Mirza Hussain Jarullah was a neighbor and a close, devoted associate of Baha'u'llah during his time in Baghdad. According to Kashful Hiyal of Avarih, he was a trusted individual who held the keys to Baha'u'llah’s house and was responsible for daily tasks such as opening the home every morning to prepare tea and coffee.
Origin of His Name
It was a habit of Baha'u'llah to give his close followers titles that incorporated the word "Allah". Because Mirza Hussain lived in the immediate vicinity of Baha'u'llah’s home, he was given the title "Jarullah" which means "Neighbor of God".
The Incident in Baghdad
The most significant account regarding Jarullah involves an event that led to his eventual departure from the Baha'i faith:
- The Discovery: One night, Jarullah accidentally left a door locked with Baha'u'llah inside. Upon returning the next morning and opening the door, he encountered a foul odor.
- State of Intoxication: Jarullah found Baha'u'llah in a state of extreme intoxication, rendered unconscious by "pure wine" to the point where he could not be woken.
- Physical Illness: Because Baha'u'llah was too drunk to leave his spot, he had used an expensive crystal drinking glass as a temporary toilet (chamber pot). Jarullah was shocked and disgusted by the scene. He felt that someone claiming to be the "Supreme God" should have more self-control and dignity. He couldn't understand how a divine being could be so overpowered by his own physical needs and the effects of alcohol.
Defection and Criticism
Following this incident, Jarullah renounced his faith in Baha'u'llah. He began to publicly criticize and curse him, questioning how an individual who could not maintain his own physical dignity or control his intake of intoxicants could be considered a "Supreme God" or a reformer of the human race.
Official Baha'i Perspective vs. Avarih's View
- Baha'i Explanation: Baha'is who are aware of this story often claim that Jarullah was a "good man" who simply chose to withdraw quietly into seclusion to protect the reputation of the faith rather than because he had actually lost his faith.
- Avarih's Critique: Avarih views Jarullah as a key witness to the leaders' human fallibility. He claims that if individuals like Jarullah had been more vocal about what they saw behind closed doors rather than remaining silent out of a sense of "wisdom" or social preservation, thousands of people might have been saved from what he describes as a "web of deception".
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