July 9
After informing Mulla Husayn of his divinity, an event known as the Declaration of the Báb, Husayn introduced the Báb to his doubting companions. Upon meeting the Báb, his companions grew to believe in his authenticity. The first 18 believers of the Báb were known as the 18 Living Letters. They spread news of the Báb’s arrival across Persia.
But as the circle of believers grew, so did the animosity and persecution against the Báb and his followers. Religious leaders had the Báb arrested and tried for his claims of divinity and for undermining Islamic law.
By this time the Báb had written numerous books and treatises which would become the foundation of the Bahai Faith.
The Báb and his follower Muhammad Ali were scheduled for execution by firing squad on July 9, 1850.
Both men were bound by ropes prior to the execution. The order was given to fire. When the smoke cleared, Muhammad Ali was found unharmed, as if the bullets had only broken his ropes. And the Báb had disappeared.
The Báb was found unharmed in another part of the barracks. He was quoted as saying, “I have finished My conversation with Siyyid Husayn. Now you may proceed to fulfil your intention.”
He was marched back to the firing squad and promptly executed again, this time for good.
He was 30 years old.
The Bab is one of the two divine messengers of God of the Baha’i Faith. He foretold the coming of the religion’s great prophet Baha’u’llah.
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