The Báb’s Childhood and Youth

The Qur'an Gate is a famous monument in Shiraz.In a prayer the
Báb said that here He experienced "the evidences of
Thy [God's] boundless grace"

If you want to get a message to a friend, you can easily text, call, or video chat. But sharing news wasn’t always so simple.

In Persia during the early 1800s, there was no electricity. It hadn’t been invented yet. People delivered letters on foot or by horse. And you were lucky if you even knew how to write a letter! Many people lived in poverty and couldn’t afford to go to school. Girls and women usually weren’t taught how to read and write.

Into this culture, a remarkable child was born on October 20, 1819, in Shíráz. His mother, Fátimih, and His father, Muhammad-Ridá, were descendants of the Prophet Muhammad. They named Him ‘Alí-Muhammad, but He later took the name “the Báb," which means “the Gate" in Arabic.

Serene and gentle, even as a baby, the Báb became known for His courteous and sweet character as He grew. His father died when He was young, and His uncle, Hájí Mírzá Siyyid ‘Alí, loved and raised Him like his own son.

When the Báb went to school He showed such extraordinary knowledge that His teacher took Him home and told His uncle, "He, verily, stands in no need of teachers such as I.”

The Báb’s uncle sent Him back to school, telling Him to be silent and listen to His teacher. Still, He continued to reveal amazing wisdom. Even as a child. He was spiritual. On Fridays, when He joined His class on trips to the city’s gardens, instead of playing. He would often find a quiet, shady spot to pray and meditate.

At 15, the Báb began work as a merchant in His uncle's business. Many people admired His humility and truthfulness. He moved to the city of Bushihr to manage the business there, and His reputation for integrity and devotion grew. He gave large sums of money to charity to help others in need. Even in the burning summer heat, He spent hours every Friday praying and meditating on the roof of His house.

The Báb was about 23 when He married Khadijih-Bagum, whom He had known since childhood. She said, "No words can ever convey my wonderful feeling of good fortune.”

In 1844, when He was 25 years old, the Báb declared His mission as a Messenger of God. He prepared the world for another Messenger Who would soon appear— Bahá’u'lláh. The Báb spent the next six years, the last of His brief life, sharing His teachings and inspiring many thousands, like the dawning light of a new day. 

(Brilliant Star magazine, vol. 49. no. 6)