Who is the Bab

Born in 1819 in a time of oppression and search for truth, the Bab was a Divine Messenger whose revelation marked a revolutionary break from the prevailing order. His call for spiritual and moral renewal included improving the status of women and the situation of the poor. He quickly attracted thousands of followers, who were inspired to transform their lives and to undertake acts of great fearlessness and sacrifice.

The Bab, whose title means “The Gate”, was the Herald of the Baha’i Faith. He declared it was His mission to prepare the way for a new Divine Messenger who would fulfil the prophecies of the past and usher in an age of peace and justice: Baha’u’llah.

The Bab’s teachings were denounced as heretical by many of Persia’s religious and political leaders, who were threatened by His growing influence. He was publicly executed by firing squad on 9 July 1850, and thousands of His followers were put to death with terrible cruelty.

The Bab’s shrine and its surrounding terraced gardens in Haifa, Israel have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The site receives hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.