The Bábí Faith
Origins & Timeline
Place of Origin
Persia (Iran)
Shiraz, Isfahan, Tabriz
Time Period
1844 CE
Era
The Qajar Period
FROM
MODERN
TO
1863
The Bábí Faith arose in mid-19th century Persia in 1844, amid social upheaval and heightened religious expectation. From Shiraz, it quickly spread across multiple provinces of Iran and into neighboring regions, calling for moral transformation and proclaiming a new era of divine revelation.
* Though short-lived as an independent movement, the Bábí Faith laid the foundation for the emergence of the Bahá'í Faith.
The Báb
Born Siyyid 'Alí-Muḥammad
The Gate
"The substance of this life is that you may comprehend the Will of God."
Declaration of Mission (1844)
In Shiraz, He publicly declared His mission. The title 'Báb' (meaning 'Gate' or 'Door') symbolized the opening of a new gateway to divine guidance.
Rapid Spread of Writings and Teachings
Within a short period, He revealed a vast body of scriptures and epistles, attracting followers from many walks of life and causing major social upheaval.
Persecution and Imprisonment
Because the new movement challenged the established religious and political order, the Báb and His followers faced severe repression; the Báb Himself was repeatedly arrested, transferred, and imprisoned.
Martyrdom (1850)
He was ultimately executed in Tabriz. The Bábí community then endured even broader waves of persecution, yet its teachings continued to circulate and endure.
Historical Continuity
In the Bahá'í understanding, the Báb not only inaugurated a new revelation but also foretold and prepared the way for 'He Whom God shall make manifest,' thereby laying the foundation for the later emergence of the Bahá'í Faith.
Despite severe persecution and imprisonment, the Báb's teachings spread widely. He was martyred in 1850 in Tabriz, but His writings foretold and prepared the way for 'He Whom God shall make manifest.'
Core Briefs
Continuing Revelation
God's Ongoing Guidance
God's guidance of humanity is ongoing; religion is renewed in different historical eras according to humanity's needs.
The Gate
Opening and Preparation
The Báb's mission was 'opening and guiding,' calling people to ready their hearts for a new divine Manifestation.
Purification
Inner Transformation
A call to honesty, purity, uprightness, and devotion—renewing both inner character and the moral fabric of society.
New Order
Symbolic Laws
In the Bayán, the Báb set forth new religious laws and social principles pointing toward an approaching new age.
The Promised One
He Whom God Shall Manifest
A strong focus on the coming of the Promised One—believers are called to welcome the next stage of divine guidance with love and discernment.
Sacred Scriptures
The Bayán
The Bayán
The most central and systematic work of Bábí teachings and laws, focusing on renewal and the Promised One
Qayyúm al-Asmá'
Qayyúm al-Asmá'
One of the Báb's major early revelations, rich in symbolic language
Epistles and Prayers
Epistles and Prayers
Exhortations, theological explanations, and devotional texts
The Bayán
The most central and systematic work of Bábí teachings and laws, focusing on renewal and the Promised One
Qayyúm al-Asmá'
One of the Báb's major early revelations, rich in symbolic language
Epistles and Prayers
Exhortations, theological explanations, and devotional texts
Sacred Symbol
Haykal
The Haykal or 'temple-form' symbolizes the human being as a spiritual temple—a vessel meant to reflect divine attributes. The Báb's distinctive calligraphic style conveyed spiritual meanings through artistic expression.
Stories & Illustrations
Visual journey through sacred narratives
#01
The Báb Welcomes Mullá Ḥusayn
The Báb welcomes Mullá Ḥusayn at the gate of Shiraz, Persia - the first to recognize His divine mission.
#02
Declaration of the Báb (1844)
In 1844, the Báb declares His mission in His own home, marking the beginning of a new religious era.
#03
Martyrdom of the Báb (1850)
In 1850, the Báb is martyred by firing squad in Tabriz, Persia, after years of persecution.
#04
The Shrine of the Báb
The Shrine of the Báb in Haifa, Israel - a sacred place of pilgrimage for Bahá'ís worldwide.
Knowledge Quiz
Question 1 of 3
Score: 0
What does 'Báb' mean?