Dr. Varqa was asked about the photograph of him as a child which was blessed by bearing an inscription by `Abdu’l-Baha. In response, he said:
“This photograph was not meant to be seen by the friends during my earthly life; however, since it has been seen and many things have been said about it that may not be accurate, it is best that I explain the details myself:
When I was born (in the year 1912), my father was amongst the friends who were accompanying `Abdu’l-Baha (in America). My father wrote to my paternal uncle and asked for a photograph of his new born son. A photograph of me in the arms of my uncle, in which a servant can also be seen, was sent to my father. Aqa Mirza Asadu’llah Qumi had taken the photograph from my father and brought it to the attention of the Master. His Holiness `Abdu’l-Baha had then written the word “yad” [Hand] on the photograph on my left arm and the word “mu’ayyad” [confirmed] on the right arm. Moreover, `Abdu’l-Baha adorned the photograph with the words ‘Ya Baha’u’l-Abha” .
This photograph was in our family for 45 years, and we were not aware of its real significance; until my father passed away and the beloved Guardian honoured me by conferring upon me the title of the Hand of the Cause of God.
One night, the members of the National Spiritual Assembly of Iran had gathered in our home, and my mother recounted the details of the episode surrounding the photograph. Mr. Furutan then printed the details in the next issue of “Baha’i News”. When that issue of “Baha’i News” reached the Holy Land, Shoghi Effendi sent instructions that the photograph be sent to him.
Amatu’l-Baha Ruhiyyih Khanum has recounted the following: ‘When the photograph was brought to the attention of the beloved Guardian, a smile came upon his face. This genuine smile was indicative of a spiritual connection between `Abdu’l-Baha and Shoghi Effendi, and it spoke of unspoken divine mysteries; inasmuch as the Guardian was not aware of the existenc of this photograph when appointing Dr. Varqa to the rank of the Hand of the Cause.”
