Baha'i Holy Day - Martyrdom of the Bab July 9, 2010

Every year on July 9, Baha’is commemorate the martyrdom of the Báb, one of the two central figures in the founding of the religion.

At noon on 9 July 1850, the Báb was put to death by firing squad in the public square of Tabriz, Iran.

Six years earlier, He had declared that He was a messenger of God whose mission was to prepare the way for the imminent arrival of the Promised One of all religions who would come to establish a new age of peace and prosperity in the world. In 1863, Bahá'u'lláh announced publicly that He was that Promised One.

The Báb attracted tens of thousands of people to His teachings, thousands of whom were killed in persecutions that swept Iran. Finally, authorities had the Báb Himself put to death in an attempt to stamp out the new religion.

A half century after His execution, His sacred remains were brought to Haifa for entombment on Mount Carmel. Today His shrine is one of the most famous landmarks in Israel, and the Baha’i Faith is established in virtually every country.

The anniversary of the martyrdom of the Báb is one of nine holy days when Baha’is suspend work. It is commemorated with prayers and special programs. This year there will be a special concert by Grant Hindin Miller at the Portland Baha'i Center. We hope you can join us.