Declaration of the Bab

Gate on the Terraces of the Shrine of the Bab. © Bahá'í International Community

The Bahá'í Faith traces its origin to 1844 and the announcement by a young man, Siyyid ‘Ali-Muhammad, in Shiraz, Persia. He took the title of the Báb (meaning “Gate” in Arabic). On May 22, 1844, in Shiraz, Persia (now Iran)— the Báb announced that He was the bearer of a Divine Revelation, which would prepare humanity for the advent of the Promised One foretold by all the world’s religions.

That Promised One, the Báb declared, was destined to usher in the age of justice, unity and peace promised in Judaism, Christianity, Islam and all the other world religions. Baha’u’llah, one of the Bab’s leading advocates, announced in April 1863 that He was the Divine Messenger the Báb had promised.

In some respects, the Báb’s role can be compared to John the Baptist in the founding of Christianity. The Báb was Bahá’u’lláh’s herald: His primary mission was to prepare the way for Bahá’u’lláh’s coming. Accordingly, the founding of the Bábi Faith is viewed by Baha’is as synonymous with the founding of the Bahá'í Faith.

The Báb’s announcement in the middle of the 19th century came at a time when many Christians were expecting the return of Christ based on their reading of Biblical prophecy. Simultaneously, half way around the world, in the Middle East, many followers of Islam were also expecting their Promised One to appear.

On the evening of May 22, Baha’is throughout the world commemorate the Declaration of the Bab, which took place in this room (pictured) in the Persian city of Shiraz in 1844. Bahá’ís celebrate through prayers and programs where the story of His declaration may be retold. Because the Bahá’í day lasts from sunset to sunset, celebrations are usually held after sunset on May 22 or during the day on May 23.

Come join us for this joyous celebration!

Beaverton

Beaverton Baha’i Center
Saturday May 22, 2011 at 6:30 pm
Potluck Dinner and Program
5355 SW Murray Blvd.
Beaverton, OR 97005503-601-9999

Portland

Portland Baha'i Center
Sunday May 22, 2011 at 7:00 pm
8720 Ivanhoe Street
Portland, OR 97203
503-289-6331

Vancouver

Unitarian Hall
Monday May 23, 2011 at 6:30 pm
Dessert Potluck and Short Play about the Báb
4505 East 18th Street
Vancouver, WA
360-921-5379