The Báb, whose name was Siyyid ‘Alí-Muhammad, was born in
the city of Shíráz, on the first day of Muharram, in the year 1235 A.H.
[October 20, 1819] He belonged to a house which was renowned for its nobility
and which traced its origin to Muhammad Himself. The date of His birth
confirmed the truth of the prophecy traditionally attributed to the Imám ‘Alí:
“I am two years younger than my Lord.” … In His early childhood He lost His
father, Siyyid Muhammad-Riḍá, a man who was known throughout the province of
Fárs for his piety and virtue, and was held in high esteem and honour. Both His
father and His mother were descendants of the Prophet, both were loved and
respected by the people. He was reared by His maternal uncle, Hájí Mírzá Siyyid
‘Alí, a martyr to the Faith, who placed Him, while still a child, under the
care of a tutor named Shaykh Abid. The Báb, though not inclined to study,
submitted to His uncle’s will and directions.
(Chapter 3, ‘The Dawn-Breakers’)
