Episode I: Nabil’s Narrative: The Dawn of the Baha’i Faith in 19th-Century Persia

Let’s take a step off the beaten path and delve into a story that, while recent in the grand scheme of things, has its roots in age-old themes of faith, struggle, and the human spirit. We are entering a world where courage and devotion clash with oppression and fanaticism. Today, we turn our gaze towards 19th-century Persia, now known as Iran, and the birthplace of the Baha’i Faith.

Our guide on this journey is Nabil, an early believer in the Baha’i Faith, who, using his pen as both a sword and a shield, chronicled the beginnings of a Faith that now has followers all across the globe. The narrative he gives us, with such dedicated attention to detail, is extraordinary in many ways. It’s a tale of high emotion, dramatic struggle, and profound faith, illuminated brightly against the backdrop of the darkest times.

But the tale Nabil tells is not always a pleasant one. It’s steeped in the harsh reality of persecution and torment. At a time when religious reformation was seen as a threat, the followers of the Bab, the herald of the Baha’i Faith, faced relentless cruelty and oppression. And yet, even in the face of such adversity, their resolve remained unbroken, often finding ecstasy in the depths of suffering.

Nabil, himself a participant in this remarkable story, wrote with a purpose. His intention was not to systematically present the teachings and claims of Baha’u’llah and His Forerunner, the Bab. Rather, he sought to document the birth and early days of the Baha’i Revelation and immortalize the early champions of the Faith. It’s a raw, literal account, meticulously sourced, making it all the more valuable as a historical document.

Yet, to fully grasp the magnitude of the narrative, one needs to understand the socio-political climate of 19th-century Persia, the mindset of the people, the sway of the clergy, and the iron rule of the monarchy. Nabil assumed his readers knew these details, but for those of you not familiar with Persian history, the picture might be a bit hard to paint.

To paint that picture for you, Persia in the 19th century was a society wracked by internal strife, corruption, and a paralyzing stagnation, its once illustrious flame dwindling amidst the encroaching darkness of its own decay. It’s a setting whose story is captured in the extensive English literature and the chronicles of European travelers like Lord Curzon and Sir J. Malcolm. But our narrative today isn’t just about a decaying society or a once-mighty civilization brought low by its own shortcomings. No, our journey takes us into the heart of a religious movement that sprang from this very maelstrom of suffering and decay.

To truly grasp the magnitude of the story we’re about to unfurl, one must first understand the landscape from which it arose. A land burdened with the Augean stables of corruption, inefficiency, and internal strife. Persia at this time was a society at odds with itself, frozen in a state of self-inflicted paralysis. The mighty Persia that once had extended her conquests east and west, leading the civilization of humankind, was but a shadow of her former self, her prosperity well-nigh extinguished.

Abdu’l-Baha, despite the injustices he and his predecessors faced, referred to Persia’s degradation as “the tragedy of a people.” He wrote a poignant lament for his homeland, mourning the fall of a civilization that once served as the global fulcrum of sciences, arts, culture, and virtues. Now, it languished, crippled by sloth, vanity, and indifference.

This was the Persia that the figure of the Bab, the Herald of the Baha’i Faith, found himself in when he inaugurated the Movement in the middle of the 19th century. His mission was far from easy, embarking on a path of religious reform in a society where the Church-State system, as Lord Curzon aptly put it, was “venal, cruel, and immoral.” The Shah’s word was law. Absolute power resided with the monarch, untempered by any civil tribunal. This system of rule trickled down to every level, creating a network of corruption and nepotism that permeated the very fabric of Persian society.

Gift-giving, or as Lord Curzon termed it “madakhil,” had become an institutionalized form of corruption. A system where the best offer, not merit, secured a post. This practice, far from being viewed as wrong, was celebrated and even considered the national interest of a Persian’s existence.

But amidst this bleak panorama, the Bab dared to challenge the status quo. Unfazed by the inevitable persecution and danger, he boldly declared his mission. The Bab claimed himself as the Qa’im, the promised High Prophet or Messiah of the Muslim world, a declaration that sent shockwaves through a society rooted in deeply ingrained religious dogma. And with this, he also announced himself as the Bab, the Gate, hinting at a greater manifestation yet to come.

In the face of such radical and, in the eyes of many, heretical claims, the Bab stood undeterred. He knew the risks and understood the implications of his teachings. After all, he was not merely challenging a Church-State system, but also questioning the interpretations of Islamic prophecies and traditions that had for centuries shaped the religious fabric of the country.

The religious chasm between the Shi’ahs and Sunnis, both expecting a twofold manifestation, and their respective interpretations of it, only added fuel to the flames of conflict ignited by the Bab’s claims. The Shi’ahs, from whose doctrines the Babi Movement arose, anticipated the coming of the “Hidden Imam” who was expected to restore justice and righteousness, while the Sunnis awaited the “Second Coming of Jesus,” who would bring forth an era of peace and justice.

Into this milieu stepped the Bab, who claimed to fulfill both prophecies. He maintained that he was the “Hidden Imam” returned, or the Qa’im, promised by the Islamic Faith, and at the same time signaled that he was the forerunner or “The Gate” to “Him Whom God shall make manifest,” a figure even greater than himself. This figure would eventually be identified as Baha’u’llah, the founder of the Baha’i Faith, who declared his mission in 1863.

The claim of the Bab wasn’t merely a theological statement; it was a challenge to the established socio-political order that was intertwined with the religious hierarchy. He dared to challenge the highest religious authority — the Ulama, or the Muslim scholars, who held a grip over the religious, social, and legal systems of the country. He presented a different interpretation of the Islamic law, a reformed system of jurisprudence, and the promise of the elimination of the clergy. For a nation so deeply entrenched in the religious establishment, such a proposition was seen as nothing less than a rebellion.

The Bab’s mission was nothing short of radical: to prepare the way for a greater Manifestation of God and to revolutionize not only the religious and social spheres of his native Persia, but the world.

But the path of reform is treacherous. The religious leaders of the time — the mullas — could not accept the Bab’s bold message, which threatened to shake the very foundations of their established order. They were supposed to be the guardians of Islam, not the midwives of its transformation. So they did what those in power often do when their authority is threatened: they retaliated.

The reaction was swift and violent. The Bab and his followers, known as Babis, faced persecution, imprisonment, and execution. The Bab himself was executed in 1850, just six years after he announced his claim. However, the Movement he ignited couldn’t be extinguished so easily. The seeds of change were sown. His teachings were carried forward by his followers, and eventually by Baha’u’llah, culminating in the establishment of the Baha’i Faith, which today counts millions of followers worldwide.

The Baha’i Faith, springing from the very heart of this conflict-ridden society, espoused unity, universal fellowship, equality of sexes, elimination of all forms of prejudice, and harmony of science and religion, teachings starkly contrasted with the reality of 19th century Persia. Despite its origin in the Middle East, it’s a Faith that has found adherents from every corner of the world, transcending racial, ethnic, and socio-economic boundaries.

The plight of the Bab and his followers draws parallels with the story of Jesus Christ himself. In both cases, we see an uncompromising figure of change, unyielding in their mission to bring about a new spiritual order, persecuted by those desperate to maintain the status quo.

Yet, the oppression and persecution of these religious leaders did not quell the flames of reform. Instead, it fanned them. The narrative tells us of the Bab’s charismatic influence, his remarkable ability to convert even his jailers, and how he left a deep impression on the few Europeans he encountered, like the English doctor, Cormick, who, despite being a skeptic, couldn’t help but acknowledge the gentle and mesmerizing presence of the Bab. Despite the Bab being a prisoner, he impressed Dr. Cormick with his serenity and the soft melody of his voice. The same charm and nobility of character that had attracted many Persians to His cause, even in adversity, were visible to this European observer.

The Movement of the Bab continued to gain traction, drawing the attention of a cross-section of Persians and quickly growing into a force that would shape the future of Persia, and far beyond.

However, this wouldn’t come without sacrifice. The Babis, as the followers of the Bab were known, would endure relentless persecution. And in some instances, compelled by their dire circumstances and a desperate need for self-preservation, they would resort to resistance.

Yet, even in the heat of conflict, they exhibited restraint, a principle that would be later reinforced by Baha’u’llah, the Promised One of the Bab, who would assert: “It is better to be killed than to kill.”

Through all the bloodshed, the suffering, and the merciless violence, the fire of the Bab’s teachings refused to die out. Baha’u’llah would carry the flame forward, declaring His own divine mission years later. Despite being an exile and a prisoner, the message of Baha’u’llah traveled far and wide, and today the influence of the Bab and Baha’u’llah continues to be felt globally. The principles they espoused decades ago in a region fraught with turmoil and fanaticism are now widely accepted as pillars of a progressive civilization.

The entrenched religious clerics of the Islamic tradition had anticipated a messiah-like figure, the Qa’im, who would not substitute a new revelation for the old but would fortify and extend their existing system, aggrandizing their authority and prestige across the globe. This was their expectation, their plan for the future.

But then, the Bab appeared, and the Bab brought with Him a new code of religious law, an entirely new revelation, challenging the religious monopoly that these priests held dear. Naturally, this perceived threat to their power and prestige instigated fear and rejection, leading to the Bab’s persecution.

More than a millennium before, Christ had faced a similar reaction from the Scribes and Pharisees. The resistance to change, the fear of losing power and influence, led the Scribes and Pharisees to vehemently oppose Christ, and similarly, the Bab faced similar persecution from the mullas of Persia.

But the mullas, like the Pharisees of old, found it challenging to construct a plausible pretext to justify their persecution of the Bab, this perceived threat to their power and stability.

The Bab’s followers, on the other hand, did not have the same protections. Fanatical hatred and covetous desires fueled a campaign of persecution against them. They were made to appear as a threat to the state, their religious aspirations painted as political ambitions. This campaign saw violence and plunder of a group that was becoming increasingly influential.

Let’s take a closer look at the events in Mazindaran, Nayriz, and Zanjan. These weren’t battlefield conflicts between well-matched armies. No, these were people… ordinary, peaceful people pushed to the brink of endurance. They were forced to take up arms for their very survival. And yet, they didn’t lose their humanity. They never initiated attacks. They never inflicted harm unnecessarily.

Remember, these were just ordinary people, not trained soldiers or hardened insurgents. They were individuals, families, communities, pushed to the edge of existence, and clinging desperately to their Faith. This was a true test of their faith and resilience.

Picture it. A religious purge, carried out under the banner of preserving established power, orthodoxy.

But even as the fires of persecution raged, and it seemed that the Babi Movement might be extinguished forever, something endured. A spark of faith smoldering in the hearts of the exiled followers, the oppressed people of Persia. It lay there, patiently, waiting for the right gust of wind to fan it into a blaze of rebirth.

Out of the ashes of the Babi Movement rose a new light, a new hope. Baha’u’llah, the Promised One of the Bab, made His declaration and His teachings rippled across the globe. He wrote letters to the world leaders, articulating His vision of a united humanity. Despite a life of exile, of imprisonment, His message penetrated barriers, broke chains, and reached into every corner of the world, setting hearts on fire and inspiring a revolution. Not a revolution of violence, but one of social and spiritual transformation.

In our modern world, it’s easy to overlook the sheer daring and audacity that it took for the Bab, a young man from Shiraz, to rise and announce a new Revelation, contradicting all expectations, all desires, of both the rich and the poor, the mighty and the meek. Can you imagine the courage it would take to stand against the tide of your entire society?

Just to make it clear, we’re not talking about a reformer who wanted to change a few things. We’re discussing a man who declared himself the Promised One, a Manifestation of God. This isn’t the type of declaration one can make lightly. It requires an unshakeable belief in the message you are to share, coupled with a will of steel, to face the inevitable backlash such a proclamation would bring.

The Bab didn’t just come out with a new revelation, he even prophesied his own martyrdom. And, yet, he moved forward, undeterred, his zeal increasing even as he met with relentless resistance and persecution. He stood firm in the face of the most horrific atrocities, meeting hate with love, violence with peace, and ignorance with wisdom.

Not only did the Bab stand against the forces of the time, his teachings inspired and galvanized a myriad of individuals who became his devoted disciples. They faced persecution and death with a tranquillity that’s almost unfathomable. Their devotion, their acceptance of the trials that befell them, their unwavering faith, that’s what we’re talking about today.

From the Bab’s example and the resilience of his followers, we get a glimpse of the raw, transformative power of faith. We see the unbreakable spirit of individuals pushed to the brink, yet standing tall and unwavering in the face of their oppressors. We get a profound sense of the heights and depths of human experience, of the trials and tribulations that can shape and define who we are, and of the capacity of the human spirit to endure and overcome.

In the following episodes, we’ll find a tribute to these individuals, a testament to their courage, to their faith, and to their unwavering commitment to their belief. We’ll be able to peer through a window into the intense persecution that the Babis faced, and the astonishing resilience they displayed in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Through Nabil’s eyes, we’ll see not only the Bab and his disciples, but the power of faith itself. We’ll see the capacity of belief to inspire, to motivate, to sustain, and to transform. We’ll see the strength of individuals standing alone against the world, driven by a faith so powerful that it can move mountains.

This is a story of faith, of persecution, of steadfastness, and ultimately, of triumph. It’s a narrative that continues to echo through time, reminding us of the power of belief, the strength of conviction, and the indomitable human spirit.

But it’s more than just a tale of historical events. It’s a tale of human courage and resilience, a tale of the transformative power of faith. It’s a tale that forces us to question our own beliefs, our own convictions, and our own willingness to stand up for what we believe in. Because, at the end of the day, it’s not about the trials we face, but how we face them that defines us.

And this is what makes history so compelling, isn’t it? The people. The actions they took, the beliefs they held. The sacrifices they were willing to make, and the undying faith that sustained them through it all. This is truly awe-inspiring.

From the grandeur of Baha’u’llah and the Bab to the humility and sacrifice of their followers, the history of the Baha’i Faith is a chronicle of courage, of spiritual triumph over physical persecution, and of faith over adversity. Baha’is understand that humanity is on a long and difficult journey towards its collective maturity. Every generation has its trials to bear, its mountains to climb, and its obstacles to overcome. And yet, despite these struggles, we have faith that humanity will emerge from its collective adolescence and realize its destiny as a unified, peaceful, and enlightened global society.

In 1863, Baha’u’llah penned His famous words: “The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.” More than 150 years later, we are still striving to fulfil this vision. Our world, for all its progress, is still marked by conflict and division. The dream of global unity that Baha’u’llah envisaged may seem distant, but as we look around us, we see signs of change. We see a generation that is increasingly global in its outlook, that is demanding justice for all, and that is eager to build a better world.

In the face of the monumental challenges of our time, from the threat of nuclear war and environmental disaster to the scourge of inequality and injustice, we may draw inspiration from the stories of the Bab and Baha’u’llah, who dared to dream of a better world, and of the early Baha’is, who suffered and died for this cause. They showed us that it is possible to stand up to the forces of intolerance and hate, that it is possible to imagine a new and better world, and that it is possible to give everything, even our lives, for the cause of unity and justice.

As we reflect on the lessons of our history, let us remember that each of us has a part to play in writing the next chapter of this story. The future is not predetermined; it is shaped by our choices and our actions. So let us choose to build a world marked not by division, but by unity; not by hatred, but by love; not by prejudice, but by understanding.

This has been the story of 19th-century Persia and the birth of the Baha’i Faith. But it is also a story of timeless truths and enduring values. It is a story of the struggle for spiritual enlightenment and social justice. And above all, it is a story of the indomitable spirit of humanity, which, despite all challenges and setbacks, continues to strive for a better and more just world.

The Bab and Baha’u’llah’s message, even after two centuries, is still revolutionary and it challenges us to look beyond our differences and to recognize the underlying unity of all humanity. They envisioned a world where the barriers of prejudice and hatred would crumble, and where love and unity would reign. Their vision is our guiding light, their courage our inspiration, and their message our mission.

Stay tuned next episode for a tale of courage, of conviction, and of change. This has been the story of 19th-century Persia and the birth of the Baha’i Faith, a narrative that bears the weight of history, carries the echoes of prophecy, and embodies the enduring human desire for justice, unity, and progress.

Before we leave, let’s remember the words of Baha’u’llah, who said: “So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth.” May we all strive to be bearers of this light. To this end, we dedicate ourselves, and for this cause, we work.

This concludes the inaugural episode of The Dawning Light. I’m Danilo Stern-Sapad, and I thank you for your time.

If you have any corrections, suggestions, questions, or other constructive feedback, please contact me.

I value your input and am committed to ensuring both the accuracy and reverence of The Dawning Light.

This post was originally published at https://thedawninglight.org/episodes/episode-1-nabils-narrative/ on July 1, 2023.