Birth of the Báb (Bab)
The Báb, which translates to 'the gate,' was born Siyyid 'Ali-Muhammad on October 20, 1819, in what was then Shiraz, Persia, now Iran. He was a prophet and a leader of the Bahá'í revelation who was often likened to John the Baptist. He encouraged people to purify themselves for the coming of the messenger of God.
The Birth of the Báb is a joyous event and one of the nine holy days of the year when work is suspended.