Chronology of Bahá'í History

Introduction to the History of the Bahá'í Faith

Overview

A work in progress. Index added March 17, 1998. Corrections made to the first epoch of the Apostolic Age, April 10, 1998. Corrections and additions made to the second epoch of the Apostolic Age, August 17, 1998.

The Apostolic or Heroic Age:

Bahá'í History can be divided into seven periods thus far. The first three periods form the Apostolic or Heroic Age. The First Epoch centers around the youthful and gentle Báb [meaning the Gate, also known as the Forerunner of the Ancient Beauty], Whose brief tumultuous Ministry prepared the way for the long-awaited coming of the promised Messenger of God. The Second Epoch is centered about the majestic, powerful and awe-inspiring figure of Bahá'u'lláh [meaning the Glory of God, also known by the titles: The Blessed Perfection, The Ancient Beauty], the Promised One of all religions. Having given up a life of extreme wealth and ease, He promoted the Message of the Báb, only later to learn that He Himself was the Promised One foretold by the Báb and by the religions of the past. Enduring 40 years of exiles and imprisonments, and under nearly impossible circumstances, surrounded by enemies and their plots, lies and intrigues, He revealed God's Message for this Day. The Third Epoch revolves around the ministry of 'Abdu'l-Bahá [meaning servant of the Glory, i.e. of the Glory of God] and eldest son of Bahá'u'lláh. Sharing His Father's exiles and imprisonments, 'Abdu'l-Bahá became the perfect example of His Father's Teachings and today is known as the Exemplar and Interpreter of the Bahá'í Faith, The Most Great Branch, The Master, and The Center of Bahá'u'lláh's Covenant.

The Formative Age of the Bahá'í Faith:

The last four periods comprise the Formative Age. The First Epoch of the Formative Age "witnessed the birth and the primary stages in the erection of the framework of the Administrative Order of the Faith". "That epoch was characterized by a twofold process aiming at the consolidation of the administrative structure of the Faith and the extension of the range of its institutions." --Citadel of Faith, p. 5. The Second Epoch extended that twofold process, extending the range of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's Divine Plan and culminating with the election of the Universal House of Justice. The Third Epoch, characterized by rapid growth, concluded with the beginning of the Faith's emergence from obscurity into the larger arena of public notice, fueled in no small part by the persecution of the Bahá'ís in the land of It's birth. The Fourth Epoch began with the increased maturation of the administrative institutions from the local spiritual assemblies up to and including the Universal House of Justice which is now engaged in a vast expansion of the World Center. During the Fifth (and present) Epoch, the world has witnessed the complete emergence of the Faith from obscurity and its vastly greater involvement in the social and economic development of the world.

This brief guide provides a chronological view of the more significant events in the history of the religion. The chronology has been pieced together from a broad array of historical sources which will one day be listed at the end.

Pronunciation Guide: Shoghi Effendi's system of transliteration is used throughout to most accurately display Persian and Arabic names. HTML does not permit full accuracy in this regard, as it does not support all the necessary characters. Here is a brief pronunciation guide to assist the reader:

Bahá'u'lláh is pronounced:  Ba (as in back) - haw - o (as in short) - law.  Wherever you see á, think a as in arm. ' indicates a pause. Mírzá is pronounced: Meerzaw. Whenever you see í, think ee as in meet. Bahá'í would therefore be Ba - haw - (brief pause) - ee; in this context the í means of, as in follower of. Quddús is pronounced: Khodoos. Whenever you see ú think oo as in moon. Don't worry too much about the Q - it is a guttural sound that doesn't come naturally to Anglophones . Unless you have heard Arabic or Persian, just treat it like a K.

It is my hope that this chronology provides you with an overview which will aid your understanding of the extraordinary circumstances in which the Bahá'í Teachings have been revealed. This is by no means an exhaustive work; myriads of details have been left out for the sake of brevity. As a suggestion, try viewing this chronology when you pick up one of Bahá'u'lláh's works. Look at His trials and tribulations and peruse the words from The Pen of Glory. How else could such outpourings of wisdom and love have emanated under such circumstances from an uneducated Man except through the Power of God? This is the first and foremost proof of the Manifestation of God: His Revelation.

--J. Thomas Pawlowski

First Epoch of the Heroic Age: 1844-1853:

The Ministry of the Báb, the Forerunner

20 Oct 1819:  Birth of the Báb [Siyyid 'Alí-Muhammad] in Shiráz, Persia

1828: The passing of Mírzá Muhammad Ridá, the Father of the Báb. The Báb is placed in the care of His maternal uncle, Hají Mírzá Siyyid 'Alí, a merchant of Shíráz and later one of the Seven Martyrs of Tihrán.

pre-1844: Bahá'u'lláh becomes known as "The Father of the Poor" for His generosity and care of the needy. His father dies in 1839. Bahá'u'lláh was asked to take His father's place in the government but Bahá'u'lláh refuses the position.

22 May 1844:  Declaration of the mission of the Báb in Shíráz to Mullá Husayn at 2 hours, 11 minutes after sunset (technically, 23 May - new day begins after sunset).

Aug 1844:  The Báb instructed Mullá Husayn to journey through Persia and Iraq and deliver a scroll to One Who is worthy. The reputation of Bahá'u'lláh convinces him that He is the intended recipient. Bahá'u'lláh reads the scroll and immediately becomes a follower of the Báb.

12 Dec 1844:  The Báb, accompanied by His foremost disciple Quddús, undertakes a pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina where a few days later He made His first public declaration of His divine mission.

June 1845:  Quddús returns to Shíráz. Sounds the call to prayer with the addition of words from the Báb, causes commotion among the populace, especially the clergy.

7 July 1845: The Báb is publicly interrogated, struck in the face and released into the custody of His uncle.

July/Aug 1845:  The Sháh commands the erudite Vahíd to investigate the Báb's claims. Vahíd becomes a leading disciple. Hujjat, another dignitary of the realm, also becomes a leading disciple. Several thousand townspeople join. The anxiety among the clergy increases.

23 Sep 1846:  The Báb is arrested in Shiráz at the house of His uncle but released on the condition that He leaves the area.

Sept/Oct 1846: The Báb sojourns in Isfahán, is accorded honors by the people. Death warrant issued by the local high clergy. The Báb journeys to Kashan and Tabríz, receives enthusiastic reception by the people.

Dec 1846: Mullá 'Aliy-i-Bastámí dies in Istanbul naval dockyards - first martyr of the Bábí Dispensation.

1 Apr 1847:  Bahá'u'lláh sends a letter and gifts to the Báb.

May/June 1847: The Báb arrives in Tabríz en route to Máh-Kú, stays for 40 days and is well received by the populace.

July 1847: The Sháh, prompted by his top advisor, Hají Mírza Aqásí, has the Báb incarcerated at the fortress of Máh-Kú in the mountains of Adhirbayjan for nine months. The local populace, at first hostile, comes to revere Him. The Báb reveals one of His great works, the Bayán.

Dec 1847: Bahá'u'lláh is imprisoned for a few days for assisting in the escape of a Bábí prisoner. Shaykh Sálih-i-Karímí, an imprisoned Bábí, becomes the first Bábí martyr on Persian soil.

20 Mar 1848:  Mullá Husayn arrives at Máh-kú to see the Báb.

10 April 1848:  Due to the great influence He was having with the people of the area, the Báb is transferred to prison in Chiríq, a Kurdish area hostile to Persians. Here too many leading citizens become followers.

26 Jun-17 July 1848:  Conference of Badasht. Organized, directed and hosted by Bahá'u'lláh and attended by 81 of the Báb's leading followers, the Bábí Faith for the first time becomes understood by It's followers as a religion distinct from Islam. Bahá'u'lláh bestows a new name upon each participant and with no contact, the Báb later confirms and uses those same names [note: the new names are the ones being used in this account]. Táhirih [the pure] pronounces the equality of women and publicly removes her veil. Bahá'u'lláh reconciles the participants following this great controversy, facilitating their understanding of this new religion.

July 1848: Interrogation of the Báb in Tabríz where He makes a dramatic public declaration of His Station. He is returned to Chiríq.

21 Jul 1848:  Mullá Husayn hoists the Black Standard and marches from Mashad with 202 fellow disciples to assist Quddús in Mazindaran.

4 Sep 1848:  Muhammad Shah, intending to order death of Bahá'u'lláh, dies, succeeded by 17-year old Násiri'd-Dín Sháh. Hají Mírza Aqásí, chief antagonist of the Báb [the Antichrist of the Bábí Faith], is expelled from the capital.

10 Oct 1848: Mullá Husayn and 71 fellow disciples are besieged at Shaykh Tabarsí, eventually to be surrounded by twenty thousand soldiers.

Nov 1848:  Quddús arrives at Fort Tabarsí after Mullá Husayn had secured his release from Sárí. The number of disciples besieged is now 202.

Dec 1848:  Bahá'u'lláh is imprisoned and tortured in Amul.

2 Feb 1949:  Mullá Husayn is shot and killed.

19-20 Feb 1849: The famous Seven Martyrs of Tihrán are martyred.

10 May 1849:  The siege at Shaykh Tabarsí ends in betrayal when a promise of "no harm", signed on a Qur'án, is broken. The Bábís are tortured, mutilated and massacred.

16 May 1849:  Martyrdom of Quddús in Bárfurúsh after public torture.   Soon after:  A force of 5000 men begin extermination of Bábís, confiscating possessions, destroying houses, grizzly tortures, mutilations and executions - all inspired by religious fanaticism inflamed by the clergy.

13 May 1850 - 2 Jan 1851: 1800 Bábís martyred in Zanján including men, women and children.

29 Dec 1850: Hujjat is martyred.

29 June 1850:  Vahíd is mutilated and killed in Nayríz.

9 Jul 1850:  Attempted execution of the Báb in Tabríz by a firing squad of 750 soldiers in front of 20,000 witnesses fails. The Báb vanishes in the smoke and is found later completing His final instructions to His amanuensis. The leader of the first firing squad refuses to try again. A second attempt is made using a new leader at noon, this time successfully. A gale force wind, earthquake, cholera and famine immediately follow. One third of the firing squad later die in an earthquake, the remainder are executed for mutiny. The bodies of the Báb and Anís are retrieved as directed by Bahá'u'lláh and years later interred at the Shrine of the Báb on the slope of Mt. Carmel, Israel. By this time, the Bábí Faith is in Irán and Iráq.

28 Aug 1851:  Bahá'u'lláh arrives in Karbilá, Iráq - the start of a 10 month pilgrimage. Continues to spread the Báb's Teachings.

15 Aug 1852:  Two crazed Bábís attempt to kill Násiri'd-Dín Sháh. They are executed on the spot. Nationwide reign of terror sweeps Persia. Anyone suspected of being Bábí are killed in unspeakably gruesome and inhumane manners. Many European diplomats witness and record the events. The nominee of the Báb, Mírzá Yahyá, half-brother of Bahá'u'lláh, flees [note: the Báb appointed him as His figurehead to deflect attention away from Bahá'u'lláh]. Upon hearing news of the assassination attempt, Bahá'u'lláh rides to the military post in Níyávarán. He is arrested and marched in chains, bare headed and bare footed to the SÍyáh-Chál of Tihrán [literally meaning the Black Pit, it was "an abominable pit that had once served as a reservoir of water for one of the public baths" of Tihrán]. Here He was surrounded by criminals with His feet in mighty stocks and neck weighed done by a mighty chain, a chain so infamous that it had it's own name. Táhirih is executed. Her last words: "You can kill me as soon as you like, but you cannot stop the emancipation of women". Bahá'u'lláh is now the sole survivor from among the leaders of the Bábí Faith. No one would sign His death warrant out of fear that His execution would spark riots throughout Persia. Instead, it was hoped that he would die in this loathsome prison. This was not to be.

Second Epoch of the Heroic Age: 1853-1892:

The Ministry of Bahá'u'lláh

12 Jan 1853:  Bahá'u'lláh is banished, chooses Baghdád for His place of exile. This may be likened to the exodus of Moses and the exile of Abraham. His wealth is confiscated and properties pillaged. His youngest son is left behind with relatives because of the lack of provisions and the harsh winter travel. The journey included 'Abdu'l-Bahá age 9 and Bahíyyih Khánum age 7, and two brothers Mírzá Musa and Mírzá Muhammad Quli.

8 Apr 1853:  Bahá'u'lláh arrives in Baghdád. Mírzá Aqá Ján is the first to recognize Him as the Promised One. Bahá'u'lláh achieves great fame because of the love He shows the people and because of the great Writings He reveals. He is shown veneration by the populace. Mírzá Yahyá, prodded by Siyyid Muhammad [the Antichrist of the Bahá'í Faith], begins to discredit Bahá'u'lláh out of jealousy.

10 Apr 1854:  Bahá'u'lláh leaves for the mountains of Kurdistán (Sulaymáníyyih) so that He would not be a source of disunity among the Bábís. This sojourn reminds us of Christ's walk in the wilderness. Here he stays nearly two years in isolation, except for brief visits to a local town for provisions. Villagers who have contact with Him spread word of Him and are magnetized with His love. Meanwhile, under Mírzá Yahyá's direction, the Bábí community degenerates. Out of desperation, 25 men claimed to be the Promised One foretold by the Báb. 'Abdu'l-Bahá, heartbroken by His Father's absence, passes time by copying and memorizing the Báb's Writings.

19 Mar 1856:  Fame of a man in the mountains of Kurdistán, had reached Baghdád. Bahá'u'lláh's family realized this man is Bahá'u'lláh and pleads for His return. He does return to Baghdád on this day and begins to rebuild the Bábí community. The community grows in size and respect.

1856:  Bahá'u'lláh reveals The Seven Valleys. In 1857 He reveals The Four Valleys.

1858:   Bahá'u'lláh reveals the Hidden Words.

circa 1860: Bahá'u'lláh applies for Ottoman nationality - obtains Turkish passports. Bahá'u'lláh's attendant is convinced to murder Him as He bathed, but struck by awe in His presence and remorse, he flees. Later, the same man approaches Bahá'u'lláh with a pistol, but again, in His presence, drops the pistol and flees. Famous meeting occurs between Bahá'u'lláh and clergy of several different faiths, in which the clergy concedes Bahá'u'lláh's knowledge and wisdom. They ask Him to perform a miracle as a final proof. Bahá'u'lláh agrees, but says they must all agree to one miracle (for the Cause of God is not a sideshow with hourly miracles) and put in writing that upon completion of the miracle, they must confess the truth of His Cause. The clergy could not agree on a miracle and drop the challenge. 'Abdu'l-Bahá, now 15, visits the local mosques and has dialog with the learned and Himself becomes famous for His wisdom. Mírzá Mihdi joins Bahá'u'lláh.

circa 1862:   Bahá'u'lláh reveals The Book of Certitude (Kitab-i-Iqán).

26 Mar 1863:  Bahá'u'lláh reveals the Tablet of the Holy Mariner, in which He reveals gloomy predictions. Prompted by the stirrings of the clergy and the Persian Consul General of Baghdád, Bahá'u'lláh was invited to Istanbul on March 26th and given a sum of money for the journey by the Governor of Baghdád. Bahá'u'lláh accepts the invitation but gives all the money to the poor.

22 April 1863:  Somewhere during the next twelve days, the public declaration of the mission of Bahá'u'lláh in the Garden of Ridván [meaning Paradise, then known as the Garden of  Najíbíyyih] occurs in Baghdád on the shores of the Tigris River, nineteen years after the Báb's declaration, which fulfills the Báb's prophecy. This is the official beginning of the Bahá'í Dispensation. He makes three important announcements: forbids the use of the sword, says there will be no other Manifestations of God for 1000 years, and proclaims that all of the attributes of God have now been made manifest. This 12 day time period is celebrated as the Ridván Festival.

30 April 1863:  Bahá'u'lláh's family joins Him, celebrated today as the ninth Day of Ridván.

3 May 1863:  Bahá'u'lláh, 11 family members and 26 disciples depart for Constantinople at noon. During the journey, they are accorded enthusiastic receptions wherever they stopped, being preceded by the government cavalry, flags flying and drums beating.

13 Aug 1863:  Bahá'u'lláh departs by steamer from the port of Sámsun to Constantinople.

16 Aug 1863:  Arrival in Constantinople [the Sublime Porte] at noon. The house provided was too small. Within a month they were relocated to larger quarters. The Persian government is extremely upset with the courteousness and kindness shown by the Sultan toward Bahá'u'lláh, Who was received as a guest. Finally the Sultan was unable to resist the political pressure and issues the edict of banishment to the remote Adrianople (modern day Edirne). Bahá'u'lláh sends His first of many letters to the Kings and rulers of the world, to Sultan 'Abdu'l-'Azíz.

Sept 1863:  Bahá'u'lláh's 18 month old daughter Sadhijiyyih dies.

Oct 1863:  Bahá'u'lláh reveals the Tablet of the Bell.

12 Dec 1863:  Arrival in Adrianople [the Land of Mystery] after a bitterly cold 12 day journey. Here, Bahá'u'lláh publicly announces His mission, both to His followers and to the world in letters to the Kings, rulers, religious leaders and mankind in general including elected officials. Most Bábi's accept Him and become known as Bahá'ís. Note that Bahá'u'lláh's presence in Constantinople and Adrianople were the first time in recorded world history that a Manifestation of God set foot on European soil. Here, His revelation rose to its zenith; He is shown great respect by local officials, the diplomatic corps, and religious communities. Among those addressed by Bahá'u'lláh at this time were: Napoleon III, the Czar, Queen Victoria, the Pope, the Sultan and the Shah. In most cases, Bahá'u'lláh declares His Mission and makes demands of the ruler and states the consequences should He be rejected. All but Queen Victoria reject Him, and all but Queen Victoria succumb to defeat and humiliation, including Pope Pius IX.

1864: Bahá'u'lláh is poisoned by His half brother, Mírzá Yahyá. He was seriously ill for a month and was left with a shaking hand until the end of His life. (Today, you can see the effects of the poisoning in the penmanship of Bahá'u'lláh, preserved in the Bahá'í archives in Haifa.). Mírzá Yahyá has the well poisoned which provided water to Bahá'u'lláh's companions.

1865: Les Religions et les Philosophies dans l' Asie Centrale by the Comte de Gobineau is published, making the West aware of the Báb. 'Abdu'l-Bahá becomes known by all as "The Master"

Some time later  Bahá'u'lláh reveals the Tablet of Ahmad for Ahmad-i-Yazdí, a resident of Baghdád, who travels throughout Persia confirming that Bahá'u'lláh is the Promised One of all ages (part of the proof he gave was a written statement by the Báb "which declared that 'He Whom God shall make manifest' would bear the name Bahá").

March 1866:  Bahá'u'lláh reveals the Surih of Command for Mírzá Yahyá calling on his allegiance. Yahyá responds by proclaiming that he is the Chosen One.

 Nov 1866:  The great star fall occurs as predicted in Matt 24:29.

 Sept 1867:  Yahyá challenges Bahá'u'lláh to appear with him in a public challenge but himself fails to appear. Some time after, Bahá'u'lláh reveals the Surih of Kings in which He collectively addresses all monarchs, the first Tablet to Napoleon III, the Lawh-i-Sultan and the Tablet of the Branch which foreshadows 'Abdú'l-Bahá's future station. Nabil-i-A'zam is sent to Iraq and Iran to inform the Bábís of the advent of Bahá'u'lláh. 

26 July 1868: Sultan 'Abdu'l-'Aziz orders perpetual banishment of Bahá'u'lláh.

12 Aug 1868:  Mírzá Yahyá [who had been given the title Subh-i-Azal (Morning of Eternity) by the Báb), responded to Bahá'u'lláh's public claim by also claiming he was a messenger of God. Due to the plotting, scheming and intrigues by Mírzá Yahyá (who was the constant willing tool of Siyyid Muhammad), the Sultan banishes Bahá'u'lláh and His companions to 'Akká., while Mírzá Yahyá and his party (the Azalís) are sent to Cyprus. Bahá'u'lláh and 66 of His followers departs from Adrianople, initially for Gallipoli. Additionally, the government decided that four of the Azalís would accompany the Bahá'í group and vice versa. Siyyid Muhammad was one of the four to accompany Bahá'u'lláh. The lies and calumnies by Mírzá Yahyá and Siyyid Muhammad damaged the prestige of the Faith in the eyes of its western admirers such as E. G. Browne and A.L.M. Nicolas (the French Diplomat and translator of the Persian and Arabic Bayáns). Yahyá later died with no followers left to give him a burial as either a Bábí or Bahá'í.  

21 Aug 1868:  Bahá'u'lláh departs from Gallipoli by steamer for Haifa and then by sail to 'Akká.

31 Aug 1868:  Arrival in 'Akká. [the Most Great Prison, today known as Acre], a prison city for which it was said at that time that should a bird fly over it, the bird would surely fall to the ground dead for its foul air. During the first short while, almost all the prisoners became ill with malaria, dysentery or other sicknesses. 'Abdu'l-Bahá tended to all the sick even though he himself contracted an illness. Bahá'u'lláh predicts that one day He will pitch His tent on Mt. Carmel. Three succumbed to their illnesses.

2 Sep 1868:  The Governor of 'Akká. visits the "desperate criminals" and is deeply impressed by 'Abdu'l-Bahá. He is moved to improve their conditions. Another visitor states that "such pure and sanctified souls had never before been seen in 'Akká.". Meanwhile, Siyyid Muhammad and Aqá Ján Big, the source of all the lies to the authorities, convinced some guards to move their quarters to overlook the land gate so that they could identify anyone who arrived if they were Bahá'í and thus warning the guards, the pilgrims who had walked for weeks would be turned back without even a glimpse of Bahá'u'lláh through His cell window.

1868-1870:  Bahá'u'lláh sends Tablets to 'Ali Pasha [Lawh-i-Ra'is], (second to) Napoleon III, Czar Alexander II, Queen Victoria, Pope Pious IX, Government of the United States (then President Grant).

1 May 1869: Nabil meets Bahá'u'lláh.

July 1869: Badí delivers tablet to Shah, is tortured and executed. Named "Pride of the Martyrs" by Bahá'u'lláh.

1870: Napoleon III defeated by Kaiser Wilhelm I, goes into exile in England and dies in 1873.

23 Jun 1870:  Mírzá Mihdí (the Purest Branch, Bahá'u'lláh's youngest son) falls through a skylight in the prison. Bahá'u'lláh offers to heal him but Mírzá Mihdí instead offers his life as a sacrifice so that those who desire may undertake pilgrimages. Bahá'u'lláh accepts and the Purest Branch dies at age 22. 70 years later, his body is entombed in the Monument Gardens on Mount Carmel.

4 Nov 1870:  Release from prison barracks to house within 'Akká. (the house of 'Udí Khammár). This house was attached to the house of 'Abbúd. The partition between them was later removed and became known as simply the house of 'Abbúd.

Sep 1871: Bahá'u'lláh transferred to the house of 'Udi Khammar in 'Akká.. Late in the year He reveals the Fire Tablet.

8 March 1873: Marriage of 'Abdu'l-Bahá and Munírih Khánum. Four of their daughters survived the long imprisonment and distinguished themselves in their lives dedicated to service. Shoghi Effendi was born to the eldest daughter later. Five other children died very young.

1873:  A new governor of 'Akká. is appointed. This one was captivated by 'Abdu'l-Bahá and saw through the ploys of the antagonists. He asked Bahá'u'lláh what he could do of service: Bahá'u'lláh requested that the aqueduct be restored to operation. Bahá'u'lláh reveals the Kitáb-i-Aqdas [the Most Holy Book, the Book of Laws and Ordinances of the Bahá'í Faith]. In this Book is also found many more addresses to the rulers of the world and is the culmination of His formal declaration. The Bahá'í community transformed into a respected community and Bahá'ís were allowed to open up shops. Late in the year, Bahá'u'lláh acquires the house of 'Abbúd adjoining their house and makes it one residence.

1875:  The new governor is transferred, expresses his sorrow at his separation from Bahá'u'lláh and His son. 'Abdu'l-Bahá writes The Secret of Divine Civilization on the establishment of a just and divinely-based government. Bahá'u'lláh sends Bahá'ís to India to spread the Faith.

30 May 1876: Sultan 'Abdu'l-Aziz is deposed and is either assassinated or commits suicide. 31 August 'Abdu'l-Hamid II becomes Sultan. Hereafter, the banishment decree of the dead Sultan is relaxed.

June 1877:  Departure from 'Akká. for the Mansion of Mazrá'ih and His first visits to the Ridván Garden.

17 March 1879: Martyrdom of Hájí Siyyid Muhammad-Hasan (the King of the Martyrs) and Jahi Siyyid Hummad-Husayn (the Beloved of the Martyrs). Death sentence was pronounced by Shaykh Muhammad-Baqir, "the Wolf". They were put in chains, decapitated and dragged for public viewing.

Sep 1879:  Occupation of the Mansion of Bahjí [Joy]. Bahá'u'lláh increasingly delegates affairs of the Bahá'í community toward 'Abdu'l-Bahá, helping the community to become gradually accustomed to 'Abdu'l-Bahá's role after Bahá'u'lláh's passing.

24 Mar 1881: Mírzá Yahyá is freed by the British administration in Cyprus. He is denied British citizenship and remains in Cyprus until his death.

15 Sep 1882: Death of Khadijih-Bagum, wife of the Báb in Shiraz.

1882-1883: Tihrán upheaval - leading members of the community are arrested and condemned to death.

August 1883:  Second visit by Bahá'u'lláh to Haifa

1886: Death of Bahá'u'lláh's wife Navváb in 'Akká. 'Abdu'l-Bahá writes A Traveler's Narrative.

March 1889: E.G. Browne gives first lecture in the West on the Faith after spending 1887-1888 in Persia.

17 July 1889: The "Son of the Wolf" drives over a hundred Bahá'ís out of their cities near Isfahán.

circa 1890: Nabil presents his book The Dawn-Breakers to Bahá'u'lláh and 'Abdu'l-Bahá for approval.

15-20 April 1890:  Edward Granville Browne of Cambridge University, interviews Bahá'u'lláh four times and visits with 'Abdu'l-Bahá at Bahjí.

Spring 1890 and summer 1891:  Two more visits by Bahá'u'lláh to Haifa; revelation of the Tablet of Carmel (1891); Bahá'u'lláh's identification of the site of the future Shrine of the Báb.

1891: Bahá'u'lláh's revelation of the Epistle to the Son of the Wolf.

A Traveler's Narrative is published by the Cambridge University Press, facilitated by E. G. Browne.

19 May 1891: Execution of the Seven Martyrs of Yazd.

1891 or 1892:   Revelation of the Kitáb-i-'Ahd [the Book of the Covenant], the last Tablet revealed.

24 May 1892:  Bahá'u'lláh calls all the believers to His bedside for their last audience with Him.

29 May 1892:  Ascension of Bahá'u'lláh at 8 hours after sunset (approximately. 3AM) in Bahjí, 'Akká. 'Abdu'l-Bahá telegraphs the Sultan: "The Sun of Bahá has set."

7 Jun 1892:  Unsealing and reading of Bahá'u'lláh's Kitáb-i-'Ahd at Bahjí. 'Abdu'l-Bahá ["the Center of the Covenant of Bahá'u'lláh", "the Master", "the Most Mighty Branch", "the Exemplar"] is appointed as the interpreter of His teachings and the source of authority in all affairs of the faith.

Third Epoch of the Heroic Age: 1892-1921:

The Ministry of 'Abdu'l-Bahá

1892-1896:  Mírzá Muhammad-'Alí [also a son of Bahá'u'lláh, designated The Greater Branch, second in rank to 'Abdu'l-Bahá and half-brother of 'Abdu'l-Bahá] undertakes covert campaign to discredit 'Abdu'l-Bahá and assume leadership of the Bahá'í Faith. 'Abdu'l-Bahá chooses to keep silent and protect the community.

23 Sep 1893:  First public mention of the Bahá'í Faith in the West. In a session of the World's Parliament of Religions, the Reverend George A. Ford, a Syrian missionary, reads a paper talking about Bahá'u'lláh.

Feb 1894:  Dr. Ibrahím George Khayru'lláh, having arrived in New York in 1892, moves to Chicago and seeks out people interested in the Bahá'í Message.

1894:   Thornton Chase becomes first American Bahá'í. 'Abdu'l-Bahá confers upon him the title "Steadfast". Louisa A. Moore becomes a Bahá'í, given the title "Banner", i.e. Banner of the Cause, and is later designated by the Guardian as "the mother teacher of the West". She marries Edward Getsinger and becomes Lua Getsinger. Mrs. Phoebe Hearst, wife of Senator George F. Hearst, was taught by Lua Getsinger during one of Mrs. Getsinger's extensive travels throughout America.

1 Mar 1897:  Shoghi Effendi, eldest grandson of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, is born of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's eldest daughter in the House of Abdu'lláh Pasha.. He is descended from Bahá'u'lláh on his mother's side and related to the Báb on his father's side.

1898:   Phoebe Hearst organizes historic pilgrimage of 15 early American Bahá'ís to meet 'Abdu'l-Bahá. By now there are hundreds of Bahá'ís in America. The pilgrims arrive in 'Akká 10 Dec 1898. The hearts of the pilgrims are set ablaze by the love of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, so much so that some believe 'Abdu'l-Bahá is the return of Jesus Christ. 'Abdu'l-Bahá corrects them, saying that He is the Servant of Bahá. Robert Turner, the black butler of Mrs. Hearst, shown great kindness by 'Abdu'l-Bahá, later becomes the first black Bahá'í on the American continent. May Ellis Bolles is asked to teach the Faith in Paris. Dr. Khayru'lláh, also among the pilgrims, sought 'Abdu'l-Bahá's endorsement of his presentation of the Bahá'í Faith. 'Abdu'l-Bahá corrects his misconceptions and urged him to seriously study the Bahá'í Writings. Khayru'lláh refuses.

31 Jan 1899: Remains of the Báb finally arrive at Mt. Carmel. 'Abdu'l-Bahá begins construction of a befitting resting-place.

1899:    First Bahá'í centre in Europe established in Paris.

1900:    Dr. Khayru'lláh violates Bahá'u'lláh's Covenant, establishes pact with Mírzá Muhammad-'Alí and works against 'Abdu'l-Bahá, trying to seize control of the Faith in the West. Almost none of the American Bahá'ís follow his lead; they remain faithful to 'Abdu'l-Bahá. Khayru'lláh would continue spreading his poison for two decades, but unsuccessful, finally returns to Syria.

1901:    'Abdu'l-Bahá and His family, until this time free to venture in the area, are once again confined to the prison walls of 'Akká as a consequence of His enemies representation to the authorities that 'Abdu'l-Bahá was constructing a fort (in reality, the mausoleum) and building an army (in reality, just visiting pilgrims). He directs attention to correspondence while in prison and visits and assists the needy and the sick of 'Akká.

Summer 1901: May Ellis Bolles teaches Thomas Breakwell, first British Bahá'í.

1902:    May Ellis Bolles weds William Sutherland Maxwell, designer of the superstructure of the Shrine of the Báb, becomes May Maxwell. They establish their home in Montreal, Canada.

 7 Jun 1903:   'Abdu'l-Bahá reveals Tablet calling for the erection of a Temple in America.

1904:    First commission appointed by the Turkish government investigates the charges leveled against 'Abdu'l-Bahá. The Spanish Consul offers Him safe passage to any foreign port, but 'Abdu'l-Bahá refuses, saying He must abide by whatever the ruling.

1907:     A second commission, composed of four corrupt officials, finally reaches a decision and announces that the charges against 'Abdu'l-Bahá have been substantiated and that He was to be exiled or executed. Upon their return to Turkey, the Young Turk Revolution seizes hold and the four commissioners flee.

Apr 1908: Purchase of some land for the future House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois.

28 Nov 1928:  Construction begins on the first Bahá'í House of Worship ('Ishqábád, Russia).

20 Mar 1909:  'Abdu'l-Bahá inters the remains of the Báb on the spot chosen by Bahá'u'lláh years earlier.

1909:   First of the tablets of  'Abdu'l-Bahá published in the West.

1910:  Though in very poor health due to his long imprisonment,  'Abdu'l-Bahá journeys to Egypt to spread the Faith.

11 Aug 1911:   'Abdu'l-Bahá sails for Marseille and later journeys to London (September) and Paris. In December, He returns to Egypt.

1 May 1912:  'Abdu'l-Bahá lays the foundation stone for the first Bahá'í House of Worship in the West at Wilmette, Illinois.

Caption for photo, not included: cornerstone for "the Mother Temple of the West", Eliot Maine where Sarah Farmer, founder of Green Acre, later opened her facility for Bahá'í training, and Montreal where He was the guest of William and May Maxwell, whose home later became the first Canadian Bahá'í centre, and whose daughter Mary was to become the wife of Shoghi Effendi. During the next 239 days, 'Abdu'l-Bahá spoke at countless churches, halls and homes on many topics such as the basic principles of the Faith, philosophical , moral and spiritual topics, and spoke to church congregations, peace societies, trade unions, university faculties, etc. The talks are later published as "The Promulgation of Universal Peace".

19 Oct 1912:   'Abdu'l-Bahá visits the grave of Thornton Chase in Inglewood, California.

29 Jun 1912:   'Abdu'l-Bahá hosts first Unity Feast at the Wilhelm properties in W. Englewood, New Jersey.

5 Dec 1912:  'Abdu'l-Bahá sails for England, visits Liverpool, London, Bristol and Edinburgh. He visits Paris, Stuttgart, Budapest and Vienna.

May 1913:   'Abdu'l-Bahá returns to Egypt.

5 Dec 1913: 'Abdu'l-Bahá returns to Haifa.

July 1914:   By now, 'Abdu'l-Bahá has dismissed all the pilgrims from the Holy Land. He has predicted a great world conflict.

August 1914: The Great War begins and contact between 'Abdu'l-Bahá and the West is cut off. 'Abdu'l-Bahá again becomes a prisoner of the Turkish government as a result of the machinations of Mírzá Muhammad-'Alí and again lives under the constant threat of execution.

1916-1917:  Tablets of the Divine Plan, the mandate for the global expansion of the Faith, is sent to America.

1918:  Shoghi Effendi receives Bachelor of Arts degree from the American University at Beirut.

23 Sep 1918:  'Akká is liberated by British and Indian cavalry and 'Abdu'l-Bahá is again freed.

1919:  First Convention of the Covenant held in New York City. Later that year, Shoghi Effendi Rabbani [Rabbani meaning "Divine", surname given to him by 'Abdu'l-Bahá] was acting as the Master's secretary, translator and right-hand man. Shoghi becomes known in "high" circles.

Winter 1919:  J. E. Esslemont visits for ten weeks, and in 1927 publishes Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era.

27 Apr 1920:  'Abdu'l-Bahá's humanitarian services, having saved thousands of people from famine in Palestine after the War due to His personal organization of extensive agricultural operations near Tiberias, results in British Government knighthood.

24 Sep 1920:  Excavation begins for the foundation of the House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois.

1920:  'Abdu'l-Bahá sends Shoghi Effendi to Oxford to perfect his English. Shoghi Effendi believes his lot in life to be that of a translator and servant of  'Abdu'l-Bahá.

20 Dec 1920:  Construction begins on the House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois.

28 Nov 1921:  'Abdu'l-Bahá dies after a brief illness at 1AM in Haifa. Over ten thousand people, including Muslim, Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Jewish and Druze dignitaries, the British High Commissioner and governors of Jerusalem and Phoenicia attend. Nine speakers, prominent representatives of the Muslim, Christian and Jewish communities, eulogize His pure and noble life. By now the Bahá'í community has spread throughout the Middle East, India and North America but most Bahá'ís still resided in Persia.  'Abdu'l-Bahá's last instructions are in an envelope addressed to Shoghi Effendi.

First Epoch of the Formative Age: 1921 - 1947

 3 Jan 1922:   Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahá formally read. The Guardianship is inaugurated and Shoghi Effendi is appointed the first Guardian of the Bahá'í  Faith: the sole authoritative interpreter of the Bahá'í Writings. As interpreter, the Guardian analyzed world events in the light of Bahá'í  Scriptures and sent lengthy letters to Bahá'í communities throughout the world with his results. He was asked numerous questions on a broad range of topics. His answers comprise a significant portion of the interpretation of the Bahá'í Writings. Shunning any personal acknowledgement or praise, the Guardian forbid any commemoration of events associated with his life and fulfilled his role largely outside of public view; a stark contrast to the charismatic style of 'Abdu'l-Bahá. Generally speaking, the Guardian concentrated on: the development of the Bahá'í World Center, the translation and interpretation of Bahá'í Teachings, the expansion of the administrative order, and the implementation of the divine plan of 'Abdu'l-Bahá.

15 Dec 1922:  Shoghi Effendi returns to Holy Land to resume duties as Guardian. 

12 Mar 1923:  Shoghi Effendi calls for the establishment of Local and National Bahá'í Funds.

1923:   National Spiritual Assemblies are formed in British Isles, Germany and India.

1924:   National Spiritual Assembly is formed in Egypt.

1925:   National Spiritual Assembly is formed in the United States and Canada (one mutual assembly at this time).

1 Aug 1927:  Bahá'í Summer School opened at Geyserville, California.

14 Feb 1929:  Work begins on three additional chambers of the Shrine of the Báb.

3 Mar 1929:  League of Nations Council resolution upholds the Bahá'í Community's claim to Bahá'u'lláh's house in Baghdád.

27 Nov 1929:  Restoration of the Mansion at Bahjí begins.

15 Jul 1932:  Passing of the Greatest Holy Leaf (Bahíyyih Khánum), Bahá'u'lláh's daughter, in Haifa. She was the loyal stalwart supporter of the Faith and provided Shoghi Effendi with invaluable support after his appointment as Guardian.

1934:  National Spiritual Assembly is formed in Persia and Australia.

10 May 1934:  Tax exemption for Bahá'í properties on Mt. Carmel announced.

21 Apr 1937:  First Seven-Year Plan launched. Goals: to establish at least one local spiritual assembly in every state of the United States and every province of Canada; to make certain that at least one Bahá'í teacher was residing in each Latin American republic; to complete the exterior design of the first Bahá'í house of worship in North America. The plan was successfully completed in 1944, the centenary of the Báb's declaration.

25 Dec 1939:  Remains of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's Mother (Navváb - The Most Exalted Leaf) and Brother (The Purest Branch) interred together on Mt. Carmel.

15 Dec 1946:  Completion of plans for erection of arcade of the Shrine of the Báb.

Second Epoch of the Formative Age: 1947 - 1963

1948: Distinct National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Canada formed.

1949: Special Act of Canadian Parliament is the first official recognition of the Bahá'í Faith by any government.

9 July 1950:  Completion of the Arcade and Parapet of the Shrine of the Báb.

16 Dec 1950:  Mazrá'ih leased from Israeli authorities.

1951: The Guardian begins appointing Hands of the Cause of God (distinguished believers who were assigned tasks to teach the Faith and protect its institutions).

Apr 1953:  Formal dedication of the house of worship at Wilmette, Illinois, designed by French-Canadian architect Jean-Louis Bourgeois.

Oct 1953:  The Shrine of the Báb is completed.

1954: Construction started on the International Archives Building on Mt. Carmel.  

1957: The Hands of the Cause of God, collaborating with the national spiritual assemblies, worked to complete the goals of the Ten Year World Crusade. This became known as the Custodian time of the Bahá'í Faith.

1 Feb 1959:  Completion of the Bahá'í Home for the Aged in Wilmette, Illinois.

16 Sep 1961:  Dedication of the House of Worship in Sydney, Australia.

Third Epoch of the Formative Age: 1963 - 1986

30 Apr 1963:  Presentation of the members of the first Universal House of Justice; reading of its first message in London, England.

21 Apr 1964:  The Universal House of Justice launches a Nine Year Plan which was to be completed in 1973, the centenary of Bahá'u'lláh's revelation of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas.

26 Apr 1964:  Election of the first National Spiritual Assembly of the Hawaiian Islands.

4 Jul 1964:  Dedication of the Mother Temple of Europe in Langenhain, Germany.  

By April, 1969: The Universal House of Justice had appointed 11 Continental Board Counselors to serve the Faith in roles of protection and propagation.

21 April 1970:  Eleven more national spiritual assemblies are formed, bringing the total to 94.

21 April 1971:  By now, 10,360 Local Spiritual Assemblies exist, and Bahá'ís reside in 46,334 localities.

19 Dec 1971:  Erection of Obelisk on Mt. Carmel to mark site of future Mashriqu'l-Adhkár.

29 April 1972:  Dedication of Mother Temple of Latin America in Panama.

By now, the Spiritual Assembly of Iraq has been dissolved because of persecution against Bahá'ís in that land.

15 Mar 1973:  Mazrá'ih is purchased.

5 Jun 1973:  Announcement of the establishment of the International Teaching Centre in Haifa.

7 Feb 1974:  Announcement of the design for the Permanent Seat of the Universal House of Justice.

13 July 1974:  Dedication of the John Bosch Bahá'í Summer School in Santa Cruz, California.

14 Jan 1975:  Purchase of the house of 'Abdu'lláh Páshá, 'Abdu'l-Bahá's Holy House in 'Akká and birthplace of   Shoghi Effendi.

12 Sep 1976:  His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II of Western Samoa visits Shoghi Effendi's grave in London, England.

1978:  Religious fanaticism in Irán sparks the beginning of persecution against the Bahá'ís of Irán.

27 Jan 1979:  Foundation Stone Ceremony, site of future House of Worship, Western Samoa, with His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II.

21 Apr 1979:  The Universal House of Justice launches a Seven Year Plan.

31 Jan 1983:  Universal House of Justice occupies its Permanent Seat on Mt. Carmel.

Summer, 1983:  Six young women, aged 18-25 were hanged in Shíráz. All were offered freedom if they would recant their Faith. None accepted that offer. Children are expelled from schools in Irán for being Bahá'í.

21 April 1984:  Nine new National Spiritual Assemblies are formed, bringing the number to 143. The Bahá'ís of Irán continue to be persecuted. Some six hundred men, women and children are currently in prison. The administrative functions have long been disbanded there.

1 Sep 1984:  Dedication of the House of Worship in Apia, Western Samoa

Oct 1985:  The Universal House of Justice publishes "The Promise of World Peace". This statement on peace is formally presented to virtually all rulers, whether individuals or parliaments, of the world and to the leading thinkers of the world.

Fourth Epoch of the Formative Age: 1986 - 2001

2 January 1986: Report from Conference in the Holy Land announces-- Fourth Epoch of the Formative Age Begins.

21 Apr 1986:  The Universal House of Justice launches a Six Year Plan.

3 Aug 1986:  Historic visit to Bahá'í World Centre by Sir Thomas Davis, Prime Minister of the Cook Islands for a consultation with the Universal House of Justice on world peace.

24 Dec 1986:  Dedication of the House of Worship of the Indian Subcontinent in New Delhi, India.

21 April 1987:  By now, more than 1 million copies of "The Promise of World Peace" had been distributed. 200 Iranian Bahá'ís are still in prison in Irán.

3 Oct 1987:  Bahá'í Faith becomes sixth world religion to join Network On Conservation and Religion of the World Wide Fund for Nature.

Sept 1988:  Opening of the Maxwell International Bahá'í School in British Columbia, Canada.

21 April 1990:  By now, two Knights of Bahá'u'lláh had settled in Sakhalin Island, the last remaining territory named by Shoghi Effendi in his Ten Year Global Plan. A two-year subsidiary teaching plan is introduced by the Universal House of Justice. The United States House of Representatives unanimously adopted a resolution calling for the emancipation of the Iránian Bahá'í Community.

18 March 1992:  Word of the secret execution of Mr. Bahman Samandari in Irán is made known.

21 April 1992: The Holy Year begins, in commemoration of the centenary of the passing of Bahá'u'lláh. The Faith is now represented in every nation on earth. Law of Huqúqu'lláh takes effect.

21 March 1993:  The Most Holy Book (Kitáb-i Aqdás) is published in English for the first time.

21 Apr 1993:  The Universal House of Justice launches a Three Year Plan.

Summer, 1993: 15,000 Bahá'í graves were desecrated in Iran. More than 10,000 have been dismissed from positions in government and public education, pensions have been revoked, and in some cases Bahá'ís have been required to return salaries and pensions received. Bahá'í farmers are prevented from joining farmers' cooperatives, often the only source of credit, seeds, pesticide, and fertilizer. Private companies have often been compelled to discharge members of the Faith, and in some locations Bahá'ís have been prevented from operating their own businesses.

March 1995:  World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen involving 250 Bahá'ís from more than 40 countries. " The Prosperity of Humankind", produced by the Bahá'í International Community's Office of Public Information, was distributed and discussed.

21 April 1995:  172 National Spiritual Assemblies are existent.

Sept 1995:  The Fourth World Conference on Women was held in Beijing, attended by more than 500 Bahá'ís and an official delegation from BIC. Also in 1995, the Bahá'í International Community's United Nations Office produced and distributed a statement, entitled " Turning Point for All Nations", containing proposals for the development of the United Nations.

March 1996:  In the past seventeen years, 201 Bahá'ís have been killed or executed, fifteen are missing and presumed dead, and hundreds have been imprisoned. Property confiscations (totaling 150 in the city of Yazd last year alone), dismissal from public sector employment, expulsion from institutions of higher learning, discriminatory treatment in the judicial system, arbitrary arrests, and prohibition of all forms of religious community life, including worship meetings, are some of the difficulties experienced by this beleaguered community. In recent years, more than one hundred Bahá'ís throughout the country have been arrested, detained for periods ranging from 48 hours to six months, and then released, in an effort to create an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear in the community. Numerous cases of torture and summary trials have been documented. As of now, eight Bahá'ís were in prison, three under sentence of death. The situation of the Iranian Bahá'í community continued to receive the close attention of the United Nations, particularly in reports issued by the Special Representative on Iran and the Special Rapporteur on Religious Intolerance, and the sentencing of another Bahá'í to death on the charge of "religious apostasy" prompted a number of governments around the world to further action

21 Apr 1996:  The Universal House of Justice launches a Four-Year Plan. "The structural framework of the Center for the Study of the Texts and the Extension to the International Archives Building has been raised up and the work on these buildings has advanced towards initiation of the exterior and interior finishing work. The erection of the permanent seat of the International Teaching Center, the third structure currently being built on the Arc, is progressing rapidly. Seven terraces below the Shrine of the Báb are now completed, foreshowing the unfolding splendors from the foot to the ridge of God's Holy Mountain."

July 1996: " The Bahá'í World" website of the International Bahá'í Community is launched. In its first eight months it received over 50,000 hits from more than 90 countries and territories.

March 1997: Although the executions of Bahá'ís have ceased, harassment continues. Between 1993 and 1997, some 200 Bahá'ís were arrested and detained for periods ranging from 48 hours to 6 months. As of now, fourteen Bahá'ís were still being held in Iranian prisons solely because of their religious beliefs. Four of these are under sentence of death.

April 20, 1997: The Universal House of Justice designated the establishment of the Regional Baha'i Councils.

21 Apr 1997: National Spiritual Assembly of Rwanda is reformed, bringing the number of NSAs to 175. "...the construction projects on Mount Carmel maintained a dazzling momentum highlighted by the completion of the marble colonnade of the Centre for the Study of the Texts, by the rise of the International Teaching Centre building towards its seventh level, and by the ongoing emergence of the far-stretching features of the Terraces of the Shrine of the Báb."

May 1998: Three new National Spiritual Assemblies are formed: Sabah, Sarawak, and Slovakia. The National Spiritual Assembly in Liberia is re-established, for a total of 179 National Spiritual Assemblies.

July 1998: Execution of a Bahá'í in Mashhad, Iran.

September 1998: 32 faculty members of the Bahá'í Institute of Higher Education are arrested and the Bahá'í Open University is shut down. This was the only source of higher education for Bahá'í youth who are denied educational opportunities by the Iranian authorities. A world-wide outcry is heard from educators in response.

November 26, 1999: The Universal House of Justice announces the advent of the upcoming "One-Year" and "Five-Year" plans.

December 28, 1999: The Universal House of Justice reviews the Kitáb-i-Aqdas and announces that the laws of fasting, obligatory prayers, ablutions and chanting the Greatest Name 95 times per day are now binding on all Bahá'ís.

January 1, 2000: Presentations of the Baha'i World Center are televised as part of the new millennium celebrations and are viewed by over one-billion persons around the world.

January 19, 2000: The Bahá'í world community receives an announcement from the Universal House of Justice that Amatúl-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum , the wife of Shoghi Effendi and the last link to the 'Abdú'l-Bahá and the Holy Family has passed away.

January 26, 2000:  The Baha'i World community received the announcement that Adib Taherzadeh, author and member of the Universal House of Justice, has passed away after being hospitalized by illness.

Jan 2000:  The Government of Iran reaffirms the death sentences of two Bahá'ís, former faculty of the Bahá'í Institute of Higher Education. The United States in a State Department proclamation to the government of Iran: ``We urge that the government of Iran protect members of the Baha'i Faith and that it ease restrictions on the practice of religion so that all Iranians might enjoy the fundamental human right to freedom of conscience and belief,''

February 11, 2000:  President Clinton said he was deeply troubled that the death sentences had been reaffirmed for Sirus Zabihi-Moghaddam and Hadayet Kashefi-Najafabadi and the same sentence had been imposed on Manucher Khulusi. "Executing people for their religious faith is contrary to the most fundamental human rights principles,'' Clinton said, holding the Iranian government responsible for the safety of the Bahá'ís of Iran and strongly urged that the executions not be carried out.

March 20, 2001:  Starts off the one year plan dedicated to the education of the children in the Bahá'í communities, as described in the Ridván letter of 157 BE.

Fifth Epoch of the Formative Age: 2001 - Present

January 18, 2001: The announcement is made that 9 Bahá'ís have been placed under arrest in Egypt.

March 20, 2001: The launch of the Five Year Plan, the main enfaces being the education of Bahá'í children and consolidation of the Bahá'í communities in preparation for the advent of "entry by troupes".

April 21, 2001: Within the Ridván Message for BE 158 (2001), the Universal House of Justice announces the launch of the Five Year Plan that includes an ever progressive expansion of the Faith throughout the world, and expansion of facilities at the Bahá'í World Center, including the organization of the Center for the Study of the Sacred Text, and improvements to accommodate greater numbers of pilgrims. Then it calls for the "raising up of National Houses of Worship" and the erection of the Mother Temple of South America in Santiago, Chile.

May 22-23, 2001: Grand Opening of the Bahá'í Terraces on Mount Carmel was celebrated with a symphony orchestra, a 70-voice choir. 3,500 Bahá'ís and guest from 180 countries attended in person along with 650 dignitaries from Israel and international embassies and another 100 representatives of the news media. The service was watched by millions around the world via satellite and Internet web cast. The Universal House of Justice, in a statement read during the ceremony, offered the project, the celebration surrounding it, the golden-domed shrine of the Báb, as a source of hope against the "turmoil and crises of our time." The ceremony featured two orchestral works composed especially for the occasion. Toward the end of the second composition, and just as dusk was falling, the lights on the 19 newly constructed terraces, which extend nearly a kilometer up the slop of the mountain' north face, were gradually turned on, illuminating the mountainside in a dramatic climax.

The 19 garden terraces have been described as the new eighth wonder of the world and along with the Shrine of the Báb, comprise a structure so grand that it can be seen from outer space.

March 5, 2002:Two Bahá'ís in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, in recent weeks were determined to have been killed for their religious beliefs. Rashid Gulov was shot and killed on 23 October 2001 while returning home from work. A second man, Mosadegh Afshin Shokoufeh, was shot outside his home on 3 December 2001 and died from his wounds on the way to the hospital.

April 2002: The Universal House of Justice releases: Message to the World's Religious Leaders.

During the year of 2002: Bahá'í communities across the United Sates celebrated the ‘90 Year Commemoration of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's travels through America.

December 2002: Bahá'ís around the world observe the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the incarceration of Bahá'u'lláh in the SÍyáh-Chál.

Nuku'Alofa, Tonga, March 2, 2003: In an opening ceremony for two internet-ready buildings at the Ocean of Light International School, Crown Prince Tupoutoa of Tonga praised the school for its technological advancement.

April 5, 2003: The Universal House of Justice, after closely following the developments in the world as they affect the Middle East, for the first time canceled the holding of the International Convention under provision of its Constitution and arranged for the 19 Delegates to count the Ballots on the Ninth Day of Ridván.

May 11, 2003: the Universal House of Justice informed the Baha'i International Community about the passing of the former House member David Hofman, stating:. "From the moment of his acceptance of the Message of Bahá'u'lláh in Montreal, in July 1933, David served with exemplary zeal in Canada, the United States, the British Isles, the World Centre and, finally, to the last reserves of his strength, as a traveling teacher throughout the world. He will be remembered for an adamantine loyalty to the Cause, an unfailing response to the call and guidance of the Guardian and the Universal House of Justice, a central role in the advancement of the British Baha'i community and the launching of the brilliant Africa Campaign, and his outstanding contributions to Baha'i literature both as an author and a publisher. His life was crowned by twenty-five years of distinguished service as a member of the Universal House of Justice from 1963 to 1988.".

October 12, 2003: Haifa, Israel: The Bahá'ís around the world honor the Golden Anniversary of the Queen of Carmel, fifty years from the completion of the superstructure over the Shrine of the Báb.  

Mr. Furutan, who carried the rank of Hand of the Cause of God, was one of the only two surviving members of this company of senior officers of the Faith appointed by its late Guardian, Shoghi Effendi,

April 20, 2004: In the Ridván Message of the Universal House of Justice, it announces "...the election of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Iraq, restored after more than thirty years of stifling oppression, to take its rightful place in the international Bahá'í community."

April 2004: The Bahá'í world community learns of the demolition of the Gravesite of Quddús by the Islamic Clerics of Iran. in a continuation of a campaign to eradicate that nation's Bahá'í community.

August 11, 2004: (BWNS) -- In yet another clear violation of the human rights of the Bahá'ís of Iran, nearly 1,000 Baha'i university-age students in Iran have been told they must accept identification as Muslims in order to enter university this year, the Bahá'í International Community has learned.

September 12, 2004: The National Spiritual Assembly of the United States published a full page article " Cultural Cleansing" in both the Washington Times and the New York Time in response to the continued efforts by the Islamic extremist in Iran to obliterate the Bahá'í community in their country.

November 24, 2004: AKKÁ, Israel. With the restoration of the Citadel complete, Bahá'í pilgrims will now have a more accurate understanding of the circumstances surrounding Bahá'u'lláh's imprisonment in a place where, despite such maltreatment, He was nonetheless able to further His Faith and teachings. (BWNS).

November 30,  2004:  APIA, Samoa, A royal welcome greeted participants at the "Waves of One Ocean" conference that marked the 50th anniversary of the Bahá'í Faith in Samoa and the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Baha'i House of Worship here. (BWNS)

January 2, 2005: Bujumbura, Burundi. In a country that has endured many years of harrowing conflicts, members of the Bahá'í community have found an occasion to celebrate.

During the celebrations, held at the national Bahá'í center in Nyakabiga, Bujumbura, on 27-28 August 2004, a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Africa, Ahmad Parsa, spoke about the important role the Burundi Bahá'í community has played in this region. In a message to the Bahá'ís of Burundi on the occasion of the jubilee, the Universal House of Justice expressed its wish that "this historic gathering may be a source of inspiration to the friends as they endeavor to further advance the Cause of God in Burundi." (BWNS)

January23  2005: Banjul, The Gambia, The Bahá'í community of this West African country had a double reason to celebrate. The first was the opening of a new national Bahá'í center in the coastal town of Bakau, about 10 km from the capital. The second reason for celebration was the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the Bahá'í Faith to the country. The consecutive festivities were held 24-26 December 2005. Among the more than 200 people attending the opening and dedication ceremony of the national center, held on 24 December 2004, were representatives of the Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, and Muslim communities. Also present were the nation's solicitor-general, Raymond Sock, and Mrs. Sock; the headman (Alkalo) of Bakau, Alhaji Luntung Jaiteh; a representative of the local mayor of Kanifing municipality; business people; and other dignitaries. Bahá'í participants came not only from The Gambia -- including remote areas -- but also from neighboring Senegal and from Mali, Mauritania, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau, as well as other countries in Africa, Europe, North America, and Asia. Eleven members of the Continental Board of Counselors attended part or all of the festivities. (BWNS)

21 March 2005: HAIFA, Israel,   -- The Universal House of Justice has announced the election of two new members, Payman Mohajer and Paul Lample. Dr. Mohajer and Mr. Lample fill the vacancies left by Mr. Ian Semple and Mr. Douglas Martin, who have retired at Naw-Rúz owing to age and the related needs of the Faith. (BWNS)

26 April 2005: SANTIAGO, Chile,   -- The first Baha'i House of Worship in South America will be built in the Andean foothills with a panoramic view of the mountains in three directions.

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Chile has taken possession of a 110-hectare site in a rural region of the Chacabuco Province some 35 minutes by car north of the center of Santiago. The House of Worship will be on the top of a hill in a seven-hectare section of the site that will constitute the immediate grounds and gardens of the Temple.

The Temple, designed by Canadian architect Siamak Hariri, will be clad in forged glass and Spanish alabaster. The translucent stone will allow sunlight to filter through during the day and the Temple to emit a warm glow from the interior lighting at night. (BWNS) 

The relationship between science and religion was explored at the 29th annual Association for Baha'i Studies conference, in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

With over 100 speakers and attended by some 1,300 people, the conference explored everything from the role of inspiration in scientific discovery to the value of prayer in healing. Presentations ranged over the gamut of natural and social sciences, from neuroscience to quantum mechanics, from philosophy to psychology

7 September 2005: Newburgh, New York -- Dr. David S. Ruhe, former member of the Universal House of Justice, died Tuesday, 6 September 2005, near his home, following a stroke in mid-August. He was 91.

26 October, 2005 The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United Statese announced to the American Bahá'í Community: "It is with great excitement that we share with you the news that the number of Regional Bahá'í Councils in the Western Region is being increased to two, one for the Northwest and another for the Southwest!

17 December 2005 (BWNS) -- For the 18th time since 1985, the United Nations General Assembly has passed a resolution expressing "serious concern" over the human rights situation in Iran, also making specific mention of the ongoing persecution of the Baha'i community there.

The resolution, which had been put forward by Canada and co-sponsored by 46 countries including Australia, the European Union, and the United States, passed by a vote of 75 to 50 on 16 December 2005.

Among other things, it called on Iran to "eliminate, in law or in practice, all forms of discrimination based on religious, ethnic or linguistic grounds, and other human rights violations against minorities, including Arabs, Kurds, Baluchi, Christians, Jews, Sunni Muslims and the Baha'i...."

The resolution quite specifically takes note of the upsurge in persecution against Iran's 300,000-member Baha'i community, noting the "escalation and increased frequency of discrimination and other human rights violations against the Baha'i, including cases of arbitrary arrest and detention, the denial of freedom of religion or of publicly carrying out communal affairs, the disregard of property rights, the destruction of sites of religious importance, the suspension of social, educational and community-related activities and the denial of access to higher education, employment, pensions, adequate housing and other benefits...."

The resolution also encourages various agencies of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights to continue to work to improve the human rights situation in Iran, and at the same time it calls on the government of Iran to cooperate with these agencies.

The Baha'i International Community also  learned that two day earlier, a Baha'i who had been wrongly jailed in Iran for 10 years on fabricated charges, died in his prison cell of unknown causes, At the time of his death, Mr. Dhabihu'llah Mahrami, 59, was being held in a government prison in Yazd under harsh physical conditions.

The Continental Boards of Counsellors, an institution charged with promoting the propagation and protection of the Baha'i Faith, meet in Haifa every five years to discuss development plans for the worldwide Baha'i community.

There are 81 Counsellors worldwide. The conference (December 27 - 31) was followed by five days of meetings of the individual boards from the various continents.

The Iranian government recently ordered its military, intelligence police forces to identify members of the country’s 300,000-member Baha'i community and to monitor their activities, a move the ADL called “a dangerous precedent ... reminiscent of the laws imposed on European Jews in the 1930s.”

ADL National Director Abraham H. Foxman said, “Since the Iranian Revolution, the Baha'is have suffered religious persecution and bigotry in Iran, but this step raises it to the next level.”

The International Federation for Human Rights said it fears the “identification and monitoring of the Baha’is, combined with the current hatred propaganda in the media, could lead to increased discrimination in their regards” and calls upon the Iranian authorities to “abide by their international human rights commitments.”

31, August 2006 HAIFA, Israel, ( BWNS) A new volume of selected writings by Baha'u'llah, entitled "The Tabernacle of Unity," has been recently translated and published in English. This latest publication of the Baha'i World Centre contains five "tablets" - letters - written by Baha'u'llah to individuals of Zoroastrian background in the 1800s. As such, these tablets provide important insights into the interrelatedness of religion.