Bahá’í Communities Honor the 134th Anniversary of Bahá’u’lláh's Ascension

Commemoration of Bahá’u’lláh's Ascension

On May 29, 2026, Bahá’í communities around the globe observed the 134th anniversary of the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, marking the date as 13 ‘Azamat, 183 B.E.

Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í Faith, passed away on May 29, 1892. This significant day, known as the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, is honored by Bahá’ís worldwide. His final resting place, the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh, is situated in Bahji, Israel, and serves as the focal point for Bahá’ís during their Obligatory Prayers.

The Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh is a solemn occasion for Bahá’ís, who gather at approximately 11:00 PM on May 28, 2026, to commence special prayer services that culminate at 3:00 AM on May 29, the exact moment of His passing, where they recite the Tablet of Visitation.

This holy day is observed annually on 13 Azamat in the Bahá’í calendar, which corresponds to May 28 or 29. Devotional programs are typically held before dawn.

Bahá’u’lláh died in the Mansion of Bahji near ‘Akká, Israel, where His burial site is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and serves as the direction for Bahá’ís during their prayers.

His Ascension followed four decades of exile and imprisonment by the Persian and Ottoman empires, during which He advocated for principles such as universal peace, gender equality, and the unity of humanity.

After His passing, a diverse array of individuals, including Muslims, Christians, Jews, and Druze, mourned His death, acknowledging His contributions to humanity.

The Bahá’í Faith originated from the mission given by God to two Divine Messengers—the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh. The unity of the Faith is maintained through explicit instructions from Bahá’u’lláh, ensuring ongoing guidance after His death. This succession, known as the Covenant, transitioned from Bahá’u’lláh to His Son ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, then to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s grandson, Shoghi Effendi, and the Universal House of Justice, established by Bahá’u’lláh.

A Bahá’í acknowledges the divine authority of both the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh, along with their appointed successors.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá remarked, “These holy Manifestations have been as the coming of springtime in the world… For each spring is the time of a new creation.”

The Báb (1819-1850) is recognized as the Herald of the Bahá’í Faith. In the mid-19th century, He proclaimed that He bore a message intended to transform humanity’s spiritual existence, preparing the way for a second Messenger from God, greater than Himself, who would usher in an era of peace and justice.

Bahá’u’lláh (1817-1892)—the ‘Glory of God’—is the Promised One foretold by the Báb and all previous Divine Messengers. He revealed a new Revelation from God to humanity, producing thousands of verses, letters, and books. His writings provide a framework for developing a global civilization that addresses both spiritual and material aspects of life, for which He endured 40 years of imprisonment, torture, and exile.

In His Will, Bahá’u’lláh designated His eldest son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (1844-1921), as the authorized interpreter of His teachings and the head of the Faith. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá became known as an ambassador of peace and a leading figure of the new Faith.

Shoghi Effendi (1897-1957), appointed Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, dedicated 36 years to nurturing the development and unity of the Bahá’í community, which increasingly reflected the diversity of humanity.

The Bahá’í Faith, guided today by the Universal House of Justice, emphasizes the importance of promoting education, peace, and global prosperity, while safeguarding human dignity and the role of religion.

The Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh is a significant Holy Day for Bahá’ís, commemorating the passing of their Prophet-Founder. On May 29, 1892, at the age of 75, Bahá’u’lláh passed away in Bahjí, near ‘Akká. Bahá’ís believe that humanity's pressing need is to discover a unifying vision for society and the purpose of life, a vision articulated in Bahá’u’lláh's writings.

Bahá’ís view His spirit as having ascended to a higher realm, rather than having died in the conventional sense. This day is marked by prayer, scripture readings, and reflection, with work and school activities suspended.

Bahá’u’lláh spent 40 years as a prisoner and exile, banished from Persia to various locations, ultimately residing in the Mansion of Bahjí, where He passed away while still a captive of the Ottoman Empire.

The Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh at Bahjí is regarded as the holiest site for Bahá’ís, serving as the Qiblih, the direction they face during obligatory prayers.

The Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh is celebrated annually by Bahá’í communities worldwide, serving as a time for prayer, reflection, and devotion to His teachings of global unity. A press release for this observance should focus on universal themes of peace and respect.

Millions from various cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds participate in local, regional, and national observances.

On May 29, 1892, just before dawn, Bahá’u’lláh, at the age of seventy-five, transitioned from this life, His spirit finally liberated from earthly struggles.

(Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By, p. 221).

Surrounded by family and a small group of loyal followers, His body was laid to rest in a simple manner in Bahji, where He had spent the last twelve years of His life. He died a prisoner, having been persecuted for forty years and exiled from Tehran to various locations.

(Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 99).

The spiritual turmoil caused by His passing affected many, with numerous inhabitants of ‘Akká and nearby villages expressing their grief.

(Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By, p. 222).

The Guardian indicated that the commemoration of Bahá’u’lláh's ascension should ideally occur at 3:00 AM on May 29, with observances adjusted for local time.

(Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies, 15 March 1992).

According to the newly implemented Bahá’í Calendar, the commemoration of the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh is set for 3:00 AM on May 28, 2026.

At 27, Bahá’u’lláh became a follower of the Báb, who preached that a new Prophet would soon arrive. The Báb and many of His followers faced execution for their beliefs, leading to Bahá’u’lláh's exile. In 1863, He declared Himself the awaited Prophet, and since then, Bahá’ís have recognized Him as a Manifestation of God.

Bahá’u’lláh was imprisoned by Ottoman authorities, first in Edirne and later in Acre, where He spent the last 24 years of His life.

On May 9, 1892, Bahá’u’lláh fell ill, and his condition worsened until his death. He was buried in a simple room adjacent to the Mansion of Bahjí, where he lived. His burial site is a pilgrimage destination for followers, with the Bahá’í World Centre located in Haifa. Bahá’u’lláh named ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as His successor, marking a historic moment in which a religious founder explicitly designated a successor in a written text.

This site is the holiest for Bahá’ís, where they turn in prayer daily. Pilgrims from around the world visit to honor Bahá’u’lláh and recommit to the noble purposes He set forth.

Nine days after His death, His Will was unsealed, naming ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as His successor, a pivotal aspect of the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh that has maintained unity within the Faith.

Despite His imprisonment, Bahá’u’lláh continued to proclaim His message to powerful figures, sending personal letters to kings and rulers, including the Shah of Persia and Pope Pius IX.

Bahá’u’lláh addressed these rulers with divine authority, urging them to govern justly and compassionately, warning them of the consequences of failing to do so.

(Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 250).

Many rulers ignored His warnings, yet one by one, His prophecies came to pass, leading to significant upheavals in their reigns.

(Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By, p. 219-232).

In Persia, Bahá’u’lláh was imprisoned in the notorious Siyah-Chal, where He received His mission as a Messenger of God.

Bahá’u’lláh's passing followed nearly 40 years of exile, beginning in Baghdad and later in Turkey, before His incarceration in Acre in 1868.

He authored over 100 volumes of writings, addressing kings and rulers, urging them to govern with justice and compassion.

The Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh is one of nine holy days when Bahá’ís refrain from work.

The Bahá’í Faith calls for recognition of humanity's oneness and the pursuit of global peace through collaborative efforts.

Throughout history, God has sent a series of divine Educators—Manifestations of God—whose teachings have advanced civilization. These include figures like Abraham, Krishna, and Jesus. Bahá’u’lláh, the latest Messenger, explained that all world religions stem from the same Source.

If the wise of this age allowed humanity to embrace fellowship and love, every understanding heart would grasp the essence of true liberty and discover the secret of peace.

~ Bahá’u’lláh.

The Bahá’í Faith is established in over 100,000 locations worldwide.

Bahá’ís believe that humanity's pressing need is to find a unifying vision for society and the purpose of life, as revealed in Bahá’u’lláh's writings.

Compiled by:-

Jaya Raju Thota

Greater Visakhapatnam

Andhra Pradesh

India