Martyrdom of the Báb, “Essence of Essences” Born in Shiraz, a city in southern Iran, on 20 October 1819, the Báb was the symbolic gate between past ages of prophecy and a new age of fulfillment for humanity. His purpose was to awake the people to the fact that a new period in human history had begun. It was to unify the entire human race and the emergence of a world civilization of spiritual and material prosperity. The Báb’s message aroused hope and excitement among people. Although a number of prominent Muslim clerics accepted the Báb, many others felt…

Ascension of Baha’u’llah Be not dismayed, O peoples of the world, when the day-star of My beauty is set, and the heaven of My tabernacle is concealed from your eyes. Arise to further My Cause, and to exalt My Word amongst men. We are with you at all times, and shall strengthen you through the power of truth. We are truly almighty. Whoso hath recognized Me will arise and serve Me with such determination that the powers of earth and heaven shall be unable to defeat his purpose. Gleanings, p.137   Chapter 13  God Passes By  Shoghi Effendi Already nine…

The Twelve Days of Riḍván The worldwide Bahá’í community joyfully celebrates the twelve-day Festival of Riḍván in early spring each year. This year, 2026, Riḍván begins at sunset on April 21th and ends at sunset on May 2nd. Bahá’u’lláh has ordained Riḍván as the “Most Great Festival” and the “King of Festivals.” During these twelve days in 1863, He declared that He was the Manifestation of God for this day, the “One Whom God shall make manifest” as foretold by the Báb.   This momentous declaration signalized the beginning of the Bahá’í Faith, and thereby sent spiritual reverberations across the universe…