Martyrdom of the Báb
Culture/religion: Bahá’í
Date: July 9
Over the course of six years, the Báb attracted many followers. This was concerning to the clergy and government, so they imprisoned and tortured him. In 1850, the new prime minister ordered the Báb to be executed by firing squad. The night before the execution, a follower named Anis threw himself at the feet of the Báb and begged to be martyred with him. His request was granted.
On the morning of July 9, the execution took place. The orders were given, the firing squad shot, but when the smoke cleared, they had not been killed and the Báb was nowhere to be seen. Guards found him in his prison cell finishing a letter he had been writing earlier. The firing squad was given orders a second time and succeeded.
The Báb was an advocate of the poor, and he supported the advancement of women, universal education and the study of science.
Pronunciation: Bahá’í: Ba-HIGH; Báb: Bahb (Bob)
Sources:
Commemoration of the Martyrdom of the Báb, Bahá’í.us
Style guide, glossary and pronunciation guide, Bahá’í World News Service