Tahirih’s father and uncles--the Baraghani brothers--became the most influential family in Qazvin. Once the capital of Persia, Qazvin had been inhabited for nine thousand years; the oldest paved street in Persia ran through it. Located on a trade route, it had attracted a diverse population of Persians, Turks, Jews, and Armenians.
They were deeply involved as mujtahids in the affairs of the city. Settling in the western part of Qazvin, they exercised great power.
Tahirih’s older uncle, Mullah Taqi, became one of the richest clerics in Persia by adjudicating in business disputes of which he earned a percentage, collecting alms, pocketing the proceeds from abandoned lands, and participating in business. Though highly respected as a mujtahid, Taqi’s financial practices may have caused resentment.
Taqi opposed Shaykh Ahmad and his allegorical interpretations of passages from the Qur’an. He issued a decree declaring him an infidel—the first cleric to do so—a shocking action because Shaykh Ahmad was a profoundly learned and respected figure.
Tahirih’s father, Mulla Salih, was not politically oriented like his older brother. He founded a school which attracted hundreds of students.
The youngest brother, Mullah Ali, taught at this school and was interested in mystical philosophy. He engaged in ascetical spiritual practices, even rumored to chain himself to a wall to stay awake and study. Mullah Ali was attracted to the Shaykhi teachings.