Who is the Bab?
Mirza Ali Mohammed Shirazi, The Bab (1819-1850), largely considered by the Bahais as the forerunner of the Bahai Faith, was the founder of the Babi Faith. In the various claims made by him in his lifetime, Bab claimed to be the Gate (Bab) of the hidden Imam, then the hidden Imam, and finally God Himself. It is interesting to note that in recent times, the Bahais have elevated the Bab to the rank of an independent Prophet, while the Bab never claimed any such position.