(Summary at the bottom)

On November 10th and 11th, Bahá’ís around the world celebrate two of their most joyful Holy Days: the Birth of the Báb and the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh. Together they are known as the Twin Holy Days or Twin Holy Birthdays.

What is the Bahá’í Faith?
The Bahá’í Faith is an independent world religion that began in 19th-century Iran. Today, Bahá’ís live in almost every country of the world and come from many different cultures and backgrounds. Bahá’ís believe that the world’s major religions are chapters of one unfolding story, and they see Bahá’u’lláh as the most recent in a line of Messengers of God that includes Abraham, Moses, Buddha, Jesus Christ, Muhammad and others. Some of the central teachings of the Bahá’í Faith are:

• The oneness of humanity: all people are one human family
• The oneness of God and the common foundation of religions
• The abolition of all forms of prejudice
• Equality of women and men
• The harmony of science and religion
• The independent search for truth
  
  
  

Who are the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh?
The Báb was born in 1819 in Shiraz, Iran. His title means “the Gate.” Bahá’ís see Him as an independent Messenger of God and as the Herald of Bahá’u’lláh, whose coming He announced.

Bahá’u’lláh was born in 1817 in Tehran, Iran. His title means “the Glory of God.” He is the founder of the Bahá’í Faith, and His writings form the heart of its teachings.

Why are the dates different every year?
The Báb and Bahá’u’lláh were born two years apart, but on consecutive days of the lunar calendar. That’s why Their birthdays are celebrated one after the other as one “twin” festival. Bahá’u’lláh wrote that the two birthdays are counted as one in the sight of God. Because the dates follow a lunar calculation, they change every year and usually fall between mid-October and mid-November. A Bahá’í day also begins at sunset, so the celebrations start on the evening before.

How are the Twin Holy Days celebrated?
The Twin Holy Days are a time of joy. Many Bahá’ís come together with family, friends and neighbors to share prayers, readings, music and food. These gatherings are often open to everyone, whatever their religion. The Twin Holy Days are also among the Holy Days on which Bahá’ís take a break from work and school.

Why awareness matters
In some parts of the world, Bahá’ís still face discrimination and persecution because of their faith. This is especially true in Iran, where the faith began and where Bahá’ís are the largest non-Muslim religious minority. Learning about the Bahá’í Faith helps fight misunderstandings and prejudice. It also reminds us that everyone should be able to practice their faith freely and safely.

To all Bahá’ís celebrating: we wish you joyful Twin Holy Days! 

Summary
★ On November 10th and 11th, Bahá’ís celebrate the Twin Holy Days: the Birth of the Báb and the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh
★ The Bahá’í Faith is an independent world religion that began in 19th-century Iran and teaches the oneness of humanity and the abolition of all forms of prejudice
★ The Báb is seen as an independent Messenger of God and the Herald of Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í Faith
★ The dates follow a lunar calculation and change every year
★ Bahá’ís still face persecution, especially in Iran, which is why awareness and understanding matter

With love,
The Inclusivity Group