One of the neighbors was a local mullah (Muslim priest) who did not like this and began stirring up his congregation against Baba, saying, "This man is a Hindustani [Indian]! What will you gain by going to him?"
Baidul had been sent in advance to Persia with the boy Ali Akbar, whom Baba had directed to remain at his family's home. On 14 June, Baba had sent Baidul a telegram in Yezd, instructing him to meet them in four days in Meshed. After Baidul rejoined the mandali, Baba was driven from Meshed to Duzdab.
Baba's trip to Persia in 1931 was quite different from his previous two visits. During this journey, Baba met with no one for interviews, nor was any darshan held. He had come strictly to do his inner work, yet Baba did not reveal the purpose of his seclusion in Persia. At night, he would sit alone for an hour or so, absorbed in this work. During the day, he seemed outwardly to be preoccupied with nothing in particular, usually roaming the streets of Meshed.
On Thursday, 25 June 1931, after being issued visas at the British Consulate to reenter India, they left Duzdab by train for Quetta. After ten days in Quetta, they left by train again and arrived in Karachi on 5 July. Again they stayed at Pilamai and Hormuzd's house.
The next day Baba began a fast. He was joined in the fast by Buasaheb, Baidul and Aga Ali, which all broke four days later on Friday evening, 10 July — the sixth anniversary of the Master's silence. Pilamai performed Baba's arti that day.
The mayor of Karachi, Jamshed Mehta, again came to see Baba. He told Baba that he found himself surrounded by difficulties with no immediate solution. Baba stated:
That is not bad news; that is very good news! You are lucky to have so many hardships. The fact is there are no hardships, because everything in the world is one big zero! I see and experience this every moment.
Once tested by the Avatar or Sadguru, the devotee will feel as if he is about to die! It is terrible; this path of God is the harshest and most insurmountable thing possible. Still, don't worry and don't lose hope. Good times are ahead and after these difficulties, quietude and comfort await you.
Terrible suffering is the sign of happiness and peace to come.