Born in 1819 in Persia (Iran), and trained as a merchant, the Bab proclaimed His Revelation on May 23, 1844, beginning a brief but turbulent mission to prepare the way for "Him Whom God will make manifest." His call to purity and morality swept through Persia, causing great consternation among the government and the corrupt Muslim clergy. He was imprisoned for several years in remote places, then in 1850 was brought to Tabriz and executed by a firing squad of 750 rifles. Tens of thousands of His followers were also martyred during the ensuing persecutions. The photograph is of the Shrine of the Bab on Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel
A well-respected descendant of ancient Persian kings, Baha'u'llah became a follower of the Bab. Imprisoned and tortured in the "Black Pit" in 1853, He was exiled with His family to Baghdad. Baha'u'llah declared His Mission as the Promised One of all ages and religions in 1863, just prior to further banishments, eventually being imprisoned in the foul penal colony of 'Akka in Palestine (Israel). He proclaimed His Revelation in over one hundred volumes, and wrote to the kings and rulers of the world, calling them to unite for the sake of God. His teachings form the basis for the establishment of the "Most Great Peace," the long-awaited "Kingdom of God on earth." He passed from this life in 1892, still a prisoner and an exile. A view of the Shrine of Baha'u'llah at Bahji, near 'Akká, Israel
Born on the same night of the Bab's Declaration, 'Abdu'l-Baha, the eldest son of Baha'u'llah, shared in his Father's exile and imprisonment. In His Book of the Covenant, Baha'u'llah appointed him as His successor, the perfect Exemplar of a Baha'i, the only authorized Interpreter of His Writings, and the Center of His Covenant, to whom all Baha'is should turn. (The Covenant has kept the Faith free from schism and division - there are no denominations in Baha'i.) Freed from captivity in 1908, 'Abdu'l-Baha journeyed to Europe and America in 1911-1912, teaching his Father's Message of unity and peace. Referred to as the Beloved Master, he passed away in the Holy Land in 1921. This formal portrait of 'Abdu'l-Baha was taken during his historic speaking tour of North America in 1911-1912.
Appointed Guardian of the Faith in the Will and Testament of his grandfather, 'Abdu'l-Baha, Shoghi Effendi had to leave his studies at Oxford University to shoulder the responsibilties of leading the Baha'i Faith when the Master passed away. In addition to guiding the early Cause of God in its expansion from a handful of countries to a truly global religion, and safeguarding it from both external attackes and internal schism, Shoghi Effendi found time to translate many of the Holy Writings from Arabic, Persian and Trukish into English, carry on a voluminsous correspondence with believers around the world, and write several books, including the definitive history of the Faith's first century. He died unexpectedly in London in 1957, having set in motion the process that led to the election, in 1963, of the first Universal House of Justice.
The second part is consultation, where communications from the Universal House of Justice and the National Spiritual Assembly are read, and the Local Spiritual Assembly reports on its activities to the community. The believers consult on the needs and tasks confronting the Faith and make suggestions to the Assembly for its consideration. The status of the Baha'i Fund is also reported, with general appeals for assistance (only registered Baha'is may contribute to the Fund). Because the consultative portion of the Feast deals with the "business" of the community, it is considered privileged and private, and only delcared believers should be included.
Finally, the fellowship portion of the Feast may include food, song, dance, games, and whatever other activities the host or community has arranged.
