Oct. 15, 2005 – On Oct. 20, the Baha'i Community of the Virgin Islands will celebrate the Holy Day commemorating the Birth of the Bab, one of the Twin Prophets of the Baha'i Faith. Siyyid Ali-Muhammed, titled the 'Bab' (Gate), was born in 1819 in Shiraz, Persia (present-day Iran) to a family of merchants. Both of his parents were direct descendants of the Prophet Muhammed. In 1844, in the same tradition as John the Baptist, He announced that He was the "Gate" through which the Universal Messenger of God expected by all humanity would soon appear.
The Bab also brought His own independent religion, which renewed the eternal religion of God, abolished certain outmoded traditions and practices, and introduced new teachings. He was martyred in 1850. In 1863 the Universal Messenger foretold by the Bab announced His mission. His name is Baha'u'llah, which means the Glory of God. He brought teachings to guide mankind on the path to world unity.
For additional information on the Bahá'í Faith, call 774-3648 or email [email protected].