arose
to proclaim His Cause. Among the Shí‘ihs it is universally acknowledged that He
never studied in any school, nor acquired learning from any teacher. To this
the people of Shíráz, each and all, bear witness. Nevertheless, He suddenly
appeared before the people, endowed with consummate knowledge, and though but a
merchant, confounded all the divines of Persia. Alone, He undertook a task that
can scarcely be conceived, for the Persians are known throughout the world for
their religious fanaticism. This illustrious Being arose with such power as to
shake the foundations of the religious laws, customs, manners, morals, and habits
of Persia, and instituted a new law, faith, and religion. - ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Table
talks in Akka, authenticated by ‘Abdu’l-Baha; ‘Some Answered Questions’ – 2014
revised translation by the Baha’i World Centre)
