Sobhi’s relationship with the Baha’i leadership was tumultuous. Although he served as Abdu’l-Baha’s scribe for two years, his actions eventually led to his dismissal. He returned to Homeland shortly before Abdu’l-Baha’s death in 1300 AD, where he began to oppose the Baha’i administrative institutions, a pattern that would recur throughout his life.
Defiance and Opposition to the Baha’i Faith
In Iran, Sobhi’s opposition to the Baha’i institutions grew stronger. Despite moments of reconciliation, he frequently found himself at odds with the community’s leadership. Sobhi claimed to possess secrets entrusted to him by Abdu’l-Baha, which he vowed never to reveal fully. This assertion added an aura of mystique to his persona and fueled further controversies.
His writings, particularly “Kitab Sobhi” and “Pyam Pedr,” delve into his perspectives on Baha’i beliefs and the foundational aspects of Islamic faith. Sobhi’s critiques were not limited to theological discussions; he also directed his ire at prominent Baha’i figures, including Shoghi Effendi, whom he harshly criticized in his writings. This relentless opposition eventually led to his excommunication from the Baha’i community.