Declaration of the Bab Day

History of Declaration of the Bab Day

The Báb came before Baha'u'llah, the founder of the Bahá'í faith, playing a similar role to John the Baptist, who came before Jesus. May 22 is the anniversary of the Báb's declaration or disclosure about himself. The holiday begins at two eleven minutes after sunset, because that is also the time when Báb declares himself.

The story begins in 1783, when a learned man named Shaykh Ahmad-i-Ahsa'i (1743-1826), at the age of 40, began traveling through Persia and taught that the coming of A great day is approaching, the day that will see the birth of Qa'im, the Promised One of Islam. During this time, there was great discontent in the East when some prominent clerics practiced disunity and behaved in a way that was damaging to Islam. As he spread this message, his knowledge and wisdom impressed many people, who were always eager to learn from him. Among these was a talented young man named Siyyid Kazim-i-Rashti (1793-1843), who became Shaykh Ahmad's favorite pupil and eventual successor.

After the death of his teacher in 1826, Siyyid Kazim continued to spread information about the appearance of the Promised One, but opposition to this message was growing. Therefore, in an effort to gain the voices of a few reputable authorities, he sent one of his students, Mulla Husayn, to relate these teachings to the authorities and answer questions from the authorities. surname. In this mission, Mulla Husayn succeeded. However, opposition to his message grew and put him in considerable difficulty as his enemies used every arbitrary means to discredit him and, if possible, put his life at risk. into a dangerous situation. During this time, however, he continued to steadfastly announce the coming revelation, though when pressed to reveal the Promiser's identity, he consistently refused, often adding that even when he revealed this secret, no one could accept it. Shortly before his death in 1843, he led his disciples out in search of the Promised One, saying that He was about to be revealed.

It was this mission that brought Mulla Husayn, his brother, and a nephew to the city of Shiraz on May 22, 1844. After traveling far in search, Mulla Husayn sent her companions. came to the mosque to wait for him while he wandered for a while, promising to rejoin them for evening prayer. While walking outside the city gates a few hours before sunset, he was suddenly greeted by a young man. Mulla Husayn thought this man must be a disciple of Siyyid Kazim, who had heard of his arrival in Shiraz and had come to greet him. Even so, the way of greeting was amazing. He described the expressions of affection and benevolence as well as the gentle and persuasive way the young man (Bab) spoke to him.

The young man, whose name was Siyyid Ali Muhammad, went on to demonstrate that each of the signs given by Siyyid Kazim was indeed applicable to him. However, Mulla Husayn is not sure. He prepared two tests for anyone claiming to be the Promised One, and decided to put them before Siyyid Ali Muhammad to prove the point one way or another. Those tests are as follows:

The first test is to give an in-depth treatise (detailed commentary) on the hidden teachings of Shaykh Ahmad and Siyyid Kazim. The second is to unravel the mysteries of Joseph's Súrih (Yusuf) This is a chapter of the Quran. (However, he only uttered the first test to Bab.)

From that day on, Siyyid Ali Muhammad called him Bab (Gateway) and Mulla Husayn became his first disciple. Although Bab is indeed the One promised by Shaykh Ahmad and Siyyid Kazim, He taught that He is only the Messenger of another Messenger (Baha'u'llah) who will appear very soon after Him, and the power of one's revelation will far exceed any previously sent down by the Lord. The day the Bab declared His mission is now, as He promised, honored by Baha'is around the world as "one of the greatest and most important of all festivals".

How to celebrate Declaration of the Bab Day

Celebrate the day by participating in the Báb's Declaration event. These include celebration, prayer, and storytelling. Anyone can attend and it is not required that attendees be members of the Bahá'í faith. Contact members of Bahá'í groups in your community for information about events. You could also spend Declaration of the Bab Day on reading and learning more about the Bahá'í faith.