MARTYRDOM OF THE BAB.

Bahai house of worship at Samoa a country in Oceania

    On the 9th of July 1850 (Friday, 28th Sha'ban, 1266 A.H.), the Bab Himself, who was then in His thirty-first year, fell a victim to the fanatical fury (extreme wild and violent anger) of His persecutors. With a devoted young follower named Aqa Muhammad 'Ali, who had passionately begged to be allowed to share His martyrdom, He was led to the scaffold (a raised wooden platform used formerly for public execution of people) in the old barrack square (a drilled ground) of Tabriz (most populated city in northwest Iran). About 2 hours before noon the two were suspended by ropes under their armpits in such a way that the head of Muhammad 'Ali rested against the breast of his beloved Master. A regiment (permanent unit of an Army) of Armenian soldiers was drawn up and received the order to fire. Promptly (with no delay) the volleys (number of bullets) rang out, but when the smoke cleared, it was found that the Bab and His companion were still alive. The bullets had but severed (having been cut) the ropes by which they were suspended, so that they dropped to the ground unhurt. The Bab proceeded to a room nearby, where He was found talking to one of His friends. About noon they were again suspended. The Armenians, who considered the result of their volleys a miracle, were unwilling to fire again, so another regiment of soldiers had been brought on the scene, who fired when ordered. this time the volleys took effect. The bodies of both victims were riddled (holes due to gunshots)  by bullets and horribly mutilated (violent and disfigured injury), although their faces were almost untouched.

    By this foul deed the Barrack Square of Tabriz became a second Calvary (the hill outside Jerusalem on which Christ was crucified - sculpture of crucifixion). The enemies of the Bab enjoyed a guilty thrill of triumph, thinking that this hated tree of the Babi faith was now severed at the root, and its complete eradication would be easy! But their triumph was short- lived! They did not realize that the Tree of Truth cannot be felled by any material axe. Had they but know, this very crime of theirs was the means of giving greater vigour (strength) to the Cause. The martyrdom of the Bab fulfilled His own cherished wish and inspired His followers with increased zeal (enthusiasm). Such was the fire of their spiritual enthusiasm that the bitter winds of persecution but fanned (blown) it to a fiercer (wild and gentle) blaze (firestorm). The greater the efforts at extinction, the higher mounted the flames.