Martyrdom of the Báb
National Spiritual Assembly
nsa@bahai.org.uk
2 July 2016
10 Raḥmat 173 B.E.
All believers in the United Kingdom
Dearly loved Friends,
We behold, as we survey the episodes of this first act of a sublime drama, the figure of its Master Hero, the Báb, arise meteor-like above the horizon of Shíráz, traverse the sombre sky of Persia from south to north, decline with tragic swiftness, and perish in a blaze of glory.
(Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By, page 3)
Saturday 9 July 2016 will mark the anniversary of that most solemn and heartrending occasion in 1850 when the Báb, Herald and Forerunner to Bahá’u’lláh, was cruelly executed by firing squad in the Persian city of Tabríz.
The Martyrdom of the Báb should, as directed by Shoghi Effendi and taking account of British Summer Time, be commemorated at around 1 p.m, if feasible. It is hoped that all the friends may be able to do so at this time, gathering in remembrance of the Báb, recalling the outstanding achievements of His Ministry and the spirit of devoted sacrifice and perfect renunciation with which it is so closely identified.
If you have not already done so, the National Spiritual Assembly warmly encourages the friends, individually and collectively, to consider how best to befittingly commemorate the Martyrdom of the Báb. As you give this matter your thoughtful attention, please be assured of the National Assembly’s supplications on your behalf, that your commemoration activities and your reflections on the heroism of the life of the Báb may inspire and sustain you as you labour onward in the field of service.
With loving Bahá’í greetings,
Patrick O’Mara,
Secretary