Release the Sun: The Story of the Bab, Prophet Herald of the Baha'i Faith, and the Extraordinary Time in Which He Lived

by William Sears

Millennial fervor gripped many people around the world in the early nineteenth century. While Christians anticipated the return of Jesus Christ, a wave of expectation swept through Islam that the "Lord of the Age" would soon appear. In Persia, this reached a dramatic climax on May 23, 1844, when a twenty-five-year-old merchant from Shiraz named Siyyid 'Ali-Muhammad, later title "The Bab," announced that He was the bearer of a divine Revelation destined to transform the spiritual life of the human race. Furthermore, He claimed that He was but the Herald of another Messenger, who would soon bring a far greater Revelation that would usher in an age of universal peace. Against a backdrop of wide-scale moral decay in Persian society, this declaration aroused hope and excitement among all classes. The Bab quickly attracted tens of thousands of followers, including influential members of the clergy--and the brutal hand of a fearful government bent on destroying this movement that threatened to rock the established order.

Genres: Baha I, History, Religion, Spirituality

323 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1960

About the author

William Sears (March 28, 1911 - March 25, 1992) was a prominent American Bahá'í teacher and writer.

Sears was appointed a Hand of the Cause by Shoghi Effendi in the last contingent of Hands prior to his death in 1957.

Sears was a United States television and radio personality. He remains an extremely popular author in the Bahá'í community.

(source: Wikipedia June 28, 2008)

Picture reproduced with permission of the Bahá’í International Community.

Reviews

[Negin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book as a teen, and I think that this may be either the second or third time that I’m reading it. Regardless, it’s been a while and I’m delighted to have picked it up once again. It’s a fascinating and readable history of the beginnings of the Baha’i Faith. As far as the history books of the early days of the Faith go, this one is the most readable. There are others, but they are lengthier and more intimidating for some. The author, the late William Sears, is one of my favorite Baha’i authors.



I would only recommend this book to Baha’is or to those who want to know more about the early history of the Faith.

My favorite quote:

“We know that the Bab especially commended politeness and the most refined courtesy in all social relations. ‘Never sadden anyone, no matter whom, for no matter what,’ he enjoined, ‘I have taught the believers in my religion, He says Himself, ‘never to rejoice over the misfortune of anyone.’”

[Julie Achterhoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a truly great account of the history of the Baha'i faith, and how it unfolded from the one who came to prepare the people for the coming of the messenger of God, who was called the Bab, or "gate." He announced the coming of Baha'u'llah, a new prophet who was to bring the latest messages from God to this new age. He fit the descriptions of the second coming from the Christian Bible to a tee. But He came for all those peoples of the Earth to bring peace and unity to us who have been suffering from the illusion of separateness.

Sears also wrote A Thief in the Night, describing his search for the truth behind this supposed second coming. He proved through the Christian Bible and other religious texts that Baha'u'llah was the real thing. Here he exposes the tragedy and pain that occurred during the birthing pains the people suffered through because of the unbelievers who tried everything in their power to stomp out the new religion of the Baha'is. This book and A Thief in the Night convinced me that the true religion is that of Baha'i.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, quick read. Chapters are short and the writing is pretty simple, but I learned a lot about the subject. The author does a great job of conveying the divine magnatism and remarkable radiance of the Bab and the selflessness of the Babis and early Baha'is.

[Melinda Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like a Harry Potter story for religious seekers.

[Blaze Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for my Baha’i homies

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely. My family doesn't have this book in our Baha'i library, so it was a treat to read :)