In 1868 Nabíl was sent by Baháʼu'lláh to Egypt where he was imprisoned. When he was freed, Nabíl journeyed to ʻAkká, but after being recognized by the followers of Azal who had stationed themselves near the gate of the city, he was removed from the city. He travelled around the area including living on Mount Carmel and in Nazareth until he was able to enter ʻAkká. On his second attempt to enter the prison city he was able to stay 81 days, meeting Mírzá Áqá Ján and then Baháʼu'lláh.