Jináb-I-Munír, surnamed Ismu'lláh'l-Muníb, was a very handsome and radiant young man from the city of Káshán, Persia. Before embracing the Faith, he had led a comfortable life and, having had the opportunity to study, he had become accomplished in many of the accepted and prevailing notions of his time. In calligraphy, which was consider the art par excellence, he was one of the few recognized masters. He had also a melodious and penetrating voice and a gentle temperament. His hearts brimmed with infinite love. He was a great soul.
When Bahá'u'lláh was in Baghdád, he brought his God-given gifts and offered them at the altar of his Beloved. Thus when the caravan of exiles started on their journey from Baghdád to Constantinople with all glory and might, he volunteered to walk beside the steed of the Blessed Perfection. Great had been the honor conferred upon him, and tremendous too were the sufferings which he willingly accepted with joy and radiant acquiescence. `Abdu'l-Bahá said that this noble soul traversed the distance between Baghdád and Constantinople on foot and, throughout the journey, was in perfect happiness. Day and night he was in a state of prayer. `Abdu'l-Bahá described him as the companion of His soul and the beloved of His heart. Some nights the Master and Muníb would walk on the two sides of Bahá'u'lláh 's steed. Their joy had no end and remained forever beyond words to describe. Some night Muníb with his silvery voice would sing songs and odes of great Persian poets such as those of Hafíz. His voice resounded through the silence of those memorable nights.
When they reached Constantinople, Muníb was instructed to go on a teaching tour to Persia and `Iráq. This he accomplished with distinction, and, after a long and arduous tour, he returned to Turkey in the latter days of Bahá'u'lláh s sojourn in Adrianople. The teaching tour had been too exacting, however, but although his health was now in a precarious condition, he begged Bahá'u'lláh to permit him to be included amongst those who had the honor of being exiled with Him. He would not even consider remaining behind to undergo medical care and treatment, his only aim and aspiration being to sacrifice his life in the path of the Ancient Beauty. His request was granted. He was so weak that three persons had to carry him on board the ship, and by the time they reached Smyrna, Muníb's condition had deteriorated. He was melting away like a candle in the ignited fire of love within him; he could not even utter a word. The Captain forced him to return to shore. When the inevitable moment of separation came, he dragged his frail body until he reached the feet of Bahá'u'lláh, and burst into tears. At that moment signs of intense grief were seen on the countenance of the Ancient Beauty. It was clear that there and then Muníb had reached his exalted paradise of sacrifice and his Beloved had accepted the gift of his life. `Abdu'l-Bahá has related that He and those in His company took him to the hospital in Smyrna and spent one hour with him before returning to the boat. They laid his blessed body in bed and covered him with kisses, but had to leave soon as the officers bade them return. They were immersed in sorrow as they left him alone in the hospital.
Note
Muníb died two or three days after the departure of Bahá'u'lláh from Smyrna.
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