Early Bahai Faith
The origins and early development of the Bahai Faith, from the Babi movement in 19th-century Persia to the revelation of Baha'u'llah and the establishment of early Bahai communities.
Babi Period (1844–1853)
The Bab's declaration, Babi community, and persecution
Baha'u'llah's Ministry (1853–1892)
Revelation, exile, and establishment of Bahai teachings
Early Bahai Community (1863–1892)
Spread of Bahai teachings and community formation
The Bab's Declaration
On May 23, 1844, Siyyid Ali-Muhammad, known as the Bab (Gate), declared his mission in Shiraz, Persia, claiming to be the promised Qa'im (Resurrector) awaited by Shi'i Muslims.
- • Declaration to Mulla Husayn in Shiraz
- • Claim to be the Qa'im of Shi'i tradition
- • Revelation of the Bayan (Exposition)
- • Call for religious and social reform
Babi Community and Persecution
The Bab's teachings attracted followers but faced severe persecution from religious and political authorities in Qajar Persia.
- • Rapid spread of Babi teachings
- • Opposition from Shi'i clergy
- • Government persecution and imprisonment
- • Martyrdom of the Bab in 1850
Early Life and Conversion
Mirza Husayn-Ali, later known as Baha'u'llah (Glory of God), was born in Tehran in 1817 and became a prominent Babi leader.
- • Birth into noble family in Tehran
- • Early interest in religious and social reform
- • Conversion to Babi Faith in 1844
- • Leadership role in Babi community
Revelation and Mission
In 1853, while imprisoned in the Siyah-Chal (Black Pit) of Tehran, Baha'u'llah received his divine revelation and began his mission as the promised one foretold by the Bab.
- • Revelation in Siyah-Chal prison
- • Claim to be "He Whom God shall make manifest"
- • Beginning of Bahai revelation
- • Establishment of Bahai teachings
Progressive Revelation
The Bahai Faith teaches that God has sent messengers throughout history, each bringing teachings appropriate for their time and place.
- • Unity of all religions
- • Progressive spiritual education
- • Adaptation to human capacity
- • Continuous divine guidance
Unity of Humanity
Baha'u'llah emphasized the fundamental unity of all human beings and the need to eliminate prejudice and discrimination.
- • Oneness of humanity
- • Elimination of prejudice
- • Equality of men and women
- • Universal education
World Order
Baha'u'llah outlined principles for a new world order based on justice, unity, and cooperation among nations.
- • Universal peace and disarmament
- • World government and federation
- • International cooperation
- • Economic justice and equity
Spiritual Development
The Bahai Faith emphasizes individual spiritual development through prayer, meditation, and service to humanity.
- • Daily prayer and meditation
- • Service to others
- • Moral and ethical development
- • Study of sacred writings
Qajar Persia
The Bahai Faith emerged during the Qajar dynasty (1789–1925), a period of significant social, political, and religious change in Persia.
- • Weak central government
- • Religious conservatism and clerical power
- • European colonial influence
- • Social and economic challenges
Religious Environment
Shi'i Islam dominated Persian society, with strong clerical influence and expectations of the return of the Hidden Imam.
- • Shi'i clerical authority
- • Messianic expectations
- • Religious reform movements
- • Opposition to innovation
Social and Political Challenges
The Bahai Faith emerged in response to the social, political, and spiritual challenges facing 19th-century Persia.
Social Reform
Addressing inequality, prejudice, and social injustice
Religious Renewal
Providing spiritual guidance for modern challenges
Global Unity
Promoting international cooperation and peace
The Bab (1819–1850)
Siyyid Ali-Muhammad, the forerunner of Baha'u'llah, who declared his mission in 1844 and prepared the way for the Bahai Faith.
Baha'u'llah (1817–1892)
Mirza Husayn-Ali, the founder of the Bahai Faith, who revealed the Bahai teachings and established the foundation of the religion.
Abdu'l-Baha (1844–1921)
Baha'u'llah's eldest son and successor, who led the Bahai community and spread the Faith internationally.
Mulla Husayn (1813–1849)
The first disciple of the Bab and a prominent Babi leader who played a key role in the early movement.
Tahirih (1817–1852)
A prominent Babi poet and women's rights advocate who was martyred for her beliefs and activism.
Subh-i-Azal (1831–1912)
Baha'u'llah's half-brother and the Bab's appointed successor, who later opposed Baha'u'llah's claims.
Primary Sources
- • The Kitab-i-Aqdas – Baha'u'llah's Most Holy Book
- • The Kitab-i-Iqan – Book of Certitude
- • The Hidden Words – Spiritual aphorisms
- • The Bayan – The Bab's major work
Modern Scholarship
- • The Bahai Faith: A Short Introduction by Moojan Momen
- • Baha'u'llah: A Short Biography by Moojan Momen
- • The Babi and Bahai Religions by Peter Smith
- • God Passes By by Shoghi Effendi