The Baha'i Community of Arlington, Virginia » The Bab http://www.arlingtonbahai.org Sun, 18 Apr 2010 21:32:23 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 Martyrdom of The Báb http://www.arlingtonbahai.org/2009/07/09/martyrdom-of-the-bab/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=martyrdom-of-the-bab http://www.arlingtonbahai.org/2009/07/09/martyrdom-of-the-bab/#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:35:14 +0000 Alissa http://www.arlingtonbahai.org/?p=992 Commemorating the Martyrdom of the Bab 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.

]]> http://www.arlingtonbahai.org/2009/07/09/martyrdom-of-the-bab/feed/ 0 Declaration of the Báb http://www.arlingtonbahai.org/2009/05/20/declaration-of-the-bab-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=declaration-of-the-bab-2 http://www.arlingtonbahai.org/2009/05/20/declaration-of-the-bab-2/#comments Wed, 20 May 2009 21:46:46 +0000 Alissa http://www.arlingtonbahai.org/?p=941 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.

The Declaration of the Bab took place in this room (pictured) in Shiraz, Iran in 1844 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.

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