This man who was close to the Divine Threshold was the respected son of
'Ali-'Askar-i-Tabrizi. Full of yearning love, he came with his father from
Tabriz to Adrianople, and by his own wish, went on with joy and hope to
the Most Great Prison. From the day of his arrival at the fortress of Akka
he took over the coffee service, and waited upon the friends. This
accomplished man was so patient, so docile, that over a forty-year period,
despite extreme difficulties (for day and night, friend and stranger alike
thronged the doors), he attended upon each and every one who came,
faithfully helping them all. During all that time Husayn-Aqa never
offended a soul, nor did anyone, where he was concerned, utter a single
complaint. This was truly a miracle, and no one else could have
established such a record of service. He was always smiling, attentive as
to the tasks committed to his care, known as a man to trust. In the Cause
of God he was staunch, proud and true; in times of calamity he was patient
and long-suffering.
After the ascension of Baha'u'llah the fires of tests leaped up and a
whirlwind of violation battered the edifice down. This believer, in spite
of a close tie of kinship, remained loyal, showing such strength and
firmness that he manifested the words: "In the Cause of God, the blame of
the blamer shall he not fear."(94) Not for a moment did he hesitate, nor
waver in his faith, but he stood firm as a mountain, proud as an
impregnable citadel, and rooted deep.
The Covenant-breakers took his mother away to their own place, where her
daughter lived. They did everything they could think of to unsettle her
faith. To an extent beyond belief, they lavished favors upon her, and
plied her with kindnesses, hiding the fact that they had broken the
Covenant. Finally, however, that respected handmaid of Baha'u'llah
detected the odor of violation, whereupon she instantly quit the Mansion
of Bahji and hurried back to Akka. "I am the handmaid of the Blessed
Beauty," she said, "and loyal to His Covenant and Testament. Though my
son-in-law were a prince of the realm, what would that profit me? I am not
to be won over by kinship and displays of affection. I am not concerned
with external tokens of friendliness from those who are the very
embodiment of selfish desire. I stand by the Covenant, and I hold to the
Testament." She would not consent to meet with the Covenant-breakers
again; she freed herself completely from them, and turned her face to God.
As for Husayn-Aqa, never did he separate himself from 'Abdu'l-Baha. He had
the utmost consideration for me and was my constant companion, and it
followed that his passing was a formidable blow. Even now, whenever he
comes to mind I grieve, and mourn his loss. But God be praised that this
man of God, in the days of the Blessed Beauty, remained at all times in
close proximity to His House, and was the object of His good pleasure.
Time and again, Baha'u'llah was heard to comment that Husayn-Aqa had been
created to perform this service.
After forty years of serving, he forsook this swiftly passing world and
soared away to the realms of God. Greetings and praise be unto him, and
mercy from his bountiful Lord. May his grave be encircled with lights that
stream from the exalted Companion. His resting-place is in Haifa.