Babism and Bahaism

However, such efforts are not only of the past. Today there are many institutions and groups who have tampered with the belief in Imam Al-Mahdi [atf] and distorted it. Amongst them are Babism and Bahaism.  In 1819, Ali Mohammad Bab was born in the city of Shiraz, Iran. At the age of 17 he traveled to Bushehr to work. He spent five years in Bushehr, and in addition to work, he retreated to a corner in his room or on the roof of his room to supplicate, pray, and engage in spiritual exercises. Soon after, he came to be known as “Sayed-e-Thikr,” or the master of prayer. In the year 1844 he founded Babism and gathered a group of followers around himself. He eventually claimed to be the savior Imam Al-Mahdi [atf] and 18 members of his followers accepted his claim. He was later assassinated by the governor of Tabriz.

In 1817, Hussain Ali was born in Tehran, two years before the birth of Bab. In Tehran, he studies literature and general education. He frequently associated with scholars and mystics. He later came to know Bab and established ties with him. He is considered as the spiritual leader of Bahaism, the Bahai faith. Today, Bahaism is active in many parts of the world including the United States, as many of its adherents live there. Their headquarters is in Haifa, Israel. Bahaism has systematically attempted to distort the belief in Imam Al-Mahdi and works in many areas, especially in Iran, to change the beliefs of Shia Iranians.