Báb

The Báb, also known as Sayyid 'Alí-Muhammad, was a Persian religious leader who founded the Bábí faith, a monotheistic religion that emerged in the early 19th century. Born in Shiraz, Iran, in 1819, the Báb claimed to be the long-awaited Qá'im, a figure prophesied in the Bahá'í and other Islamic traditions to restore justice and peace to the world. He preached a message of unity, equality, and the oneness of God, which was seen as a reaction against the social and political divisions of his time.

The Báb's teachings were initially met with skepticism and hostility, but his followers, known as Bábís, grew in number and influence. He established a central authority, the Bábí administration, to govern the community and enforce his teachings. The Báb's writings, including the Kitáb-i-Aqdas and the Kitáb-i-Íqán, are considered sacred texts of the Bábí faith.

In 1850, the Báb was imprisoned by the Qajar dynasty for his religious activities. During his imprisonment, he appointed his son, 'Abbás Effendí, as his successor. The Báb died in 1850, and his son, who later took the title Bahá'u'lláh, became the leader of the Bahá'í faith, which emerged from the Bábí community. Bahá'u'lláh continued the Báb's teachings and expanded them, establishing the Bahá'í faith as a global religion.

The Báb's legacy is significant in the history of religious thought, as he challenged the prevailing social and political structures of his time and promoted a message of unity and equality. His teachings continue to influence religious and philosophical thought, and his writings are studied by scholars and enthusiasts around the world.