Hamilton Bahá'ís join the world in a joyous recognition of the Birth of the Báb and His contributions to the world
At the end of October, 2019, the Bahá'ís of Hamilton will join the worldwide Bahá'í community in celebrating the Bicentennial of the Birth of the Báb. Born in Persia (now Iran) in 1819, the Báb, a title meaning “The Gate,” was a prophetic figure who, establishing a new religion, revitalised spiritual and moral teachings, including calling for the improvement of the status of women and addressing other gross inequities facing the peoples of the world. In just six years of His dramatic ministry, before being put to death by authorities in 1850, thousands of people responded to His call—individuals who courageously faced the dark forces of blind imitation, superstition, prejudice, and corruption.
Amid the mounting joy and excitement, the bicentenary has especially animated young people, who are finding inspiration for dedicated service to others in the lives of the heroes and heroines from the time of the Báb—many of them were youth and young adults, like the Báb Himself.
The Báb foretold the imminent appearance of a new Messenger of God, Bahá’u’lláh, who would guide humanity into a new era of collective maturity, characterized by peace and justice promised in all the world’s religions. The followers of the Báb, then recognizing Bahá’u’lláh, became the first members of what was to become a world-wide Bahá'í community.
On 29 and 30 October, Hamilton Bahá'ís, together with their neighbours, co-workers, families, and friends, will commemorate the births of these Twin Luminaries.
Bicentenary Celebrations in Canada: bahai.ca/bicentenary
Bicentenary Celebrations around the World: bicentenary.bahai.org/the-bab
Artistic Expressions from around the World: bicentenary.bahai.org/the-bab/artistic-expressions