12th Day of Ridvan 2024: History, Fascinating Facts and FAQs

12th Day of Ridvan 2024: The 12th Day of Ridvan is observed on May 2. The literal translation of Ridván into Arabic is “paradise.” The final day of Baha’u’llah’s residence in Baghdad’s Garden of Ridván in 1863 occurred on the twelfth day of Ridván. During this time, Baha’u’llah initially disclosed to His followers His prophetic mission.

Despite being a day of celebration, those who stayed in the garden after Ridván left felt a sense of mourning on the twelfth day of the festival. Baha’u’llah ascended from the garden atop a horse at midday, twelve days after his arrival.

12th Day of Ridvan: History

During this period of twelve days referred to as Ridvan, Baha’u’llah initially disclosed his novel revelation to the global community. Ridvan’s narrative commences before Baha’u’llah arrives in Najibiyyih Garden, featuring an individual who identified himself as “the Bab” (also rendered as “the Gate”). In 1844 A.D., he proclaimed himself to be the Bab and predicted that, at that time, the Messiah would be born in Shiraz. Baha’u’llah had an epiphany while incarcerated in Tehran, Iran: he was, as Bab had foretold, the Promised One.

He relocated to Baghdad after his release from incarceration, a city that had already witnessed the formation of the Babi (followers of the Bab) movement. Although Baha’u’llah refrained from explicitly declaring his revelation, an increasing number of Babi devotees began to gather around him. As the Babi community grew and his prominence rose, the government exiled Baha’u’llah from Baghdad to Constantinople. After completing his packing, Baha’u’llah remained at the Najibiyyih Garden to greet visitors and give his family time to prepare for the journey.

31 days after Naw-Ruz, Baha’u’llah, and a few companions left Baghdad’s historic city center for a Tigris River garden. With a few close family and friends in the Najibiyyih Garden, he revealed his prophetic intent. While alive, Baha’u’llah forbade religious conflict, predicted a millennium without a divine appearance, and said God’s names were everywhere. Najibiyyih Garden hosted Baha’u’llah for 11 days. On day 12, he found his family in Constantinople.

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12th Day of Ridvan: FAQs

Precisely where is the Ridván Garden situated?

An antiquated garden known as the Garden of Ridván or Najibiyyih Garden once stood in the Rusafa District of Baghdad, along the banks of the Tigris River.

Which tenets comprise the Baha’i faith?

Every human being, regardless of their gender, nationality, or creed, is created in the image of God and deserves equal respect and protection from discrimination. In addition, religious beliefs support the liberation of marginalized groups and the promotion of gender equality.

Who is acknowledged as the progenitor of the Baha’i religion?

The esteemed founder and prominent figure of the Baha’i faith, Mirza Husayn ‘Ali Nuri (1817–1892), bestowed upon himself the appellation ‘Baha’u’llah’ (lit. ‘the Glory of God’) upon establishing the Baha’i faith.

12th Day of Ridvan: Activities

Stay away from work.

A day in which labor is not permitted. You can commemorate the occasion by abstaining from all labor and maximizing your rest.

Pray

The Bahá’í’ community convenes during Ridván to recite Tablets passages audibly or in private. Collectively, the community members assemble to engage in prayer.

In aggregate

Collectively, the community members partake in festivities. The festivities commemorate the inception of the Baha’i faith.

Five Fascinating Facts about Ridvan

House of Universal Justice

The Universal House of Justice provides the global Bahá’u’lláh community with an annual “Ridván message” that provides an overview of the previous year and further guidance for the future year.

An occasion festivity

Ridvan is regarded as the “Greatest Festival” and the “King of Festivals.”

Sacred day

Work and academic activities are typically suspended on the first, ninth, and twelfth days of Ridvan.

The 12th day

Bahá’u’lláh exits the garden on the twelfth day.

The Ridvan Garden.

The Ottoman Empire exiled Bahá’u’lláh, and he traveled to Constantinople through this city for 12 days before starting his expedition.

12th Day of Ridvan: Importance

The effect on Bahá’is

Báb spent a lot of time in Ridván’s Garden in April 1863. This visit’s festivities and celebration had a significant impact on the Bahá’is. Bahá’u’lláh calls it one of two “Most Great Festivals,” with the first day being “the Day of Supreme Happiness.” He describes Ridvan as “the Spot from which He showered over the rest of creation, the splendors of his Name, The All-Merciful.”

He departed from his residence.

To gain access to the Garden of Ridván, Baha’u’lláh sold his Baghdad residence, which he affectionately called the “Most Great House.” Bahá’u’lláh compares this journey from the Most Great House to Muhammad’s trip from Mecca to Medina.

Commencement of the Bahá’ Faith

During the festival, Bahá’u’lláh disclosed in private to a select group of disciples that he was “Him Whom God shall manifest” and an embodiment of God. This event signified the inception of the Bahá’í’ Faith, an entity distinct from the Babi faith at the time.