On joys from trials; a Zoroastrian Bahá'í from India, Mihrdban, and the fortune his broken leg brought him; the army officer
During our visit there was in Akka a Zoroastrian Bahá'í from India, named Mihrdban, who was a strong athletic young man. One day on his way to the Ridhvan in company with other pilgrims, he and a Bahá'í Siyyid from Persia started to wrestle together. The <43> Zoroastrian, believing in his superior strength, underestimated his opponent's physical ability. So, the wrestling which started in a pleasantry ended by giving the Zoroastrian youth a broken leg. He was obliged to remain in Akka and treat his leg for a number of weeks before he was able to return to his country. On our arrival he was beginning to go on crutches to 'Abdu'l-Bahá's house daily with the other pilgrims. He was, however, extremely happy over his broken leg which had allowed him such a long stay in Akka. Besides, 'Abdu'l-Bahá had visited him often at Musafir Khanih to inquire after his health.
One evening I was in the Holy Presence with other pilgrims including the Zoroastrian young man. 'Abdu'l-Bahá spoke of Mirraban and how a broken leg which was a great physical suffering became the means for the great joy the Zoroastrian's long stay in the Holy City gave him. He then continued in part: "Many a time, a calamity becomes the means to a bounty. Not until man has endured hardship because of a thing will he appreciate the full value of the thing. The more one suffers on account of an object, the greater he realizes its worth. It is said in the Quran: 'They will never attain (unto Divine Bounty) except through severe trials.' The more you search the earth and the deeper you dig into its bosom with the plough, the more fertile it becomes. For the people of Faith, calamities, trials and tribulations are conducive to spiritual progress; provided one endures them patiently and with severance for all else save God. It is said in the Quran: 'Did ye suppose that ye will enter the Paradise, but when trials, similar unto those suffered by men <44> before you, come upon you, you were overcome with grief and afflictions?' Man cannot find intoxication without drinking from his cup. Man cannot take part in the hilarity of those drunk from the wine of the love of God without quaffing the cup of calamity. The more you beat the iron, the sharper it becomes; the longer you subject gold to red-hot fire, the purer and clearer it becomes.
"Even among the people of the world, and even in worldly pursuits, trials and tests play a similar part. The more a man endures hardship in a matter and the more trials one meets in learning a handicraft, the more experienced and skillful he becomes therein. But a man who spends his days in quiet and ease never attains a high degree in any matter. Once a great general told us the following story: 'While still a novice and a youth inexperienced in the art of war, I led an army corps to battle in company with other young officers. As soon as we encountered the enemy who gave us battle, we became wholly confused, and knowing of naught else, we turned our back to the battle and set to flight. While running for our lives, we were met by some veteran soldiers, who bore the scars of many wars. They asked,
"O ye our officers! Where are you fleeing? Ye are our generals and leaders. Return and command us to repel the enemy and we will obey you, and the day will end in our favor!" We were encouraged, returned, led our troops and won the battle.' Now you see how tried and experienced soldiers could strengthen and inspire their generals with courage. This is the worth of tests and trials, and the benefit of hardships and suffering! Trials <45> and tribulations cause a true believer to ascend unto high stations.
One must therefore, know their value and wish for whatever suffering may befall us in the path of God. His Holiness the Supreme (The Bab) has said in one of His supplications: 'Were it not to suffer calamities in the path of Love (* Addressing Himself to Him whom God shall Manifest. *) I would never have accepted to be born into this world.' This is the worth of trials in the path of God!"
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