A momentous turning point in history
The Declaration of the Báb, which took place on May 23, 1844, marks one of the most significant moments in the history of the Bahá'í Faith, and indeed of the world. This year, Bahá'ís all over the world will celebrate the Declaration of the Báb from sunset on Thursday 22nd May, through to sunset on Friday 23rd May, and suspend work and school during this period. Gatherings to commemorate this profound moment take place approximately two hours after sunset because historical sources indicate this to be the time at which the Báb first declared His mission and station.
The Báb, a young merchant from Shiraz, Iran, announced Himself as the Promised One, setting in motion a series of events that transformed the religious and spiritual landscape of the world, influencing millions of lives.
““I am, I am the Promised One! I am the One Whose name you have for a thousand years invoked, at Whose mention you have risen, Whose advent you have longed to witness, and the hour of Whose Revelation you have prayed God to hasten. Verily, I say, it is incumbent upon the peoples of both the East and the West to obey My word, and to pledge allegiance to My person.””
In his profound declaration, the Báb shared His message with a select few, but the ramifications of His words were destined to extend far beyond that initial group. His mission was to prepare humanity for the imminent appearance of the One who would unite the world in peace and justice: Baháʼu'lláh, the Founder of the Bahá'í Faith.
In the following excerpt from Some Answered Questions, 'Abdu'l-Bahá reflects on the extraordinary nature of the Báb's mission and the profound impact He had on Persia and the world. His words provide a powerful description of the Báb’s unshakeable resolve and divine wisdom, which He displayed despite the challenges and opposition that sought to silence Him. This passage reveals the strength of the Báb's character and the immense spiritual influence He wielded.
As for the Báb—may my soul be His sacrifice!—it was at a young age, that is, in the twenty-fifth year of His blessed life, that He arose to proclaim His Cause. Among the Shí‘ihs it is universally acknowledged that He never studied in any school, nor acquired learning from any teacher. To this the people of Shíráz, each and all, bear witness. Nevertheless, He suddenly appeared before the people, endowed with consummate knowledge, and though but a merchant, confounded all the divines of Persia. Alone, He undertook a task that can scarcely be conceived, for the Persians are known throughout the world for their religious fanaticism. This illustrious Being arose with such power as to shake the foundations of the religious laws, customs, manners, morals, and habits of Persia, and instituted a new law, faith, and religion. Though the eminent men of the State, the majority of the people, and the leaders of religion arose one and all to destroy and annihilate Him, He single-handedly withstood them and set all of Persia in motion. How numerous the divines, the leaders, and the inhabitants of that land who with perfect joy and gladness offered up their lives in His path and hastened to the field of martyrdom!
The government, the nation, the clergy, and prominent leaders sought to extinguish His light, but to no avail. At last His moon rose, His star shone forth, His foundation was secured, and His horizon was flooded with light. He trained a large multitude through divine education and exerted a marvellous influence upon the thoughts, customs, morals, and manners of the Persians. He proclaimed the glad-tidings of the manifestation of the Sun of Bahá to all His followers and readied them for faith and certitude.
The manifestation of such marvellous signs and mighty undertakings, the influence exerted upon the thoughts and minds of the people, the laying of the foundations of progress, and the establishment of the prerequisites of success and prosperity by a young merchant constitute the greatest proof that He was a universal Educator—a fact that no fair-minded person would ever hesitate to acknowledge.
Feature image: The room in the House of the Báb where the Báb declared His Mission in Shíráz, Persia, before its destruction in 1979.
Source: Bahá'í Media Bank
