Mirza Husayn-Ali, who is known to the world by His title, Baha’u’llah, was born in Tehran, Iran on 12 November, 1817. Baha’u’llah means “Glory of God” in Arabic and He is the Prophet-Founder of the Baha’i Faith. The anniversary of the day He was born is celebrated alongside the Birth of the forerunner of His Revelation, the Bab. These Twin Holy Days are celebrated annually as one festival where the closely interwoven missions of these two Divine Luminaries are remembered together.
The Birth of Baha’u’llah: A Book For Young Children
Can you tell us a little about The Birth of Baha’u’llah?
This children’s book is the latest published book from the series about Baha’i Holy Days. It is about the Birth of Baha’u’llah, written in a simple language for children around the age of 5, with a limited amount of words and a large font so early readers (and some grandparents) can read easily, as well as colourful illustrations and a repeated rhyme. It was published through crowd funding, so it is on a discounted rate until the Twin Holy Days in 2024.
What inspired you to write it?
Author Alhan Rahimi
When my children were very young, I struggled to find books that were suitable for their age (with the characteristics above) about the Baha’i Holy Days. I found that they didn’t have the patience to sit through longer books that were targeted for an older age group. So, I started the series of books about Baha’i Holy Days and I’m glad many other children have benefitted from them as well.
I know we’ve chatted in the past about some of your other books related to Holy Days and the history of the Baha’i Faith such as The Moon Was There. Can you tell us about all the holy day related books you’ve written?
At this moment in 2024, there are seven books in the series and they’re all targeted for the younger age group (around age 5), even though children older than 5 have reported that they enjoyed them, too!
This book is published for the occasion of the birth of Bahá’u’lláh. It is written in as simple of a language as possible in sharing the dream that Bahá’u’lláh’s father had, some of His characteristics and a song that our narrator, the sun, is singing for this occasion:
The Sun of Truth is shining Upon the earth and sky. The Sun of Truth is shining For sure my soul will fly!
This book is published for the occasion of the declaration of Baha’u’llah. A nightingale tells us about the garden he lived in and the twelve joyful days that we celebrate today:
I live in this garden Ridvan is its name I wish that the people Would know of its fame
This book is published for the occasion of the declaration of the Bab. Mulla Husayn was the first believer in the Bab. This story tries to demonstrate his endeavor to reach to his heart’s desire through prayer and hard work. This book has also been translated into Italian.
This book is published for the occasion of the ascension of Abdu’l-Baha. He was a great example for all the spiritual attributes such as generosity, love, kindness, justice and many more. He was also well-known for His love for children. This illustrated book recounts nine stories of Him with children and is published for the occasion of the centenary of His ascension.
This book is published for the occasion of Ayyam-i-Ha. This story shows a family’s celebration of Ayyam-i-Ha. Ayyam-i-Ha is celebrated by Baha’is all over the world for a period of four to five days and it falls right before the month of fasting. It’s a time of joy, generosity and celebration. In this story, Maya shares what her family does during this time of year. This book has been translated into Persian.
This book is published for the occasion of Naw-Ruz, the Bahaʼi New Year. Alice tells us about her family’s celebration of this occasion. This book has also been translated into Persian.
What’s it like to take a sublime and impossible-to-truly-comprehend moment in history and make it palatable for young readers?
As you’ve said, it’s almost impossible! These books are only a glimpse of history; a history that is not in isolation of the children’s current lives; rather, a part of it. What these books are trying to accomplish is creating a sense of belonging in children and a desire in them to explore the Faith further when they start walking the path of independent investigation of truth.
What was a challenge you faced when writing The Birth of Baha’u’llah?
It took me long to write this book, because I was worried about the way I’d convey such an important occasion to children. I wasn’t sure which aspect of His childhood to convey and how to convey it. Then I decided to focus on one aspect in His childhood and that’s the dream that His father had, adding a rhyme to it that is repeated a few times.
What are you working on now?
This year, I’m brainstorming and reflecting on the next steps (which is usually the longest process). One challenge I’m faced with now is how to write about the Ascension of Baha’u’llah or the Martyrdom of the Bab for children. It might have to be for older children, which would mean changing the style of writing to suit the targeted age group. I definitely welcome suggestions! You can reach out to me via my website.
Thank you, Alhan! And congratulations on publishing another wonderful book!
In her innermost heart, Sonjel is a stay-at-home parent and a bookworm with a maxed out library card but professionally she is a museologist with a background in English Literature. She currently lives on Prince Edward Island, an isle in the shape of a smile on the eastern Canadian coast. Sonjel is a writer who loves to listen to jazz when she's driving at night.
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