Siyyid-‘Ali-Muhammed was a young merchant from the city of Shiraz in Persia, who was like John the Baptist was to Christ the forerunner, who foretold the coming of the next prophet Baha’u’llah. On May 23, 1844 Siyyid-‘Ali-Muhammed changed his name to The Bab (Arabic for the gate or door) and announced that the Day of God was at hand and that he, Himself was the One promised in Islamic scripture. His primary mission was to prepare the way for the coming of Baha’u’llah (the Glory of God) coming fulfilling various prophecies in the Qur’an and Islamic Traditions. This was at the same time that in Europe and America that some groups believed that the return of Jesus Christ was at hand.
This revelation of The Bab did two things, it sparked the Babi Faith, an independent religion of its own, that had its own scriptures and left it marks on history. It was also the beginning of the Baha’i Faith and fulfilled its purpose when Baha’u’llah announced in 1863 thatm he was the Promised One foretold by The Bab
The Bab’s major work was the Bayan, which replaced some Muslim laws. It stressed high moral standard, purity of heart and motive. It also raised the status of women and the poor unseen in Islamic life. It also promoted education and sciences. The Bayan foretold of a second Messenger from God, who would be far greater than himself, and would usher in and age of peace and prosperity as promised in Islam, Judaism, Christianity and all other world religions.
Due to his beliefs boldness and going against the religious beliefs of Islam persecution of Babis developed and he was called a heretic and a rebel and the decision to have The Bab executed was announced.
On July 9, 1850, The Bab and a young follower were taken out of their cell. The Bab had asked to be allowed to finish what he was working on and denied that privilege, and led out to a courtyard of the Tabriz army barracks with some 10,000 people crowding rooftops. The Bab and a young follower we suspended by two ropes against a wall and three lines of 250 Armenian soldiers opened fire in three successive volleys. It was told that the smoke from the gunpowder and dust darkened the sky and the entire courtyard. As recorded by an account filed with the British Foreign Office that when the smoke and dust cleared, that The Bab was not seen and his companion stood uninjured. The rope was found in pieces.
The guards searched, and found The Bab in his cell giving final instructions to one of his followers. He had earlier warned, that no “earthly power” could silence Him until He had finished all he had to say. The Bab, then announced calmly when the guards found him. “Now you may proceed to fulfill your intention.”
The second time The Bab and his young companion were brought out for execution, the Armenian troops refused to fire again. A Muslim firing squad was assembled and ordered to fire. This time they were successful, their bones and flesh intermingled, but their faces were untouched.
"O peoples of the earth, Give ear unto God's holy Voice...Verily the resplendent Light of God hath appeared in your midst, invested with this unerring Book, that ye may be guided aright to the ways of peace.”
The Bab
