Introduction to the Key Persons and
Institution Behind the Baha’i Faith
The Baha’i Faith developed as an offshoot of the Babi Faith, which developed as an offshoot of Shaykhism, which developed as an offshoot of Ithna-‘Ashariyyih, which developed as an offshoot of Sufism, which developed as an offshoot of Shi’ite, which developed as a denomination of Islam. In order to understand the Baha’i Faith we must get to know some key persons.
The Shrine of the Bab
The Bab:
Siyyid or Mirza Ali Muhammad came to be known as the Bab, which means the Gate or Door. He was born in 1819 and was executed in 1850. He founded the Babi Faith and his major work is called the Bayan in which he abolished certain Muslim laws and replaced them with new ones.
The Bab is said to be Emmanuel, the most exalted Word and the return of both Elijah the prophet and John the Baptist.
In 1844 the Bab proclaimed that a Manifestation of God would come in 19 years. Although some sources claim that he estimated 1,511 years.
The Shrine of Baha’u’llah
Baha’u’llah:
Mirza Hoseyn Ali came to be known as Baha’u’llah, which means the Splendor or Glory of Allah. He lived 1817-1892. In 1863 Baha’u’llah proclaimed himself to be the Manifestation of God spoken of by the Bab. The Bab is said to be the forerunner to Baha’u’llah just as John the Baptist was the forerunner to Jesus.
Baha’u’llah is referred to as the return of Christ, Lord of the Kingdom of Revelation, the Greatest Name, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, the Comforter, Spirit of Truth, and refers to his own Manifestation as that of the Lord of Hosts, the Maker and Redeemer of the world.
Perhaps most importantly, Baha’u’llah is also referred to as the Prince of this World (here is a hint, see John 12:30-33; 14:28-31; 16:7-11; also see Ephesians 2:2 and 2nd Corinthians 4:3-4).
Baha’u’llah came up with the doctrine called ‘Most Great Infallibility‘ in which he states that a Manifestation, such as himself, is infallible and if anyone claims to be a Manifestation before 1,000 years has passed from 1863 AD, that person is a lying impostor. Since he claimed to be the Second Coming of Christ, what we see here is a redefinition of the 1,000 year reign.
`Abdu’l-Baha:
`Abbas Effendi came to be known as `Abdu’l-Baha, which means Servant of the Glory. He is referred to as the center of Baha’u’llah’s covenant and lived 1844-1921.He was Baha’u’llah’s son and was appointed by him as the sole interpreter of his teachings. During his life it was said that he was supplying the entire world with guidance. He is referred to as The Perfect Exemplar because he lived a life more perfect than any other man.
“`Abdu’l-Baha, the Center of Baha’u’llah’s covenant and the unerring interpreter of his word.”
Shoghi Effendi:
Shoghi Effendi Rabbani was known as the Guardian and lived 1897-1957.
He was `Abdu’l-Baha’s grandson and directed the Baha’i from 1921-1957 in the USA. He was appointed by `Abdu’l-Baha to be the sole interpreter of Baha’u’llah’s teachings. After him no other individual was appointed as interpreter of Baha’u’llah’s teachings but the Baha’i set up administration.
The Universal House of Justice
Administration:
The Universal House of Justice is Baha’ism’s international administration and consists of nine (male) members; it is the highest Baha’i institution (they are considered infallible). National Spiritual Assemblies is the national administration. Local Spiritual Assemblies is the local administration. Elected members head all of these.