The Trumpet Blast: Removing the Veil from the Advent of the Promised One

by Roya Akhavan

Religious prophecies throughout history have converged on a common expectation; the advent of a world redeemer who will fulfill the ultimate destiny of humankind. This book is written to illuminate the station of Ṭáhirih -- a leading heroine of the Bábí movement -- as the Trumpeter of the Day of Resurrection and the Remover of the Veil from the advent of the Promised One. Based in part on an in-depth analysis of the symbolic meaning of the “veil” in Ṭáhirih’s discourse, new evidence provided by her previously unpublished poetry, and the writings of the central figures of the Faith for which she sacrificed her life, this book seeks to demonstrate that Ṭáhirih’s significance in human history goes far beyond the popularized image of her as a woman who broke free from the shackles of gender norms. The vision that animated Ṭáhirih’s heroic life and inspired the prolific stream of her discourse was that of an imminent transformation in the human civilization. And the most apocalyptic of the veils she lifted was that from the advent of the Promised One.

160 pages, Paperback

Published January 27, 2023

Reviews

[Ludwig Tuman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Akhavan's writing clearly demonstrates that the historical figure known as Tahirih played a role far greater in humanity's spiritual history than is generally recognized. The book is concise, convincing, and irrefutable.

The author has achieved something quite difficult: to write a book with a clarity such that any interested reader can readily understand, while providing academics and researchers with a trove of references (over 160 footnotes) documenting the historical setting, the philosophy, the writings, the achievements, and the main events in the life of Tahirih.

As evidence of Tahirih's exalted stature, the author also provides passages from the Sacred Writings, some of which are provisionally translated and published here for the first time in English. These, in combination with passages from Tahirih's own writings and the record of her actions, definitively confirm her as a transcendent figure: as nothing less than the Trumpet Blast anticipated in ancient scriptures, who would announce the advent of the Promised One and the dawn of a new age in human history.

This reality is so far above and beyond the popularized image of her as "a woman who broke free from the shackles of gender norms" -- as Tahirih is currently portrayed in the West -- that one marvels that it should have been necessary for a scholar like Dr. Akhavan to set the record straight.

Considering that the overwhelming majority of figures with prominent roles in religious history have been men, it is deeply stirring to consider that the one consecrated and confirmed for such a momentous role as to serve as the Trumpet Blast and announcer of the dawn of the new age was a woman.

The general public, researchers, and historians have much to be grateful for in this singular contribution from Dr. Akhavan.

[Jehan Rehayem · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an educator and I thoroughly loved and highly recommend this book for study. The Trumpet Blast beautifully illuminates the station of Tahirih- a leading heroine who sacrificed her life to remove the veil from the advent of the Promised One foretold by all religions. This book offers newly translated poetry as well as sacred writings. The Trumpet Blast is historic and key to the role women play in the world. Well done Dr. Akhavan!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a vital, timely book, one that is powerful, scholarly, poetic, and accessible. The spiritual and intellectual energy driving this work is present from the first page until the closing words about the removal of the most apocalyptic of the veils that Tahirih was divinely ordained to remove. This is a wonderful reminder about the inspiring age humanity is experiencing.