Mirza Mahmud-i-Zargání

Mahmud’s Diary may sound familiar to many and this is the most popular of Mirza Mahmud-i-Zargani’s work. In his original manuscript which several were copied and Bahá’í Chronicles is fortunate to have one of them. Mahmud ended his chronicle of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s travel to America in 1912 with:

“A thousand thanks and praisers for the confirmation of the Beauty of Abha and the favors of the Dawning Place of the Supreme Covenant, that this humble servant was assisted in the compilation of the first volume of the Book of Wonderful Signa.”

He wrote it with his own hand and submitted it in Hajira in the latter year of 1913 in the court of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. In 1914 he was commanded to go to India and to publish the book.

Mahmud was almost 49 years old when he died.
“It is with great sorrow that we have to announce the sudden death of Mirzá Mahmúd Zargání. . . His death, as all realize, is a great loss to the Cause and has deeply grieved the hearts of all the friends. The following telegram was received from the beloved Guardian:

‘Deeply mourn passing (of) Zargani. His outstanding services will shine evermore. Urge friends hold befitting memorials.’

Source:
The Bahá’í World. “Mirza Mahmud-i-Zargání” Kidlington, Oxford: George Ronald Publisher. Volume 3, 1928-1930 p 213
-Permission given by George Ronald, Publishers

Image:
Baha’i World Centre Archives