Storytime Tapestry Newsletter

The newsletter devoted to spreading love and cultural awareness throughout the world.

Welcome to Fascinating Facts and Tantalizing Trivia

A Hartson Dowd Column

Nov 12, 2006

Members of the Baha’I faith celebrate the birth of Baha’u’llah on November 12^th.

Born as Mirza Husayn-Ali son of a wealthy merchant, he was an adherent of Islam, and later, a follower of Bab (founder of the Baha’I faith).

In 1863 Husayn-Ali declared himself the messenger of God as foretold by Bab, and he took the name Baha’u’llah, meaning “the glory of God.”

Interested in improving the quality of life for all, Baha’u’llah encouraged such progressive ideas as universal education, equality of the sexes and a spirit of friendship and fellowship between people of all races and religion.  Members of the Baha’I faith believe that the work of Baha’u’llah will one day unite the world in peace.

“O Friend!  In the garden of thy heart plant naught but the rose of love.” … Baha’u’llah

In the late 1860's Baha’u’llah, his family and followers moved to Acre and during the late 1870's were finally allowed to move outside this his final city of exile, Acre. Baha’u’llah wrote his most important tablet while at Acre called the Kitab-i-Aqdas (the Most Holy Book) which lays out the essential laws and principles observed by Baha’is.

On May 29, 1892, Baha’u’llah passed away. His remains have been laid to rest in a garden room off the restored mansion called Bahji. It is the most holy place on earth.

Baha’is worldwide will gather together to celebrate and observe the Birth of Baha’u’llah. Work and school, is general suspended in observance of this Holy Day, the Birth of Baha’u’llah on November 12th.

Canada has a particularly strong tie to the Baha’i faith, as in 1937 a Montreal woman married the great grandson of the Bab.  Her home---the Maxwell House in Montreal---is a Baha’I pilgrimage site.  There is also a National Center in Thornhill and an Association for Baha’I studies in Ottawa.

Hartson S. Dowd

hsdowd@telus.net