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Study Guide: The Bábí Movement: Origins, Teachings, and Persecution

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The Bábí Movement: Origins, Teachings, and Persecution Study Guide

Foundations of Bábism

Bábism was founded in 1844 by 'Ali Muhammad, an Iranian merchant who proclaimed himself a prophet.

Answer: True

Explanation: The historical record indicates that Bábism was established in 1844 by 'Ali Muhammad, an Iranian merchant who declared himself a prophet.

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The name 'Báb' translates to 'Prophet' in Arabic and signifies the founder's role as a divine messenger.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Arabic term 'Báb' translates to 'Gate,' signifying the founder's role as a spiritual mediator or gateway, not directly as a prophet.

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The term 'Bayání' refers to the original name used by the Báb's followers for their movement.

Answer: False

Explanation: The term 'Bábism' was an appellation given by Orientalists. While 'Bayání' relates to the movement's texts, it was not the original name for the movement itself.

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Twelver Shia Muslims believe the Twelfth Imam went into Occultation in 874 CE and that communication was impossible during this period.

Answer: False

Explanation: Twelver Shia Muslims believe the Twelfth Imam entered Occultation in 874 CE, but they also believe communication was possible through designated intermediaries ('bábs' or 'ná'ibs') during the Minor Occultation.

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The Major Occultation, according to Twelver belief, began in 940 CE, after which direct communication with the Imam ceased.

Answer: True

Explanation: Twelver Shia doctrine posits that the Major Occultation commenced in 940 CE, marking the cessation of direct communication with the Twelfth Imam.

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Kazim Rashti, the leader of the Shaykhis, advised his followers to seek out the awaited Qa'im before his death in 1843.

Answer: True

Explanation: Kazim Rashti, the Shaykhi leader, indeed instructed his disciples to actively search for the promised Qa'im prior to his own demise in 1843.

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Mullá Husayn of Shiraz was the first follower of the Báb, meeting him in Tabriz in 1844.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mullá Husayn of Boshruyeh, not Shiraz, was the first to recognize the Báb, meeting him in Shiraz in 1844.

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The 'Letters of the Living' were the Báb's primary military commanders during the uprisings.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Letters of the Living' constituted the first eighteen disciples of the Báb, tasked with disseminating the new faith, not serving as military leaders.

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The Báb initially claimed to be the Hidden Imam but later asserted himself as a new messenger from God.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Báb's claims evolved; initially perceived by some as a representative of the Hidden Imam, he subsequently proclaimed himself the Qa'im and indicated a prophetic station, ultimately asserting his role as a new divine messenger.

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Who is considered the founder of Bábism, and in what year was the movement established?

Answer: 'Ali Muhammad (the Báb), 1844

Explanation: The Bábí movement was founded in 1844 by 'Ali Muhammad, who is known as the Báb.

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What does the Arabic name 'Báb' signify in the context of the movement?

Answer: The Gate or mediator to the Twelfth Imam

Explanation: The appellation 'Báb' translates from Arabic as 'Gate,' signifying the founder's role as a spiritual intermediary or gateway, particularly in relation to the awaited Twelfth Imam.

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According to Twelver Shia belief, what was the role of 'bábs' or 'ná'ibs'?

Answer: They were mediators facilitating communication during the Imam's Occultation.

Explanation: In Twelver Shia theology, 'bábs' (gates) or 'ná'ibs' (deputies) served as intermediaries who facilitated communication between the faithful and the Twelfth Imam during his Occultation.

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Who was Kazim Rashti, and what instruction did he give his followers before his death?

Answer: A Shaykhi leader; to seek out the awaited Qa'im.

Explanation: Kazim Rashti, a prominent Shaykhi leader, advised his followers to actively seek and identify the awaited Qa'im before his own death in 1843.

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Where did Mullá Husayn, the first follower of the Báb, meet the Báb?

Answer: Shiraz

Explanation: Mullá Husayn of Boshruyeh met the Báb in Shiraz in 1844, becoming his first disciple.

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What was the primary task assigned to the 'Letters of the Living'?

Answer: To spread the new faith throughout Iran and southern Iraq.

Explanation: The 'Letters of the Living,' the Báb's initial eighteen disciples, were tasked with propagating the new faith across Iran and southern Iraq.

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Theological Principles and Divine Manifestations

The core theological belief of the Báb was that God is knowable and directly communicates His will through a single, eternal manifestation.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Báb taught that God is one, incorporeal, unknown, and incomprehensible, manifesting His will through a series of divine manifestations, rather than a single, eternal one.

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Bábism represented a continuation of traditional Shia Islam, introducing only minor reforms.

Answer: False

Explanation: Bábism constituted a radical departure from traditional Shia Islam, establishing a distinct religious system with its own laws and teachings, rather than merely introducing minor reforms.

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The Báb's writings commonly alluded to a future figure known as 'He whom God shall make manifest,' whom the Báb described as greater than himself.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Báb's writings frequently referenced a promised messianic figure, 'He whom God shall make manifest,' whom he indicated would be greater than himself and whose command would be divine.

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What was the Báb's core theological teaching regarding God?

Answer: God is one, incorporeal, unknown, and incomprehensible, manifesting His will through divine manifestations.

Explanation: The Báb taught that God is fundamentally unknowable and incomprehensible, revealing His will through a succession of divine manifestations.

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The Báb's writings frequently alluded to a future figure he called:

Answer: He whom God shall make manifest

Explanation: The Báb's writings consistently referred to a future messianic figure, designated as 'He whom God shall make manifest,' whom he identified as greater than himself.

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How did the Báb interpret the concept of 'resurrection'?

Answer: The advent of a new divine revelation and spiritual awakening.

Explanation: The Báb interpreted 'resurrection' metaphorically as the advent of a new divine revelation and the spiritual awakening of humanity.

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According to Bábí belief, what is considered the greatest proof of a Manifestation of God's mission?

Answer: The verses revealed by them.

Explanation: Bábí theology posits that the revealed verses and divine teachings are the paramount proof of a Manifestation of God's authenticity and mission.

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The Báb taught that religious dispensations come in cycles, similar to seasons, for what purpose?

Answer: To renew 'pure religion' for humanity.

Explanation: The Báb taught that religious dispensations occur cyclically, akin to seasons, to periodically renew 'pure religion' for humankind.

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How did the Báb's interpretation of the Hidden Imam differ from traditional Twelver Shia belief?

Answer: The Báb implied his own manifestation was a symbolic return, questioning the doctrine of Occultation.

Explanation: Unlike traditional Twelver Shia belief in a physically hidden Imam, the Báb suggested his own appearance represented a symbolic return, implicitly challenging the doctrine of Occultation.

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What did the Báb teach about the concept of 'Judgment Day'?

Answer: It was understood as the time when a new Manifestation of God appears and humanity's response is judged.

Explanation: The Báb interpreted 'Judgment Day' not as a literal end-time event, but as the epoch when a new Manifestation of God appears, and humanity's reception of that revelation is judged.

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Key Historical Events and Developments

The Baháʼí Faith commemorates the night of the Báb's declaration to Mullá Husayn as a minor observance.

Answer: False

Explanation: The night of the Báb's declaration to Mullá Husayn is observed as a significant holy day within the Baháʼí Faith, marking the commencement of a new prophetic cycle.

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The first public account of the Bábí movement in the West appeared in *The Times* of Paris in 1845.

Answer: False

Explanation: The earliest known public report of the Bábí movement in Western media was published in *The Times* of London on November 1, 1845.

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The Conference of Badasht in 1848 solidified the Bábí movement's independence from Islam, partly due to Tahirih's theological contributions.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Conference of Badasht in 1848 marked a significant declaration of the Bábí movement's separation from Islamic law and tradition, with Tahirih playing a notable role in articulating this independence.

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Tahirih's symbolic act at the Conference of Badasht, which challenged Islamic norms, was accepted within traditional Islamic practice at the time.

Answer: False

Explanation: Tahirih's act of appearing unveiled at the Conference of Badasht was a radical challenge to prevailing Islamic norms and was not accepted within traditional practice; it symbolized the movement's break from established customs.

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Estimates suggest around 100,000 people converted to Bábism by the year 1850.

Answer: True

Explanation: Scholarly estimates indicate that by approximately 1848 or 1850, the Bábí movement had garnered around 100,000 converts.

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Which event in 1848 marked a significant declaration of the Bábí movement's separation from Islam?

Answer: The Conference of Badasht.

Explanation: The Conference of Badasht, held in 1848, was a pivotal event where the Bábí movement formally declared its independence from Islamic law and tradition.

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Tahirih's symbolic act at the Conference of Badasht, which challenged Islamic norms, was:

Answer: Appearing in public without a veil.

Explanation: At the Conference of Badasht, Tahirih removed her veil in public, a symbolic act that challenged prevailing Islamic customs and underscored the movement's departure from traditional norms.

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Approximately how many converts did Bábism have by 1848 or 1850?

Answer: 100,000

Explanation: Estimates suggest that by 1848 or 1850, the Bábí movement had attracted approximately 100,000 adherents.

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Conflict, Persecution, and Martyrdom

The Báb's ministry ended peacefully with his retirement from public life in 1850.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to a peaceful conclusion, the Báb's ministry was tragically terminated by his public execution in Tabriz in 1850, followed by a severe campaign of extermination against his adherents.

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Bábism flourished mainly in the Ottoman Empire, particularly Cyprus, before its adherents converted to the Baháʼí Faith.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Bábism did persist in exile in the Ottoman Empire, notably Cyprus, its primary flourishing occurred in Iran before the majority of its followers transitioned to the Baháʼí Faith. The movement faced significant persecution in Iran.

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During his trial in Tabriz, the Báb denied claims of being the Mahdi before the clergy.

Answer: False

Explanation: During his trial in Tabriz, the Báb explicitly affirmed his claim to be the Mahdi before the assembled clergy and the Crown Prince.

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The Bábí defense at Fort Tabarsi, lasting from 1848 to 1849, resulted in the death of approximately 300 to 600 Bábís after they were subdued.

Answer: True

Explanation: The protracted siege at Fort Tabarsi saw approximately 300 to 600 Bábí defenders killed after their surrender, following a period of attrition and starvation.

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The conflict in Zanjan, led by Hujjat, was the shortest Bábí uprising, lasting only two months.

Answer: False

Explanation: The conflict in Zanjan, led by Hujjat, was notably one of the most prolonged and violent Bábí uprisings, lasting approximately seven to eight months, not two.

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During the upheaval in Nayriz, Vahid Darabi and his followers were killed after accepting a truce offer in June 1850.

Answer: True

Explanation: In Nayriz, Vahid Darabi and his followers were indeed killed subsequent to accepting a truce offer in June 1850, an event that led to further conflict later.

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Prime Minister Amir Kabir protected the Bábí movement from persecution after the Báb's execution.

Answer: False

Explanation: Prime Minister Amir Kabir played a significant role in intensifying the persecution of the Bábí movement, ordering the Báb's execution and sanctioning the subsequent extermination of his followers.

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After the Báb's execution, his body was immediately cremated and scattered to prevent veneration.

Answer: False

Explanation: Following the Báb's execution, his body was recovered by his followers, venerated, and eventually enshrined, rather than being cremated or scattered.

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The assassination attempt on Naser al-Din Shah Qajar on August 15, 1852, led to the death of Baháʼu'lláh in the Siyáh-Chál dungeon.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the assassination attempt on August 15, 1852, resulted in a major massacre of Bábís and the imprisonment of Baháʼu'lláh in the Siyáh-Chál, he did not die there; he was later exiled.

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How did the Báb's ministry tragically conclude?

Answer: He was publicly executed in Tabriz in 1850.

Explanation: The Báb's ministry concluded with his public execution by firing squad in Tabriz in 1850.

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Which of the following was NOT one of the major Bábí uprisings or conflicts mentioned in the source?

Answer: Baghdad

Explanation: The major Bábí conflicts detailed include Tabarsi, Zanjan, and Neyriz. Baghdad is not listed as a site of such an uprising in the provided material.

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What role did Prime Minister Amir Kabir play concerning the Bábí movement?

Answer: He ordered the execution of the Báb and intensified persecution.

Explanation: Prime Minister Amir Kabir was instrumental in the state-sanctioned persecution of the Bábí movement, ordering the Báb's execution and initiating widespread suppression.

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After the Báb's execution, where was his body eventually enshrined?

Answer: In Haifa, Israel

Explanation: Following the Báb's execution and subsequent veneration, his remains were eventually transported and enshrined in Haifa, Israel.

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Following the 1852 assassination attempt on the Shah, Baháʼu'lláh was imprisoned in which location?

Answer: The Siyáh-Chál dungeon in Tehran

Explanation: After the assassination attempt on Naser al-Din Shah in 1852, Baháʼu'lláh was imprisoned in the notorious Siyáh-Chál, an underground dungeon in Tehran.

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What was the primary reason for the severe campaign of extermination against Bábí followers after the Báb's execution?

Answer: The Bábís were seen as a threat by clerical and state authorities.

Explanation: The severe persecution and extermination campaigns against Bábís stemmed primarily from the perception that the movement posed a significant threat to the established clerical and state authorities.

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Writings, Laws, and Social Teachings

The Báb's first revealed work was a commentary on the Sura of Yusuf, known as the Qayyúmu'l-Asmā'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Qayyúmu'l-Asmā', a detailed commentary on the Sura of Yusuf, is widely recognized as the Báb's inaugural revealed literary work.

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Which of the following was NOT among the new laws or practices introduced by the Báb?

Answer: Prohibiting the use of any form of written communication.

Explanation: The Báb introduced new laws such as a 19-month calendar, a new fasting month, and altered prayer directions, but he did not prohibit written communication.

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How did the Báb's teachings address the status of women?

Answer: Women's status was significantly raised, advocating for equality and education.

Explanation: The Báb's teachings significantly elevated the status of women, promoting equality, advocating for their education, and prohibiting mistreatment.

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What environmental concerns did the Báb address in his writings?

Answer: The commodification of the four elements (earth, air, fire, water).

Explanation: The Báb addressed environmental concerns by forbidding the commodification of the four elements (earth, air, fire, water) and calling for the purity of water.

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Which of the following is considered one of the Báb's major writings?

Answer: The Qayyúmu'l-Asmā'

Explanation: The Qayyúmu'l-Asmā', a commentary on the Sura of Yusuf, is recognized as one of the Báb's principal and earliest major writings.

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Scholar Denis MacEoin criticized Bábí laws for being:

Answer: Impractical and focused on superficialities like cleanliness.

Explanation: Denis MacEoin critiqued the Bábí laws as being impractical and overly focused on aspects like cleanliness, suggesting they were more symbolic exercises than substantive legal prescriptions.

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Legacy and Continuation

Modern estimates suggest Bábism has between 1,000 and 2,000 adherents, primarily located in Iran, with the Baháʼí Faith being its main modern continuation.

Answer: True

Explanation: Current demographic estimates place the number of Bábí adherents between 1,000 and 2,000, predominantly in Iran, with the Baháʼí Faith recognized as its principal modern successor.

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Robert Grant Watson suggested that the Báb might one day rival Jesus in influence, comparing Bábism's early impact to that of Islam.

Answer: False

Explanation: Robert Grant Watson suggested the Báb might rival Muhammad in influence, comparing Bábism's early impact to that of early Christianity, not Islam.

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Following the Báb's execution, one faction of Bábís advocated for violent retribution, while another, led by Baháʼu'lláh, focused on peaceful community building.

Answer: True

Explanation: Post-execution, the Bábí community experienced polarization, with one group advocating for violent resistance and another, led by Baháʼu'lláh, emphasizing peaceful consolidation and community development.

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Which modern religious movement is considered the primary continuation of Bábism?

Answer: The Baháʼí Faith

Explanation: The Baháʼí Faith is recognized as the principal modern continuation and successor movement to Bábism.

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Who was appointed as the successor to the Báb according to his 'Will and Testament'?

Answer: Subh-i Azal

Explanation: The Báb's 'Will and Testament' designated his younger brother, Subh-i Azal, as his successor to lead the Bábí community.

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