<DIV><P>Babism and its offshoot Baha'ism first evolved from mainstream Islam in 19th century Iran, in the face of fierce opposition from the Islamic clergy and most Muslims. Baha'ism has continued to expand, spreading out of Iran and across the globe, yet little is known in the West about the codes prescribed by the Bab and revised by Baha'Allah. This comprehensive account of the religious rituals and practices of Babism and Baha'ism provides detailed descriptions of prayer, pilgrimage, the use of talisman, ritual purity, birth marriage and death, festivals and fasting. Including translations of key passages from Arabic and Persian texts, Denis MacEoin presents the complex textual and historical tradition of Babism and Bahai'sm, which makes this book a valuable resource for comparative religion, Islamic and Iranian studies. </P></DIV>