Martyrdom of the Bab
Commemorating the execution of the Bab by firing squad in Tabriz, Iran, 1850.
The Martyrdom of the Bab is fixed in the Baha'i solar calendar, so it falls on July 9 or 10 depending on the date of Naw-Ruz that year, commemorated at about noon.
When Is Martyrdom of the Bab?
The Martyrdom of the Bab is fixed in the Baha'i solar calendar, so it falls on July 9 or 10 depending on the date of Naw-Ruz that year, commemorated at about noon.
Because the Gregorian date changes from year to year, check a calendar published by the tradition or your local community for this year's date.
Why It Matters
On July 9, 1850, the Bab was executed by 750 soldiers in Tabriz. When the smoke cleared he was found unharmed, a second regiment was required. His remains are enshrined on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel.
How It Is Observed
Solemn prayers at noon (the time of execution), readings from the Bab's writings, reflection on his sacrifice, suspension of work.
Sacred Text
“O Thou Remnant of God! I have sacrificed myself wholly for Thee; I have accepted curses for Thy sake, and have yearned for naught but martyrdom in the path of Thy love.”
, The Bab, Qayyumu'l-Asma (Selections from the Writings of the Bab) ↗