Pronunciation: [bˈabɪst] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "Babist" can be explained by its phonetic transcription /ˈbeɪbɪst/. The first syllable sounds like "bay" with a long "a" sound, followed by "bist" with a short "i" sound. The word refers to a member of the Babism faith, a religious movement that emerged from Islam in the 19th century. The spelling of this word follows typical English conventions, including the use of a silent "e" at the end of the first syllable.
Babist refers to an adherent or follower of the religious movement known as Babism. Babism was a 19th-century religious movement that originated in Persia (now Iran) and was founded by a figure known as Sayyid Ali Muhammad Shirazi, also known as Bab. The term "Bab" translates to "Gate" in Arabic, symbolizing the role the founder played in bringing forth a new religious revelation.
Followers of the Bab, known as Babists, believe that Bab was a new messenger of God, and his teachings were seen as an independent manifestation of divine revelation. The movement emerged as a response and critique of the prevailing religious and social institutions in Persia at the time.
Babists sought to establish a new religious and social order, with principles centered on the unity of mankind, the equality of men and women, the pursuit of knowledge, and the rejection of religious and societal prejudices. They believed in the imminent coming of a messianic figure known as the Promised One, who would bring about a new age of peace and justice on Earth.
However, Babism faced intense persecution and opposition from the established religious authorities and political powers of the time. The movement eventually evolved into the Baha'i Faith, which originated from the teachings of Mirza Husayn Ali Nuri, who proclaimed himself as the Promised One foretold by Bab. Despite its relatively short existence, Babism played a significant role in shaping the religious landscape of Persia and set the foundation for the emergence of the Baha'i Faith.
The word "Babist" is derived from "Bábí", which refers to a follower of the Báb. The Báb was a Persian religious leader and the founder of the Bábí faith, which later evolved into the Bahá'í Faith. The term "Bábí" itself comes from the Arabic word "Báb", meaning "Gate", as the Báb claimed to be the gate for the coming of a new messenger or prophet. The Bábí movement emerged in the mid-19th century in Persia, and its followers were known as Bábís. Over time, the term "Bábist" came into use to refer to the adherents of the Bábí faith.
