Martyrdom of the Bab

The Martyrdom of the Bab commemorates the execution of the Bab, one of the central figures of the Baha’i Faith, on July 9, 1850, in Tabriz, Persia (now Iran). This solemn observance honors the Bab’s sacrifice and his role as the herald of Baha’u’llah, the founder of the Baha’i Faith.

Quick Facts

When is it?: July 9
Tagged as: Religious observance, Baha’i holy day
What’s the hashtag?: #MartyrdomOfTheBab
When was it founded?: 1850
Who founded it?: Baha’i community

History of the Martyrdom of the Bab

The Bab, whose name means “The Gate” in Arabic, proclaimed a new religious dispensation in 1844. His teachings quickly gained followers, leading to persecution by the Persian authorities. On July 9, 1850, at the age of 30, the Bab was executed by firing squad in Tabriz. The event was marked by extraordinary circumstances, including the initial failure of the first attempt to execute him.

Timeline

1844: The Bab declares his mission
1847: The Bab is imprisoned
1848: The Bab is tried in Tabriz
July 9, 1850: The Bab is executed
1909: The Bab’s remains are interred on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel

Martyrdom of the Bab Dates

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	July 9	Wednesday
2026	July 9	Thursday
2027	July 9	Friday
2028	July 9	Sunday
2029	July 9	Monday
2030	July 9	Tuesday

Observed Martyrdom of the Bab

Baha’is worldwide commemorate this day with prayers, readings from Baha’i scriptures, and gatherings to reflect on the Bab’s life and teachings. The observance typically begins at noon, the time when the Bab was executed.

Many Baha’is choose to suspend work and school on this day, as it is one of the nine holy days in the Baha’i calendar when work is prohibited.

The commemoration often includes the recitation of the Tablet of Visitation, a prayer specifically revealed for the Martyrdom of the Bab.

Fun Facts About the Martyrdom of the Bab

The first firing squad refused to shoot the Bab after a miraculous disappearance.
The Bab’s remains were secretly moved for nearly 60 years before being interred in Haifa.
The execution was witnessed by a crowd of about 10,000 people.
The Bab’s last words were a message to future generations.
The golden-domed Shrine of the Bab in Haifa is now a place of pilgrimage for Baha’is worldwide.

Quiz

In which year was the Bab executed?
Where did the execution take place?
How old was the Bab at the time of his martyrdom?
What does the title “Bab” mean?
Where are the Bab’s remains now interred?

(Answers: 1850, Tabriz, 30, The Gate, Mount Carmel in Haifa)

FAQs

What is the significance of the Martyrdom of the Bab for Baha’is?
The Martyrdom of the Bab is a solemn commemoration of the sacrifice of a central figure in the Baha’i Faith, marking a pivotal moment in its early history.

How do Baha’is observe this holy day?
Baha’is typically gather for prayers, readings, and reflection, often suspending work and school.

Why is the execution of the Bab considered miraculous?
The first attempt to execute the Bab failed mysteriously, with bullets not harming him.

Who was executed alongside the Bab?
A young follower named Anis insisted on accompanying the Bab and was executed with him.

How long did the Bab’s ministry last?
The Bab’s ministry lasted six years, from 1844 to 1850.

Importance of the Martyrdom of the Bab

The Martyrdom of the Bab holds profound spiritual significance for Baha’is worldwide. It represents the ultimate sacrifice made by the herald of their faith, underscoring the transformative power of divine revelation.

This event is seen as a turning point in religious history, marking the end of the prophetic cycle of the past and the beginning of a new era of fulfillment. Baha’is view the Bab’s martyrdom as a symbol of spiritual renewal and the dawning of a new age of unity and global consciousness.

The circumstances surrounding the Bab’s execution, including the initial failure of the firing squad and the subsequent events, are considered by Baha’is as evidence of divine intervention and the truth of the Bab’s mission.