The Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh - Bahá'í Holy Day

In the early hours of 29th May Bahá’ís around the world commemorate the passing of Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith.

Although still a prisoner, during the last years of His life Bahá’u’lláh lived in the mansion of Bahji outside the walls of the prison city of Akka. It was here that He passed away in the early hours of 29th May 1892.



Nine months before His passing Bahá'u'lláh spoke of His desire to leave this world and it became increasingly clear that the time of His passing was nearing.

On the evening of May 8th 1892 Bahá'u'lláh developed a slight fever which, though it worsened the following day, then seemed to improve. He continued to meet friends and visitors but it was plain that He was not well.

Six days before Bahá'u'lláh passed away He called His followers assembled at Bahji to His bedside where He spoke gently and affectionately to them for the last time.

"I am well pleased with you all" He said "Ye have rendered many services, and been very assiduous in your labours. Ye have come here every morning and every evening. May God assist you to remain united. May He aid you to exalt the Cause of the Lord of being."

The fever returned, stronger than before, and Bahá'u'lláh's condition steadily worsened. Then at the hour of dawn on May 29th 1892 his spirit passed out of this world.

The news of Bahá’u’lláh's passing was telegraphed to the Sultan and the opening words of the message read "the sun of Bahá has set". A room was chosen close to the mansion and just before sunset on the very day of His passing Bahá’u’lláh’s body was laid to rest. His resting place is the most holy spot in the world for Bahá’ís and the place to which Bahá’ís turn towards in prayer and visit on pilgrimage.

Let not your hearts be perturbed, O people, when the glory of My Presence is withdrawn, and the ocean of My utterance is stilled. In My presence amongst you there is a wisdom, and in My absence there is yet another, inscrutable to all but God, the Incomparable, the All-Knowing. Verily, We behold you from Our realm of glory, and shall aid whosoever will arise for the triumph of Our Cause with the hosts of the Concourse on high and a company of Our favoured angels.

Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 139


Be not dismayed, O peoples of the world, when the day star of My beauty is set, and the heaven of My tabernacle is concealed from your eyes. Arise to further My Cause, and to exalt My Word amongst men. We are with you at all times, and shall strengthen you through the power of truth. We are truly almighty.

Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 137