Source: Los Angeles Times

On July 8, 2000, The Los Angeles Times published an article on the commemoration of the death of Siyyid 'Ali Mohammed, one of the founding figures of the Baha'i religion. Known as the Bab, he was born in 1819 in Shiraz, Iran. He was known for his generosity to the poor. In 1844, the Bab announced that he was Islam's promised Qu'im, "He Who Will Arise." His coming represented the portal through which the Messenger of God would soon appear. The prophecy is believed to have been fulfilled when a follower of the Bab named Mirza Husayn 'Alu took the name Baha'u'llah, and announced in 1863 that he was the Promised One. The Baha'i faith has approximately 5 million adherents worldwide, and the group honors all religions and emphasizes the unity of humankind. Events surrounding the commemoration of the Bab's death included lectures, breakfasts, worship services, and general community gatherings.