Major Eras and Historical Development of the Baha'i Faith

Siyyid ‘Ali-Muhammad accepted the title Bab (“the Gate”) and prophesized the future arrival of “One greater than Himself.”

Siyyid ‘Ali-Muhammad Shirází and those of his eighteen disciples whom he called the “Letters of the Living,” was to announce the arrival of “One greater than Himself”, who would fulfill the prophetic expectations of all the great religions. His followers became known as "Babis." The movement caused a lot of religious tension. This led to Siyyid ‘Ali-Muhammad Shirází's execution in 1850. During this time, many saw this as a threat to Orthodox Islam.

One of the Bab’s followers, Mirza Husayn-’Ali-i-Nuri, announced that he was the manifestation predicted by the Bab. He assumed the title Baha’u'llah (“glory of God”).

Baha’u'llah died on at the age of 74. He had spent most of his life either as a prisoner or in exile. He was buried in a house that is now known as the "Holiest Place on Earth" for Baha'is.

In the very late 19th century, under Baha’u'llah's son, Abdu’l-Baha's leadership, the faith expanded beyond the Middle East and was introduced to Europe and North America.

The Baha'i Temple in Ashkabad, Turkestan was completed in 1908, but was later destroyed by damage from an earthquake in 1962.

Abdu’l-Baha set out on speaking tours, where he visited France and the UK in 1911, and North America, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Hungary in 1912.

Abdu’l-Baha selected his eldest grandson, Shoghi Effendi to be his successor as the leader of the Bahá’í community. He dedicated his effort to a major expansion of the faith into all areas of the world. He also promoted helping women find strength and equality in their everyday lives.

The Baha'i Temple in Wilmette, Illinois was completed in 1953.

After the death of Shoghi Effendi, a committee who he had called “Hands of the Cause," came to lead the Baha'i Faith. The Baha'i Faith overall had peaceful transitions between each leader without any major conflict.