The Dawn-Breakers is a detailed, eye-witness record of the very early days of the Babi (bob-ee) and Baha'i
(ba-hah-ee) Faiths. It was written by Nabil and translated later by Shoghi Effendi. The Babi religion blossomed in a brief era before the establisment of the Baha'i Faith. Many loyal Babis became Baha'is and in that way the Babi era fulfilled its purpose. In his narrative, Nabil recounts the severe persecution of the Babis inflicted through the joined efforts of the Persian government and Muslim clergy of the day. He tells how the Babis fought to defend themselves and their beliefs, not so long ago, in the mid-eighteenth century A.D. Today, the Baha'is of Iran (ancient Persia) continue to be persecuted and martyred.
Two central figures of this historical narrative are the Prophet-Founders of both religions. Mirza Ali Muhammad (whose religious title is The Bab, which translates to The Gate) and Mirza Husayn Ali (Baha'u'llah, The Glory of God). The book is chock full of the true stories of passionately devout believers, many of whom chose martyrdom rather than recant their faith. Interested readers find their stories of astounding dedication and faith profoundly inspiring.