Baha'i scholar Nader Saiedi about the claims of the Bab

In those texts, written during the first three years of His ministry (May 1844–May 1847), the Báb claims to be the Gate to the hidden Twelfth Imám. He also frequently refers to Himself as the “Remembrance of God” (Dhikru’lláh). However, in His later writings, those set down during the last three years of His life (May 1847–July 1850), the Báb declares His real station to be not only that of the Twelfth Imám—the very Qá’im Himself—but also a new Prophet, a new Manifestation of God, with the authority to promulgate a new Holy Book with new laws.

Reconciling the apparent differences in the claims made by the Báb has been a matter of puzzlement to some scholars. Although some have found continuity in the Báb’s claims, others have assumed that the different stations the Báb attributed to Himself at various times reflect an alteration or evolution of consciousness on His part—indicating, in effect, that over time the Báb changed His mind about what station He actually held.

(Gate of the Heart Understanding the Writings of the Báb by Nader Saiedi)