Concise Dictionary of Religious Knowledge 

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<br/><br/> "Babi, a Persian Mohammedan sect, founded by Mirza Ali Mohammed, the Bab (i.e. the gate), at Shiraz, in 1844.  It grew rapidly, but was surpressed with bloodshed, 1850-52.  It is now widely diffused as a sort of secret society.  Its teaching is essentially Pantheism, and lays stress on a pure and hospitable life.  It forbids polygamy and concubinage, the use of the veil, and raises women to an equality with men."