Humanity stood, He said, on the threshold of an era that would witness the restructuring of all aspects of life. In some respects, the B b's role can be compared to John the Baptist in the founding of Christianity. At the same time, however, the B b founded a distinctive, independent religion of His own. Known as the B b Faith, that religious dispensation spawned its own vigorous community, own scriptures, and left its own indelible mark on history. His coming, the B b explained, represented the portal through which the universal Messenger of God expected by all humanity would soon appear.
Accounts agree that the B b was an extraordinary child.
Born on 20 October 1819, He possessed a surprising wisdom and nobility, reminiscent of the young Jesus, Upon reaching manhood, the B b joined his uncle in the family business, a trading house. His integrity and piety won the esteem of the other merchants with whom He came in contact. He was also known for His generosity to the poor. After His announcement, the B b attracted followers rapidly, and the new religious movement spread through Iran like wildfire. In the course of this persecution, the B b was imprisoned several times.