Opposition of Mullas
After His return from this retirement, His fame became greater than ever and people flocked to Baghdad from far and near to see Him and hear His teachings. Jews, Christians and Zoroastrians, as well as Muhammadans, became interested in the new message. The Mullas (Muhammadan doctors), however, took up a hostile attitude and persistently plotted to effect His overthrow. On a certain occasion they sent one of their number to interview Him and submit to Him certain questions. The envoy found the answers of Baha'u'llah so convincing and His wisdom so amazing, although evidently not acquired by study, that he was obliged to confess that in knowledge and understanding Baha'u'llah was peerless. In order, however, that the Mullas who had sent him should be satisfied as to the reality of Baha'u'llah's Prophethood, he asked that some miracle should be produced as a proof. Baha'u'llah expressed His willingness to accept the suggestion on certain conditions, declaring that if the Mullas would agree regarding some miracle to be performed, and would sign and seal a document to the effect that on performance of this miracle they would confess the validity of His mission and cease to oppose Him, He would furnish the desired proof or else stand convicted of imposture. Had the aim of the Mullas been to get at the truth, surely here was their opportunity; but their intention was far otherwise. Rightly or wrongly, they meant to secure a decision in their own favor. They feared the truth and fled from the daring challenge. This discomfiture, however, only spurred them on to devise fresh plots for the eradication of the oppressed sect. The Consul General of Persia in Baghdad came to their assistance and sent repeated messages to the Shah to the effect that Baha'u'llah was injuring the Muhammadan religion more than ever, still exerting a malign influence in Persia, and that He ought therefore to be banished to some more distant place (24:2)

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