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Baha'i
Baha'is around the world will be observing the anniversary of the birth of Baha'u'llah starting the evening of November 11th.. As a Holy Day work will be suspended for Baha'is and the community will hold anniversary gatherings. It also coincides with the Leonid meteor shower about the same time. In 1833 there was a particularly strong shower and many thought it was a sign of the end of the world and the Return of Christ:
Shooting Stars - The Great Star Shower
On 12 November 1817 in Teheran, the capital of Persia, a son was born to a prominent minister of state, Mirza Buzurg, and his wife Khadijih. The boy, to whom they gave the names of Husayn-Ali, was later to be known as Baha'u'llah. The child led a carefree life, growing up as a member of a wealthy family who never suspected that their son might one day proclaim Himself to be the great Universal Teacher foretold by every earlier Messenger of God. Yet the father soon realised that his son was different from other children. For, although little Mirza Husayn-Ali had never been in school and had only recieved some instruction at home, He was extraordinarily knowledgable.
Before He was thirteen He was already famous at the Court for His learning. The ministers used to come to Him to discuss their problems with Him. He was already speaking at great assemblies of theologians and explaining the most complicated matters to them. But it was not only because of His knowledge that everyone came to Him. As a child He was extremely kind and helpful. Wherever people were in need, Mirza Husayn-Ali extended a helping hand and used to spend His time in caring for the sick and the poor.
When His father died in 1839, the government wished to appoint Him as his successor but He would not accept the appointment.
Shortly before this, He had married Navvab, the daughter of another minister. Husband and wife devoted themselves to the care of the poor and became known respectively as the Father of the Poor and the Mother of Consolation. A few years later, on 23 May 1844, a son was born. They called Him 'Abbas and He later took the title of 'Abdu'l-Baha. A short time after this event Mirza Husayn-'Ali, who was now twenty-seven years of age, received a scroll written by the Bab.
Shooting Stars - The Great Star Shower
On 12 November 1817 in Teheran, the capital of Persia, a son was born to a prominent minister of state, Mirza Buzurg, and his wife Khadijih. The boy, to whom they gave the names of Husayn-Ali, was later to be known as Baha'u'llah. The child led a carefree life, growing up as a member of a wealthy family who never suspected that their son might one day proclaim Himself to be the great Universal Teacher foretold by every earlier Messenger of God. Yet the father soon realised that his son was different from other children. For, although little Mirza Husayn-Ali had never been in school and had only recieved some instruction at home, He was extraordinarily knowledgable.
Before He was thirteen He was already famous at the Court for His learning. The ministers used to come to Him to discuss their problems with Him. He was already speaking at great assemblies of theologians and explaining the most complicated matters to them. But it was not only because of His knowledge that everyone came to Him. As a child He was extremely kind and helpful. Wherever people were in need, Mirza Husayn-Ali extended a helping hand and used to spend His time in caring for the sick and the poor.
When His father died in 1839, the government wished to appoint Him as his successor but He would not accept the appointment.
Shortly before this, He had married Navvab, the daughter of another minister. Husband and wife devoted themselves to the care of the poor and became known respectively as the Father of the Poor and the Mother of Consolation. A few years later, on 23 May 1844, a son was born. They called Him 'Abbas and He later took the title of 'Abdu'l-Baha. A short time after this event Mirza Husayn-'Ali, who was now twenty-seven years of age, received a scroll written by the Bab.