CELEBRATING THE 200TH
ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIRTH OF
BAHÁ’U’LLÁH 21–22 OCTOBER 2017
Ye dwell in one world, and have been created through the operation of one Will. Blessed is he who mingleth with all men in a spirit of utmost kindliness and love. Bahá’u’lláh
An illuminated Tablet in the handwriting of Bahá’u’lláh
THROUGHOUT HISTORY, GOD HAS SENT DIVINE EDUCATORS TO GUIDE THE ADVANCEMENT OF CIVILIZATION Throughout history, a human being, ordinary in every outward respect, is summoned by God to deliver a new Revelation to humanity. Every time a Manifestation of God appears, a fuller inspiration for the next stage in the awakening and progress of humanity is released into the world.
THE TWIN MANIFESTATIONS- THE BÁB AND BAHÁ’U’LLÁH In the middle of the 19th century, God summoned two Divine Messengers—the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh —to deliver a new Revelation to humanity.
“The fundamental purpose animating the Faith of God and His Religion is to safeguard the interests and promote the unity of the human race, and to foster the spirit of love and fellowship amongst men.” Bahá’u’lláh
Bahá’í World Centre, Haifa, Israel
THE BÁB – HERALD OF THE BAHÁ’Í FAITH The time was two hours after sunset on the 22nd day of May 1844, when a young merchant of pure and holy lineage by the name of Siyyíd `Alí- Muhammad (1819-1850) announced to Mullá Husayn-iBushru’í, a young scholar, in the upper chamber of His home in Shíráz, Írán, that He was the bearer of a message destined to transform the spiritual life of humanity. The young merchant took the name “the Báb” meaning “the Gate” in Arabic, for the Báb was the symbolic gate between past ages of prophecy and a new age of fulfilment for humanity. The Báb announced His twofold mission as the Bearer of a distinct and independent religion promised by the Prophets of bygone ages, and as the Herald of One immeasurably greater than Himself—a universal Messenger of God, the Promised One of All Ages and the Divine Educator, Who would usher in the age of peace and justice as foretold in all the world’s religions.
The upper chamber of the Báb’s home in Shíráz, Írán where the Declaration took place
BAHÁ’U’LLÁH Bahá’u’lláh—meaning the “Glory of God” in Arabic—was born Mírzá Husayn-`Alí (1817–1892) in the city of Tihrán, the capital of what is now Írán. Son of a wealthy government minister, Bahá’u’lláh whose lineage can be traced back to the Prophet Abraham and the great Kings of Sasanian Empire, led a princely life as a young man. From childhood, He displayed extraordinary qualities and His parents were convinced He was destined for greatness. After the death of His father, at the age of twenty-two, Bahá’u’lláh declined the ministerial career in the government that was available to Him. Instead He devoted His energies to a range of philanthropies. His generosity, compassion, keen intelligence, and devotion to justice earned Him widespread renown as the “Father of the Poor”. At the age of twenty-seven, Bahá’u’lláh received, through a special messenger, some of the Writings of the Báb and immediately accepted the truth of His Message and became one of His most enthusiastic followers. As the community of the Báb’s followers grew, so did the fierce opposition it provoked. Thousands were subjected to the cruellest and most barbaric treatment, and many were put to death. The Báb, Himself, was executed in 1850. In 1852, two distraught and misguided followers of the Báb made a failed attempt on the life of the Sháh of Írán. Arrest warrants were issued for all the Bábís including Bahá’u’lláh and in August 1852, Bahá’u’lláh was taken to the Síyáh-Chál prison.
Bahá’u’lláh’s home in Tákur, northen Írán, destroyed by the Íránian government in 1981
The Síyáh-Chál (Black Pit) was no ordinary prison, but a huge underground pit which no ray of sunlight penetrated. Notorious for its foul air, filth and pitch black darkness, it once had served as a reservoir for one of the public baths of the city and had only one entrance.
The Siyáh-Chál Prison (Black Pit) in Tihrán where Bahá’u’lláh was imprisoned
Bahá’u’lláh was huddled in one cell with seventy others, His feet in stocks. Around His neck, a mighty chain was fastened, weighing about fifty-one kilograms, 112 pounds. The air in that dungeon was laden with the foulest impurities, while the floor was covered with filth and infested with vermin. The authorities hoped that the inhumane conditions of this grim setting would result in His death. Instead, it was here that the rarest and most cherished of events was once again played out: a mortal man, outwardly human in every respect, was chosen by God to bring to humanity a new Message. In that dark and gloomy dungeon of the Síyáh-Chál where Bahá’u’lláh spent four months weighed down by galling chains around his neck, a light emerged.
“One night, in a dream these exalted words were heard on every side: “Verily, We shall render Thee victorious by Thyself and by Thy Pen….” Bahá’u’lláh
It was here that Bahá’u’lláh was filled with the Spirit of God and received intimation of God’s Will that He was the One foretold by the Báb as that “Promised One of All Ages”. One may call to mind Moses standing before the Burning Bush, the Buddha receiving enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, the Holy Spirit descending upon Jesus in the form of a dove, or the archangel Gabriel appearing to the Prophet Muhammad.
The famous chains of Siyรกh-Chรกl, known as Salbil and Qara-Guhar, weighing 51 kilograms, about 112 pounds
BANISHMENT, IMPRISONMENT AND EXILE In November 1852, even though Bahá’u’lláh was found innocent of any attempt on the life of the Sháh, He was granted life on pain of banishment. Stripped of everything He possessed, Bahá’u’lláh was ordered to leave Írán within a month. Words cannot describe the suffering endured as Bahá’u’lláh and His family walked on snow and ice-covered ground on their way to Baghdád, then a city under the Ottoman Empire. Following from His banishment from His homeland, Bahá’u’lláh suffered forty years of imprisonment and exile for bringing God’s latest message to humanity. A series of exiles brought Bahá’u’lláh from Írán, to Íráq, then Turkey and finally to what is now modern-day Israel.
BAGHDÁD, ÍRÁQ Bahá’u’lláh spent ten years in Baghdád. During His time in Baghdád, Bahá’u’lláh wrote three of His most renowned works—The Hidden Words, The Seven Valleys, and The Kitáb-i-Íqán (the Book of Certitude). During this period in His writings, Bahá’u’lláh alluded to His Station, and to the spiritual advancement of humankind. The power and wisdom of His words won Him the loyalty of an increasing number of royals, dignitaries, and people from all walks of life, and gradually the stature of the community grew. Jealous and fearful, the fanatical religious clergy rekindled their malicious attempts and Bahá’u’lláh was once again banished further to the city of Constantinople, now known as Istanbul. In April 1863, prior to His departure from Baghdád, Bahá’u’lláh resided for twelve days in a garden on the outskirts of the city, which He named Ridván, meaning “Paradise”. There, on the banks of the River Tigris, on the eve of His second banishment from Baghdád to Istanbul, Bahá’u’lláh announced to a small group of His companions that He was the One heralded by the Báb — The Promised One of all ages, the Divine Educator Who would usher in the age of peace and justice as foretold in all the world’s religions. He explained that religions were one, like the sun. Just as they dawned in the past, they would rise again in the future. Everyone of them is the way of connecting this world to the realms above.
“My object is none other than the betterment of the world and the tranquillity of its peoples” Bahá’u’lláh
Historical view of Baghdรกd and the Tigris River
ISTANBUL AND EDIRNE, TURKEY After just four months in Istanbul, Bahá’u’lláh was exiled, in the coldest of winters, to Adrianople, now known as Edirne, in Turkey. Despite the inhospitable conditions, Bahá’u’lláh’s pen flowed with verses and His message reached as far away as Egypt and India. It was in Edirne that Bahá’u’lláh began to proclaim His message to the most powerful rulers of His time, Emperor Napoleon III, Queen Victoria, Kaiser Wilhelm I, Tsar Alexander II, Emperor Franz Joseph, Pope Pius IX, Sultan Abdul-Aziz and Nasirid-Din Sháh.
“I have never aspired after worldly leadership. My sole purpose hath been to hand down unto men that which I was bidden to deliver by God...” Bahá’u’lláh
One of the houses where Bahá’u’lláh stayed during His time in Edirne
`AKKÁ, ISRAEL With His last banishment, Bahá’u’lláh arrived in the prison-city of `Akká, the ancient port of Ptolemy, the fortress city of St John d’Acre of crusaders, the meeting ground of Christian, Muslim and Jew. Here, Bahá’u’lláh was imprisoned for life among murderers in the penal colony of the Turkish empire. Bahá’u’lláh called this prison the Most Great Prison. It was here in `Akká that Bahá’u’lláh revealed His most important work, The Kitáb-i-Aqdas —the Most Holy Book—in which He outlined the essential laws and principles of His Faith, and established the foundations for a global administrative order.
The prison in `Akká, Israel where Bahá’u’lláh was imprisoned for over two years
MANSION OF BAHJÍ, ISRAEL In September 1879, Bahá’u’lláh left the prison city of `Akká and spent the last twelve years of His life at the Mansion of Bahjí, a few kilometres outside of `Akká’s city walls. Here, in relative freedom and peace, He could devote Himself to writing, and His followers were able to meet with Him.
The Mansion of Bahjí, Israel where Bahá’u’lláh spent the last twelve years of His life
THE WRITINGS OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH Bahá’u’lláh continued throughout His life to reveal the Word of God in large volumes, expressed through mystical writings, prayers, laws and ordinances, and social and ethical teachings. His Writings provide guidance that shape and elevate human dignity and reconstruct human perception of material, social and spiritual reality. As the Torah is to Jews, the Bible to Christians, and the Qur’án to Muslims, the collected Writings of Bahá’u’lláh are considered by His followers to be Revelation from God. They form the foundation of the Bahá’í Faith.
“Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom” Bahá’u’lláh
Through His writings a new understanding of humanity’s place in time and space are reimagined, a new order outlined and a new rhythm of life recast. In His writings, Bahá’u’lláh outlines the framework for the development of a new World Order, a global civilisation that takes into account both the spiritual and material dimensions of human life in order that humanity’s collective life may advance.
“The earth is one country and mankind its citizens” Bahá’u’lláh
For more than a century Bahá’ís have striven to give expression to the principle of the oneness of humanity, a core principle of their faith, by seeking to eliminate racial prejudice, advance the equality of women and men, and build vibrant spiritual communities that reflect the human family in all its diversity.
“The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established” Bahá’u’lláh
The conviction that we belong to one human family is at the heart of the Bahá’í Faith. The belief in the oneness of humankind finds expression in the diversity of the Bahá’í community. It is also the force that motivates Bahá’ís towards a common purpose – to work side by side with all people towards a vision of unity that finds expression in every interaction and relationship. In their efforts, Bahá’ís draw on the central teaching that refinement of one’s inner character and service to humanity are inseparable facets of life. Accordingly, Bahá’ís have come to appreciate the operation of a twofold purpose: to transform their own lives and to contribute to the transformation of society. This dual purpose helps to shape the endeavours of Bahá’ís in all areas. Thus, for example, they are not only expected to pray and reflect daily in their personal lives, but also to make efforts to infuse their neighbourhoods with a devotional spirit. Bahá’ís understand the practical realization of unity envisioned in the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh will not come about through the efforts of a few people acting alone, no matter how noble their aims. Rather, it will require a growing community, unified in thought and action, engaged in an ongoing process of education.
The Mansion of BahjĂ, Israel
A NEW UNDERSTANDING OF RELIGION
“This is the changeless Faith of God, eternal in the past, eternal in the future” Bahá’u’lláh Bahá’u’lláh explained religion in terms of a progressive revelation by the Divine to guide humankind as it evolves. This evolutionary process, as simple as this concept may seem, has profound implications. For not only is religion understood in the context of history, avoiding claims of exclusivity to doctrine and salvation and allowing for acceptance that all divine revelations are stages in a progressive unfoldment of one spiritual truth from one God, but it also has a profound and farreaching impact on the appreciation and understanding of the evolution of civilisation from tribal state, to nation state, now leading to its destined one world state.
“The religion of God is for love and unity; make it not the cause of enmity and dissension” Bahá’u’lláh
Such an understanding of the purpose and nature of religion provides the impetus for transforming human interaction to one of love and unity. Religion is a faculty of the human soul that enables individuals to mine inner resources of courage, vision, and high endeavour. It allows groups and communities to explore reality together and forge a common vision and purpose. When harmonized with science, religion is a system of knowledge that propels the advancement of civilization. We see evidence of this transformation all around us – the breaking down of the old, and the building up of new ways of being and social structures that contribute to the advancement of all people. Working towards this vision will require profound personal and social transformation over many generations. Humanity is leaving behind its childhood and entering a period of collective maturity. Thus, in all types of settings, Bahá’ís are learning to foster gatherings for friends and neighbours to bring unity through prayer and devotion to their communities. Bahá’ís are also exploring educational programmes that will tend to the spiritual aspirations of children and youth and guide them to carry out acts of service and help their communities progress both spiritually and materially.
The Seat of the Universal House of Justice, Haifa, Israel
THE SHRINE OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH Bahá’u’lláh passed away on May 29,1892. His mortal remains were buried in a house adjacent to the Mansion of Bahjí. For Bahá’ís, the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh is the holiest spot on earth and the point towards which they turn in prayer each day. A visit to the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh is the high point of a nine-day Bahá’í pilgrimage. In His Will and Testament, Bahá’u’lláh established a covenant with those that followed Him and stated clearly that all Bahá’ís should turn to His oldest son, `Abdu’l-Bahá, for guidance and interpretation of His teachings. `Abdu’l-Bahá was His Father’s most devoted companion during the long years of suffering. In 1911, at the age of 68, `Abdu’l-Bahá embarked on a series of historic journeys across Europe and North America, bringing His Father’s Faith to the West. Until His passing in 1921, `Abdu’l-Bahá unceasingly inspired and encouraged the Bahá’ís and everyone He met to live a practical, spiritual life of humility, generosity, and unconditional love. In `Abdu’l-Bahá we find the perfect example of what it means to be a Bahá’í. To ensure the unity of the new Faith, at His passing, `Abdu’l-Bahá named His grandson, Shoghi Effendi, as the guardian and authorized interpreter of the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. Under his guidance, the framework for the election of the Universal House of Justice formed. It is this institution that today guides the worldwide Bahá’í community to contribute to the betterment of the world
“The purpose of religion as revealed from the heaven of God’s holy Will is to establish unity and concord amongst the peoples of the world; make it not the cause of dissension and strife. The religion of God and His divine law are the most potent instruments and the surest of all means for the dawning of the light of unity amongst men. The progress of the world, the development of nations, the tranquillity of peoples, and the peace of all who dwell on earth are among the principles and ordinances of God” Bahá’u’lláh
The Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh in Bahjí Israel, the holiest place on earth for Bahá’ís
TRIBUTES FROM AROUND THE WORLD IN HONOUR OF THE BICENTENNIAL BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH During the course of 2017, Bahá’í communities around the world have received messages from Heads of States and local governments. Among them are messages from the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, the Rt Hon Theresa May MP, the President of India and the Prime Minister of Singapore. In India, following from the message of the President of India in February 2017, similar tributes have now been received by the Bahá’í community in India from the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and newly-elected President Ram Nath Kovind and several other high-ranking members of the national government, as well as the Chief Minister of one of the states of India and a number of local officials. In Vietnam, senior government officials, including Vice President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, met with representatives of the Bahá’í community and expressed appreciation for the community’s contributions towards the country’s development through activities that are improving living conditions and promoting education In New Zealand, Prime Minister Bill English addressed a message to the Bahá’í community of his country. “Many in New Zealand and around the world will be celebrating this very special anniversary, and I hope you enjoy the festivities with your family and friends,” he states in his letter. In Australia, the Bahá’í community of Australia received messages of greeting from Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and a number of other national and local leaders for the occasion of the bicentenary of the birth of Bahá’u’lláh. “This is a time for great celebration of Bahá’u’lláh’s life and His teachings of unity, friendship, and goodwill,” wrote Prime Minister Turnbull. “Ideas of love and acceptance should be cherished and upheld by all Australians, as they are values upon which our nation has become a beacon of harmony and tolerance.” Among the sentiments expressed by these numerous leaders in Australia is the appreciation of how the Bahá’í community has been contributing to societal harmony. “The Bahá’í community is a vital part of the rich and diverse religious tapestry that makes Australia such a diverse and tolerant society,” wrote Governor General Peter Cosgrove in a message to the Bahá’ís. In Kazakhstan, the Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs and Civil Society, Berik Aryn, addressed a letter to the Bahá’í community there, writing, “We hope that the followers of the Bahá’í Faith will, through their spiritual service, promote the further consolidation of the strong relationship between government entities and religious groups, as well as between the different faith groups in Kazakhstan.” In Pakistan, Member of Parliament Asiya Nasir hosted a gathering at the Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services in honour of the upcoming bicentenary. Over 100 parliamentarians, diplomats, and religious leaders were invited to attend the gathering, the theme of which was based on a wellknown passage from Bahá’u’lláh: “The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.”
In Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, extended his greetings to the Bahá’í community and expressed his appreciation for the contributions it is making “towards the country’s goodwill and prosperity.” In Bangladesh, the Minister of Cultural Affairs, Asaduzzaman Noor highlighted the “pivotal aim of the Bahá’í Faith being unity and fellowship amongst the diversified races and peoples of the earth” stating that it “is a welcome principle in a world torn with strife and discord.” The message continues: “In the words of Bahá’u’lláh: ‘Ye are all the fruits of one tree and the leaves of one branch.’ In Malaysia, the Bahá’í community was addressed by Joseph Kurup, a Minister in the Department of Prime Minister Najib Razak. “The Bahá’í community has been an active promoter of inter-faith dialogue and also a genuine protagonist of unity and harmony among the multi-ethnic and multireligious population of this country... Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings on the oneness of the world of humanity and His call for a world embracing vision encapsulated in the phrase ‘the earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens’ are essential both for establishing national unity as well as promoting global understanding and peace.” In Nepal, messages from Deputy Prime Minister Gopal Man Shrestha and Minister for Home Affairs Janardan Sharma were received by the Bahá’í community, expressing warm greetings for the occasion of the bicentenary. “Bahá’u’lláh’s message that God is one and all human beings are members of the same family is always relevant in a country like ours where there is so much social, cultural, and religious diversity,” wrote Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha. At the local level, in Austria in the town of Bruck an der Leitha, the office of the Mayor organised a festival for the 200th anniversary of the birth of Baha’u’llah on September 8, 2017. With nearly two hundred guests in attendance at the town hall, the celebration brought together community leaders and townspeople in honour of Bahá’u’lláh’s message of peace and unity. Mayor Richard Hemmer emphasized the Bahá’í teachings on unity in his remarks at the celebration. History has been stained by violence, he explained, and we should never forget the atrocities of the past. He pointed to the Bahá’í community as an example of a group that has chosen a path of peace, non-violence, and inclusion. In Argentina, the City Council of Rosario passed a government resolution honouring the bicentenary anniversary and recognizing Haifa as its sister city. A number of local and regional officials in the province of Santa Fe in Argentina sent video greetings to the Universal House of Justice and to the city of Haifa. In the United States, the cities of Cambridge in Massachusetts, Mountain View, Oceanside and Palo Alto in California, Burnsville in Minnesota, Charlotte in North Carolina, Irving in Texas, Anchorage, Nenana and Utqiaġvik in Alaska, passed resolutions to honour the birth of Bahá’u’lláh. Some of these messages are set out in the following pages:
This booklet was produced on the occasion of the celebration of the two-hundredth anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh, the Founder of the Bahá'í Faith by Women’s Interfaith Network in the Terrace Pavilion at the House of Commons, Palace of Westminster, London, on 19 October 2017 Photographs courtesy of The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United Kingdom For a fuller appreciation of the Bahá’í Faith you may wish to visit www.bahai.org