Boise Bahá'í Faith: A Brief History of the Bahá'í Faith Second Epoch

A Brief History of the Bahá'í Faith

Second Epoch of the Heroic Age: 1853-1892: The Ministry of Bahá'u'lláh

Aug - Nov 1852 In the Síyáh-Chál, in October, Bahá'u'lláh, like the experience Jesus had with the Dove, receives His Intimation that He is the Messenger of God for this Day. He leads the prisoners in song so loud that the Sháh hears the singing from his palace. One by one, most of the other Bábís chained with Him are executed. By now, an approximate total of 20,000 Bábís had been martyred. Bahá'u'lláh is poisoned, but survives. Bahá'u'lláh's family and Russian Minister Prince Dolgorouki demonstrate the complete innocence of Bahá'u'lláh in the matter of the assassination attempt. Bahá'u'lláh is released after four months of imprisonment, carrying the deep marks of the chains throughout the remainder of His days. 'Abdu'l-Bahá recognizes the full impact of the station of His Father. Bahá'u'lláh bestows upon His Son the designation "Mystery of God".

12 Jan 1853 Bahá'u'lláh is banished, chooses Baghdád for His place of exile. This may be likened to the exodus of Moses and the exile of Abraham. His wealth is confiscated and properties pillaged. His youngest son is left behind with relatives because of the lack of provisions and the harsh winter travel. The journey included 'Abdu'l-Bahá age 9 and Bahíyyih Khánum age 7, and two brothers Mírzá Musa and Mírzá Muhammad Quli.

8 Apr 1853 Bahá'u'lláh arrives in Baghdád. Mírzá Aqá Ján is the first to recognize Him as the Promised One. Bahá'u'lláh achieves great fame because of the love He shows the people and because of the great Writings He reveals. He is shown veneration by the populace. Mírzá Yahyá, prodded by Siyyid Muhammad [the Antichrist of the Bahá'í Faith], begins to discredit Bahá'u'lláh out of jealousy.

10 Apr 1854 Bahá'u'lláh leaves for the mountains of Kurdistán (Sulaymáníyyih) so that He would not be a source of disunity among the Bábís. This sojourn reminds us of Christ's walk in the wilderness. Here he stays nearly two years in isolation, except for brief visits to a local town for provisions. Villagers who have contact with Him spread word of Him and are magnetized with His love. Meanwhile, under Mírzá Yahyá's direction, the Bábí community degenerates. Out of desperation, 25 men claimed to be the Promised One foretold by the Báb. 'Abdu'l-Bahá, heartbroken by His Father's absence, passes time by copying and memorizing the Báb's Writings.

19 Mar 1856 Fame of a man in the mountains of Kurdistán, had reached Baghdád. Bahá'u'lláh's family realized this man is Bahá'u'lláh and pleads for His return. He does return to Baghdád on this day and begins to rebuild the Bábí community. The community grows in size and respect.

1856 Bahá'u'lláh reveals The Seven Valleys. In 1857 He reveals The Four Valleys.

1858 Bahá'u'lláh reveals the Hidden Words.

circa 1860 Bahá'u'lláh applies for Ottoman nationality - obtains Turkish passports. Bahá'u'lláh's attendant is convinced to murder Him as He bathed, but struck by awe in His presence and remorse, he flees. Later, the same man approaches Bahá'u'lláh with a pistol, but again, in His presence, drops the pistol and flees. Famous meeting occurs between Bahá'u'lláh and clergy of several different faiths, in which the clergy concedes Bahá'u'lláh's knowledge and wisdom. They ask Him to perform a miracle as a final proof. Bahá'u'lláh agrees, but says they must all agree to one miracle (for the Cause of God is not a sideshow with hourly miracles) and put in writing that upon completion of the miracle, they must confess the truth of His Cause. The clergy could not agree on a miracle and drop the challenge. 'Abdu'l-Bahá, now 15, visits the local mosques and has dialog with the learned and Himself becomes famous for His wisdom. Mirza Mihdi joins Bahá'u'lláh.

circa 1862 Bahá'u'lláh reveals The Book of Certitude (Kitáb-i-Iqán).

26 Mar 1863 Bahá'u'lláh reveals the Tablet of the Holy Mariner, in which He reveals gloomy predictions. Prompted by the stirrings of the clergy and the Persian Consul General of Baghdád, Bahá'u'lláh was invited to Istanbul on March 26th and given a sum of money for the journey by the Governor of Baghdád. Bahá'u'lláh accepts the invitation but gives all the money to the poor.

22 April 1863 Somewhere during the next twelve days, the public declaration of the mission of Bahá'u'lláh in the Garden of Ridván [meaning Paradise, then known as the Garden of Najíbíyyih] occurs in Baghdád on the shores of the Tigris River, nineteen years after the Báb's declaration, which fulfills the Báb's prophecy. This is the official beginning of the Bahá'í Dispensation and is celebrated each year as the first day of Ridvan. He makes three important announcements: forbids the use of the sword, says there will be no other Manifestations of God for 1000 years, and proclaims that all of the attributes of God have now been made manifest. This 12 day time period is celebrated as the Ridvan Festival.

30 April 1863 Bahá'u'lláh's family joins Him, celebrated today as the ninth Day of Ridvan. During April Bahá'u'lláh asks Mírzá Yahyá to teach in Persia. Instead he flees for Constantinople.

3 May 1863 Bahá'u'lláh, 11 family members and 26 disciples depart for Constantinople at noon. During the journey, they are accorded enthusiastic receptions wherever they stopped, being preceded by the government cavalry, flags flying and drums beating.

13 Aug 1863 Bahá'u'lláh departs by steamer from the port of Sámsun to Constantinople.

16 Aug 1863 Arrival in Constantinople [the Sublime Porte] at noon. The house provided was too small. Within a month they were relocated to larger quarters. The Persian government is extremely upset with the courteousness and kindness shown by the Sultan toward Bahá'u'lláh, Who was received as a guest. Finally the Sultan was unable to resist the political pressure and issues the edict of banishment to the remote Adrianople (modern day Edirne). Bahá'u'lláh sends His first of many letters to the Kings and rulers of the world, to Sultan 'Abdu'l-'Azíz.

Sept 1863 Bahá'u'lláh's 18 month old daughter Sadhijiyyih dies.

19 Oct 1863 Bahá'u'lláh reveals the Tablet of the Bell.

12 Dec 1863 Arrival in Adrianople [the Land of Mystery] after a bitterly cold 12 day journey. Here, Bahá'u'lláh publicly announces His mission, both to His followers and to the world in letters to the Kings, rulers, religious leaders and mankind in general including elected officials. Most Bábís accept Him and become known as Bahá'ís. Note that Bahá'u'lláh's presence in Constantinople and Adrianople were the first time in recorded world history that a Manifestation of God set foot on European soil. Here, His revelation rose to its zenith; He is shown great respect by local officials, the diplomatic corps, and religious communities. Among those addressed by Bahá'u'lláh at this time were: Napoleon III, the Czar, Queen Victoria, the Pope, the Sultan and the Shah. In most cases, Bahá'u'lláh declares His Mission and makes demands of the ruler and states the consequences should He be rejected. All but Queen Victoria reject Him, and all but Queen Victoria succumb to defeat and humiliation, including Pope Pius IX.

The house where Bahá'u'lláh stayed while in Adrianople.

1864 Bahá'u'lláh is poisoned by His half brother, Mírzá Yahyá. He was seriously ill for a month and was left with a shaking hand until the end of His life. (Today, you can see the effects of the poisoning in the penmanship of Bahá'u'lláh, preserved in the Bahá'í archives in Haifa.). Mírzá Yahyá has the well poisoned which provided water to Bahá'u'lláh's companions.

1865 Les Religions et les Philosophies dans l' Asie Centrale by the Comte de Gobineau is published, making the West aware of the Báb. 'Abdu'l-Bahá becomes known by all as "The Master".

some time later Bahá'u'lláh reveals the Tablet of Ahmad for Ahmad-i-Yazdí, a resident of Baghdád, who travels throughout Persia confirming that Bahá'u'lláh is the Promised One of all ages (part of the proof he gave was a written statement by the Báb "which declared that 'He Whom God shall make manifest' would bear the name Bahá").

March 1866 Bahá'u'lláh reveals the Surih of Command for Mírzá Yahyá calling on his allegiance. Yahyá responds by proclaiming that he is the Chosen One.

14 Nov 1866 The great star fall occurs as predicted in Matt 24:29.

Sept 1867 Yahya challenges Bahá'u'lláh to appear with him in a public challenge but himself fails to appear. Some time after, Bahá'u'lláh reveals the Surih of Kings in which He collectively addresses all monarchs, the first Tablet to Napoleon III, the Lawh-i-Sultan and the Tablet of the Branch which foreshadows 'Abdu'l-Bahá's future station. Nabil-i-A'zam is sent to Iraq and Iran to inform the Bábís of the advent of Bahá'u'lláh.

26 July 1868 Sultan 'Abdu'l-'Aziz orders perpetual banishment of Bahá'u'lláh.

12 Aug 1868 Mírzá Yahyá [who had been given the title Subh-i-Azal (Morning of Eternity) by the Báb), responded to Bahá'u'lláh's public claim by also claiming he was a messenger of God. Due to the plotting,scheming and intrigues by Mírzá Yahyá (who was the constant willing tool of Siyyid Muhammad), the Sultan banishes Bahá'u'lláh and His companions to 'Akká, while Mírzá Yahyá and his party (the Azalís) are sent to Cyprus. Bahá'u'lláh and 66 of His followers departs from Adrianople, initially for Gallipoli. Additionally, the government decided that four of the Azalís would accompany the Bahá'í group and vice versa. Siyyid Muhammad was one of the four to accompany Bahá'u'lláh. The lies and calumnies by Mírzá Yahyá and Siyyid Muhammad damaged the prestige of the Faith in the eyes of its western admirers such as E. G. Browne and A.L.M. Nicolas (the French Diplomat and translator of the Persian and Arabic Bayáns). Yahyá later died with no followers left to give him a burial as either a Bábí or Bahá'í.

21 Aug 1868 Bahá'u'lláh departs from Gallipoli by steamer for Haifa and then by sail to 'Akká.

31 Aug 1868 Arrival in 'Akká [the Most Great Prison, today known as Acre], a prison city for which it was said at that time that should a bird fly over it, the bird would surely fall to the ground dead for its foul air. During the first short while, almost all the prisoners became ill with malaria, dysentery or other sicknesses. 'Abdu'l-Bahá tended to all the sick even though he himself contracted an illness. Bahá'u'lláh predicts that one day He will pitch His tent on Mt. Carmel. Three succumbed to their illnesses.

The old seagate where
Bahá'u'lláh and his party
first entered the prison
city of 'Akká. on
August 31, 1868.

The citadel of 'Akká
where Bahá'u'lláh
was imprisoned
for two years.

Map showing the exiles of Bahá'u'lláh, from Tihran (south of the Caspian Sea),
to Baghdad, then Constantinople, Adrianople, and finally 'Akká (Acre, Israel).

2 Sep 1868 The Governor of 'Akká visits the "desperate criminals" and is deeply impressed by 'Abdu'l-Bahá. He is moved to improve their conditions. Another visitor states that "such pure and sanctified souls had never before been seen in 'Akká". Meanwhile, Siyyid Muhammad and Aqá Ján Big, the source of all the lies to the authorities, convinced some guards to move their quarters to overlook the land gate so that they could identify anyone who arrived if they were Bahá'í and thus warning the guards, the pilgrims who had walked for weeks would be turned back without even a glimpse of Bahá'u'lláh through His cell window.

1868-1870 Bahá'u'lláh sends Tablets (letters) to 'Ali Pasha [Lawh-i-Ra'is], (second to) Napoleon III, Czar Alexander II, Queen Victoria, Pope Pius IX, Government of the United States (then President Grant).

Early 1869 17 year old Badi arrives in 'Akka after 4 months journey on foot, meets Bahá'u'lláh, requests and is given the Tablet to the Shah for delivery.

1 May 1869 Nabil meets Bahá'u'lláh.

July 1869 Badi delivers tablet to Shah, is tortured and executed. Named "Pride of the Martyrs" by Bahá'u'lláh.

1870 Napoleon III defeated by Kaiser Wilhelm I, goes into exile in England and dies in 1873.

23 Jun 1870 Mírzá Mihdí (the Purest Branch, Bahá'u'lláh's youngest son) falls through a skylight in the prison. Bahá'u'lláh offers to heal him but Mírzá Mihdí instead offers his life as a sacrifice so that those who desire may undertake pilgrimages. Bahá'u'lláh accepts and the Purest Branch dies at age 22. 70 years later, his body is entombed in the Monument Gardens on Mount Carmel.

July 1870 The Roman Catholic Vatican Council & Pope Pius IX declare doctrine of papal infallibility. Shortly afterwards Italian forces attack the Papal State, seize Rome and place the Pope under house arrest.

4 Nov 1870 Release from prison barracks to house within 'Akká (the house of 'Udí Khammár). This house was attached to the house of 'Abbúd. The partition between them was later removed and became known as simply the house of 'Abbúd.

The house of 'Abbúd near the sea wall of 'Akká.
Here is where Bahá'u'lláh and his family lived
from late 1873 until June 1877.

Sep 1871 Bahá'u'lláh transferred to the house of 'Udi Khammar in 'Akka. Late in the year He reveals the Fire Tablet.

23 Jan 1872 Murder of Siyyid Muhammad (the one who had constantly manipulated Mírzá Yahyá into his cowardly acts), Aqá Ján Big and another companion Covenant-breaker in 'Akká in retaliation for their persecutions. Bahá'u'lláh had forbidden any act of retaliation, but seven of His tormented companions succumbed. An army of men descended upon the Bahá'ís. The seven guilty men were confined for several years. The remainder were confined for six months. The distress caused to Bahá'u'lláh of this event was immeasurable: "That which can make Me ashamed is the conduct of such of My followers as profess to love Me".

8 March 1873 Marriage of 'Abdu'l-Bahá and Munírih Khánum. Four of their daughters survived the long imprisonment and distinguished themselves in their lives dedicated to service. Shoghi Effendi was born to the eldest daughter later. Five other children died very young.

1873 A new governor of 'Akká is appointed. This one was captivated by 'Abdu'l-Bahá and saw through the ploys of the antagonists. He asked Bahá'u'lláh what he could do of service: Bahá'u'lláh requested that the aqueduct be restored to operation. Bahá'u'lláh reveals the Kitáb-i-Aqdás [the Most Holy Book, the Book of Laws and Ordinances of the Bahá'í Faith]. In this Book is also found many more addresses to the rulers of the world and is the culmination of His formal declaration. The Bahá'í community transformed into a respected community and Bahá'ís were allowed to open up shops. Late in the year, Bahá'u'lláh acquires the house of 'Abbud adjoining their house and makes it one residence.

1875 The new governor is transferred, expresses his sorrow at his separation from Bahá'u'lláh and His son. 'Abdu'l-Bahá writes The Secret of Divine Civilization on the establishment of a just and divinely-based government. Bahá'u'lláh sends Bahá'ís to India to spread the Faith.

30 May 1876 Sultan 'Abdu'l-Aziz is deposed and is either assassinated or commits suicide.

31 August 1876 'Abdu'l-Hamid II becomes Sultan. Hereafter, the banishment decree of the dead Sultan is relaxed.

June 1877 Departure from 'Akká for the Mansion of Mazra'ih and His first visits to the Ridván Garden.

Mansion of Mazrá'ih where Bahá'u'lláh and his family
lived from June 1877 until 1879 when he moved to Bahjí.

17 March 1879 Martyrdom of Haji Siyyid Muhammad-Hasan (the King of the Martyrs) and Jahi Siyyid Hummad-Husayn (the Beloved of the Martyrs). Death sentence was pronounced by Shaykh Muhammad-Baqir, "the Wolf". They were put in chains, decapited and dragged for public viewing.

Sep 1879 Occupation of the Mansion of Bahjí [Joy]. Bahá'u'lláh increasingly delegates affairs of the Bahá'í community toward 'Abdu'l-Bahá, helping the community to become gradually accustomed to 'Abdu'l-Bahá's role after Bahá'u'lláh's passing.

Bahjí, originally built by 'Abdú`lláh Pashá in 1821,
it was later restored and expanded by 'Udi Khammar in 1870.

Bahá'u'lláh resided here from 1879 until his ascension on May 29, 1892.

24 Mar 1881 Mirza Yahya is freed by the British administration in Cyprus. He is denied British citizenship and remains in Cyprus until his death.

15 Sep 1882 Death of Khadijih-Bagum, wife of the Báb in Shiraz.

The site where Bahá'u'lláh had a tent pitched and stayed during his second visit to Haifa and Mt. Carmel. It was near this spot where He revealed the Lawh-i-Karmil ( Tablet of Carmel) in 1891, eluding to the establishment of the World Center of the Bahá'i Faith. Later, Shoghi Effendi reiterated this by stating that the Lawh-i-Karmil (Tablet of Carmel) was the charter for the founding of the center of the Baha'i Faith on the Holy Mountain.

1882-1883 Tihran upheaval - leading members of the community are arrested and condemned to death.

August 1883 Second visit by Bahá'u'lláh to Haifa

1886 Death of Bahá'u'lláh's wife Navváb in 'Akká. 'Abdu'l-Bahá writes A Traveller's Narrative.

1887 Mirza Musa, faithful brother of Bahá'u'lláh, dies in 'Akká.

March 1889 E.G.Browne gives first lecture in the West on the Faith after spending 1887-1888 in Persia.

17 July 1889 The "Son of the Wolf" drives over a hundred Bahá'ís out of their cities near Isfahan.

circa 1890 Nabil presents his book The Dawn-Breakers to Bahá'u'lláh and 'Abdu'l-Bahá for approval.

15-20 April 1890 Edward Granville Browne of Cambridge University, interviews Bahá'u'lláh four times and visits with 'Abdu'l-Bahá at Bahjí.

Spring 1890 and summer 1891 Two more visits by Bahá'u'lláh to Haifa; revelation of the Tablet of Carmel (1891); Bahá'u'lláh's identification of the site of the future Shrine of the Báb.

1891 Bahá'u'lláh's revelation of the Epistle to the Son of the Wolf. A Traveler's Narrative is published by the Cambridge University Press, facilitated by E. G. Browne.

19 May 1891 Execution of the Seven Martyrs of Yazd.

1891 or 1892 Revelation of the Kitáb-i-'Ahd [the Book of the Covenant], the last Tablet revealed.

c. 24 May 1891 Bahá'u'lláh calls all the believers to His bedside for their last audience with Him.

29 May 1892 Ascension of Bahá'u'lláh at 8 hours after sunset (approximately. 3AM) in Bahjí, 'Akká. 'Abdu'l-Bahá telegraphs the Sultan: "The Sun of Bahá has set."

7 Jun 1892 Unsealing and reading of Bahá'u'lláh's Kitáb-i-'Ahd at Bahjí. 'Abdu'l-Bahá ["the Centre of the Covenant of Bahá'u'lláh", "the Master", "the Most Mighty Branch", "the Exemplar"] is appointed as the interpreter of His teachings and the source of authority in all affairs of the faith.

The entrance to the outer part of the Shine of Bahá'u'lláh and the resting place of His mortal remains. On the day of Bahá'u'lláh's ascension, May 29, 1892, he was laid to rest beneath the floor of a room in the house adjacent the the Mansion of Bahjí. The Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh is the holiest spot on earth to Baha'is, a place of pilgrimage, and the Qiblih of the Bahá'i Faith.