Birth of the Báb, 1819

The Báb was born in Shiraz, and was named ‘Ali Muhammad. His family were prominent merchants in the city. Both sides of the family were descended from the Prophet Muhammad, and so he wore the traditional green turban of a ‘Siyyid’ as evidence of this status. He declared himself a Messenger of God in 1844 and for this was executed by firing squad in the city of Tabriz, in 1850, at the age of 30. He taught that he had come to prepare the way for ‘One Whom God shall make manifest’ and was known by the title ‘Báb. which means ‘the Gate’.

On this Holy Day, work should be suspended.