TÁHIRIH THE PURE
By Martha L. Root
Revised Edition with an introductory essay by Marzieh Gail
Táhirih the Pure is the story of the premier woman of the Bábí
Faith. This story is told by Martha Root, the
indomitable Bahá'í teacher who followed in Táhirih's footsteps,
widened the path which Táhirih had walked, and eventually attained the rank of
Hand of the Cause of God.
The Iran of Táhirih's time was only beginning to stir from
its feudal sleep. The nation was ruled by the whim of an absolute monarch, and the masses
were held in the grip of a fanatical Muslim clergy. Women remained veiled and secluded,
denied education, and dominated their whole lives, first by fathers, and then by husbands. During such a
time, Táhirih boldly proclaimed to her native land the advent of a new Day of God.
A renowned poet, quick in argument and eloquent of speech, uncompromising in her demands
for the emancipation of women, Táhirih became a legend in her own time. Despite
fierce opposition from her own family, denunciations by the Muslim clergy, arrests and
imprisonment, she traveled between Iran and Iraq teaching her revolutionary Message.
Finally, she stunned the nation and challenged her fellow believers by discarding the
symbol of the inequality of her sex, appearing before an assemblage of men unveiled. Nearly
a century later, Martha Root became fascinated by Táhirih's story and traveled
to Iran in an effort to learn more about this remarkable woman. This book is the result of
her research. As she pieces together the story of her spiritual sister from many sources,
we learn as much about Martha as we do about Táhirih.
Originally published in 1938, in Karachi, Pakistan, Martha Root's book remains the only
one of its kind. A new preface by Marzieh Gail introduces us to both Táhirih and to
Martha, to their times, and to the mystic tie which seems to unite these two brilliant
heroines of the Faith.
Retail Price: $21.95 paper (04-5)
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