Martyrdom of the Bab

On July 9, Bahá’ís celebrate the Martyrdom of the Báb from the evening until July 10. This holy day commemorates the execution of one of the founders of the Bahá’í faith. During the holy day, believers suspend work and study.

History

On July 9, 1850, the 30-year-old Báb was accused of apostasy and sentenced to death by firing squad on the orders of the Prime Minister of the Persian Empire. Apostasy means giving up one’s religious faith. There are many mysteries and speculations around the execution of the Báb. Some reports state that the Báb was executed along with one of his companions by being hung from a wall and then shot. When the smoke from the shots cleared, the Báb was not at the wall. According to rumors, he was found in the prison room, busy dictating to his secretary. According to some stories, the Báb survived the first execution but was killed during the second attempt.

After his death, his body was transported by his followers to different places in order to avoid desecration of the remains. He was finally buried in the Shrine of the Báb in Haifa.

Interesting facts

• In 1844, the Báb declared himself a Gate, claiming to be a Messenger.
• Mirza Mihdi Khan Zaimud-Daulih published The Key to the Gates of the Gate in 1896, where he spoke in detail about the execution.
• In 1909, the remains of the Báb were moved to a tomb.

How to take part

To celebrate the Martyrdom of the Báb, you can learn more about the Bahá’í faith. There are many adherents of this religion around the world, even in the USA. You can visit your local Bahá’í center and interact with the people who regularly attend. In addition, you can personally observe the religious practices of the Bahá’ís, and various rites in the Bahá’í temple, which is easy to find using a search engine.

When is Martyrdom of the Bab in 2024?

Martyrdom of the Bab is observed on July 9 each year.

Observations