’Idál, 05 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness), 181 B.E.
Walking Together on a Path of Service
Quotes for Reflection:
O My beloved friends! You are the bearers of the name of God in this Day. You have been chosen as the repositories of His mystery. It behoves each one of you to manifest the attributes of God, and to exemplify by your deeds and words the signs of His righteousness, His power and glory. The very members of your body must bear witness to the loftiness of your purpose, the integrity of your life, the reality of your faith, and the exalted character of your devotion. — The Báb 1
He—glorified be His mention—resembleth the sun. Were unnumbered mirrors to be placed before it, each would, according to its capacity, reflect the splendor of that sun, and were none to be placed before it, it would still continue to rise and set, and the mirrors alone would be veiled from its light. I, verily, have not fallen short of My duty to admonish that people, and to devise means whereby they may turn towards God, their Lord, and believe in God, their Creator. If, on the day of His Revelation, all that are on earth bear Him allegiance, Mine inmost being will rejoice, inasmuch as all will have attained the summit of their existence, and will have been brought face to face with their Beloved, and will have recognized, to the fullest extent attainable in the world of being, the splendor of Him Who is the Desire of their hearts. If not, My soul will indeed be saddened. I truly have nurtured all things for this purpose. How, then, can anyone be veiled from Him? For this have I called upon God, and will continue to call upon Him. He, verily, is nigh, ready to answer. — The Báb 2
This is 23 May, the anniversary of the message and Declaration of the Báb. It is a blessed day and the dawn of manifestation, for the appearance of the Báb was the early light of the true morn, whereas the manifestation of the Blessed Beauty, Bahá’u’lláh, was the shining forth of the sun. Therefore, it is a blessed day, the inception of the heavenly bounty, the beginning of the divine effulgence. On this day in 1844 the Báb was sent forth heralding and proclaiming the Kingdom of God, announcing the glad tidings of the coming of Bahá’u’lláh and withstanding the opposition of the whole Persian nation. Some of the Persians followed Him. For this they suffered the most grievous difficulties and severe ordeals. They withstood the tests with wonderful power and sublime heroism. Thousands were cast into prison, punished, persecuted and martyred. Their homes were pillaged and destroyed, their possessions confiscated. They sacrificed their lives most willingly and remained unshaken in their faith to the very end. Those wonderful souls are the lamps of God, the stars of sanctity shining gloriously from the eternal horizon of the will of God. — Abdu’l-Bahá 3
The pattern of spiritual and social life taking shape in clusters that involves study circles, children’s classes, junior youth groups, devotional meetings, home visits, teaching efforts, and reflection meetings, as well as Holy Day observances, Nineteen Day Feasts, and other gatherings, provides abundant opportunities for engagement, experience, consultation, and learning that will lead to change in personal and collective understanding and action. Issues of prejudice of race, class, and color will inevitably arise as the friends reach out to diverse populations, especially in the closely knit context of neighborhoods. There, every activity can take a form most suited to the culture and interests of the population, so that new believers can be quickened and confirmed in a nurturing and familiar environment, until they are able to offer their share to the resolution of the challenges faced by a growing Bahá’í community. For this is not a process that some carry out on behalf of others who are passive recipients—the mere extension of a congregation and invitation to paternalism—but one in which an ever-increasing number of souls recognize and take responsibility for the transformation of humanity set in motion by Bahá’u’lláh. In an environment of love and trust born of common belief, practice, and mission, individuals of different races will have the intimate connection of heart and mind upon which mutual understanding and change depend. As a result of their training and deepening, a growing number of believers will draw insights from the Writings to sensitively and effectively address issues of racial prejudice that arise within their personal lives and families, among community members, and in social settings and the workplace. As programs of growth advance and the scope and intensity of activities grow, the friends will be drawn into participation in conversations and, in time, initiatives for social action at the grassroots where issues pertaining to freedom from prejudice naturally emerge, whether directly or indirectly. — Universal House of Justice 4
Questions for Consideration
You have finished studying the second unit, “The Life of the Báb,” in Book 4, The Twin Manifestations with a group of young people. They have practiced narrating each of the episodes of the life of the Báb as they have gone through the various sections of the unit, and they have now memorized two prayers He revealed and are trying to commit to memory His address to the Letters of the Living. The anniversary of the Declaration of the Báb is approaching, and the group volunteers to arrange the program for the Holy Day celebration in the community. They are eager to draw on what they have learned. How do you help them plan the program and prepare for the event? What could you do as a tutor to ensure that each of the members of the group is able to contribute to the creation of a reverent and joyful gathering? 5
Perplexity Pro Response 6
To assist the group of young people in planning a reverent and joyful program for the anniversary of the Declaration of the Báb, you can take several steps as their tutor to ensure that their efforts are meaningful, inclusive, and spiritually uplifting. Here’s a structured approach:
Planning the Program
Consultation and Collaboration
- Begin by organizing a consultation session with the group to discuss their ideas for the program. Encourage them to reflect on what they’ve learned in The Life of the Báb unit of Book 4 and how they can incorporate these insights into the celebration.
- Highlight the significance of this Holy Day as “the dawn of manifestation” and its connection to both the Báb’s mission and Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation [1].
Program Structure
- Divide the program into key segments, such as:
- Opening Devotions: Include prayers revealed by the Báb that the group has memorized, creating a sacred atmosphere.
- Narration of Episodes: Assign different members to narrate episodes from the life of the Báb that they practiced during their study. This will help deepen understanding among attendees.
- Artistic Expressions: Incorporate artistic elements such as music, drama, or poetry inspired by the Writings and history of the Faith.
- Reflection and Sharing: Allow time for participants to share reflections on how the Báb’s life inspires their own path of service.
Incorporating Memorization
- Encourage the group to recite His address to the Letters of the Living or other passages they are learning. This will add depth and spiritual resonance to the gathering.
Diversity in Contributions
- Ensure every member contributes based on their strengths—whether through storytelling, recitation, music, or logistical support. This fosters a sense of ownership and unity.
Preparation for the Event
Practice Sessions
- Organize rehearsals for narrations, prayers, and artistic presentations. Offer constructive feedback to help them refine their delivery while maintaining reverence.
Creating Materials
- Help them prepare visual aids or simple decorations that reflect themes from the Báb’s life and mission, such as His call for transformation or His role as a Herald.
Music and Arts
- Encourage them to include songs that uplift hearts and reflect themes of joy and sacrifice. They could compose original pieces or use well-loved Bahá’í songs [2].
Welcoming Atmosphere:
- Guide them in creating an environment of warmth and inclusivity for attendees, ensuring everyone feels welcome regardless of background.
Ensuring Reverence and Joy
Spiritual Preparation
- Encourage group members to pray individually and collectively for guidance and inspiration in their efforts.
- Reflect on passages from The Twin Manifestations that emphasize purity of heart and devotion [1].
Focus on Purpose
- Remind them that this celebration is not only a commemoration but also an opportunity to inspire others with the transformative power of the Báb’s Revelation.
Engaging All Ages
- Include elements suitable for children, junior youth, and adults, such as storytelling for younger attendees or discussions for older participants.
By fostering consultation, creativity, and spiritual preparation, you can guide your group in organizing a memorable Holy Day celebration that honors the life and mission of the Báb while strengthening bonds within your community.
Perplexity Pro Response — Deeper Dive
The anniversary of the Declaration of the Báb, a significant Holy Day in the Bahá’í Faith, offers an opportunity for believers to commemorate the inception of a new spiritual era and reflect on the transformative power of the Báb’s message. Young Bahá’ís, drawing on their study of the Báb’s life and teachings, can contribute meaningfully to community celebrations by planning reverent and joyful programs that incorporate prayers, narrations, and artistic expressions.
Significance of the Báb’s Declaration
The Declaration of the Báb on May 23, 1844, marked a pivotal moment in religious history, heralding the dawn of a new spiritual era. This event is described as “the inception of the heavenly bounty” and “the beginning of the divine effulgence,” signifying the early light of a true spiritual morning that would culminate in the manifestation of Bahá’u’lláh [4]. The Báb’s mission was to proclaim the imminent arrival of “Him Whom God shall make manifest,” preparing humanity for Bahá’u’lláh’s revelation and the establishment of a new world order. His declaration set in motion a series of events that would transform the spiritual landscape, challenging existing religious paradigms and calling for profound personal and societal renewal.
Life and Mission of the Báb
The Báb, whose title means “the Gate,” emerged as a pivotal figure in 19th-century Persia, fulfilling a dual mission as both an independent Manifestation of God and the herald of Bahá’u’lláh’s imminent revelation [1]. His ministry, though brief, spanning from 1844 to 1850, was marked by intense spiritual fervor and rapid societal transformation [1]. The Báb’s teachings challenged the established religious order, calling for spiritual and moral renewal while preparing His followers for the advent of a greater Revelation to come [2]. Despite facing severe opposition from ecclesiastical and government authorities, He continued to reveal divinely inspired writings, including prayers and addresses to the Letters of the Living, which form an integral part of Bahá’í scripture and practice today [1] [4].
Sacrifices of the Báb’s Followers
The followers of the Báb faced severe persecution and made extraordinary sacrifices for their faith. Thousands were imprisoned, punished, and martyred, with their homes pillaged and possessions confiscated [2]. Despite these hardships, they demonstrated remarkable resilience and unwavering devotion, willingly sacrificing their lives and remaining steadfast in their beliefs. These devoted souls are described as “the lamps of God” and “stars of sanctity,” shining gloriously from the eternal horizon of God’s will [2]. Their steadfastness in the face of opposition exemplifies the transformative power of the Báb’s message and the profound impact it had on those who recognized its truth.
Planning a Holy Day Celebration
To plan a meaningful celebration for the Declaration of the Báb, guide the young people to create a program that reflects their learning from Book 4, The Twin Manifestations [1]. Encourage them to incorporate narrations of key episodes from the Báb’s life, recitations of His prayers and address to the Letters of the Living, and artistic expressions such as music or drama. Organize practice sessions to refine their presentations and help them create visual aids that illustrate themes from the Báb’s mission. Foster a spirit of collaboration by assigning roles based on individual strengths, ensuring each member contributes to the program’s success. Emphasize the importance of creating a welcoming atmosphere that engages all ages, from children to adults, through storytelling and thoughtful discussions. Guide the group in spiritual preparation through collective prayer and reflection on passages that highlight the transformative power of the Báb’s Revelation, helping them to create a gathering that is both reverent and joyful.
Citations
[1] Book 4: The Twin Manifestations (PDF) – Ruhi Institute
[2] Book 7: Walking Together on a Path of Service (PDF) – Ruhi Institute
[3] Book 6: Teaching the Cause (PDF) – Ruhi Institute
[4] Book 2: Arising to Serve (PDF) – Ruhi Institute
[5] Book 5: Releasing the Powers of Junior Youth – Ruhi Institute
[6] Book 1: Reflections on the Life of the Spirit (PDF) – Ruhi Institute
[7] Book 3: Teaching Children’s Classes, Grade 1 (PDF) – Ruhi Institute
Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity
- How can we incorporate the teachings of the Báb into our daily lives?
- What are some creative ways to celebrate the anniversary of the Báb’s Declaration?
- How can we use the lessons from the life of the Báb to inspire our community activities?
- What role do mirrors play in the analogy of the Báb’s message?
- How can we ensure that our Holy Day celebrations are both reverent and joyful?
- Zarandī, Nabīl. The Dawn-Breakers: Nabíl’s Narrative of the Early Days of the Baháʾí Revelation. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. 1932. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʾí Publishing Trust, 1970, 92. https://bahai-library.com/books/dawnbreakers/chapters/3.html#92. ↩
- The Báb. Selections from the Writings of the Báb. Translated by Habib Taherzadeh. 1. ed. Haifa: Bahá’í World Centre, 1976, 156. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-bab/selections-writings-bab/7#490404071. ↩
- ’Abdu’l-Bahá. The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by ʻAbduʼl-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912. Edited by Howard MacNutt. 2nd ed. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʼí Publishing Trust, 1982, 138. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/promulgation-universal-peace/10#796487182. ↩
- Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/compilations/social-action/3#957685529. ↩
- Ruhi Institute. Walking Together on a Path of Service. 2.1.1.PE February 2024. Vol. Book 7. 14 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Foundation, 2024, 105-108. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#WLK. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “Celebrating the Declaration of the Báb.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. March 3, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/o-my-beloved-friends-you-are-t-BpOPR46fQYOuC0SXm37ysw. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 