A Profitable End: A History of the Zabihi Family
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Source: Bahá'í Library Online (bahai-library.com), curated by Jonah Winters. Used by permission of the curator. Original citation: Zia'u'lláh Zabihi, A Profitable End: A History of the Zabihi Family, bahai-library.com.
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A Profitable End:

A History of the Zabihi Family

Zia'u'lláh Zabihi

Foad Seddigh, editor
Tahirih Tahririha-Danesh, translator

2018/2024
original title

‘Áqibat Bikhayr

2018

About: A Profitable End is the English translation of ‘Áqibat Bikhayr, a deeply moving historical memoir authored by Zia’u’lláh Zabihi, son of ‘Abdu’l-Vahháb Dhabíḥí (1900-1980), who was a permanent travel teacher throughout Iran and Afghanistan.

This work chronicles the remarkable legacy of the Zabihi family, whose roots trace back to the earliest days of the Bahá’í Faith in Yazd, Iran. Spanning multiple generations, the book offers vivid biographical sketches, personal narratives, and rare historical details of individuals who exemplified spiritual steadfastness, including seventeen members of the family who gave their lives for the Cause.

Through memoirs, teaching stories, personal encounters with the Central Figures, Tablets revealed by Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and documented persecution during the Qajar and early Pahlavi periods, the book provides a window into the formative years of the Bahá’í community in Yazd and its surroundings. Other highlights include: meeting with Shoghi Effendi, 17 martyrs of the family and ancestors, his martyred father named by ‘Abdu’l-Baha “Shamu’l-Shohada” (The candle of the martyrs), and several amazing dreams.

The English edition, edited by Dr. Foad Seddigh, includes extensive endnotes, family trees, historical references, and illustrations that enhance accessibility for an international readership unfamiliar with Persian cultural and historical context.

More than a family history, A Profitable End is a testimony to the resilience and devotion of the early believers in Iran, offering future generations a standard of faith, service, and sacrifice. It is an invaluable resource for researchers, youth, and lovers of Bahá’í history alike.

It is reproduced here with the kind permission of the author and the family of ‘Abdu’l-Vahháb Zabihi who have expressed a sincere wish to make this important historical work accessible to seekers, scholars, and members of the global Bahá’í community.

Originally the book was published in Persian with the title of Aghebat bekheir ("Good Ending"). This name is about the father of Mr. Zabihi’s wife, Mr. Ali Akbar, who went to the Holy Land for pilgrimage. One day ‘Abdu’l-Baha invited him to go somewhere in His carriage. He was seated between ‘Abdu’l-Baha and the youthful Shoghi Effendi. ‘Abdu’l-Baha told him; “Ali Akbar - you have had several martyrs in your family. What more do you want?" In reply Ali Akbar said, "I want to be Aghebat Bekheir" (to have a good ending). Later on ‘Abdu’l-Baha took off his own Aba (Robe) and put it on Ali Akbar’s shoulders and said; "this also we give you!"

The English translation was printed in China with the title A Profitable End.

Download: zabihi_seddigh_profitable_end.pdf.

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Editing, research, documentation, indexing by Dr. Seddigh.
Initial translation by Tahirih Danesh, with assistance from Mairianne Zabihi.
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Shortlink: bahai-library.com/7053
Citation: ris/7053

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-- A Profitable End: A History of the Zabihi Family (Used by permission of the curator)