WEDNESDAY, MAY 29: As a relatively new world faith, followers of the Baha’i religion mark a religious milestone from 1892—the Ascension of Baha’u’llah. From a life that began in nobility, Baha’u’llah turned down luxury and earned a reputation for charity. Tragically,  Baha’u’llah was imprisoned several times, banished and tortured for his beliefs. (Read more at Baha’i.us.)

In stark contrast to that suffering, Baha’u’llah lived out his final years in serenity in a mansion outside of Acre in Israel. (Planet Baha’i has details.) In this mansion, Baha’u’llah passed away from illness at age 75. The small stone house adjacent to the mansion, where Baha’u’llah is buried, remains the holiest place on earth for Baha’is.

One year prior to his death, Baha’u’llah began preparations by naming his oldest son, Abdu’l-Baha, as his successor. The year passed and, at approximately 3 a.m. on May 29, Baha’u’llah died. For a week following his death, mourners from all walks of life gathered with Baha’u’llah’s family to lament his death: “rich and poor, Shi’ahs, Sunnis, Christians, Jews and Druzes, as well as poets, ulamas and government officials …” (as written by Shoghi Effendi).

Note: Baha’is days begin at sunset; work and school are suspended the day of May 29.