134th Ascension Anniversary of Bahá’u’lláh, Founder of the Bahá’i Faith
Dr. A. K. Merchant*
As we survey our planet at this critical evolutionary juncture when the survival of humanity is threatened not merely by external crises, but by a profound crisis of the human spirit. On 29th May followers of Bahá’u’lláh (1817-1892), all over the world and particularly at His Shrine in the Holy Land would be observing one of the most sacred and contemplative Holy Days of the Bahá’í calendar. Wherever Bahá’is live in remote villages or advanced urban cities, numbering some eight million, from the midnight of 28th May special prayer services commence and culminate at 3:00 am of 29th May. Recalling the life of their Founder who spent the major portion of his life as a Prisoner of three despotic monarchs of His time, Bahá’u’lláh was exiled out of His homeland for no reason except that He espoused the Cause of the Báb, Prophet-herald of the Bahá’i Faith, and later as prophesied in the Sacred Scriptures claimed to be the Bearer of a fresh outpouring of Divine Guidance.
For the followers of Bahá’u’lláh, today’s dominant materialist paradigm has reduced the world to a mere totality of physical facts, transforming human beings into uniform consumers and militants driven by primitive impulses. This reductionist dogma makes societies highly vulnerable to large-scale manipulation, escalating conflicts that threatens the very survival of the human race. The current scenario of gloom and doom is viewed from the perspective of eschatology with its imminent promise of messianic hope. The manifestation Bahá’u’lláh, his life-long trials and tribulations and harsh encounters with rulers, religious leaders and their gullible votaries who persecuted Him and His family is viewed by Bahá’is, numbering some eight-million, as a wakeup trumpet blast. The Báb, whose 182nd declaration anniversary was celebrated on 23rd May, was martyred at the young age of 31 years. Bahá’u’lláh’s life was spared but He was thrown into a prison and bastinadoed; His house was sacked, possessions seized and confiscated. After four months of torture and cruelty along with murderers and other criminals the authorities realized that Bahá’u’lláh was innocent and decided to exile Him along with a handful of followers.
Thus began a messianic journey of 39 years during which time in the midst of deprivation, trials and tribulations Bahá’u’lláh revealed the Cosmic Will for a new Era of human evolution. Despite the terrible circumstances, Bahá’u’lláh urged members of His family and followers not to be sad and depressed rather they should stay focused on doing the God’s Will and become the channels of the spiritual power that would spread throughout the world. Recalling the plight of the Spiritual Luminaries who had appeared in the past ages and suffered at the hands of their enemies Bahá’u’lláh assured the peoples that ultimately the goal of uniting the world would be achieved: “The well-being of humankind, its peace and security are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established,” He proclaimed. Humanity has two choices—continue ‘business as usual’ by clinging to the old ways of thinking that were divisive, conflict-ridden bringing immense suffering, or come together, shedding the propensity for violence over the finite resources and prejudiced identities of race, caste, class, creed, nationality, religion, for establishing a union of the nations of the world. It is the next stage in the collective evolution of the planet. Every nation would still be self-governing and keep its own character. All human beings have been created “to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization.”
Bahá’u’lláh’s Writings--vast, poetic, mystical, and practical--provide for the eternal continuity, and spiritual culmination of humankind through the harmonious interface of both religion aka dharma and science: “The time must come when the imperative necessity for the holding of a vast, an all-embracing assemblage of men and women will be universally realized. The rulers and kings of the earth must needs attend it, and …must consider such ways and means as will lay the foundations of the world’s Great Peace…” In a 100 volumes Bahá’u’lláh provides answers to fundamental questions pertaining to the existential crises facing present-day global society such as how can we change the world, with all its conflicts, failed ideologies that nourish the falsehood that human beings are incorrigibly selfish and aggressive, into one of harmony and co-operation?
Given the precarious global situation despite the many summit level conferences whether it be the annual gatherings of the United Nations General Assembly or other multilateral conferences such G20+, BRICS et al. countries are woefully at odds and there is intense polarization within and among nations due to a combination of unbridled nationalism, populism, territorial disputes, failed diplomacy, horrendous arms race, and proxy wars. World leaders supported by people of good-will are being constantly urged by followers of Bahá’u’lláh and the institutions He has ordained to move on from this kind of destructive thinking. Humanity has to now progress to a period of greater maturity when childish behaviour should give way to responsible adult behaviour.
Spiritually, the 134th ascension anniversary of Bahá’u’lláh is a reminder of the eternal nature of the Manifestations of God. Though His physical presence departed, Bahá’u’lláh’s light, wisdom, and guidance remain fully alive in the world and within the hearts of those who turn toward the path of unity and service. Philosophically, this Holy Day speaks to the idea of divine continuity. Bahá’u’lláh did not claim to bring a final Revelation, but a timely one—part of a progressive unfolding in which God renews spiritual truth for each age. Commemorating His ascension is a call to deepen one's commitment, to live with purpose, and to serve the unfolding of collective spiritual evolution of humankind.
The nightly vigil is meditative, tender, and luminous. There is no elaborate ritual—only sacred reading, silence, and presence. Bahá’ís may light candles, reflect on the significance of Bahá’u’lláh’s life, and quietly rededicate themselves to the principles of love, justice, and unity. The hour of 3 a.m. itself becomes symbolic—a time when the world is still, and the heart can hear more clearly the whispers of the eternal.
Artistically and poetically, Bahá’u’lláh’s writings on themes of light, nearness to the Divine, detachment, and the mystical journey continue to inspire music, calligraphy, and devotional art across cultures. His ascension creates the mindfulness of radiant presence—an unveiling of the nearness of the Divine beyond the veil of the material.
The anniversary of the ascension of Bahá’u’lláh is ultimately a time of quiet devotion and spiritual remembrance. It is a sacred pause to acknowledge the passing of a Manifestation of God and to renew one's own inward journey. In the early morning hush, souls gather across the world—united not by creed or culture, but by the silent reverence for a light that has not gone out, but now shines everywhere and remember His promise: “These fruitless strifes, these ruinous wars shall pass away and the ‘Most Great Peace’ shall come.”
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*The writer is a social worker, independent researcher, & member of the Bahá’i community of India. Views are personal.