My kids and I love reading with our ears. Did you know that listening to stories and audiobooks is a form of reading? There seems to always be one story or another playing amidst all… More
The Declaration of the Báb: A Story of Revelation, Courage, and Faith
Born Siyyid ‘Alí-Muhammad in Shiraz, the Báb announced on May 22, 1844, that He was the bearer of a new Divine Revelation preparing humanity for the coming of a promised Messenger of God. Bahá’ís around the world commemorate this event each year as the Declaration of the Báb.
The Báb’s message called for spiritual renewal, justice, unity, and peace at a time of widespread social and moral decline in Persia. His words and character deeply moved those who met Him, and He quickly attracted thousands of followers. Many Christians and Muslims of the time were already anticipating the appearance of a promised spiritual figure, making His declaration especially significant.
As His influence spread, opposition from religious and political leaders intensified. The Báb was imprisoned, exiled, beaten, and ultimately executed in 1850. Thousands of His followers were also persecuted and killed, yet their courage and devotion drew attention from prominent Western observers, including Leo Tolstoy and Sarah Bernhardt.
Before His death, the Báb foretold the coming of another Messenger—Bahá’u’lláh—who later declared Himself to be the One the Báb had promised and founded the Bahá’í Faith.
Today, the Bahá’í Faith has millions of followers around the world from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Bahá’ís honor the anniversary of the Báb’s declaration with prayers, gatherings, and reflection on His life and teachings.
A Baha’i Love Story from a Nigerian Princess
Folashade Josiah, a princess from the Fidipote royal family in Ijebu Ode, Nigeria, was raised in a deeply Muslim environment. She studied Islam from a young age and learned to recite the Qur’an in Arabic. At the age of twenty-seven, she met Alfred Josiah, a Christian man, in the northern city of Katsina. Despite their different religious backgrounds, they fell in love and eventually married after overcoming family objections.
Although their marriage was filled with love and they later had a daughter together, Folashade felt there was still something missing. Spiritually, they lived in separate worlds. They could not truly pray together or share the same faith, and this deeply troubled her. She began praying to God, asking if there was a religion that could unite both Muslims and Christians.
She spent the night reading Bahá’í books and prayers and soon decided to become a Bahá’í.
Only a few days later, she met a young man named Mutalib Saka, who introduced her to the Bahá’í Faith. He explained that the religion teaches the unity of humanity and the harmony of all religions. Folashade was overwhelmed, feeling as though her prayers had been answered directly. She spent the night reading Bahá’í books and prayers and soon decided to become a Bahá’í.
Her husband was initially uncertain, but after further conversations and reflection, he also embraced the faith just three days later. For Folashade, this was one of the happiest moments of her life because she finally felt spiritually united with her husband.
In the years that followed, she became actively involved in the Bahá’í community in Nigeria, serving in leadership and community-building roles.
In the years that followed, she became actively involved in the Bahá’í community in Nigeria, serving in leadership and community-building roles. Her story became a powerful example of faith, love, and unity beyond religious differences.
In the words of Baha’u’llah:
“There can be no doubt whatever that the peoples of the world, of whatever race or religion, derive their inspiration from one heavenly Source, and are the subjects of one God.”
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Source:
Thames Valley Bahá’í Community 