Báb, the

In 1844, Siyyid 'Ali-Muhammad of Shiraz (1819-1850 CE) took the title of the “Báb” (or “Gate”), and claimed to be the promised one expected by Shi’ite Islam as well as prophecies of other world religions, and the Herald of One greater soon to come. In his short six-year ministry he produced over 2,000 works. Because his teachings were considered blasphemy by the Shi'ite clerics, the Báb was executed by firing squad on July 9, 1850. Despite the repeated pogroms against his followers, the movement continued to grow, eventually developing into the Bahá’í Faith.