# Báb

> founder of Bábism and, according to the Baháʼís, predecessor of Baháʼu'lláh

**Wikidata**: [Q104273](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q104273)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Báb)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bab

## Summary
The Báb (born Ali Muhammad Shirazi) was a 19th-century Persian religious leader, poet, and merchant who founded Bábism, a monotheistic religious movement that emerged in Qajar Iran in 1844. According to Baháʼís, he is recognized as the predecessor of Baháʼu'lláh, the founder of the Baháʼí Faith. His teachings and writings laid the groundwork for a new religious era, emphasizing spiritual renewal and social transformation.

## Biography
- **Born**: 1819 in Shiraz, Qajar Iran (now Iran)
- **Nationality**: Persian (Qajar Iran)
- **Occupation(s)**: Preacher, merchant, orator, poet, writer
- **Known for**: Founding Bábism and being the precursor to Baháʼu'lláh in Baháʼí belief
- **Field(s)**: Religious leadership, theology, poetry, writing

## Contributions
The Báb authored numerous theological and poetic works, including the *Bayán* (his primary scripture), which outlined the principles of Bábism. His teachings emphasized the imminent arrival of a new divine messenger, later identified by Baháʼís as Baháʼu'lláh. He declared his mission on May 23, 1844, marking the inception of Bábism. His writings and sermons challenged traditional religious norms in 19th-century Persia, advocating for spiritual and social reform.

## FAQs
**Who was the Báb?**
The Báb was a Persian religious figure who founded Bábism in 1844 and is considered a precursor to Baháʼu'lláh in Baháʼí belief.

**What is Bábism?**
Bábism is a monotheistic religious movement founded by the Báb in Qajar Iran, emphasizing spiritual renewal and the coming of a new divine messenger.

**What were the Báb’s occupations?**
He was a merchant, preacher, orator, poet, and writer, known for his theological and literary contributions.

**When did the Báb declare his mission?**
He declared his mission on May 23, 1844, in Shiraz, marking the beginning of Bábism.

**Why is the Báb significant in Baháʼí Faith?**
Baháʼís regard the Báb as the forerunner of Baháʼu'lláh, the founder of the Baháʼí Faith, and a key figure in their religious history.

## Why They Matter
The Báb’s teachings and the founding of Bábism marked a significant shift in 19th-century Persian religious thought, challenging established norms and paving the way for the Baháʼí Faith. His emphasis on spiritual renewal and social reform influenced later religious movements and continues to inspire followers of Bábism and Baháʼí Faith. Without his work, the Baháʼí Faith might not have emerged in its current form, and his writings remain foundational to both traditions.

## Notable For
- Founding Bábism in 1844
- Authoring the *Bayán*, the primary scripture of Bábism
- Being recognized as the predecessor of Baháʼu'lláh in Baháʼí belief
- Challenging traditional religious norms in Qajar Iran
- His role as a poet, writer, and orator

## Body
### Early Life
The Báb was born Ali Muhammad Shirazi in 1819 in Shiraz, part of Qajar Iran. He worked as a merchant and later became a prominent preacher and writer.

### Founding of Bábism
On May 23, 1844, the Báb declared his mission, marking the inception of Bábism. His teachings emphasized the arrival of a new divine messenger and advocated for spiritual and social reform.

### Writings and Teachings
The Báb authored several theological and poetic works, including the *Bayán*, which served as the primary scripture of Bábism. His writings challenged traditional religious norms and laid the groundwork for the Baháʼí Faith.

### Legacy
The Báb’s influence extends beyond Bábism, as he is revered in the Baháʼí Faith as the predecessor of Baháʼu'lláh. His teachings continue to inspire followers of both traditions, and his role in 19th-century Persian religious history remains significant.

## References

1. Source
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. SNAC
5. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
6. Find a Grave
7. AlKindi
8. Proleksis Encyclopedia
9. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
11. LIBRIS. 2012
12. HMML Authority File
13. Catalogo of the National Library of India