My Memories of Amin – By Basir van de Fliert

What can I say of a person that I have known ever since we were small children, toddlers even, having only been born six months after Amin was born – from our times as young boys wrestling in the basement, playing Nintendo, and throwing a Frisbee around in the park to our times as teenagers hanging around at the mall and eating at Red Robin.  One of my recollections of Amin from the time we were adolescents and onwards was that he was always very smooth.  Smooth in the sense of the way he dressed and how he always looked good, how he was always very articulate and refined in his speech, and that he always had many friends and everybody loved to be around him.

During our college days and Amin’s law school days I remember Amin being very serious when it came to his studies.  He would always work hard and excel in his studies, as well as make time to exercise regularly.  Even though he took his studies seriously, he never lost sight of what was most important.  He would always be involved in serving the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, whether it was attending meetings or participating in deepenings or other study gatherings, and he always made time for family and friends.

These last couple of years that I knew Amin, which was during his time in China, I got to know him as the perpetual servant and ever ready to serve.  During these past two summers I got the opportunity to go to China for family weddings and got to spend some time with Amin.  He was always being of service whether it was being the English speaking master of ceremony for one wedding, talking on the phone for more than an hour with the manager of a restaurant for a pre-wedding dinner for the other wedding, or taking me and some other family members sightseeing around Beijing, which included taking me to the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall, twice to the Summer Palace in Beijing, a few markets, and numerous Chinese restaurants.  It was not only the mere act of being of service, but that he also did it with utter humility, always saying that ”it is not a problem” or ”no need to worry.”

As this year is also the centenary of `Abdu’l-Bahá’s travels to America, I am reminded of what `Abdu’l-Bahá said during one of his last few talks before he departed from America:

“In brief, let each one of you be as a lamp shining forth with the light of the virtues of the world of humanity. Be trustworthy, sincere, affectionate and replete with chastity. Be illumined, be spiritual, be divine, be glorious, be quickened of God, be a Bahá’í.”

These words describe perfectly the character and person of Amin.  If there is anything that I have learned from Amin, it is that he never tried to be what others wanted him to be or even what he wanted himself to be.  He was what God wanted him to be, a pure and holy soul always being of service and considering others before himself.

Dayee Shidfar and Farzaneh Khanum.  I cannot imagine the loss and sorrow you both must be enduring with losing a son, but always remember that Amin’s passing was not in vain.  He was serving the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh and humanity, and helping family and friends until the very end.  God sends us to this world so that we may grow and develop spiritually to acquire virtues and spiritual capacities for the next.  I believe that Amin excelled in his spiritual development as he did in all other facets of life and acquired all the virtues and capabilities one could gain from this world, and as such God wanted his service in the next world.

Laila and Ashkon, and Vafa.  Be proud that you have a brother like Amin, and always know that he will be there to assist you.

Armon and Ava.  I hope you will grow up to learn of your Uncle Amin, and use his life as an inspiration for the service you will render the Faith and the world.

To all of the family and friends of Amin around the world.  Pray for the progress of Amin’s soul in the next world, and be assured that he will pray for you.

Basir van de Fliert
Rockville, Maryland, U.S.A.

Tablet from the Writings of the Bahá’í Faith

Below is a tablet from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá  in which he talks about the death of a ‘beloved youth’. In this tablet, he uses a beautiful example about the gardener and the plants that grow in the garden. This was one of the first things that friends and family read in Shanghai after they found out what had happened to Amin.

“O ye two patient souls! Your letter was received. The death of that beloved youth and his separation from you have caused the utmost sorrow and grief; for he winged his flight in the flower of his age and the bloom of his youth to the heavenly nest. But he hath been freed from this sorrow-stricken shelter and hath turned his face toward the everlasting nest of the Kingdom, and, being delivered from a dark and narrow world, hath hastened to the sanctified realm of light; therein lieth the consolation of our hearts.

The inscrutable divine wisdom underlieth such heart-rending occurrences. It is as if a kind gardener transferreth a fresh and tender shrub from a confined place to a wide open area. This transfer is not the cause of the withering, the lessening or the destruction of that shrub; nay, on the contrary, it maketh it to grow and thrive, acquire freshness and delicacy, become green and bear fruit. This hidden secret is well known to the gardener, but those souls who are unaware of this bounty suppose that the gardener, in his anger and wrath, hath uprooted the shrub. Yet to those who are aware, this concealed fact is manifest, and this predestined decree is considered a bounty. Do not feel grieved or disconsolate, therefore, at the ascension of that bird of faithfulness; nay, under all circumstances pray for that youth, supplicating for him forgiveness and the elevation of his station.”

Selections From the Writings of  ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Visiting Amin’s Work

Monte Lee, a former colleague of Amin’s, stopped by his work at Sheppard Mullin’s offices in Beijing.  He visited with a number of Amin’s colleagues and they talked about Amin and their friendship together.  Below are Monte’s pictures with Becky Noblitz and Ling Zhang, as well as Jim Zimmerman (Managing Partner).  Everyone enjoyed remembering Amin, celebrating his life and their friendship.  As reported earlier, a book of memories has been prepared and will be sent to Amin’s family.

 

 

Birth Announcement from Nima & May

Dearly loved friends and family,

Our son, Zayn Maxwell Masroori, was born at 6:26 pm on October 7, 2012 at 3.24kg. Thanks to your support and prayers, he and his mother are in good health now. We are deeply honored as we reflect on the mysterious bond between Zayn and his cousin Amin Amirkia, who departed from this earthly plane a day before Zayn’s arrival. Times of transition like this make us increasingly aware of the spiritual forces that surround us and bring into sharp focus our higher purpose.

Below we share a few photos of Zayn, and some stories of Zaynu’l-Muqarrabín, after whom he is named. Many of you will also be familiar with stories of the William Sutherland Maxwell and his family, which we also welcome you to share with us.

With gratitude for your love and care,

Nima and May

Memorials of the Faithful

This distinguished man was one of the greatest of all the Báb’s companions and all the loved ones of Bahá’u’lláh. When he lived under Islám, he was already famed for his purity and holiness of life. He was talented and highly accomplished in many directions. He was the leader and spiritual exemplar of the entire population of Najaf-Ábád, and the eminent of that area showed him unbounded respect. When he spoke out, his was the deciding opinion; when he passed judgment, it took effect; for he was known to all as the standard, and the authority of last resort.

He had no sooner learned of the Báb’s Declaration than he cried out from the depths of his heart, “O our Lord! we have indeed heard the voice of one that called. He called us to the Faith—‘Believe ye on your Lord’—and we have believed.” He rid himself of all impeding veils; his doubts dispelled, he began to extol and glorify the Beauty promised from of old. In his own home, and at Iṣfahán, he became notorious for declaring far and wide that the advent of the long-desired One had come to pass. By the hypocrites, he was mocked, cursed and tormented. As for the people, “the mass, as a snake in the grass,” who had worshiped him before, now rose up to do him harm. Every day brought on a fresh cruelty, a new torment from his oppressors. He endured it all, and went on teaching with great eloquence. He remained staunch, unmoved, as their wrath increased. In his hands he held out a full cup of Divine glad tidings, offering to all who came that heady draught of the knowledge of God. He was utterly without fear, knew nothing of danger, and swiftly followed the holy path of the Lord.

After the attempt on the Sháh, however, there was no shelter anywhere; no evening, no morning, without intense affliction. And since his staying on in Najaf-Ábád at such a time was a great danger to the believers, he left there and traveled to ‘Iráq. It was during the period when the Blessed Beauty was in Kurdistán, when He had gone into seclusion and was living in the cave on Sar-Galú, that Jináb-i-Zayn arrived in Baghdád. But his hopes were dashed, his heart grieved, for all was silence: there was no word of the Cause of God, no name nor fame of it; there were no gatherings, no call was being raised. Yaḥyá, terror stricken, had vanished into some dark hiding place. Torpid, flaccid, he had made himself invisible. Try as he might, Jináb-i-Zayn could find not one soul. He met on a single occasion with His Eminence Kalím. But it was a period when great caution was being exercised by the believers, and he went on to Karbilá. He spent some time there, and occupied himself with copying out the Writings, after which he returned home to Najaf-Ábád. Here the foul persecutions and attacks of his relentless enemies could hardly be endured.

But when the Trump had been sounded a second time, he was restored to life. To the tidings of Bahá’u’lláh’s advent his soul replied; to the drum beat, “Am I not your Lord?” his heart drummed back: “Yea, verily!” Eloquently, he taught again, using both rational and historical proofs to establish that He Whom God Shall Manifest—the Promised One of the Báb—had indeed appeared. He was like refreshing waters to those who thirsted, and to seekers, a clear answer from the Concourse on high. In his writing and speaking, he was first among the righteous, in his elucidations and commentaries a mighty sign of God.

In Persia his life was in imminent peril; and since remaining at Najaf-Ábád would have stirred up the agitators and brought on riots, he hastened away to Adrianople, seeking sanctuary with God, and crying out as he went, “Lord, Lord, here am I!” Wearing the lover’s pilgrim dress, he reached the Mecca of his longing. For some time he tarried there, in the presence of Bahá’u’lláh, after which he was commanded to leave, with Jináb-i-Mírzá Ja’far-i-Yazdí, and promulgate the Faith. He returned to Persia and began to teach most eloquently, so that the glad tidings of the Lord’s advent resounded to the high heavens. In the company of Mírzá Ja’far he traveled everywhere, through cities flourishing and ruined, spreading the good news that the Blessed Beauty was now manifest.

Once again, he returned to ‘Iráq, where he was the center of every gathering, and rejoiced his hearers. At all times, he gave wise counsel; at all times he was consumed with the love of God.

When the believers were taken prisoner in ‘Iráq and banished to Mosul, Jináb-i-Zayn became their chief. He remained for some time in Mosul, a consolation to the rest, working to solve their many problems. He would kindle love in people’s hearts, and make them kind to one another. Later he asked for permission to attend upon Bahá’u’lláh; when this was granted he arrived at the Prison and had the honor of entering the presence of his Well-Beloved. He then busied himself with writing down the sacred verses, and encouraging the friends. He was love itself to the emigrants, and warmed the travelers’ hearts. He never rested for a moment, and received new grace and bounty every day, meanwhile taking down the Bahá’í Scriptures with faultless care.

From his early years till his last breath, this eminent man never failed in service to the Manifestation. After the ascension he was consumed with such grieving, such constant tears and anguish, that as the days passed by, he wasted away. He remained faithful to the Covenant, and was a close companion to this servant of the Light of the World, but he longed to rise out of this life, and awaited his departure from day to day. At last, serene and happy, rejoicing in the tidings of the Kingdom, he soared away to that mysterious land. There he was loosed from every sorrow, and in the gathering-place of splendors he was immersed in light.

Unto him be salutations and praise from the luminous Realm, and the glory of the All-Glorious from the Concourse on high, and great joy in that Kingdom which endures forever. May God provide him with an exalted station in the Abhá Paradise.

 

 

Revelation of Baha’u’llah Vol.1 p.25

Once the Tablet was written, several copies had to be made for the purpose of disseminating them among the believers. There were times in Bahá’u’lláh’s life when the outpourings of Divine Revelation were so profuse that even a number of scribes, working day and night to transcribe His Tablets, were still unable to cope with them all. Some have left to posterity volumes of compilations in their own handwritings.

Notable among these was Mullá Zaynu’l-‘Ábidín, surnamed Zaynu’l-Muqarrabín (the ornament of them that are nigh unto God) by Bahá’u’lláh. Before his conversion to the Bábí Faith, he was a learned mujtahid (doctor of Islámic law) and an outstanding figure in his native town of Najaf-Ábád. He became an ardent Bábí about the time of the imprisonment of Bahá’u’lláh in the Síyáh-Chál, and was bitterly opposed and persecuted by those very people who were once his admirers and followers. Later he travelled to Baghdád and eventually attained the presence of Bahá’u’lláh after His return from the mountains of Kurdistán. As a result of this meeting and of receiving some. Tablets from Bahá’u’lláh, his soul was transformed and attained such heights of faith and dedication that he is numbered among the outstanding Apostles of Bahá’u’lláh. After his release from a long period of exile and imprisonment in Mosul, ‘Iráq, he made his way to ‘Akká where he spent the rest of his days in Bahá’u’lláh’s service, mostly as a scribe.

He was meticulous in transcribing the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh and took great pains to ensure that they were correctly recorded. Any Tablet in the handwriting of Zaynu’l-Muqarrabín is considered accurate. He has left to posterity, in his exquisite hand, many volumes comprising most of Bahá’u’lláh’s important Tablets; today Bahá’í publications in Persian and Arabic are authenticated by comparison with these.

Another work associated with his inquisitive and brilliant mind is the book Questions and Answers by Bahá’u’lláh. Being a mujtahid and thus highly qualified in the application of Islámic laws, Zaynu’l-Muqarrabín received permission from Bahá’u’lláh to ask any questions he might have regarding the application of the laws revealed in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. The answers given by Bahá’u’lláh provide further elucidation and expansion of His laws and this book is regarded as a supplement to the Kitáb-i-Aqdas.

The story, however brief, of the life of Zaynu’l-Muqarrabín will not be complete without referring to his great sense of humour which always cheered the believers. At times he used to make amusing remarks in the presence of Bahá’u’lláh, some of which are even recorded in certain narratives.

Revelation of Baha’u’llah Vol.2 p.335

One who rendered unique and valued services to the community was Mullá Zaynu’l-‘Ábidín, surnamed by Bahá’u’lláh Zaynu’l-Muqarrabín* (The Ornament of Those Who are Nigh). He was one of the exiles to Mosul. For about eighteen years he acted as a shepherd to the community. Under his supervision a ‘charity fund’ was established–the first fund of that kind in any Bahá’í community. His knowledge and learning, his understanding of the Faith, his intelligent and well-balanced personality, together with a delightful sense of humour, endeared him to the believers and made him the focal point of the community. Bahá’u’lláh had also instructed him in His Tablets to gather the friends together, exhort them to unity and love, encourage them to deepen in the Faith, and help them to attain heavenly qualities. He spent most of his time transcribing the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh and making them available to the friends. In particular he had to make several copies of those Tablets which were addressed to some or all of the believers in Mosul, and give each one a copy.

In the course of one of his journeys, Hájí Mírzá Haydar-‘Alí visited Mosul. These few lines extracted and translated from his narrative describe the state of the community there.

 …I attained the presence of Zaynu’l-Muqarrabín and other loved ones of God in Mosul including Áqá Mírzá Muhammad-i-Vakíl. The latter, owing to destitution, had to work as a cobbler in spite of old age…The friends in Mosul, together with the person of Zaynu’l-Muqarrabín, made one remember the days spent in Bahá’u’lláh’s holy presence in the holy city of ‘Akká. These believers were living in the utmost unity and harmony. They vied with each other in their efforts and their services. They had no desire except first, to gain the good pleasure of the Blessed Beauty, and secondly, to attain His presence.

Zaynu’l-Muqarrabín carried the weight of the community on his shoulders with great zeal and devotion until in 1885 Bahá’u’lláh advised him in a Tablet to proceed to ‘Akká provided such a move did not jeopardize the state of the community. Responding to this call, he left Mosul in 1303 A.H. (1886), and with great joy entered the presence of his Beloved. He spent the rest of his life in that holy spot.

About the same time that Zaynu’l-Muqarrabín left, Bahá’u’lláh advised the friends in Mosul to proceed towards Persia or other parts of ‘Iráq; He particularly stipulated that they should not go to the Holy Land. They were to be cautious and leave gradually and in small numbers. So the believers left Mosul and it ceased to be a Bahá’í centre.

Amin’s Response to his Parents at the news of the Passing of a dear Family Friend

From: Amin John Amirkia
Date: December 8, 2011 12:14:25 AM PST
To: Shidfar Amirkia, Farzaneh Amirkia
Cc: Laila Yazdanpanah, Vafa Jaan 
Subject:
Re: Passing of Mrs. Shamsieh Mohajeri

Thank you for letting me know. She was very kind. She lived a full life and leaves behind good children.

Our time will come too. This will be soon, even for those of us who may live a full life. Enshahlah, we can make the most of our numbered days.

Much love,

Amin

Surprise Gift from Amin + Amin’s Apartment in Beijing

Amin’s cousin, Maryam, went back to her job late last week after a few months of maternity leave.  Upon arriving at work, she found a gift of a moon cake (traditional gift during Mid-Autumn Festival) at her desk.  To her surprise, this had been sent by Amin through prior arrangement.  They plan to share this with friends in loving memory of Amin.

 

 

Also, over the weekend, Maryam, her husband Zhou Hai, their daughter Ruhi, Zhou Hai’s dad as well as a friend went to Amin’s apartment in Beijing.  It was a beautiful autumn day with the air clear – something that is rare in Beijing due to the smog.  They said prayers for Amin.  Below are some pictures including of Amin’s bicycle.

A Letter to Amin

My dearest cousin Amin,

It is a week since you winged your way and moved on from this earthly plane of life.  It has been a difficult week for all whose life you touched in some way.  Your departure has left us all grief-stricken and heartbroken.  In my own case, it has left me numb with no desire to do much of anything.  I had hoped to write this note earlier but needed time to calm down from the shock and grief of your departure.  Even now, I am afraid that my thoughts are scattered and I will be rambling. 

I catch myself thinking that I have been imagining this whole thing and coaxing myself to wake up from this bad dream – only to realize that it is unfortunately reality and that we have indeed lost you; at least in this physical world.  That is why I wanted to address this note to you in the hopes that I will find some solace in communicating with you directly.

Along with so many others, I have been mourning your loss.   You were so young.  So full of hope.  And full of life, optimism and joy.  Your tender love, kindness towards all who crossed your path, joyous laughter and caring ways shall remain with us forever.  As I write this, I remember vividly your kind and personable conversation with a taxi driver in Beijing a few months ago as you were showing us around; it seemed as if you two knew each other for years!  This was the way you dealt with everyone, friend or stranger.  I have watched with awe and amazement the tributes and memories that have poured in from all corners of the world in your praise.  Of course we know that you are wonderful but little did we know that you touched so many people in so many ways and so many places.  You were always humble and never talked about yourself, your accomplishments or services.  You and your brother are the only young adults who I know that don’t have active Facebook account and chose not to waste your time on such frills but rather on building genuine and meaningful relationships, connections and conversations.

I am so happy that we had a chance to come to China four months ago and visit with you and other family, and to participate in the joy of Milly & Kalan’s wedding.  As everyone has said, you were so handsome at the wedding.  You were also a gracious host and took such good care of our family.  The wonderful memories of the time we spent together and your kindness shall remain with us forever.  This includes the love you showered on our children who adored you and have been also been grieving your loss.  You were always so tender and loving towards them, taking time to speak with them, play with them and buy them thoughtful and precious gifts.  I only hope that they will grow up to follow your wonderful example.

There are so many things I want to tell you, so many stories to recount about you, and so many things I want to ask you.  Alas, to no avail!  As I have cried and prayed about your departure from this world, I have also thought about why and how this happened.  Our family has faced tragedy before.  When I was a teenager, our grandmother passed away in her late 50’s.  You never had a chance to meet this wonderful lady here.  My mom/your aunt was taken away from us by the Iranian revolution in a cruel way when she was in her mid-40’s.  We could not question the wisdom of these tragedies either but you grew up with stories about her.  You, however were taken from us at only 30 and in the prime of your life.  I know that you are united and embraced by the souls of these loved ones as well as your dear grandfather (who was also tragically taken in Iran before you were born).  Along with others, I have contemplated on the mystery of your departure from this world on the eve of my mother’s birthday and right before the birth of Zayn, May & Nima’s son.  Perhaps someday I will understand this mystery.  For now, all I know is that your three lives are intertwined for eternity.  I also know that God had a higher purpose for you and that your sacrifice will in many ways make this world a better place.  I hope that God will give me the chance to understand this at some point.

I have not had the chance to properly give my sympathies and condolences to your dear mother and father, your grandmother, sister and brother.  Given their grief, I did not want to bother them.  I also do not know how to console them or what words I can share with them that would give them comfort.  I understand that they are submitting to the Will of God and praise them for this.  I also know that they loved you so much and it will be so difficult for them to not have you with them in this plane of existence.  I pray that God will give them strength and patience to endure this difficult separation.

Amin-jan, you will always be in our hearts and minds and prayers.  I hope that I will be worthy of seeing you again in the next world.  I love you so much.

Your cousin Merat + Parvaneh, Tia & Kia