Ma`rifat Adyan

One of the outcomes of Sheikhiyyah's particular beliefs about Bab which literally means door and figuratively refers to those who were or are claimed to be in contact with Imam of the Period (peace be upon him) is that they prepared the ground for the growth of the misguided sect of Babiyyah led by Ali Mohammad Bab, one of Sayyed Kazim Rashti's disciples. The main aspect of the nature of relationship between Sheikhiyyah and Babiyyah is that they both believe in the Fourth Pillar and in Babism. The doctrine of the Fourth Pillar was formulated by Sheikhiyyah and Twelver Shi'a had not thought of the particular meaning intended by Sheikhiyyah. The Sheikhiyyah uses the word Fourth Pillar to mean a mediator who guides people to Hidden Imam and considers the idea of the existence of Imam will be futile without believing in the Fourth Pillar. Therefore, Sheikhiyyah believes that there are four principles of religion: Unity of God, Prophethood, Resurrection and the Fourth Pillar. This particular system of thought of Sheikhiyyah concerning Fourth Pillar has provided the ground for Ali Mohammad Shirazi to claim that he is a Bab.