After a lifetime of ceaseless effort for the good of others, 'Abdu'l-Bahá passed away in the early hours of November 28, 1921. "In the land that we know as the Holy Land, in all its turbulent history of the last two thousand years, there had never been an event which could unite all its inhabitants of diverse faiths and origins and purposes, in a s…

With World War I erupting around Him, 'Abdu'l-Bahá pens His Divine Plan, a series of Tablets outlining the necessary steps to bring His Father's vision of universal peace into being. Support the showBy Luke Slott

With the Báb's remains safely laid to rest and the Ottoman Empire collapsing, 'Abdu'l-Bahá sets out on a three-year journey to bring His Father's message to the people of Egypt, Europe and America. Support the showBy Luke Slott

'Abdu'l-Bahá takes up one of the momentous tasks given to Him by His Father - to bring the remains of the Báb - hidden for sixty years - from Persian to the Holy Land and lay them to rest on Mount Carmel. Support the showBy Luke Slott

The first Western Bahá'í pilgrims travel from Europe and America to the Holy Land to meet 'Abdu'l-Bahá in person. Support the showBy Luke Slott

History repeats itself as 'Abdu'l-Bahá's younger brother, Mírzá Muhammad 'Alí, is consumed with envy for the special position granted to 'Abdu'l-Bahá by their Father. A campaign of slander ensues, reaching all the way to the Sultan. Support the showBy Luke Slott

In His Will and Testament, Bahá'u'lláh appoints 'Abdu'l-Bahá as the Head of His Faith and the Centre of His Covenant - a safeguard to protect the Bahá'í community from sectarian division. Support the showBy Luke Slott

'Abdu'l-Bahá, now revered by the people of 'Akká as 'the Master', purchases a house outside the city for His Father to live in peace. A visiting professor from Cambridge University shares his account of his interview with Bahá'u'lláh shortly before His passing. Support the showBy Luke Slott

The Sultan and the Sháh join forces and exile Bahá'u'lláh a fourth and final time to the prison-city of 'Akká in the Holy Land. Through the influence of Bahá'u'lláh's teachings and the actions of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, the prison-city and its people are transformed. Support the showBy Luke Slott

While still recovering from His brother's attempt on His life, Bahá'u'lláh proclaims His message to the world leaders of the 19th century and prescribes a remedy for the ills of the world. Support the showBy Luke Slott

After just four months in Constantinople, Bahá'u'lláh's rising popularity is deemed a threat to the Sultan. A third exile is decreed - this time to Adrianople, where Mirzá Yahyá's envy of his Brother reaches its ultimate expression. Support the showBy Luke Slott

Ten years after the family's banishment from Persia, a second exile is decreed - this time to Constantinople, the capital of the Ottoman Empire. But separation is changed into celebration in a rose-garden in Baghdad on April 21, 1863. Support the showBy Luke Slott

On His return to Baghdad, Bahá'u'lláh takes up the reins of the Bábí community and steers it back on course. His teachings bring about a social and spiritual transformation, not only among His fellow Bábís, but throughout the entire city. Support the showBy Luke Slott

With Mirzá Yahyá's campaign of slander threatening to destroy the Bábí community, Bahá'u'lláh disappears to the wilderness. But even in the remote mountains of Kurdistán, His radiance and majesty do go unnoticed. Support the showBy Luke Slott

As the exiled family settles into life in Baghdad, Bahá'u'lláh begins to get His fellow Bábís back on track, while keeping His revelation secret. His brother, however, starts causing trouble. Support the showBy Luke Slott

After four months in the Black Pit, Bahá'u'lláh and His family are banished from Persia to Iraq. In this episode, we meet His wife Navváb, His daughter Bahíyyih Khánum and His son 'Abdu'l-Bahá. Support the showBy Luke Slott

Bahá'u'lláh (Glory of God) - a young nobleman and one of the most prominent followers of the Báb - is arrested and thrown into Tehran's notorious prison, the Black Pit. But while locked up underground, He experiences a divine revelation destined to change the course of history. Support the showBy Luke Slott

The Báb's message turns Persia upside-down and the authorities turn against Him but the Báb is confident that He will fulfil His Mission: to prepare the way for the Promised One of All Religions. Support the showBy Luke Slott

While the Christian and Muslim worlds simultaneously await the appearance of the Promised One, a young student of religion named Mullá Husayn sets out to find Him. Support the showBy Luke Slott

In the mid-19th century, a number of movements arose predicting the imminent fulfilment of ancient religious prophecies and the appearance of the Promised One of All Ages. Support the showBy Luke Slott

Welcome to A Story of Light! I invite you to come with me on a musical journey through the story behind Home of Light, my new album in honour of the Centenary of the Passing of 'Abdu'l-Bahá. Support the showBy Luke Slott

The final song from Gate of Heaven. -- On October 29 and 30, 2019, the Bahá'í community invites you to join in celebration of the Bicentenary of the Birth of the Báb (the Gate), the Forerunner of Bahá'u'lláh. The Gate of Heaven Podcast is an audio-only version of the Gate of Heaven Video Diary, a series of storytelling videos posted on YouTube in 2…

The penultimate song from Gate of Heaven, from a quote of the Báb in The Dawn-Breakers. -- On October 29 and 30, 2019, the Bahá'í community invites you to join in celebration of the Bicentenary of the Birth of the Báb (the Gate), the Forerunner of Bahá'u'lláh. The Gate of Heaven Podcast is an audio-only version of the Gate of Heaven Video Diary, a …

When the Báb's mission seems like a lost cause, a light shines in the darkest place on earth. -- On October 29 and 30, 2019, the Bahá'í community invites you to join in celebration of the Bicentenary of the Birth of the Báb (the Gate), the Forerunner of Bahá'u'lláh. The Gate of Heaven Podcast is an audio-only version of the Gate of Heaven Video Dia…

When two irresponsible youth seek revenge for the death of the Báb, the King launches a national campaign of terror to exterminate the Bábís. Among those targeted is Táhirih, the sole female Letter of the Living. This episode includes a live song written in honour of Táhirih. -- On October 29 and 30, 2019, the Bahá'í community invites you to join i…

"Extinguish that light, choke the stream at its very source, and the torrent that had brought so much devastation in its wake would run dry." His efforts to suppress the Bábís having been in vain, Prime Minister Mírzá Taqí Khán determines to carry out what his predecessor had longed - but failed - to do. Thousands gather in Tabríz to witness a rema…

The attacks intensify, the imperial army increases in size, and the hate-filled Amír Tumán launches the most aggressive attack yet. Eventually, the siege spills out onto the streets of Zanján, and Hujjat offers his final prayer. -- On October 29 and 30, 2019, the Bahá'í community invites you to join in celebration of the Bicentenary of the Birth of…

When Hujjat and his companions take shelter at a fort in Zanján, a massive army launches an attack. Among the companions, one heroic individual stands out, courageously fighting off the imperial soldiers. Hujjat alone discovers her true identity - a village girl named Zaynab. -- On October 29 and 30, 2019, the Bahá'í community invites you to join i…

The people of Zanján are blessed with an enlightened priest named Hujjat, a noble and devoted minister to the people. But when Hujjat embraces the message of the Báb, the city is divided and the governor determines to annihilate him. -- On October 29 and 30, 2019, the Bahá'í community invites you to join in celebration of the Bicentenary of the Bir…

The seventh song from Gate of Heaven, based on a prayer of the Báb. -- On October 29 and 30, 2019, the Bahá'í community invites you to join in celebration of the Bicentenary of the Birth of the Báb (the Gate), the Forerunner of Bahá'u'lláh. The Gate of Heaven Podcast is an audio-only version of the Gate of Heaven Video Diary, a series of storytelli…

Beloved in his hometown and revered throughout his nation, Vahíd, the very man commissioned by Muhammad Sháh to investigate "the matter of the Báb", throws his pride to the wind and sacrifices his all for the sake of the Promised One. -- On October 29 and 30, 2019, the Bahá'í community invites you to join in celebration of the Bicentenary of the Bi…

Dark clouds move from the countryside to the capital, where seven Bábís, including the Báb's beloved uncle, Hájí Mírzá Siyyid 'Alí, are brought before the Prime Minister and commanded to recant their faith. All seven refuse and, to the astonishment of their fellow citizens, willingly sacrifice their lives in the town square of Tehran. -- On October…

Conditions in the fort become increasingly difficult. Quddús gives words of strength and courage to the remaining companions who joyfully celebrate Naw Ruz even in the face of increasingly desperate conditions. Unable to defeat the Bábís, the cowardly Prince Mihdí Qulí Khán resorts to treachery and the siege comes to an end. This episode features a…

Shortly after Quddús arrives, the imperial army descends on the fort of Shaykh Tabarsí. Mullá Husayn fearlessly defends the companions as the army's attacks intensify. This episode features a live song written in honour of Mullá Husayn. -- On October 29 and 30, 2019, the Bahá'í community invites you to join in celebration of the Bicentenary of the …

When Mullá Husayn receives instructions from the Báb to fly a black flag across Persia and proclaim the coming of the Promised One, a local priest incites a mob to ambush him and his companions. Mullá Husayn's indomitable spirit fends off the attackers and he and his companions take shelter at the Shrine of Shaykh Tabarsí, where they build a fort t…

With the death of Muhammad Sháh, the crown prince ascends to the throne, appointing a new prime minister and leaving the corrupt Hájí Mírzá Aqásí to a miserable demise. -- On October 29 and 30, 2019, the Bahá'í community invites you to join in celebration of the Bicentenary of the Birth of the Báb (the Gate), the Forerunner of Bahá'u'lláh. The Gate…

After the Conference of Badasht, the Bábís are attacked and Prime Minister Aqásí seizes his chance to turn the King against Bahá'u'lláh. -- On October 29 and 30, 2019, the Bahá'í community invites you to join in celebration of the Bicentenary of the Birth of the Báb (the Gate), the Forerunner of Bahá'u'lláh. The Gate of Heaven Podcast is an audio-o…

The sixth song from Gate of Heaven, based on a tablet of the Báb, addressed to 'Him Whom God Will Make Manifest'. -- On October 29 and 30, 2019, the Bahá'í community invites you to join in celebration of the Bicentenary of the Birth of the Báb (the Gate), the Forerunner of Bahá'u'lláh. The Gate of Heaven Podcast is an audio-only version of the Gate…

A crucial turning point occurs in the unfoldment of the Báb's message as His followers come face to face with the radical nature of His teachings. -- On October 29 and 30, 2019, the Bahá'í community invites you to join in celebration of the Bicentenary of the Birth of the Báb (the Gate), the Forerunner of Bahá'u'lláh. The Gate of Heaven Podcast is …

After being inflicted with the bastinado by the high priest of Tabríz, the Báb requires medical attention. In this episode, we meet the good Dr. Cormick, the only known Westerner to have met the Báb. *Correction: I said incorrectly that Dr. Cormick's family came from County Tipperary. The Cormicks were actually from County Kilkenny. -- On October 2…

In Episode 23, the Báb is put on trial and, before an assembly of high-ranking religious leaders, makes an historic declaration. -- On October 29 and 30, 2019, the Bahá'í community invites you to join in celebration of the Bicentenary of the Birth of the Báb (the Gate), the Forerunner of Bahá'u'lláh. The Gate of Heaven Podcast is an audio-only vers…

En route to Tabríz, the Báb and the military guards escorting Him, stop in Úrúmíyyih*, where a Prince decides to put the Báb's powers to the test. *Correction: in my research, I had misunderstood the size of Urumieh. It is not a village but rather the largest city in the West Azerbaijan province of Iran. My apologies for the error. -- On October 29…

When Prime Minister Aqásí realizes the extent of His influence in Máh-Kú, he transfers the Báb to an even more remote location, the Prison Fortress of Chihríq. But even there, in the distant mountains of Azerbaijan, the Báb's spirit cannot be restrained. -- On October 29 and 30, 2019, the Bahá'í community invites you to join in celebration of the B…

When Mullá Husayn arrives in Mázindarán, he stays as a guest in the home of his fellow disciple Quddús, only to discover the very treasure that the Báb had sent him to find. -- On October 29 and 30, 2019, the Bahá'í community invites you to join in celebration of the Bicentenary of the Birth of the Báb (the Gate), the Forerunner of Bahá'u'lláh. The…

In the prison of Máh-Kú, the Báb composes His 'Mother Book', the Bayán, in which He clearly defines the purpose of His religion - to prepare the way for Him Whom God Will Make Manifest. With the gates of the prison now open, His followers begin flocking to Máh-Kú. Among the arrivals is Mullá Husayn to whom the Báb gives a new mission - to find anot…

The fifth song from Gate of Heaven, based on a prayer of the Báb. -- On October 29 and 30, 2019, the Bahá'í community invites you to join in celebration of the Bicentenary of the Birth of the Báb (the Gate), the Forerunner of Bahá'u'lláh. The Gate of Heaven Podcast is an audio-only version of the Gate of Heaven Video Diary, a series of storytelling…

When the Báb is discovered in the house of Manúchihr Khán, Muhammad Sháh immediately summons Him to Tehran. But Prime Minister Aqásí has other plans. Fearful that the King may fall under His spell, he redirects the Báb to the prison of Máh-Kú, far away from the capital. But even Alí Khán, the stone-hearted warden of Máh-Kú, cannot resist the charm …

When the religious leaders of Isfahan plot to kill the Báb, the governor, Manúchihr Khán, hatches his own elaborate plan to protect Him. In this episode, we learn about the governor's whole-hearted devotion to the Báb and His message. -- On October 29 and 30, 2019, the Bahá'í community invites you to join in celebration of the Bicentenary of the Bi…

When Husayn Khán orders the Báb to leave Shiraz, He sets out for the city of Isfahan, 'The Jewel of Iran' where He has been directing His followers to gather. As the Báb's fame spreads through Isfahan, the city's religious leaders become envious and hatch a plot to have the Báb killed. The governor*, however, takes a different view of the Báb. *His…

The fourth song from Gate of Heaven, based on a prayer of the Báb. -- On October 29 and 30, 2019, the Bahá'í community invites you to join in celebration of the Bicentenary of the Birth of the Báb (the Gate), the Forerunner of Bahá'u'lláh. The Gate of Heaven Podcast is an audio-only version of the Gate of Heaven Video Diary, a series of storytellin…