The Báb

On May 23, 1844, in Shiraz, Persia, a young man known as the Báb announced the imminent appearance of the Messenger of God awaited by all the peoples of the world. The title Báb means "the Gate." Although the Báb was Himself the bearer of an independent revelation from God, He declared that His purpose was to prepare mankind for the approaching advent of "Him Whom God shall make manifest."

Swift and savage persecution at the hands of the dominant Muslim clergy followed this announcement. The Báb was arrested, beaten, imprisoned, and finally on July 9, 1850 was executed in the public square of the city of Tabriz. Some 20,000 of His followers perished in a series of massacres throughout Persia. The Báb's promise was later fulfilled by Bahá'u'lláh, who in 1863 announced that He was indeed the One foretold by the Báb.