Glossary of Baha'i Faith

March 28, 2024 · updated March 28, 2024

B.E.
Abbreviation for "Bahá'í Era", which began with the Declaration of the Bab on May 22, 1844 (1 B.E.).
Birth of the Bab
Bahá'í holiday commemorating the birth of the Báb on October 20, 1819; one of the "Twin Holy Festivals".
Greatest Name
One of the main symbols of the Bahá'í Faith, a calligraphized Arabic rendering of Yá Bahá'ul 'Abhá ("O Glory of the Most Glorious").
Naw-Rúz
Baha'i New Year, celebrated on the spring equinox (March 20 or 21)
ringstone
One of the main symbols of the Bahá'í Faith, it is named for its common use on Bahá'í rings. It consists of two stars (representing the "twin manifestations" of the Báb and Bahá'u'lláh) interspersed with a stylized Bahá’ (Persian for "Glory").
The Nineteen Day Fast
Annual Bahá'í fast from sunrise to sunset during the month of Alá, which ends with the Bahá'í New Year festival.
Universal House of Justice
The supreme ruling body of the Bahá'í Faith, headquartered in Haifa, Israel. Its nine members are elected every five years. Bahá'ís regard its judgments as divinely guided and authoritative.