Today is the first day of Ridván, a 12-day Baha’i festival that commemorates the start of Baha’u’llah’s work as a prophet. As the holiest Baha’i holiday, it gets its name from the Garden of Ridván outside of Baghdad, where Baha’u’llah spent 12 days after he was exiled.
While staying in the Garden of Ridván, Baha’u’llah announced to a small group of friends and family that he was the latest in the line of God’s prophets and explained his mission to spread the Baha’i faith.
Ridván begins on the 32nd day of the Baha’i year, on April 21. (The Baha’i year is broken up into 19 months, beginning on March 21.)
Work is prohibited for followers of Baha’i on the first, ninth, and twelfth days of Ridván (hooray—I could use some time off!). Many Baha’is recognize the importance of the festival by getting together with other believers for prayer and celebration. I guess I’m on my own, but that’s okay. At least I don’t have to work.
In honor of my very first Baha’i holiday, here’s a special Ridván prayer from Compilations by Bahiyyih Khanum, the oldest daughter of Baha’i founder Baha’u’llah:
The Festival of Ridvan is come and the splendour of the light of God is shining from the invisible horizon of His mercy. The overflowing grace of the Lord of oneness is pouring down copiously from the unseen world and the glad-tidings of the Kingdom are coming in from all countries. The resplendent morn that betokens the advancement of the Cause of God and heralds the exaltation of His Word is dawning in every region.
Praise be to God that the fame of the Ancient Beauty—may my life be offered up for His loved ones—has been noised abroad in the world and the glory of His Cause is spread far and wide throughout the East and the West. These joyous developments will indeed gladden the hearts of His loved ones.
Happy Ridván, everybody!
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