Month: May 2008

Commemoration of the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh

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Shrine of Bahá’u’lláhEarly 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, which now is the holiest place in the world for all Bahá’ís.

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:

“The fundamental purpose animating the Faith of God and His Religion is to safeguard the interests and promote the unity of the human race, and to foster the spirit of love and fellowship amongst men.”

In Israel hundreds will gather at 3:00am on May 29th at His burial site to commemorate the Anniversary of His passing. Elsewhere in the world Bahá’ís will also gather in the early hours of the morning to say prayers. If you are interested in joining us in Arlington please email the administrator.

Declaration of the Báb

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The room where in 1844 the Báb declared his mission.On May 22, 1844 two hours after sunset, Siyyid ‘Alí-Muhammad announced that He was the bearer of a new Divine Revelation and the imminent appearance 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, one of the Báb’s leading advocates, 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 the Bahá’ís of Alexandria with a picnic potluck on Friday May 23rd at Fort Ward Park at 3:00pm. The park is located next to St. Stepehen’s & Agnes school which is located at 4401 W Braddock Road. You are invited to come and join us!

International Condemnation of Arrest of Baha’i Leaders

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Members of the national coordinating group of the Iranian Baha’i community

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom has stated that it “is gravely concerned by the arrest of seven prominent leaders of the Baha’i community in Iran and appeals to the U.S. government and international community strongly to condemn this flagrant abuse of religious freedom” Click here to read the USCIRF press release

The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran has issued an alert about these arrests and is “calling upon members of the international community, the United Nations, and the European Union to protest these unjustified detentions” Click here to read the press release

Arlington Baha’is Express Concern Over Arrests in Iran

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The following is an article from the Baha’i World News Service on recent disturbing events that have transpired in Iran. Yesterday six Baha’i leaders were arrested in Iran, in a coordinated effort reminiscent of the deadly sweeps of 1980s in which hundreds of Baha’is were killed. For the entire article please …

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