References to Karim Khan Kirmani and the Irshád al-’Avám in Bahá’u’lláh’s Kitáb-i Íqán

Abstract

This paper will provide an introduction to Karim Khan Kirmani, his life, and his works, in order to contextualize his complex relationship to the Bábá and Bahá'í religions and their founders. The topic will be narrowed down by a closer examination of two particular works: the Irshád al-'Avám and the Kitáb-i Íqán. Particular emphasis will be placed on the mi'ráj and its role in Islamic and Bábí/Bahá'í texts. The paper will end with a discussion of normative lists of "prerequisites" in the same literatures.