Bábism

Bábism is a 19th-century Persian religious movement founded by the Báb. Its teachings proclaimed a new revelation and anticipated the appearance of a future divine messenger.

The Báb: A Persian religious leader who founded the Bábí movement and proclaimed a new revelation in 1844. His declarations and writings established the movement’s authority and teachings.
Mahdi: A messianic figure expected in Islam to establish justice before the end of time. The Báb initially identified his mission with the expected return of the Mahdi.
Táhirih: A Persian poet and theologian who became one of the most prominent women in the early Bábí movement. Her public advocacy and challenge to religious convention made her a defining Bábí figure.
Persecution of Bábís: A series of state-led and popular attacks against Bábís in 19th-century Persia. The movement’s rapid spread and religious challenge prompted severe repression.
Shaykhism: A school of Shia Islam founded by Shaykh Ahmad al-Ahsá’í, emphasizing spiritual interpretation and expectation of the Mahdi. Shaykhism shaped the religious setting in which the Báb’s first claims were understood.
Qa'im: The expected restorer in Twelver Shia belief, often identified with the hidden twelfth Imam. The Báb’s early title and claims invoked this central Shia expectation.
Mullá Husayn: A Shaykhi scholar who became the first person to accept the Báb’s claim in 1844. His acceptance began the circle of the Báb’s earliest followers.
Execution of the Báb: The 1850 execution of the Báb by a Persian firing squad in Tabriz. His death intensified the crisis for the community and became central to its history.
Qajar Iran: A Persian dynasty that ruled Iran from 1789 to 1925. Bábism began under Qajar rule, amid political tensions and religious change.
Progressive revelation: The idea that divine guidance is disclosed through successive messengers suited to different historical ages. The Báb presented his revelation as a new stage in an ongoing divine process.

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