Siyyid 'Ali-Muhammad, known to history as the Báb, was the
son of Siyyid Muhammad-Rida, a mercer of Shiraz, Persia. He was born on October
20th 1819 (1st of Muharram, 1235 A.H.). Through both His father and His mother
He was descended from Imam Husayn, the third Imam. Thus He stood in direct line
of descent from the Prophet Muhammad.
(Adapted from ‘The Bab, Herald of the Day
of Days’, by Balyuzi)