Bahá’í History Collection

1st-ever (?) coin collection for dates that represent special and important people or events in the history of the Bahá'í Faith, the youngest world religion. Founded in 1844 with the Declaration of the Báb (the Gate), as well as in 1863 with the Declaration of Bahá'u'lláh (Glory of God) -- yes, the Bahá'í Faith has two "Manifestations", those special souls that bring God's guidance for humanity from time to time in our evolution toward world peace and goodwill for all.

Bahá'u'lláh stated the time of world peace and unity, prophesied and expected in every major world religion, had arrived -- we would soon recognize our one human family, and that one unfolding religion has been progressively revealed throughout history in successive chapters by the great teachers of all the world's faiths. War and prejudice of every kind will cease, and peace on earth, goodwill towards all will soon arrive.

In 1868, Bahá’u’lláh arrived in the Holy Land with about 70 family members and followers, sentenced by the Ottoman authorities to perpetual, solitary confinement in the penal colony of Acre. People were sent here to die "out-of-sight" of the rest of the empire. The order of confinement was never lifted, but because of the growing recognition of His outstanding character, He eventually was allowed to move outside the walls of the prison city. Baha'u'llah lived His final years just outside the city in a place called Bahjí, where He passed away in 1892. He was interred there, and it became the holiest spot on earth toward which Bahá’ís turn in prayer each day.

Today, the gardens and Shrine of Baha'u'llah at Bahji are on the [UNESCO World Heritage Sites].
https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1220/gallery

During 40 years of exile and prison, Bahá’u’lláh wrote continually and revealed a series of books, tablets, and letters that today form the core of the holy writings of the Bahá’í Faith. Comprising the equivalent of some 100 volumes, the writings of Bahá’u’lláh describe the nature of God and the purpose of human existence, give new religious laws, and outline a vision for creating a peaceful and prosperous global society.

"O contending peoples and kindreds of the earth!
Set your faces towards unity, and let the radiance
of its light shine upon you. Gather ye together, and
for the sake of God resolve to root out whatever
is the source of contention amongst you.

Then will the effulgence of the world’s great Luminary
envelop the whole earth, and its inhabitants become the citizens
of one city, and the occupants of one and the same throne.
This wronged One hath, ever since the early days of His life,
cherished none other desire but this, and will continue
to entertain no wish except this wish.

There can be no doubt whatever that the peoples of the world,
of whatever race or religion, derive their inspiration from
one heavenly Source, and are the subjects of one God.

The difference between the ordinances under which they abide
should be attributed to the varying requirements and exigencies
of the age in which they were revealed. All of them, except a few
which are the outcome of human perversity, were ordained of God,
and are a reflection of His Will and Purpose.

Arise and, armed with the power of faith, shatter to pieces
the gods of your vain imaginings, the sowers of dissension amongst you.
Cleave unto that which draweth you together and uniteth you.

This, verily, is the most exalted Word which the Mother Book
hath sent down and revealed unto you. To this beareth witness
the Tongue of Grandeur from His habitation of glory."

Dedicated to my mom Ella Mae and dad Larry Lee, my family's first Bahá'ís in 1971 and '72, and my wonderful Persian wife, part of her family's six generations of Bahá'ís from the land of Bahá'u'lláh's birth.