The Shrine of the Báb in Haifa, Israel stands as a
symbol of reverence to the great Martyr-Prophet
of the Bahá'í Faith. The Báb foretold the coming
of the Promised One of all Ages, Bahá’u’lláh.
 

     According to Bahá'u'lláh, spiritual understanding and wisdom is not dependent on learning but on detachment. Rúhu’llah was the 12-year old son of an eminent Bahá'í named Varqá. Many stories highlight what remarkable insight he had.
     One day, in the city of Zanjan, a Mulla was riding on his donkey through town and he saw Rúhu'llah and his brother he asked their names. Rúhu'llah told him. (Rúhu'llah means “The Spirit of God” and is a title for Jesus Christ) The Mulla told him, “That is a great name. Christ was named Ruhu’llah, and He used to raise the dead and give them life.” Rúhu'llah said, “Sir, if you slow down the pace of your donkey, I too shall raise you from the dead and give you a new life.” The Mulla hurried away, saying, “You two must be Babi children.”
     Later, Rúhu'llah witnessed his father’s body cut into pieces before him. The boy was then asked to recant. He refused and said he only wished to join his father. He was then strangled to death. (Taherzadeh IV, 63-64)
 

The Story of Mírzá Mihdí

      Mírzá Mihdí, known as the Purest Branch, was the son of Bahá'u'lláh. During the time that the family was imprisoned in Akka, he fell through a skylight in the roof, landing on a wooden crate, which pierced his ribs. Bleeding, he begged Bahá'u'lláh that his life might be offered up so that the heavy restrictions of the imprisonment might be eased. Though it caused great sorrow to Himself and the family, Bahá'u'lláh accepted his sacrifice and exalted it to the rank of the great sacrifices of past Dispensations, such as Abraham’s offering of His son, Jesus’ Crucifixion and the martyrdom of Imam Husayn. (Taherzadeh III, 211, 213)