Such an analysis is not devoid of historical truth, but it is difficult to conclude that these circumstances were the only reason why thousands followed the Bab and accepted his revolutionary messianic claim. The corruption of the political, social, and religious space in Iran was nothing new. Furthermore, in addition to the fact that the Bab did not apparently provide specific solutions to the problems plaguing Iran, his messianic claims, and his tragic execution by the authorities, did not match the popular expectations of the Shia faithful who imagined that the Promised One would appear triumphant to kill the infidels and tyrants with the sword of vengeance and restore and propagate Islam in the world. To the contrary, the Bab’s new religious teachings called for moving beyond Islam and the other traditional religions. His message was one of spiritual resurrection and renewal of the divine reality of all religions; religions which with the rapid progress of the modern world were out of touch with the needs of a new age. The resurrection that the Bab inaugurated was the beginning of a new and unprecedented era in religious history and the spiritual evolution of humankind. It was this remarkable and revolutionary leap, with its roots in Iranian culture and mystical traditions, that attracted thousands of people to this movement. Another reason for the speed with which the Babi religion spread is found in the exceptional personality of the Bab; his superior intelligence and charisma, as well as his enchanting conduct, his Christ-like innocence, and above all, his firm conviction as to his divine mission and inspired words, and an unshakeable belief that no earthly power could stand in the way of his heavenly message. Such an analysis may be unacceptable to those that do not believe in the hand of destiny or unseen spiritual powers,
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