Babism

Babism Shii Islam Messianic Movements Iranian History Sayyid Ali Muhammad Shirazi

Nineteenth-century Iranian Shii messianic movement for radical religious and social change, initiated by Sayyid Ali Muhammad Shirazi, the self-proclaimed Bab.

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Babism

Babism was a nineteenth-century militant Iranian Shii messianic movement that sought radical religious and social change. It was led by Sayyid Ali Muhammad Shirazi (d. 1850), who proclaimed himself the Bab (gate) to “innate” knowledge of the Quran. The movement quickly grew into a mass movement supported by various strata of society, including merchants and government officials. Babism aimed for an intensified observance of Islamic law and military readiness in anticipation of the imminent reappearance of the Hidden Imam, which was expected around 1845–46.

Etymology and Translations

Arabic: البابية (al-Babiyya)
Turkish: Bâbilik

Historical Context and Development

Bab was arrested and imprisoned due to his disruptive teachings, during which he expanded his claims to be the Hidden Imam. Babism introduced significant changes to the practice of Islam, including the abrogation of the Quranic laws. These revolutionary ideas attracted fierce opposition from the conventional religious and political establishments. Consequently, the state took militant action against Babists, resulting in the extensive persecution and execution of its leadership, including the Bab himself in 1850.

Despite the execution of the Bab, his writings and teachings laid the groundwork for future religious movements. His comprehensive writings, considered divine revelation by his followers, contributed significantly to the ideology that would later be refashioned by the Baha’i movement.

Sociopolitical Impact

Babism’s call for the abrogation of established Islamic laws and its messianic claims led to severe conflict with both religious authorities and the state. Many Muslims labeled Babism as a heretical movement due to its departure from mainstream Islamic teachings. The suppression of Babism was brutal, marked by mass arrests, executions, and military confrontations.

Legacy

Although Babism was largely suppressed, its influence persisted and evolved. The core ideas of Babism were later incorporated into the Baha’i Faith, which became a separate religious tradition. The arrest and subsequent execution of the Bab did not mark the end of his influence; rather, it set the stage for the spread of new theological interpretations and a progressive reinterpretation of Shii Islam.

Suggested Books for Further Studies

Abbas Amanat, “Resurrection and Renewal: The Making of the Babi Movement in Iran, 1844-1850”
Edward G. Browne, “The Bábí and Bahá’í Religions: Some Contemporary Western Accounts”
Juan Cole, “Modernity and the Millenium: The Genesis of the Baha’i Faith in the Nineteenth-Century Middle East”

Takeaways

Babism was a significant messianic movement within Shii Islam in the 19th century.
It was led by Sayyid Ali Muhammad Shirazi, who claimed to be the Bab and later the Hidden Imam.
The movement sought radical changes to Islamic observance and social order.
Despite its suppression, Babism profoundly influenced the emergence of the Baha’i Faith.

Conclusion

Babism remains a pivotal, although controversial, part of Islamic and Iranian history. Its radical challenge to established religious practices and its subsequent suppression highlight the tensions inherent within religious movements advocating substantial change. The legacy of the Bab continues through the Baha’i Faith, marking an enduring impact on global religious developments.