Hopefully they saved the candles from the last birthday cake.
Two years after members of the Bahá'í community marked the 200th anniversary of the birth of Bahá'u'lláh – the founder of the Bahá'í faith that’s devoted to worldwide unity – a new celebration has arisen to cause them to reconvene for a new celebration with the same number.
This is the 200th anniversary of the birth of The Báb, who was born Siyyid 'Alí-Muhammad in Shiraz, Persia.
“All over the world, all the Bahá’ís in every country, every city, every state, every province are going to celebrate it this coming weekend and in the weeks to come,” stated Behrooz Tahririha, one of the local Bahá’í community's representatives.
The Báb, whose title translates as The Gate, was the forerunner of the Bahá'í revelation. He is oftened likened to the Bahá’í counterpart of John the Baptist in Christian teachings. Originally a merchant, The Báb became a prophet as a young man and called on people to prepare for the coming of the messenger of God.
The Bahá'í faith describes itself as an independent world religion that was founded by Bahá'u'lláh based on the faith on the teachings of the oneness of humanity, God and all religions by The Báb. Bahá'u'lláh was one of The Báb’s followers and revealed himself to be that very messenger in 1863. The Báb faced stern opposition to his teachings and was executed by the reigning political forces in 1850.
To celebrate this occasion, the local Bahá'í community will be hosting two events this weekend with the public event to be held Friday night. Everyone is invited to attend a free gathering with a special guest speaker. Dr. David Smith is an Ontario-based international speaker who will talk about The Bahá’í dispensation, meaning the timeframe of the revelation of the Manifestation of God.
“Dr. Smith will speak about the effect of the revelation of The Báb. He is a very nice, very intelligent presenter. He will definitely present the effect of the coming of The Báb on the globe, which began in the mid-1800s.”
Tahririha confirmed that the celebration is for everyone, not just for the Bahá’ís. There will be a question and answer period after the presentation. Refreshments will also be served.
The presentation called The Irresistible Movement Towards a United World Civilization will take place at the St. Albert Community Hall, 17 Perron St. The event starts at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 25. Visit stalbertbahai.org or call 780-460-8408 for more information.
