Prophet's Daughter: The Life and Legacy of Bahiyyih Khanum, Outstanding Heroine of the Bahai Faith

by Janet A. Khan

Prophet's Daughter is the first full-length biography of one of the greatest women in world religious history. Her towering spiritual strength offers readers an unrivaled model of sacrifice and service to one's faith. Born in Tehran, Bahiyyih Khanum (1846-1932) was the daughter of Baha'u'llah (1817-1892), Prophet and Founder of the Bahai religion. Because Baha'u'llah's teachings were seen in His homeland as a heretical threat to the established order, He and His immediate family and a small group of followers were exiled for some forty years. Meanwhile, thousands of other followers were exterminated in an effort to eradicate the new faith. From the age of seven, Bahiyyih Khanum accompanied her father in exile to Baghdad, Constantinople, Adrianople, and eventually Akka, suffering all of the privations her father suffered. Yet she played a unique and crucial role in supporting her family; assisting members of the religion during periods of unspeakably brutal persecution; managing the small band's household under prison conditions; and, later in life, working with Baha'u'llah's successors to establish the Bahai Faith as a universally recognized world religion. Her confident and resilient response to hardship and suffering, her acceptance of administrative responsibility, her exemplary leadership, and her capacity to deal constructively with change were exceptional.

Genres: Baha I, Biography

359 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2005

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Janet Khan and found her earlier work, "The Advancement of Women", fascinating reading. So it was with perhaps too much anticipation that I began her "Prophet’s Daughter". While, on the whole, it was interesting and informative, it was not as compelling a read as I had hoped. However, the last chapter, “Archetype of the People of Bahá”, was especially thought provoking. It accurately and succinctly identifies the current state of affairs in society, the resulting effects of these conditions, and, through Bahíyyih Khanum’s example, provides a pattern that we can use to address them. Thus, within the Bahá’í Faith is found, should we choose to look, the genesis of answers to the world’s problems, as well as our own. It is up to each of us to seek and apply them.

[Barbara Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An examination of her life & station

Well researched biography of this Persian woman whose life covered parts of the 19th and 20th centuries. She had a unique role in the development of a world religion. The book is well written and captivating. My only frustration with this book is out of the author's control: the story of women's lives were largely ignored by historians prior to the 20th century, much less so in Persia.

[Louis Brunet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am very happy to have read this book about someone I did not know enough about and my love for her has grown substantially, Bahá’ulláh's daughter, who attained the highest rank in the Bahá’í dispensation among women. She is the archetype for the people of Bahá.

[Joyce B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring story of The Greatest Holy Leaf. I found the explanation of the quality of resilency enlightening. Her life was one of change and adaptation, unparalleled service and devotion.

[Diane Broussard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspirational especially for those following Baha'i Faith or interested in it's unique history

[S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an inspiring story of courage and humility in the life of one woman. She made a difference in the lives of those she touched and the world at large--in a world that did not place a high value on the worth of women.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating to learn about women during different time periods and trying to grasp how bold their steps were.

[Vicali Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

An illuminating account of the life and station a unique historical personage.

[Elise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating book, but a tad dry. I'm glad I have this book!