Martyrdom of the Bab, observed on July 9, is a commemoration of the martyrdom of one of the founders of the Bahai religion, which began in Iran in the year 1844. On this day, the Bahai people recount the execution of the Bab who was charged with the crime of apostasy in the year 1850 in the Persian Empire and then imprisoned along with his followers.
History of Martyrdom of the Bab
Sayyed ʻAlí Muḥammad Shírází was a merchant who lived in the city of Shiraz and worked as a merchant in the coastal city of Bushehr. At the age of 30, he was accused of being an apostate and was immediately imprisoned and ordered to be executed. There were many eyewitness accounts of miracles surrounding his execution and the following events, all of which are reflected in the way that Martyrdom of the Bab is commemorated.
The execution was to be carried out by a firing squad. However, according to one account, when the Bab and a companion of his were subjected to the firing squad, the Bab had suddenly disappeared. The prison guards found him back in his cell along with his assistant. Following this, the Bab was taken to the firing squad again after which the execution was completed.
Another account states that the body of the Bab was not put to rest immediately because the companions feared that the officials of the Empire would desecrate the body. As a result, they carried the body from one place to another until they reached the city of Haifa in modern-day Israel where the body was buried, and a shrine was erected to commemorate the Bab.
Since then, the Martyrdom of the Bab has been commemorated around the world and the followers do not perform any work on these two days.
Martyrdom of the Bab timeline
The Bab claims to be a Messenger.
Amir Kabir announces that he would execute the Bab for apostasy.
Mírzá Mihdí Khán Zaímu'd-Dawlih publishes “Key to the Gate of Gates”, which presents a detailed account of how the execution is carried out.
The remains of the Bab are placed in a tomb.
Martyrdom of the Bab FAQs
What time is the martyrdom of the Bab?
This major holy day is celebrated on the 9th of July at noon and commemorates the events surrounding the death of the Báb in 1850.
Why was the Bab killed?
He was killed by a volley of musketry, and his death was on the point of giving his religion a luster that would have largely increased his proselytes.
What is the Declaration of the Bab?
On May 23, Baha’i’s around the world will celebrate the holiday known as the Declaration of the Báb. It commemorates when the Báb announced in 1844 that he was the new messenger of God.
How to observe Martyrdom of the Bab
Read about the Bahai Faith
The Bahai faith is the youngest of the world religions. Adherents of the religion are spread across the world, and many live in the United States. To commemorate the Martyrdom of the Bab, you can learn about this ancient religion and think about how its teachings apply to the current times.
Visit a local Bahai center
To get the best idea about how important this day is for the followers of the Bahai faith, you can visit your nearest Bahai center and interact with the people there. By speaking to them, you will learn more about the life of the Bab and his teachings. Creating such cultural and interfaith understanding is very important in a multicultural society in which people from all religions of the world live together.
Go to a Bahai temple
The best place to observe the religious practices of the Bahai people is to visit a Bahai temple to see the different rites and practices that are held in memory of the Bab and in honor of his teachings. You will also get the chance to observe many interesting religious objects of worship. A simple Google search will show you the one that is nearest to you.
5 Facts About The Persian Empire That Will Blow Your Mind
One of the largest empires
The Persian Empire has a history of 2,500 years.
Founded by Cyrus the Great
The Persian Empire was created by Cyrus the Great in 550 B.C.
Maximum length
At its peak, the Persian Empire spread across 3,000 miles.
Multiple faiths
The Persian Empire allowed all people to practice their religions freely.
Zoroastrianism
Most of the Persians were adherents of Zoroastrianism.
Why Martyrdom of the Bab is important
It teaches us about sacrifice
Martyrdom is one of the greatest sacrifices that anyone can give for their beliefs or duty. The Martyrdom of the Bab gives a detailed account of the trials and tribulations of the Bab and how he became a source of inspiration for his followers after he was executed.
It teaches us tolerance
Being one of the oldest religions, the Bahai faith has survived over the centuries, which is a testament to its longevity. By commemorating Martyrdom of the Bab, people get to learn about this ancient religion and try to become more accommodating of people with different faiths and religious beliefs.
It promotes unity
By respecting the traditions of people from different religions, peace and harmony are created in the society, which helps to defeat the forces that seek to create unrest and strife between different communities. It can help to clear misconceptions and prejudices about other religions and bring to light the similarities in the values and teachings of different faiths.
Martyrdom of the Bab dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | July 9 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | July 9 | Thursday |
| 2027 | July 9 | Friday |
| 2028 | July 9 | Sunday |
| 2029 | July 9 | Monday |
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