The origin of the Bab lies in the Shaykhi sect which was founded by Shaykh Ahmed Ahsai. This man propogated beliefs which were against the beliefs of Islam. Hence he was termed an apostate. Here are some of the beliefs of the Shaykhis. (Read more on the Shaykhis)

Belief No 1: Hazrat Ali (as) is Ummul Momineen (mother of believer)
While describing the different meaning of the word "wali", Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai said that one of the meanings of "wali" is "wife". To prove his point, he claimed that one of the meanings of the word "zawj" (wife) is the wilayat.
(Ref: Sharh-e-Zyarat-e-Jamea page 77 Line No 3-5)

Confirming the above statements of Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai, Karim Khan Kirmani said that Hazrat Ali (as) is the wife of Holy Prophet (sawa).

Karim Khan Kirmani has written as follows in his book: "It is true that Aimmah (as) are the wives of Holy Prophet (sawa).It shows that Aimmah (as) are the women (wives). Apparently other wives are known as Ummul Momineen but actually Hazrat Ali (as) is the wife of Holy Prophet (sawa)."
(Ref: Irshad-ul-Awaam Vol 3 page 28 Line No 29 published in Tabrez, 1267 AH)

Belief No 2: Hazrat Ali (as) appeared in the form of Marwan Ibne Hakam in the battle of Jamal
Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai wrote in his book: "Hazrat Ali (as) was the one who appeared in the form of Marwan Ibne Hakam and shot an arrow at Talha and killed him."
(Ref: Sharh-e-Zyarat-e-Jamea page 368 Line No 19,20)

In agreement with the above statement, Sayyed Kazim Rashti said that when Talha was injured by Marwan Ibne Hakam, he said that he was killed by Ali. Hazrat Ali (as) had disguised himself in the form of Marwan Ibne Hakam to kill Talha.
(Ref: Sharhe Khutbah page 305 Line no 27-28, 1270AH published in Tabrez)

Belief No 5: I am the city of Knowledge and Ali is its Gate
The first successor of Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai , ie Sayed Kazim Rashti writes as follows regarding the saying of Holy Prophet (sawa) that : "I am the city of knowledge and Ali is its gate."

"This city is in the heaven (page 120, line 13). It consists of different types of palaces and lanes. (page 116, line 18,19).There is a woman in lane number 42 who play the tambourine and her name is Zigat (page 121,line 16) .There is a woman in lane number 49 known as Shathaal who play the flute. (page 121, line 22). There is a woman in lane number 71 known as Satishaal who commits adultery with monkeys (page 122, line 12). There is a woman in lane number 192 known as Marhabeel who invites people towards herself. (page 125, line 12). There is a man in lane number 267 known as Rabshash Busatarweel who is naked (page 127). There is a man in lane number 277 who commits homosexuality with other men (page 128). There is a woman in lane number 353 who invites others for adultery. (page 130, Line no 21).
(Ref: Sharh-e-Qaeedah page 103 - 130 published Tehran , 1270 AH)

Belief No 6: Revelation of Ayat
Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai used to say: "All of you should hear my sayings because it is the revelation of Allah"
(Ref: Sharh-e-Zyarat-e-Jamea page 36 Line 8)

Following him, Sayed Kazim Rashti also claimed that he used to get revelation from Allah (swt). Sayed Kazim Rashti has written as follows: "I received revelation in my heart which is actually the mountain of Sina".
(Ref: Sharh-e-Qaseedah Kazim Rashti page 169 Line No 13 published 1270 AH)

Belief No 7: Ignorancy of Allah (swt)
According to Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai, Allah is not aware of everything since the beginning. It means until a thing comes into existence, Allah is not aware of it. Hence he writes as follows in his book "Sharh-e-Irshiya": "When the things were not existent, Allah was not aware of it and when they came into existence, Allah became aware of it." Similarly he writes in Sharh-e-Ilmiya: "Allah’s knowledge encompasses the things which are existing. Therefore when the things came into existence, Allah became aware of it and it would be absolutely incorrect to say that Allah had the knowledge about those things prior to their existence."
(Ref: Jawame-ul-Kalam Vol 1 page 176 Line No 3 to 5 published Tabrez)

He writes further as follows: "Your belief that Allah is the knower of everything since beginning is invalid".
(Ref: Sharh-e-Fawaed page 269 Line No 5 published in Tabrez , 1274AH)

He has said many nonsense things like this in other books also. Those who are interested can refer the following book also.
(Ref: Sharhe Irshiya Vol 1 page 44 Line No 20 Published in Tabrez , 1278 AH)

Note: According to Shi’ite doctrine, Allah is aware of everything since beginning.

A person asked Imam Jafar Sadiq (as): Was there a time when Allah was not aware of things which are now existing? . Imam (as) replied: If anyone has such belief, Allah will humiliate him. That person asked again: Is it there in the knowledge of Allah whatever have been happened till now and would happen till the day of Qayamat?. Imam (as) replied: "Certainly Allah was aware of everything prior to their existence" .
(Ref: Usool-e-Kafi Vol 1 page 34 H No 12 Published in Iran, Translation of Usool-e-Kafi Vol 1 page 164 published in Karachi)

Belief No 8 : Aimmah (as) are God
Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai writes in his book that Aimmah are the God and Sidratul Muntaha.
(Ref: Sharh-e-Zyarat-e-Jamea page 27 Line No 18)

Belief No 9: The Imams (as) are responsible for the sins of their Shias
According to Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai, the Imams (as) have held themselves responsible for the sins of their shias. Therefore the sins of shias are actually the sins of their Imams (as). It is due to this reason that Aimmah (as) used to seek forgiveness of Allah (swt) in their duas.
(Ref: Jawam-e-ul Kalam Vol 2 Risaliya Gadeeriya page 38 Line No 9,10 Published Tabrez)

He writes in his another book: "Aimmah are benefitted by the actions of their shias. Shias actions are related to them. Due to this Aimmah are responsible for the sins of their shias."
(Ref: Sharh-e-Zyarat-e-Jamea page 36 Line No 19,20)

Belief No 10 : There are four Usool-e-Deen
Sayed Kazim Rashti, the first successor of Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai writes as follows: There are four fundamental belief of Islam."La Ilaha Illallah" (There is no God except Allah) is the first one, Mohammad-ur-Rasulullah (Mohammad is the messenger of Allah) is the second one, Allah is the third one and the last one is that Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai is the successor of successors, the illuminating light and the guide.
(Ref: Sharh Qaseedah page 94 Line No 7 to 14)

Belief No 11: Denying Meraj-e-Jismani (physical ascension)
Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai believes that Holy Prophet (sawa) had Jism-e-Lateef and not Jisme Ansari and he went for Meraj in Jisme Lateef. Note: Jisme Lateef is not the physical body. It is the spiritual body which is very mild.
(Ref: Jawameul Kalam Risalah Qatifiya Vol 1 page 127 Line No 10-24 published in Tabrez)

Asserting the belief of Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai, Karim Khan Kirmani writes as follows: "The Holy Prophet (sawa) had Jisme Roohani (spiritual body). Holy Prophet’s body was more tender (mild) than sky and Kursi."
(Ref: Irshadul Uloom Vol 1 page 148 Line No 26,27 published in Tabrez)

Belief No 12: Denying the Miracle of Splitting of Moon.(Shaqqul Qamar)
Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai has denied the miracle of splitting of moon (Shaqqul Qamar).
(Ref: Jawame-ul-Kalam Vol 1 Risalah Qatifiyah page 129 , 130 Line No 1 -3)

Belief No 13: Denying the presence of Imam Mahdi (as) during his occultation
Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai writes in his book: "Imam Mahdi (as) is not present in this world during his occultation and would return in this world at the time of his reappearance".
(Ref: Sharh-e-Zyarat-e-Jamea page 259 Last Line, page 260 Line No 1)

Belief No 14: Raj’at is in Barzakh
Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai has written in his book that: "The period of the Rajat of the Imams (as) would be the period of Barzakh wherein people would see Jinn, Angels, Rooh (spirit) with their eyes."
(Ref: Sharh-e-Zyarat-e-Jamea page 353 , Line 9-13)

He writes that: "Raj’at is the first stage of the hereafter (ie Barzakh)."
(Ref: Sharh-e-Zyarat-e-Jamea page 261 Line no 1)

Belief No 15: The Belief of Compulsion
Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai writes in his book: "whatever work is done by man, is infact the action of Allah (swt)."
(Ref: Sharh-e-Zyarat-e-Jamea page 67 Line No 18)

Confirming Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai, Karim Khan Kirmani has written that: "Allah has created all good and bad actions. Therefore anyone who believes in other than this has included others in the work of Allah and hence is a mushrik (polytheist)."
(Ref: Irshad Uloom Vol 1 page 32 Line No 8,9 published in Tabrez)

Note: The above belief of Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai and Karim Khan Kirmani is against the Islamic belief. Let us see what Imam Reza (as) said regarding the one who believe in compulsion.

Imam Reza (as) said: "Whoever believes in compulsion is a disbeliever."
(Ref: Oyoon-e-Akhbar-e-Reza- Vol 1 page 124)

Belief No 16: Holy Quran is the Aql (Intellect) of Holy Prophet (sawa) and his progeny
Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai said: "Quran is the Aql (intellect) of Holy Prophet (sawa)."
(Ref: Sharh-e-Zyarat-e-Jamea page 345 Line No 17)

Belief No 17: Difference in the order of the creation of Holy Prophet (sawa) and his Progeny
According to Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai, Allah (swt) created Holy Prophet (sawa) first, then He created Hazrat Ali (as), then Imam Hasan (as), then Imam Husain (as), then Qaem Ale Mohammad, then all the other eight Imams (as) and Hazrat Zehra (sa) in the end.
(Ref: Sharh-e-Zyarat-e-Jamea page 57 Line No 10)

Belief No 18: Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai claimed infallibility for himself
Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai has written that: "I have obtained my knowledge from the Imams (as). Therefore there cannot be any sort of mistake in my sayings. Whatever I have written in my book is from the Imams (as) and since they are away from mistakes, anyone who take the knowledge from them cannot commit mistakes."
(Ref: Sharh-e-Fawaed page 4 Line No 11-13 published in Tabrez , 1274)

Belief No 19: Bani Israel means Mohammed (sawa) and his progeny
Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai used to interpret the verses of Holy Quran according to his own whims and views. For example, regarding the verse of Holy Quran "Certainly we saved Bani Israel", Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai said that Israel in the above Ayat means Abdullah and Bani Israel refers to Mohammad (sawa) and his progeny.
(Ref: Sharhe Zyarat-e Jamea page 81 Line No 21)

Belief No 20: Mubah is not from the laws of Islam
Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai has written in his book: "There are only four laws of Islam ie Haram (forbidden), Wajib (obligatory), Makrooh (destestable), and Mustahab (recommended). Mubah (optional) is not from the tenets of Islam."
(Ref: Sharhe Zyarat-e Jamea page 70 Line No 13, 14)

Belief No 21: There are some Angels who are not good
According to Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai there are some good angels and some bad angels.
(Ref: Sharh-e-Zyarat-e-Jamea page 89 Line No 27)

Belief No 23: Denying Maad-e-Jismani (Physical Resurrection)
According to Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai: "The body that would be resurrected would not be Jisme Ansari but it would be Jisme Lateef." Note: Jisme Lateef does not means physical body. It is the spiritual body which is very mild.
(Ref: Sharhe Zyarat-e-Jamea page 365 Line No 14,15,23,24,28-30)

Belief No 24: Denying the existence of Heaven and Hell
Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai writes in his book: "Anyone who is attached to the wilayat of the Imams (as) is safe from the fire of hell and the anger of Allah (swt) and is away from deviation and such person has entered in the paradise which is the wilayat of the Imams (as).Love of the Imams (as) are the rivers which flows from the river of Kausar.
(Ref: Sharhe Irshiyya Vol 1page 43 Line No 20 published in Tabrez, Sharhe Irshiyya Vol 1page 119 Line No 20 published in Kirman)

Confirming the above quoted statement of Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai, Syed Kazim Rashti writes as follows in his book: Aimmah (the Imams) (as) are themselves the Paradise.
(Ref: Sharh-e-Khutbah page 303 Line No 10)

Belief No 25: Incarnation
At many places, Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai has written that the similarity between Allah and Mohammed and his progeny is the same as the similarity between fire and iron.
(Ref: Jawame-ul Kalam Vol 1 Risalah Rishtiyya page 84 Line No 24, Sharhe Irshiya page 27 Vol 1 Line No 12 -13 , page 89 Vol 1 Line No 4 published in Tabrez , 1278AH)

Confirming the above mentioned belief of Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai, Sayed Kazim Rashti writes as follows: "Similarity between Allah and Mohammed (sawa) is the same as the similarity between fire and Iron. When the Iron is in the fire, it becomes red with fire. At that time if anybody see Iron, it will look like fire and fire will look like iron. Similarly the Imam’s (as) face is the face of Allah, their obedience is the obedience of Allah, their action is the action of Allah (swt), their order is the order of Allah and so on."
(Ref: Sharhe Khutbah page 246 Line No 24 and page 27 Line No 12, Sharhe Ayatul Kursi page 20 Line No 8)

Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai writes as follows: Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said: "Allah and we are such that we are just like him and He is just like us.
(Ref: Sharhe Zyarat-e Jamea page 102 Line No 3 ,page 168 Line No 13-14 ,page 320 Line No 15, page 431 Line No 17)

Belief No 26: Claiming the Knowledge of the secret of Allah (swt)
Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai writes as follows in his book: "You should know that whatever I have said to you is from the secret of Allah (swt)".
(Ref: Sharh-e-Zyarat-e-Jamea page 130 Line No 27)

Belief No 27: Claiming the Knowledge of the Unseen
Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai writes as follows: "You should understand what I am saying as it is from the treasure of the unseen".
(Ref: Sharhe Zyarate Jamea page 313 Line No 2)

Syed Kazim Rashti also claimed the knowledge of the unseen for himself as follows: "I travel in the Universe and see everything".
(Ref: Sharh-e-Qaseedah page 4 Line No 10, 11 published in Tehran)

Belief No 28: Tafseer Bir Rae (Interpreting the Holy Quran as per his own whims)
Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai has interpreted the Holy Quran as per his own whims and views. He said regarding the Ayat: "I have created the earth in six days" as follows. It means Allah has created the earth in six level and they are Aql, Nafs, Nature, Matter, face etc.
(Ref: Sharhe Fawaed page 136 Line No 6,7 published in Tabrez, Sharhe Irshiyya V 1 page 93 Line No 22 published in Tabrez)

Belief No 29: Denying Jibrael
Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai writes as follows: "Jibrael is nothing but the thoughts that comes in the mind of Hazrat Mohammed (sawa)".
(Ref Sharhe Zyarat-e-Jamea page 346 Line No 17)

Belief No 33: Miracles are the action of the Imams (as)
Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai writes in his book that: "Miracles such as enliving the dead one, turning of the staff into the serpent,etc are the actions of Aimmah (as) and it is not the action of Allah (swt).
(Ref Sharhe Zyarat-e-Jamea page 335 Line No 7,8)

Belief No 36: The world is Qadeem (ie It was always existing like Allah)
Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai said: "As per the saying of the scholars who say that everything which has a beginning will have an end also, we will have to believe that the bounties of heaven and the punishment of the hell will not last forever since they were non existent at a time. In the light of the above discussion if we believe that the world was not existing earlier, then it means that it would not last forever and a time will come when it would also come to an end. In that way we would not be able to prove the bounties of heaven and the punishment of hell forever since they were also not existing earlier and would therefore come to an end also but the bounties of heaven and the punishment of hell are eternal as per our belief .Therefore we will have to believe that the world was always existing and is not created."
(Ref: Sharhe Fawaed page 173 Line No 9-11,14-15 published in Tabrez , 1274AH, Sharhe Fawaed page 172 Line No 13,14 , Sharahe zyarate Jamea page 337 Line No 20-29)

Belief No 37 : Tanasukh (Transmigration)
Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai writes in his book: "There is no transmigration for the Nafse’ Qadimiya (for the Nafs of the Imams (as)) but there is transmigration for others".
(Ref: Sharhe Zyarate Jamea page 376 Line No 25,26 and V 4 page 64 published in Kirman)

Note: It is against the Islamic belief. Imam-e-Reza(as) said: "Anyone who believe in transmigration is a disbeliever"
(Ref: Oyoon-e-Akhbar-e-Reza Vol 2 page 202 H No 2)

Belief No 38. Mohammed bin Abi Bakr was born due to breathing of spirit by Hazrat Ali (as)
Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai writes in his book : "Mother of Mohammed bin Abi Bakr, Asma binte Umais was like Janabe’ Maryam (sa) and Mohammed bin Abi Bakr was born just like Hazrat Esa (as). That is, he did not have a father and Hazrat Ali (as) had breathed the spirit into his mother due to which he was born.
(Ref: Jawameul kalam V 1 Risaleh Tahiriyyah page 223 Line No 16-18)

Belief No 39. Tasleese Esa (The belief of Trinity)
The belief of Shaikhiyya is like the belief of trinity of Christian. Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai writes in his book that: "The Imams (as) created everything along with Allah (swt) and Ahle Bayt are the manifestation of the greatness of Allah (swt)". (Sharhe Zyarat-e-Jamea page 62 Line No 4, page 70 Line No 18-21)

Belief No 40. Reappearance of Holy Prophet (sawa) in the form of Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai
Syed Kazim Rashti, the first successor of Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai writes as follows: "Holy Prophet had two names - one of it belongs to this world and the other one belong to heaven. The name which belongs to this world is Mohammad and that which belongs to heaven is Ahmed. Ism (ie, name) means to reappear. Hence he had two reappearances - one of it is hidden and another one is apparent. The name, Mohammad is the one which is concerned with the reappearance that is apparent and the name, Ahmed is concerned with the reappearance that is hidden. When twelve hundred centuries passed away, the apparent reappearance of Prophet Mohammed (sawa) terminated and the hidden reappearance of Prophet Mohammed (sawa) occurred in the form of Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai who revealed the hidden reality and the hidden treasures of knowledge. Hence the name Ahmed of the prophet Mohammed (sawa) which belonged to the heaven appeared in the world in the form of Shaikh Ahmed Ahsai.
(Ref: Sharhe Qaseedah page 362 Line No 15-18,26-27 , page 363 Line No 1-3 ,9-12 published in Tehran , 1270 AH and page 297 published in Tabrez)