The Babi and Baha'i Religion — Page 45
THE B Ā B Ī AND BAH Ā ’ Ī RELIGION 45 started to come forward with a similar claim in their own behalf, and Bah a ’ull a h might have felt that if he waited longer there was danger of his being left behind in his bid for support among the B a b i s. In any case he put forth his claim in 1863 while he was still in Baghdad 56. But to begin with, the claim was rather privately made in the presence of a few chosen friends and companions 57. It is also to be carefully noted that Bah a ’ull a h has never claimed that the basis of his claim was any light or command to this effect from Allah. Rather it is clear that he took this step urged on by his own judgment and desire. To Constantinople During his stay in Baghdad Bah a ’ull a h had ob- tained Turkish citizenship for his friends. Partly due to this reason, and partly because it was also the desire of the Government of Iran that he be well looked after, the Turkish Government treated him with considerable ceremony and honour. ‘Abdul Bah a ’ says that in the course of this journey the Turkish officials showed much respect and consideration, with a degree of formal ceremonial everyday when the caravan started on the day’s journey, or halted to camp for the night. In Constantinople itself the 56 Shauq i A fand i in the World Religion , page 5. 57 ‘A s r-e-Jad i d , Urdu, page, 36.