Birth of Baha’u’llah: Baha’is recall anniversary with gatherings for unity

November 11, 2014 by Leave a Comment

SUNSET TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11: The birthday of Baha’u’llah—the founder of the Baha’i faith—is celebrated with excitement by the faithful. One of nine holy days in the Baha’i calendar, the Birth of Baha’u’llah is rapidly approaching a centennial: Baha’u’llah was born on November 12, 1817.

Baha’is were instructed by Abdu’l-Baha, the son of Baha’u’llah, to observe the holy day in community.

As Baha’u’llah’s mission was to foster universal peace, his birthday is an occasion for community prayers. Gatherings and programs are held in homes, at local and national Baha’i centers and at Baha’i houses of worship.

BAHA’U’LLAH:
THE MAKING OF A FOUNDER

Mirza Husayn Ali was born November 12, 1817, in Tehran, Persia (now Iran). The son of a wealthy government minister, Baha’u’llah was born into wealth and prestige. His family’s lineage could be traced to the ruling dynasties of Persia’s past, and at the time of his birth, Mirza Husayn Ali’s family still exercised influence over the court of the Shah. (Learn more from Baha’i.org.)

From a young age, Mirza Husayn Ali was rumored to be “different” than his peers. The child was wise beyond his years, showed immense compassion for the poor and displayed an unusually alert mind. (Wikipedia has details.) Of his childhood, Abdu’l-Baha says, “It was usual for them to say, ‘Such a child will not live,’ for it is commonly believed that precocious children do not reach maturity.”

Mirza Husayn Ali did reach maturity, though not without tumult. When he showed support for the Bab and the emerging Babi religion, Mirza Husayn’s life began to crumble. In 1863, Mirza Husayn announced himself as the One promised by the Bab, and became known as Baha’u’llah. As the years passed, Baha’u’llah was subject to exile, violence and imprisonment. (View photos of significant places in Baha’u’llah’s life here.)

BIRTH OF BAHA’U’LLAH: 2015 UPDATE

In questions submitted to Baha’u’llah after he wrote the Kitab-i-Aqdas, Baha’u’llah described his own birthday and the birthday of the Bab as “twin birthdays” that are one in the “sight of God.” Though the birthdays have been celebrated according to the solar calendar each year in most of the world—and Baha’u’llah’s birthday fixed on November 12—that will change in 2015.

The Universal House of Justice announced that from March 20, 2015 onward, the “twin birthdays” will be observed on the first and second days following the eighth new moon after Naw-Ruz. Therefore, from March 2015, the Birth of Baha’u’llah will no longer be celebrated on a fixed date, and will change annually.

Martyrdom of the Bab: Baha’is recall awe-inspiring events of Bab’s execution

July 08, 2014 by Leave a Comment

STARTS SUNSET TUESDAY, JULY 8: The world’s 5 million Baha’is pause at noon on July 9 to recall in solemnity the Martyrdom of the Bab. One of nine holy days of the year, the Martyrdom of the Bab commemorates the anniversary of an event that occurred on this date in 1850. The Bab, having been imprisoned for approximately three years, had finally been sentenced to a death scheduled for July 9; the events that ensued on the day of his death, however, have left millions in awe for more than a century.

The era was 19th century Persia, and a man who called himself the Bab—his name means, the Gate—had begun attracting followers. Despite attempts by authorities, passion for his Babi religion ran wide and deep. Muhammad Shah would not execute the Bab, but his successor, Nasiri’d-Din Shah, was advised to kill the Bab. And so, it was announced that the Bab, along with any followers, would be executed.

According to Baha’i tradition: When the head attendant was ordered to bring the Bab before the chief religious officials of the City of Tabriz, to obtain death warrants, he did so and found the Bab in private conversation with his secretary, Siyyid Husayn. The head attendant lectured Siyyid Husayn, but the Bab warned that, “Not until I have said to him all those things that I wish to say can any earthly power silence Me.” (Learn more from Planet Bahai and the Bahai Library.)

As the traditional Baha’i story is retold: The Bab was brought to the center of the city to be executed by soldiers; as he had promised, not one bullet touched him, and the firing squads had instead blown apart the rope that had tied him. The Bab was nowhere to be found.

After frantic searches, the Bab was discovered in a private room, continuing his previously interrupted conversation with Siyyid Husayn. The Bab announced to them, “I have finished My conversation with Siyyid Husayn. Now you may proceed and fulfill your intention.” Several authorities and soldiers were so shaken by the events that they resigned and refused to have anything further to do with the execution; still, a new firing squad was drawn and brought to the Bab. The regiment opened fire, and the Bab was killed.

In 1909, the Bab’s body was placed in its current resting place, in the Shrine of the Bab on Mount Caramel in Haifa, Israel. Today, most Bahai’s observe the holy day with prayers, gatherings and services. (Access a meditation with slides and music from New York Baha’i.)

IN THE NEWS:
BAHA’I SECOND-LARGEST RELIGION
IN SOUTH CAROLINA

It’s surprising, but true, according to a new research report recently covered in both the Washington Post and National Public Radio’s website. A map recently created by the Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies has revealed that Baha’is represent the second-largest religious group in one of America’s 50 states: South Carolina. (Read more from the Protojournalist column in the NPR website.) Though the Baha’i faith is present in most states—and the Baha’i House of Worship for North America is located in Illinois—South Carolina was the only state where Baha’is ranked No. 2 behind the nation’s dominant Christian groups. Learn how the Baha’i religion grew in South Carolina, and why, in this article from the Post and Courier.

Ascension of Baha’u’llah: Baha’is recall peaceful end of an ardous life

May 28, 2014 by Leave a Comment

SUNSET WEDNESDAY, MAY 28: A life of tumult, hardship and grueling journeys came to a quiet end today, as Baha’is mark the Ascension of Baha’u’llah. One of nine holy days on the Baha’i calendar, the Ascension took place at the location now regarded as most holy by the Faith: the Mansion of Bahji, outside Akko (Acre), Israel. At approximately 3 a.m. on May 29, 1892, Baha’u’llah’s earthly life ended, and he was buried in a small stone building adjacent to the mansion. Today, the mansion, house and surrounding gardens make up the Shrine of Baha’u’llah; the Shrine was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2008.

At the start of his 75 years, Baha’u’llah had a life of luxury: He was born into a noble family in Persia, and given all of life’s material necessities. Soon, though, it became noticeable that a wealthy life wouldn’t satisfy Baha’u’llah, and he became renowned for his works of charity. When news of the Bab reached him, he immediately became a follower of the emerging Babi religion. (Learn more from Planet Baha’i and the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States.) Baha’u’llah was imprisoned, tortured and nearly put to death before a revelation came to him—the revelation that he was the Promised One, foretold by the Bab.

Released from prison, Baha’u’llah’s belongings were taken and he was banished to Baghdad. Through the following years, Baha’u’llah would continue to preach messages of God, despite multiple exiles and constant threats. By the end of his life, Baha’u’llah had penned approximately 100 volumes and had shaped a new faith, before passing his duties onto a successor: his eldest son, Abdu’l-Baha. Following a short illness, Baha’u’llah died in Acre. (Read how one Baha’i keeps Baha’u’llah’s memory alive in reflections at Baha’i Blog.) It was recorded that, in the week after his death, “… a vast number of mourners, rich and poor alike, tarried to grieve with the bereaved family [of Baha’u’llah] … Notables … Shi’ahs, Sunnis, Christians, Jews and Druzes, as well as poets, ulamas and government officials …”

(Originally published at readthespirit.com, an on line magazine covering religion, spirituality, values and interfaith and cross-cultural issues.)

Declaration of the Bab: Baha’is mark anniversary of finding ‘the Gate’

May 22, 2014 by Leave a Comment

SUNSET THURSDAY, MAY 22: Millions of Baha’is the world over celebrate the start of the Baha’i faith—170 years ago—tonight, during the Festival of the Declaration of The Bab.

Just one hour after sunset on this day in 1844, a long and arduous journey came to an end: after years of searching, seekers had finally found “the gate,” or the Beloved who would usher in the Promised One. In a humble home in Shiraz, Persia, the revelation of the Bab took place. In coming years, the Bab would fulfill his mission “to prepare mankind for the advent of the Promised One,” attracting thousands of followers and building a thriving religion. Today, Baha’is refrain from work and school; this marks one of the four great festivals of the faith.

Siyyid Ali Muhammad defines the essence of early Baha’i history. Decades before the advent of Siyyid Ali, a man named Shaykh Ahmad-i-Ahsa’i began traveling through Persia, preaching of a Great Day to come that would see the arrival of the Qa’im, or Promised One. Students, clergy and leaders flocked to Shaykh Ahmad, and his favorite pupil—Siyyid Kazim-i-Rashti—continued preaching, despite growing opposition and hardship. (Learn more from Planet Baha’i.) Prior to his death, Siyyid Kazim encouraged his students to keep searching, despite a refusal to reveal the identity of the Qa’im. A pupil of Siyyid Kazim-i-Rashti, named Mulla Husayn, would finally unveil the identity of the Bab.

As Baha’is recall and retell the story: It was an unassuming evening when Mulla Husayn was wandering outside the gates of Shiraz, breaking from his journey a few hours before sunset. Suddenly, Husayn was greeted by a young man, in a manner that he related as “astonishing … the Youth … overwhelmed me with expressions of affection and loving-kindness.” Husayn was invited to the young man’s home, where the two drank tea and prepared for evening prayer. After sunset, the young man—named Siyyid Ali Muhammad—prodded Mulla Husayn to prepare questions, on the basis that he was the one Husayn was seeking. Siyyid Ali Muhammad answered each question with ageless wisdom, effortlessly passing each test that Husayn had prepared for the One he sought. From this day, Siyyid Ali Muhammad referred to himself as the Bab; Mulla Husayn became his first disciple. In the six years that followed, the Bab would teach many things, gather thousands of followers and foretell of the Promised One, for whom he was but a Herald. (Find details from the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States.) The Bab was executed by a firing squad in 1850.

IN THE NEWS:
DESTRUCTION OF BAHA’I CEMETERY IN SHIRAZ

The international Baha’i Community is expressing great concern for the recent start of excavation in a historically significant Baha’i cemetery in Shiraz, where approximately 950 Baha’is are buried. (Read an article here.) Though such acts against Baha’i cemeteries are not uncommon, the enormity of the site in Shiraz is creating international alarm. Members of other religions, such as this Shiite Muslim featured in a related news story, are also voicing concern in the morality of disturbing a major cemetery. Britain also expressed serious concern, according to this article in The Guardian, and international appeals are asking the President of Iran to halt the destruction.

Ridvan: Baha’is observe 12-day festival of Baha’u’llah’s prophethood

December 20, 2014 by Leave a Comment

SUNSET SUNDAY, APRIL 20 and SUNSET MONDAY, APRIL 28 and SUNSET THURSDAY, MAY 1: The “Most Great Festival” has arrived for Baha’is worldwide, in a 12-day engagement known as Ridvan. So named for the Garden of Ridvan, outside of Baghdad, the Festival of Ridvan recognizes the 12 days that Baha’u’llah spent in the Garden of Ridvan, in 1863. After being exiled by the Ottoman Empire, Baha’u’llah resided in the Garden to accept visitors while his family packed in preparation for a move to Constantinople.

In the Garden of Ridvan, several key principles of the Baha’i faith were established through a series of announcements. (Learn more from the Baha’i Library Online.) In the years since Baha’u’llah’s stay in the Garden, the first, ninth and 12th days of the Festival of Ridvan have been regarded as especially holy.

Did you know? “Ridvan” means “Paradise” in Arabic.

The story of the Festival of Ridvan actually begins 20 years before Baha’u’llah ever resided in the Garden—and, more specifically, with another man, by the name of Siyyid Ali-Muhammad of Shiraz. In 1844 CE, Siyyid Ali-Muhammad announced that he was “The Bab,” or “The Gate,” who would make way for a Messianic figure to come: for “He whom God shall make manifest.” Nine years later, in 1853, a man called Baha’u’llah claimed his mission as the Promised One—the One foretold of by the Bab. (Wikipedia has details.) Ever increasing in popularity among the people—particularly the Babis, the followers of the Bab—Baha’u’llah’s power was feared by authorities, and he and his family were eventually exiled to Constantinople.

Prior to his departure for Constantinople, Baha’u’llah knew that crowds of Babis and visitors would flock to him—and so, to allow his family opportunity to pack for the trip, Baha’u’llah temporarily resided in the Najibiyyih garden. On the ninth day in the Garden of Ridvan, Baha’u’llah’s family joined him; on the 12th day, the entire family left the Garden, journeying toward Constantinople.

What, exactly, was announced in the Garden of Ridvan?
While departing from the “Most Great House” in Baghdad, Baha’u’llah compared his journey to the Garden of Ridvan as similar to Muhammad’s trip from Mecca to Medina. Once in the Garden, according to Baha’i tradition, Baha’u’llah declared to a small group that he was, indeed, “He whom God shall make manifest.” Furthermore, Baha’u’llah made three announcements: that permission for religious war was annulled; that there would not be another Manifestation of God for another 1,000 years; and that all names of God are manifest in all things. This time in the Garden provided a time of transition, when Babi followers would be renewed as members of the new Baha’i faith. During Ridvan today, elections take place for the local and national governing bodies.

IN THE NEWS:
NEW WEBSITE;
UN TO CONTINUE PROBE IN IRAN

A new website for the Baha’i Faith has recently been announced: the international governing body of the Baha’is, the Universal House of Justice, has launched a fresh interface: The new website can be viewed here.

The United Nations Human Rights Council has voted to extend the mandate of its investigation into Iran, hoping to improve human rights for Baha’is in the country. United Nations Baha’i Representative Diane Ala’i states, “The vote today to extend the mandate of Ahmed Shaheed is a powerful signal that the world expects action—not just words—from President Rouhani and his government on human rights.” Read more details in this news story.

Equinox / Ostara / Naw Ruz / Norouz: World cultures welcome spring

March 20, 2014 by Leave a Comment

THURSDAY, MARCH 20: Soak up the sunshine and welcome warmer weather—spring has sprung in the Northern Hemisphere!

Whether it’s called Vernal Equinox by scientists, Ostara by Pagans and Wiccans, Naw Ruz by Baha’is or Norouz by Persians and Zoroastrians, one thing is true across the board: The world’s experiencing a fresh start. For Baha’is, Zoroastrians and Persians, today marks the first day of the New Year—after all, the translation of Norouz is “new day.” In several Middle Eastern countries, such as Afghanistan, Albania, Kosovo, Iraq and Kazakhstan, an official, fixed Norouz holiday is celebrated each year near the equinox. (Wikipedia has details.)

VERNAL EQUINOX:
A CELESTIAL PHENOMENON

Historical records indicate that even ancient societies followed the celestial patterns of the sun and stars, especially events like the equinoxes—when day and night are approximately equal in length. From the Latin aequus (equal) and nox (night), the vernal equinox appears each year around March 20 and is the result of the plane of the Earth’s equator passing the center of the Sun. The tilt of the Earth’s axis is inclined neither away from nor toward the Sun, and the Sun is at one of two opposite points on the celestial sphere. (Wikipedia has details.) Estimates are that while the March equinox currently passes into Pisces, it will pass into Aquarius in 2597 CE. Equinoxes can occur on any planet with a substantial tilt to its rotational axis.

Curious to view the stars near the vernal equinox? Gazers in Portland, Oregon, can attend the “star party” at either the Rooster Rock or L.L. Stub Stewar State Parks (more details here). Whether there is a star party in your community or not, learn more about celestial events to look out for this month with help from this resource, which mentions the Zodiacal Light, polar ice cap and equinox, just to name a few.

OSTARA:
A PAGAN AND WICCAN CELEBRATION
OF EARTH’S SPRINGTIME

Embrace nature’s springtime beauty on the Pagan and Wiccan holiday of Ostara. Originally centered around an ancient Germanic pagan goddess, Eostre, most adherents now celebrate Ostara with feasts of springtime foods, walks in nature and the planting of seeds or a garden. (Learn more at Wicca.com.) As weather continues to get warmer, Wiccans welcome fertility; the Sun God and Maiden Goddess mark a sacred marriage, which will create a Mother Goddess in nine months.

Eggs and rabbits represent the fertility of springtime, and meditations of this time are directed toward the earth. Feasts are also common for Ostara, and springtime foods like sprouts, leafy green vegetables, dairy and seeds grace the table. Activities and craft suggestions—like naturally colored Ostara eggs and a miniature greenhouse—along with tips for setting up an Ostara altar, can be found at About.com. Ideas for eggs, springtime treats and more are on Pinterest.

NAW-RUZ:
A BAHA’I NEW YEAR’S
‘DAY OF THE MOST GREAT NAME OF GOD’

One of nine holy days of the year, Naw-Ruz starts a new calendar with a festive atmosphere. When the Bab—the forerunner to the founder of the Baha’i faith—adopted the Persian Norouz as a holy day, he correlated it with the Most Great Name of God. He drew up a new calendar of 19 months of 19 days each, and renamed Norouz as the Baha’i Naw Ruz, calling it “the day of God.” Later, Baha’u’llah, the founder of the Baha’i faith, instituted a festival for Naw-Ruz that would reward those who had observed a fast for the past month (the Nineteen Day Fast). Years following, Baha’u’llah’s son, Abdu’l-Baha, would describe Naw-Ruz and the equinox as a symbol of the Manifestations of God; just as the Manifestations brought a “spiritual springtime” in their messages, so, to, does equinox bring new life to earth. (Reflect with help from the New York Baha’i.)

Work is suspended on Naw-Ruz, and prayers and music are common in gatherings. The month of fasting has ended, and most devotees partake in a large feast with family and friends. Currently, Naw-Ruz is fixed on March 21 for Baha’is outside of the Middle East. (Note: Since Baha’i days begin at sunset, Naw-Ruz kicks off at sundown on March 20.)

NOROUZ:
A PERSIAN AND ZOROASTRIAN HOLIDAY
STEEPED IN LEGEND

Having qualified for the UNESCO List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Norouz (spellings vary) has been a part of Iranian history for at least 3,000 years. Some believe that Norouz originated with Zoroaster (or Zarathustra), who received his revelation from God on that day; others attest that the festival stems from even earlier celebrations. Zoroastians date Norouz to the mythical king Jamshid who, tradition says, saved mankind. Following his feat, the world’s creatures admired him en masse, and this wondrous day was called Norouz. Today, Norouz is a 13-day holiday that resonates across Iran, the Zoroastrian faith and much of the Middle East and Central Asia. (Learn more from Zoroastrian.org.)

Weeks of preparation give way to the extensive Norouz holiday: cleaning and decorating the home, purchasing new garments and gathering materials are carried out with pride. A central element of Norouz is the Haft Sin table—which varies slightly in various regions and cultures—and is meticulously prepared. Seven items are placed on the Haft Sin table: sazbeh (wheat or lentil sprouts); samanu (creamy pudding made from germinated wheat); seeb (apple); senjid (dried fruit); sir (garlic); somagh (sumac berries, or fruit the color of the sun); and serkeh (vinegar). Zoroastrians also may place a picture of Zarathustra, candles, incense and a mirror on the table.

From the first day of Norouz events, celebrants exchange visits with family members and friends. The visits, dancing and singing continue for 12 days, until Sizdeh-be-Dar. On “thirteen-in-the-outdoors,” everyone heads outside for picnics in the fields and hikes through the woods. (Learn more from Iran Chamber Society.) Ancient Persian belief is that the 12 constellations of the Zodiac controlled the months of the year, with each ruling the earth for 1,000 years; at the end of the Zodiac reign, the earth will break down from the pandemonium. The 13th day of Norouz represents the time of chaos, and society’s structure is put aside for a day while everyone, young and old, plays outside.

Nineteen Day Fast: Baha’is observe ‘Ala’ with prayer, introspection

March 01, 2014 by Leave a Comment

“Fasting is the cause of awakening in man. The heart becomes tender and the spirituality of man increases.”
Abdu’l-Baha, son and successor of Baha’u’llah

SUNDOWN SATURDAY, MARCH 1: The month of Ala has begun, and for faithful Baha’is, that means one thing: fasting. For precisely 19 days, able Baha’is will conduct a sunrise-to-sunset fast, refraining from food and water for the sake of spiritual growth. During this period of intense prayer and self-reflection, Baha’is work to establish a closer relationship with God. Instituted by the Bab, the fast was later accepted by Baha’u’llah, the founder of the Baha’i faith. Baha’u’llah established the rules of the Nineteen-Day Fast in his book of laws, the Kitab-i-Aqdas.

BEGINNING OF THE BAHA’I FAITH
AND THE NUMBER ‘19’

Before the Baha’i faith, there was the Babi faith, which was founded by the Bab. As part of the Babi faith, the Bab created the Badi calendar, made of 19 months of 19 days each; the last month, he declared, would be a month of fasting. (Wikipedia has details.) The continuation of this fasting month was, however, dependent upon the forthcoming Him Whom God Shall Make Manifest.

Did you know? Baha’i months and days of the week are named after the attributes of God. Ala translates into “Loftiness.”

In time, the Messianic figure of the Baha’i faith was realized in a man named Baha’u’llah. Baha’u’llah accepted both the calendar and the fasting month established by the Bab, with the exception of altered fasting rules and regulations. Today, the Baha’i Nineteen-Day Fast is obligatory for men and women between the ages of 15 and 70, who are in good health and who are not traveling (other restrictions apply, too. Learn more from the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States.)

The Nineteen-Day Fast concludes with the New Year, Naw-Ruz: the first day of spring.

Want more on this observance?