Photo courtesy of Baha'i Media Bank.
On the evening of May 22, Baha’is throughout the world will begin to commemorate the Declaration of the Báb, which took place in the Persian city of Shiraz in 1844. Bahá’ís celebrate through prayers and programs where the story of His declaration may be retold. Since 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. May 23 is one of nine days in the Bahá’í calendar when Bahá’ís suspend work or school.
The Declaration of the Báb, 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.
Photo courtesy of Baha'i Media Bank. Photographer: Nelson Ashberger.
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.
Learn more about the Báb, His mission, and what it means to the Baha’i Faith by contacting the Baha’i Community of Arlington, VA.
