Birth of the Bab

Shrine of the Bab

October 20* is a special day for Baha’is, for this is the day the Báb was born—one of the two divine teachers who founded the Baha’i Faith. He is often referred to as the Herald of the Baha’i Faith, as it was His mission to prepare the people for the coming of Bahá'u'lláh.

Born on October 20, 1819 in Shiraz, Persia (now Iran), the child was named Siyyid ‘Ali-Muhammad. He later took the title the “Báb,” which means “gate” in Arabic, as a symbol of His station as forerunner, the One who opens the door to a new revelation from God.

The Báb was the son of a merchant of Shiraz. Both his parents were descendants of the Prophet Muhammad. When he was young, his father died and he was raised by his uncle. When the Báb was sent to school, the schoolmaster was astonished at his wisdom and understanding. He sent the child back to his uncle, saying he had nothing to teach this extraordinary child. The Báb’s uncle insisted that the Báb return to school and continue his studies. Over time, however, the schoolmaster began to feel that he himself was the student as he listened to the Báb’s explanations of spiritual truths.

In 1844, the Báb declared that He was a messenger from God sent to announce the imminent coming of an even greater prophet who would bring teachings for an age of universal peace. Nineteen years later, Bahá'u'lláh announced that He was that promised prophet and revealed teachings of extraordinary depth and scope, teachings that lay the groundwork for a peaceful, dynamic global civilization.

The Báb’s teachings and radiant character attracted tens of thousands of followers and the authorities became alarmed. He was executed in 1850 in the public square of Tabriz, on the order of the Persian government. His remains were later entombed on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel and His shrine is now a place of pilgrimage for followers of the Baha’i Faith.

As Baha’is remember the birth and life and teachings of the Báb, they come together in joyous celebration of the dawn of a new Day of peace.

Come and join us on this festive occasion.

Beaverton

Beaverton Baha’i Center
Tuesday, October 19* at 7:15 pm
5355 SW Murray Blvd.
Beaverton, OR 97005
503-601-9999

Portland

Portland Baha'i Center
Tuesday, October 19* at 7:00PM
8720 Ivanhoe Street
Portland, OR 97203
503-289-6331

*A note about the Bahá’í calendar: the Baha’i day starts at sunset, so often, when there is an evening celebration, it occurs on the evening before the Holy Day.