Commemorating the Declaration of the Báb and the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh
National Spiritual Assembly
nsa@bahai.org.uk
21 May 2015
5 ‘Aẓamat 172 B.E.
To all believers in the United Kingdom
Dearly loved Friends,
In the coming days, we will have the bounty of commemorating two Holy Days: the Declaration of the Báb and the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh.
The Declaration of the Báb, on 8 ‘Azamat, celebrates the beginning of the Bahá’í cycle itself, a cycle destined to last no less than 500,000 years! It is truly a cause for “rejoicing, happiness and gladness”. At about two hours after sunset on 23 May friends around the world will remember with prayers, readings and stories that momentous night when the Báb declared His Mission to Mulla Husayn, and set humanity on a course destined to culminate in an unspeakably glorious golden age. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá offered a beautiful description of this time:
It is a blessed day and the dawn of manifestation, for the appearance of the Báb was the early light of the true morn, whereas the manifestation of the Blessed Beauty, Bahá’u’lláh, was the shining forth of the sun. Therefore, it is a blessed day, the inception of the heavenly bounty, the beginning of the divine effulgence.
The anniversary of the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, the “setting of the Sun of Bahá”, is also fast approaching, commemorating that moment when His immeasurably glorious soul was released from this earthly plane. Adjusting for UK summer time, this should be commemorated, if feasible, at 4 a.m. on 29 May, and we encourage as many of the friends as possible to prayerfully remember His passing together at this time. A special and sacred spirit is felt when one gathers with other lovers of Bahá’u’lláh at this precious hour to give homage and remembrance to our Lord!
In celebrating the Declaration of the Báb and in commemorating the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, all are encouraged to think of creative ways to give expression to the spirit of these significant times.
Be assured of the love and good wishes of the National Assembly, and may the Ancient Beauty bless and aid you in all your devoted endeavours.
With loving Bahá’í greetings,
National Spiritual Assembly
Patrick O’Mara,
Secretary