On May 23, Baha’i communities across Canada and around the world will be celebrating the anniversary of a historic conversation between two individuals that took place 168 years ago - an event that fulfilled prophecies made many centuries previously, and the effects of which are anticipated to last centuries into the future.
Known as the Declaration of the Bab, the Baha’i Holy Day on May 23 marks the day in 1844 when the Bab, born Siyyid ‘Ali-Muhammad in Persia, met a young man named Mullá Husayn and told him that He was the Promised One foretold in both Islamic and Biblical scriptures. Although the conversation lasted only one evening, the events that followed that night led to the eventual establishment of the Baha’i community, a religion of some five million adherents resident in more countries in the world than any religion except Christianity.
The life of the Bab, a title that means “the Gate”, was very short. He was executed in 1850 at the age of 30 for teachings that the authorities believed threatened their rule. Chief among those teachings were references to another Messenger of God named Baha’u’llah, a title meaning “the Glory of God”. Baha’u’llah declared His own mission in 1863.Despite His relatively brief ministry, the number of the Báb’s followers grew rapidly in Persia, numbering approximately 100,000 adherents by the time of His death. Characteristic of the resistance that meets any new religion, between 10,000 and 20,000 of the Bab’s followers were killed.
Given the close relationship between the revelations of the Bab and Baha’u’llah, Baha’is view the Bab’s declaration as the starting point of the Baha’i Faith. Following His execution, the Bab’s remains were hidden from authorities until they could be transported safely to their final place of interment on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel. Known as the Shrine of the Bab, the sacred building that shelters the Bab’s remains has become recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The buildings that surround the Shrine serve as the world administrative centre for the Baha’i Faith.
Canadian Baha’is, like Baha’is around the world, celebrate the Bab’s brief but dramatic revelation as the beginning of a new era for humanity. This new era includes principles based on the oneness of humanity, the equality of women and men, the harmony of science and religion, and the eventual elimination of the extremes of wealth and poverty. Baha’i holy days in Canada are commemorated with readings and prayers from the holy texts and frequently include musical and dramatic performances. The style and nature of the commemorations often reflect the local culture in which they take place, making them a rich reflection of the diversity of humanity.