ABSTRACT
Despite the short ministry of the Báb (1844–1850), He penned an incredible number of works. He Himself divides His writings on the basis of the chronology (early and later works) and the mode of revelation (divine verses, prayers, commentaries, rational analysis, and Persian language pieces). The writings of the Báb can be distinguished in terms of three stages: the interpretive, philosophical, and legislative forms of revelation. His works reinterpreted major theological concepts like God, Prophet, religion, Day of Resurrection, and human freedom. He brought about a new concept of identity, according to which the truth of everything is the reflection of divine names and attributes. This spiritual definition of reality provides the basis of a new culture in which both nature and human beings are perceived as sacred and beautiful. According to the Báb, religion is a dialogue between God and humanity. Consequently, religion is a dynamic and progressive reality. That is why His writings identify His revelation as the preparation for the advent of another divine revelation (of Bahá’u’lláh) that will supersede His own revelation.
