The Báb, whose name was Siyyid ‘Alí-Muhammad, was born in the city of Shíráz, on the first
day of Muharram, in the year 1235 A.H.
[20 October 1819 A.D.] He belonged to a house which was renowned for its
nobility and which traced its origin to Muhammad Himself. The date of His birth
confirmed the truth of the prophecy traditionally attributed to the Imám ‘Alí:
“I am two years younger than my Lord.” Twenty-five years, four months, and four
days had elapsed since the day of His birth, when he declared His Mission. In
His early childhood He lost His father, Siyyid Muhammad-Riḍá, a man who was known throughout the province
of Fárs for his piety and virtue, and was held in high esteem and honour. Both
His father and His mother were descendants of the Prophet, both were loved and
respected by the people. He was reared by His maternal uncle, Ḥájí Mírzá Siyyid
‘Alí, a martyr to the Faith…
- Nabil (‘The Dawn-Breakers; translated and edited
by Shoghi Effendi)
