Celebration

Using the arts in celebrating the Birth of Baha’u’llah

As Baha’is around the world prepare to celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Baha’u’llah, the founder of the Baha’i Faith, the Baha’is of Arlington County are getting ready for a celebration which will include a potluck dinner, live music, puppet theater, and a devotional program. The celebration will take place at 6 pm on Monday, November 11th, 2013  at the historic Carlin Hall at 5711 4th Street South, Arlington, VA 22204 and is open to all.

Arlington Baha'is use the arts to prepare for the celebration of the Birth of Baha'u'llah

Arlington Baha’is use the arts to prepare for the celebration of the Birth of Baha’u’llah

Using the arts in celebrating the Birth of Baha’u’llah

Baha’u’llah – a title that means The Glory of God – was born Mirza Husayn Ali in 1817 in Tehran, Persia.  His son, ‘Abdu’l-Baha, said:

“The Blessed Perfection, Bahá’u’lláh, belonged to the nobility of Persia.  From earliest childhood He was distinguished among His relatives and friends. They said, “This child has extraordinary power.” In wisdom, intelligence and as a source of new knowledge, He was advanced beyond His age and superior to His surroundings.  All who knew Him were astonished at His precocity.”
~‘Abdu’l-Baha, Promulgation of Universal Peace

In one His tablets addressing the rulers of the world, Baha’u’llah recounts a story from His childhood in which seeing a puppet show of a grand display of the might and power of the ruling elite made Him reflect on the insignificance of earthly power and might.

Baha’u’llah eschewed a life of privilege, instead dedicating all His efforts to guiding humanity towards the establishment of a spiritual civilization and universal peace. In this — the goal of the Baha’i Faith — the arts have an essential and fascinating role to play. Bahá’ís believe the arts are not at the periphery of our existence but rather are at the very heart of it.

May we all, through community building and the use of the arts celebrate this Holy Day in exaltation!

“Arts, crafts and sciences uplift the world of being, and are conducive to its exaltation.”
~ Bahá’u’lláh

Artful Expressions of Faith from Bahai.us on Vimeo.

Declaration of the Báb

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.