Wahid Azal

Subh-i-Azal, born Mīrzā Yahyā Nūrī in 1831, became the second leader of the Babi movement following the execution of its founder, the Báb, in 1850. The Báb designated him as his successor, believing he possessed the ability to channel divine verses and explain complex teachings until the arrival of the prophesied messiah. However, his leadership was not universally accepted, and a significant schism occurred due to conflict with his half-brother, Baháʼu'lláh, who also claimed messianic status. This division led to Subh-i-Azal's followers being known as Azalis.

Following persecution in Iran, Subh-i-Azal and his followers were exiled, eventually settling in Cyprus under Ottoman rule. The Babi community fractured, with most eventually aligning with Baháʼu'lláh. Subh-i-Azal lived out his later years in obscurity on a British pension. By the early 20th century, the Azali movement had dwindled significantly, with few acknowledged leaders or a central organization, leading to its stagnation.

Born Mīrzā Yahyā Nūrī in 1831, Subh-i-Azal was the son of a court minister. He became a follower of the Báb around the age of 14. He was given the title "Subh-i-Azal," meaning "Morning of Eternity," by the Báb, who also conferred other titles upon him, such as "Everlasting Mirror" and "Fruit of the Bayan." The Báb entrusted him with leadership responsibilities shortly before his execution in 1850, believing he could interpret divine verses and preserve the teachings. At the time of his appointment, Subh-i-Azal was only 19 years old. His early activities included propagating the Babi faith and facing persecution, such as being arrested and subjected to harassment while attempting to join Babi defenders.

After the Báb's execution, Subh-i-Azal was acknowledged as the leader of the Babi community for approximately 13 years. However, his authority was challenged, particularly by his half-brother, Baháʼu'lláh, who eventually claimed the messianic status foretold by the Báb. Tensions escalated during their exile in Baghdad and later in Edirne, leading to a definitive split within the Babi movement. Subh-i-Azal openly rejected Baháʼu'lláh's claims, resulting in the community dividing into Azalis (followers of Subh-i-Azal) and Baháʼís (followers of Baháʼu'lláh).

In 1868, the Ottoman government further exiled Subh-i-Azal and his followers to Cyprus, while Baháʼu'lláh and his followers were sent to Acre. Following Britain's lease of Cyprus in 1878, Subh-i-Azal lived in relative obscurity, supported by a British pension. By 1904, the Azali faction had become a small minority, and Baháʼu'lláh's leadership was widely recognized. After Subh-i-Azal's death in 1912, the Azali movement entered a period of stagnation, lacking a central organization or acknowledged leader, and has not significantly recovered since.

“All that might be sent after this after the writings of that Eternity, that peacock of the primal heaven, whether in your hand or the hand of God shall be much appreciated by his holiness the Loved One.”

“Sent me whatever shines forth of the writings of Azal, for we love them.”

“preserve himself, then preserve himself, then what has been sent down in the Bayān, then what is sent from him,”

“recite of the verses of his Lord what God will inspire into his heart as a remembrance on His Part.”