The Baha'i Community of Arlington, Virginia » Holy Days

Arlington Baha’is Greet Naw-Ruz

Alissa — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 02:39:36 +0000

The Baha’i New Year festival known as Naw-Ruz (literally “New Day”) is held on the spring equinox, March 21, but the celebrations will begin the evening before because the Baha’i day begins at sunset.

The Baha’i community in Arlington, Virginia, will observe the Holy Day with a Feast – a gathering for prayers, songs, sharing and food – the evening of Saturday, March 20.

The festival comes at the end of a 19-day fast in which adult Baha’is abstain from food and drink between sunrise and sunset as a reminder of the need for individuals to be detached from their material desires.

Naw-Ruz is the first day of the first of 19 months in the Baha’i calendar, which was initiated by the Bab, the Forerunner of the Faith’s Prophet-Founder, Baha’u'llah, who later confirmed it.

Learn more about Naw-Ruz, click here. To contact the Baha’i community in Arlington, click Contact above.

Martyrdom of The Báb

Alissa — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:35:14 +0000

On July 9 every year, Bahá’ís commemorate the day when the Báb was martyred. The Báb, which is Arabic for the “Gate,” was the title taken by Muhammad-’Alí, who announced in Shiraz in 1844 that He was the promised one whom the Holy Books of the past had foretold. The Báb had a twofold purpose. His primary mission was to prepare the world for the imminent arrival of another Divine Messenger. (Bahá’u’lláh, announced in April 1863 that He was the Divine Messenger the Báb had promised.) Yet He also brought His own independent, distinctive religion, the Bábi Faith. In carrying out this mission He called for the spiritual and moral reformation of Persian society, as well as championed improved treatment of women and the poor.

The religious and political leaders of the day arose to oppose and to persecute the Báb and His followers. The Báb’s ministry lasted 6 years. Yet during that time, around than 20,000 of His followers were killed. Then, although guilty of no crime, on July 9, 1850 at 12:00 noon He was executed by firing squad. You can read more about the stunning events of this day here. It is tragic that more than 160 years later Bahá’ís are still being persecuted and threatened with death in Iran.

The Arlington Baha’i Community will commemorate the Martyrdom of The Báb on Thursday, July 9, at Bon Air Park located at 850 N. Lexington St., Arlington, VA 22205. Everyone is welcome to join us in commemorating this Holy day. We will meet in the rose garden or the covered pavilion in the event of rain. We will begin with prayers at 11:30am. Light refreshments will be served. You are welcome to just show up, but if you need a ride or have any questions please contact us.

Commemoration of the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh

Alissa — Thu, 28 May 2009 13:07:40 +0000

Friday, May 29, 2009 is a Holy Day for Bahá’ís. Early in the morning of May 29, 1892, Bahá’u’lláh passed away in Bahji, just north of Acre in what is today Israel. Bahá’u’lláh was laid to rest on this same property, and his gravesite constitutes the holiest place in the world for all Bahá’ís.

At time of His death, He was 74 years old and was still a prisoner of the Turkish government. He was exiled and imprisoned for His teachings of love and unity towards all mankind. In His own words He stated:

“That which the Lord hath ordained as the sovereign remedy and mightiest instrument for the healing of all the world is the union of all its peoples in one universal Cause, one common Faith.”

All over the world Bahá’ís will be gathering in the early hours of May 29th to say prayers to commemorate the Anniversary of His passing. Here in Arlington we will get together Thursday evening (May 28th) at 10 pm for fellowship, refreshments and to reflect on His life. We will be showing a selection of movies such as “The Promise of All Ages” – a documentary about the life of Bahá’u’lláh and “Pilgrimage: A Sacred Experience” – a beautiful video meditation on the sacred experience of Bahá’í pilgrimage. We will continue with a devotional program of Holy Writings, Prayers and Sacred Songs starting at 3 am and culminating with the reading of the Tablet of Visitation at 4 am early Friday morning. If you are interested in joining us in Arlington please contact us.

Declaration of the Báb

Alissa — Wed, 20 May 2009 21:46:46 +0000

On May 22, 1844 two hours after sunset, Siyyid ‘Alí-Muhammad announced that He was the bearer of a new Divine Revelation which would prepare humanity for the coming of the Promised One of all religions. Siyyid ‘Alí-Muhammad took the title “the Báb” which means “the Gate”. The Báb stated that His purpose was to prepare mankind for this next Divine Messenger who would usher in a time where peace and harmony would be established on earth and humankind will live in prosperity.

Bahá’u’lláh, announced in April 1863 that He was the Divine Messenger the Báb had promised. Today Bahá’ís all over the world celebrate the anniversary of the Báb declaration of His mission on the evening of May 22 and during the day of May 23. May 23 is one of the nine holy days Bahá’ís suspend work or school.

Here in Arlington, we will be commemorating this very important date with friends in Fairfax East and Mount Vernon on Friday May 22. To find out more about these celebrations or to join us, please contact us. Everyone is welcome to attend these celebrations.

Come Celebrate the 9th Day of Ridván!

Alissa — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 18:00:18 +0000

” Arise, and proclaim unto the entire creation the tidings that He Who is the All-Merciful hath directed His steps towards the Ridván and entered it. Guide, then, the people unto the garden of delight which God hath made the Throne of His Paradise.”

~ Bahá’u’lláh

The Arlington Bahá’í community will be celebrating the 9th day of Ridván at 4:00pm on April 29th. We will tell the story of Bahá’u’lláh’s declaration in the Garden of Ridván 146 years ago, and reflect on that most auspicious event! There will be a tent and roses as well as activities for children. Everyone is welcome to attend, please contact us for more information.