Mirza Ali Muhammad Who Later Assumed the Title of the Báb Was Born in Shiraz on the 20Th
Notes For Bahá’i History PowerPoint
(These notes follow the order of the slides – no note for slide one, ‘Bahá’i Pictures’)
2. Mirza ‘Ali Muhammad – who later assumed the title of The Báb – was born in Shiraz on the 20th October, 1819 AD. He was a direct descendant of the prophet Muhammad. As a youth, the Báb was noted for His charm of manner, noble character and pious devotion. He was unfailing in His observance of prayers, fasts and other ordinances of Islam.
3. Mulla Husayn and his companions arrived in Shiraz in search of a new Messenger from God. Whilst his companions went to the Mosque, Mulla Husayn entered the City and was met by The Báb. On 23rd May, 1844 The Báb said for the first time that He had a new message that must be told to the people. This day is known as the Declaration of the Báb. The Báb foretold that God would soon be sending a new Messenger Who would guide people and bring mankind together. He taught people to be kind, trustworthy and to pray to prepare themselves for the new Messenger. The people of Persia loved Him – he was kind, gentle and wise, but the Mullas – religious leaders – were frightened that people would listen to Him and that would take away their power. They began to make trouble for Him and accused Him of terrible things.
4.The Báb was sentenced to death by firing squad. He was led to a barrack square in Tabriz on July 9th, 1850. There, with His companion Aqa Muhammad ‘Ali – known as Anis - He was suspended by ropes under his arms and fired at by a regiment of Armenian soldiers. As the smoke cleared, The Báb was nowhere to be seen and Anis was standing in the square, alive and unhurt.
5. Eventually The Báb was found seated in His cell, completing His interrupted conversation with His secretary, His body unscathed from the shower of bullets. An expression of unruffled calm was upon His face. “I have finished my conversation,” the Báb said. “Now you may proceed to fulfil your intention.” A second regiment was ordered to shoot, and this time the Báb and His companion were executed.
6. The Báb wrote many volumes. Some of His writings were commentaries on the Qur’an, others were prayers, letters of advice and preparations for the coming of the Promised One.
7. Bahá’u’lláh – Whose name was Mirza Husayn-Ali - was the eldest son of a distinguished nobleman who held a high position in the court of the King of Persia. He was a follower of The Báb, and became leader of the Bábis after His execution.
8. The Siyah-Chal- ‘The Black Pit’, a hideous filth covered and ice-cold dungeon, confining the worst type of criminals, where Bahá’u’lláh was placed in stocks and heavy chains. Bahá’u’lláh was imprisoned here for four months. He was eventually released when no charges could be brought against Him, but He was ordered to leave Persia with His family. They were sent first to Baghdad.
9. From Baghdad, Bahá’u’lláh and His family were exiled first to Constantinople, Adrianople and finally to Palestine.
10. Bahá’u’lláh and His family arrived here in 1868.
It was said that birds that flew over the city of Akka would drop dead out of the sky from its stench.
11. Bahá’u’lláh was taken there in the hope that the horrendous conditions of the place would break Him and He would finally die. Bahá’u’lláh remained there for 22 years.
12. During His years of exile, Bahá’u’lláh revealed volumes of writings on many different topics. His Writings were revolutionary in their scale and content with topics ranging from the abolition of slavery to the importance of an international language and the promise of future world peace.
13. Bahá’u’lláh described the receiving of His Revelation as “a copious rain”. In His writings, He set out His prescription for the world to live in unity and peace.
14. Bahá’u’lláh passed away in Bahji at the hour of dawn on 29th May. He was in the 75th year of His life.
15. The remains of The Báb were finally enshrined on the side of Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel. Bahá’is visit this shrine as part of their Pilgrimage – an obligation to fulfill at least once in a lifetime, if circumstances allow.
16. (No notes)
17. (No notes)
18.Bahá'u'lláh appointed His own Son, Abdu'l-Bahá, to be the Interpreter of His words after His passing.
19.‘Abdu’l-Bahá is regarded by Bahá’is as the Perfect Example of the way should live their lives: with wisdom, kindness, devotion and gentle guidance.
20. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was freed in 1908 when he was 60 years old. He travelled to Egypt, Europe, Britain and North America giving help to people in need, meeting with Bahá’is and talking to people from all walks of life.
21. (No notes)
22. In turn, Abdu'l-Bahá made a will appointing his grandson, Shoghi Effendi, to be the Guardian of the infant faith.
23. Shoghi Effendi passed away whilst on a visit to London, in 1957. Bahá’i law states that the body should not travel more than one hour’s journey from the place of death.
24. Since the passing of Shoghi Effendi, guidance for the Bahá'i community is given by the Universal House of Justice. Every five years, the members of the various National Spiritual Assemblies meet together to elect the nine members who will serve on this world-wide administrative body based in Haifa, Israel.
25. The Ring Symbol
The symbol has two elements: the design itself and the Arabic letters it contains in calligraphic form. As to the design, the three horizontal strokes represent, from the top, the world of God the Creator; the world of Manifestations, the Cause and Command; and the world of man, the creation.
The vertical line is a repeat of the second horizontal line, the world of Manifestation of God which joins the world of the creator with that of His creation.
The two stars represent the human body, as well as the two twin manifestations, the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh. As to the letters of the symbol, these are B and H. B stands for the name Bahá and H for the name of Báb.
26. A calligraphic form of “ ‘Alláh’u’Abhá”, translated as “God the All-Glorious”. Bahá’is recite ‘‘Alláh’u’Abhá” 95 times every day in private prayer.
27. Bahá’í Temples, or Houses of Worship are open to people of all Religions (or none)…
28. They have nine sides and nine entrances to symbolize the nine major religions, the many paths to God, and that all religions lead to Him.
29. In the future, there will be hospitals, schools and other buildings around the Houses of Worship for service of the community.
30. (No notes)
31. (No notes)
32.This is the most recent Temple, situated in New Delhi. A new House of Worship has been designed for Chile, and will be built in the near future.
33. (No notes – repeat of Title Slide)
A more detailed account of the history of the Bahá’i Faith can be found in the Teachers’ Notes which accompany the KS3 Unit.
This PowerPoint presentation accompanies Sessions 2 and 3 of the Unit.
- Debbie Tibbey, 2006