Gate of the heart : understanding the writings of the Báb

Author:Nader Saiedi

Summary:"In 1844 a charismatic young Persian merchant from Shiraz known as the Bab electrified the Shi'ih world by claiming to be the return of the Hidden Twelfth Imam. But contrary to traditional expectations of apocalyptic holy war, the Bab maintained that the spiritual path was not one of force and coercion but of love and compassion. The movement He founded was the precursor of the Baha'i Faith, but until now the Bab's own writings have been seldom studied and often misunderstood." "Taking an interdisciplinary approach, Nader Saiedi examines the Bab's major works in multifaceted context, explaining the unique theological system, mystical world view, and interpretive principles they embody as well as the rhetorical and symbolic uses of language through which the Bab radically transforms traditional concepts. Arguing that the Babi movement went far beyond an Islamic Reformation, the author explores controversial issues and offers conclusions that will compel a re-evaluation of some prevalent assumptions concerning the Bab's station, claims, and laws."--Jacket