Forthcoming Holy Days
15 May 2020
1 ‘Aẓamat 177 B.E.
GC-34831
Download as PDF
To all believers in the United Kingdom
Dearly loved Friends,
In the coming days, we will have the bounty of commemorating two Bahá’í Holy Days – the Declaration of the Báb and the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh.
The Declaration of the Báb
The Holy Day of the Declaration of the Báb marks the birth of His Dispensation when, in 1844 – in conversation with Mullá Husayn in the upper chamber of His house in Shíráz – the Báb proclaimed His mission.
This is the Point from which the knowledge of the former and the latter generations hath been unfolded. And the denizens of the Kingdom intoned: “Rejoice! This is the immortal Youth, come with a mighty knowledge.”
Bahá’u’lláh, Days of Remembrance, No.27
This year, the Holy Day will commence at sunset on Friday, 22 May, and finish at sunset on Saturday, 23 May (8 ‘Azamat). If feasible, it should be celebrated at about two hours after sunset on Friday, 22 May.
The Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh
This Holy Day marks the end of the Blessed Beauty’s earthly life in 1892 and is an occasion to reflect on His glorious Mission and His Covenant, as well as on the many trials and tribulations He endured.
Not for an instant did I seek to preserve Mine own life, and not for a moment did I pursue Mine own ease and comfort. I offered up My soul in the path of My Beloved and laid down My life for His sake. My fortress was My reliance on God, and My shield Mine attachment to that peerless Friend; Mine armour was Mine unfailing trust in Him, and My hosts Mine ardent hope in His grace.
Bahá’u’lláh, Days of Remembrance, No.30
Commencing this year at sunset on Wednesday, 27 May, and finishing at sunset on Thursday, 28 May (13 ‘Azamat), adjusted for British Summer Time, the friends are encouraged to prayerfully remember the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh at 4:00 AM on Thursday, 28 May.
As befits these sacred Holy Days, work should be suspended and, if possible, children excused from school work. Although we will not be able to join together with other friends and family in the traditional way this year, it is hoped that arrangements will be made in each of your communities to offer safe methods that will allow as many individuals as possible to mark and share in these precious days.
With loving Bahá’í greetings,
Patrick O’Mara,
Secretary