The Bahá’í Faith is an independent monotheistic religion that began in Persia (present-day Iran) during the nineteenth century. Founded by Bahá’u’lláh (1817–1892), it teaches that there is one God, that humanity is one family and that the world's major religions share a common spiritual origin.

The central purpose of the Bahá’í Faith is to promote unity, justice, equality and peace. It encourages people to look beyond differences of nationality, race, culture and religious background and to recognise the common humanity that connects everyone.

Although relatively young compared with Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism, the Bahá’í Faith has spread across the world. Its followers, known as Bahá’ís, live in almost every country and come from a wide variety of cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds.

An important feature of the religion is its belief in the progressive nature of divine revelation. Bahá’ís believe that God has guided humanity throughout history through a succession of divine messengers, including Abraham, Moses, Krishna, Buddha, Jesus Christ, Muhammad, the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh.

Each messenger brought teachings appropriate to the needs and circumstances of the people of their time. Bahá’ís therefore regard the different religions as successive chapters in one continuing spiritual process rather than completely separate or competing traditions.

The main message of the Bahá’í Faith can be summarised in three ideas:

The Bahá’í Faith is not simply concerned with personal spirituality. It also encourages practical action to improve society through education, equality, cooperation and social justice.

The origins of the Bahá’í Faith can be traced to Persia in 1844, a period of considerable religious, social and political change.

On 23 May 1844, a young Persian merchant named Siyyid ‘Alí-Muhammad announced that he had received a new message from God. He adopted the title the Báb, meaning "the Gate" in Arabic.

The Báb taught that humanity was entering a new spiritual age. He called for moral and spiritual renewal and announced the coming of another divine messenger, whom he referred to as "Him Whom God Shall Make Manifest".

His teachings attracted thousands of followers, known as Bábís. However, the movement faced strong opposition from religious authorities and the Persian government. The Báb was imprisoned and eventually executed by firing squad on 9 July 1850 in Tabriz, Persia.

His followers also suffered severe persecution, and many were killed.

One of the most important early followers of the Báb was Bahá’u’lláh, whose birth name was Mírzá Husayn-‘Alí. Born in Tehran in 1817 into a prominent family, Bahá’u’lláh became known for his generosity, wisdom and concern for the poor.

After the Báb's execution, Bahá’u’lláh experienced imprisonment and exile. In 1863, while in Baghdad, he publicly announced that he was the messenger promised by the Báb.

This announcement marks the beginning of the Bahá’í Faith as a distinct religious community.

Bahá’u’lláh's teachings expanded upon the message of the Báb and presented a vision of a united humanity based on spiritual development, justice and universal peace.

The Báb prepared the way for Bahá’u’lláh, while Bahá’u’lláh established the teachings and foundations of the Bahá’í Faith. Both figures are considered central to Bahá’í religious history.

Following his declaration in 1863, Bahá’u’lláh spent much of the rest of his life in exile and imprisonment.

He was first exiled from Persia to Baghdad, then to Constantinople (present-day Istanbul), Adrianople (present-day Edirne) and finally to the prison city of ‘Akká (Acre), in present-day Israel.

Despite these difficult circumstances, he continued writing and teaching. His writings addressed spiritual questions, moral conduct, justice, government, education and the future of human society.

Bahá’u’lláh passed away in 1892 near ‘Akká.

Before his death, he appointed his eldest son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (1844–1921), as the authorised interpreter of his teachings and the leader of the Bahá’í community.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá played a major role in spreading the religion internationally. After being released from restrictions imposed by the Ottoman authorities, he travelled to Europe and North America between 1911 and 1913. During these journeys, he spoke about peace, racial unity, women's equality and the importance of education.

After ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's death in 1921, leadership passed to his grandson, Shoghi Effendi (1897–1957), who became known as the Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith.

Shoghi Effendi helped develop the administrative structure of the religion and encouraged its expansion into new countries and communities.

In 1963, the Universal House of Justice was first elected. This institution became the international governing body of the Bahá’í community.

Today, the Bahá’í Faith is an international religion with millions of followers.

The Bahá’í Faith is built around several central beliefs that influence both personal behaviour and society.

Bahá’ís believe that there is one God, who created the universe and all living things. God's true essence is beyond human understanding. People can, however, learn about God's qualities through spiritual teachings and divine messengers.

Bahá’ís believe that the major world religions come from the same divine source. Although their laws and practices may differ, their essential spiritual teachings share common values, such as love, compassion, justice and kindness.

This belief is called progressive revelation. It means that religious guidance is revealed gradually, according to the needs of humanity at different stages of development.

One of the most important Bahá’í doctrines is that all human beings belong to one human family.

Differences in race, nationality, social position and cultural background should never be reasons for discrimination or hostility.

Bahá’ís are encouraged to investigate truth independently rather than simply accepting beliefs because of tradition, family background or religious authority.

This principle promotes personal responsibility, critical thinking and an open-minded approach to life.

The Bahá’í Faith teaches that genuine science and true religion should not contradict one another.

Science helps humanity understand the physical world, while religion provides spiritual guidance and moral direction. Both are considered important for human progress.

Bahá’ís believe that the human soul continues to exist after physical death. Spiritual life is understood as an ongoing journey towards greater understanding and closeness to God.

The purpose of earthly life is therefore not only material success but also the development of spiritual qualities such as honesty, patience, kindness and generosity.

The Bahá’í Faith places considerable importance on improving society. Its principles are intended to guide individuals, communities and institutions towards a more just and peaceful world.

Some of its most important social teachings include:

Women and men are considered spiritually equal and should have equal opportunities to develop their abilities and contribute to society.

The Bahá’í teachings emphasise that humanity cannot achieve its full potential if women are excluded from education, leadership and social participation.

All forms of prejudice, including racial, religious, national and social discrimination, are strongly discouraged.

Bahá’ís believe that unity is impossible while people continue to judge others based on their background or identity.

Education is regarded as a fundamental right and an important responsibility. Both girls and boys should receive education, as educated individuals are better equipped to contribute to their families and communities.

The Bahá’í Faith recognises the need to reduce extreme differences between rich and poor.

It promotes economic justice, responsible use of wealth, fair opportunities and concern for people living in poverty.

World peace is one of the major objectives of the Bahá’í Faith.

Bahá’u’lláh encouraged the development of international cooperation and institutions capable of resolving conflicts peacefully and protecting the interests of humanity as a whole.

The Bahá’í teachings support the adoption of an international auxiliary language that would make communication between different peoples easier.

This would not mean eliminating local languages, cultures or traditions, but creating an additional means of communication.

Bahá’í teachings also encourage responsible stewardship of the natural world. Humanity should recognise its relationship with the environment and use natural resources responsibly.

Together, these principles reflect the belief that spiritual development and social progress are closely connected.

Bahá’í religious life combines personal spirituality with service to the wider community.

Unlike many traditional religious organisations, the Bahá’í Faith has no professional clergy, priests or ministers. Religious life is organised through elected institutions and the participation of individual believers.

Prayer is an important part of Bahá’í spiritual life. Bahá’ís have daily obligatory prayers and are encouraged to pray, meditate and read sacred writings regularly.

Prayer is viewed as a way of developing a closer relationship with God and strengthening one's spiritual character.

One of the most important community activities is the Nineteen-Day Feast.

It takes place approximately every nineteen days and brings members of a local Bahá’í community together.

The Feast generally includes three parts:

The Bahá’í calendar consists of nineteen months, each containing nineteen days, with additional days to complete the solar year.

The Bahá’í New Year, known as Naw-Rúz, is celebrated around 20 or 21 March, at the spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere.

Bahá’ís observe an annual fasting period lasting nineteen days, generally from 2 to 20 March.

During this period, adult believers in good health abstain from food and drink between sunrise and sunset. The fast is intended to encourage self-discipline, reflection and spiritual renewal. There are exemptions, including for people who are ill, pregnant, nursing or travelling under certain circumstances.

Bahá’í Houses of Worship are open to people of all religions and backgrounds.

They are places for prayer, meditation and reflection. Their architecture often symbolises unity and openness.

Bahá’í worship does not require elaborate ceremonies or the presence of clergy.

An interesting characteristic of the Bahá’í Faith is its administrative structure.

Rather than relying on religious leaders or a priesthood, the community is guided by elected institutions.

The purpose of this system is to encourage consultation, cooperation and collective decision-making.

At the local level, Local Spiritual Assemblies are elected annually. They guide the activities of Bahá’í communities, organise religious events and encourage education and social development.

At the national level, National Spiritual Assemblies coordinate the activities of Bahá’í communities within individual countries.

They support local communities and help implement the principles and guidance of the Faith.

The Universal House of Justice is the international governing institution of the Bahá’í Faith.

It was first elected in 1963 and is based in Haifa, Israel.

Its responsibilities include guiding the worldwide Bahá’í community, addressing questions relating to the application of Bahá’í teachings and encouraging the development of the religion.

Consultation is an important principle in Bahá’í administration.

Rather than promoting arguments or competition, consultation encourages people to share ideas honestly, listen carefully and work towards a common understanding.

The Bahá’í Faith has developed into a diverse international community.

Its followers participate in activities such as:

These activities are generally open to people from different religious and cultural backgrounds.

The Bahá’í approach places particular emphasis on building communities in which people learn to cooperate and contribute to the common good.

The Bahá’í Faith continues to develop in a world characterised by cultural diversity, technological progress, political tensions and social inequality.

Its central message remains relevant to many contemporary challenges.

The belief in the oneness of humanity provides an alternative to discrimination and nationalism based on hostility towards others. Its teachings on education, gender equality and economic justice address important questions facing modern societies.

Its emphasis on the relationship between science and religion also offers an interesting perspective in a world where scientific knowledge and spiritual values are sometimes presented as opposites.

However, the Bahá’í community has also experienced significant challenges. In its country of origin, Iran, Bahá’ís have faced severe restrictions and persecution for generations. These difficulties have continued to affect their access to education, employment and religious freedom.

Despite these challenges, the religion has continued to spread internationally.

The Bahá’í Faith is significant because it presents a vision of religion that emphasises unity rather than division.

It encourages people to recognise common values across religious traditions while accepting that humanity is continually developing and changing.

It also considers religion to be a force for social progress, not simply a private matter between an individual and God.

The Bahá’í Faith emerged in nineteenth-century Persia through the teachings of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh. Over time, it developed into an independent worldwide religion with its own sacred writings, doctrines, institutions and community practices.

Its central principles include the unity of God, the unity of religion and the unity of humanity. It promotes equality between women and men, the elimination of prejudice, universal education, economic justice, independent investigation of truth and international peace.

Perhaps its most important contribution is the idea that humanity must learn to see itself as one family.

In a world where religious, cultural and political differences often create conflict, the Bahá’í message offers a vision based on cooperation, mutual respect and shared responsibility.

Whether viewed from a religious, historical or social perspective, the Bahá’í Faith represents an interesting example of how spiritual beliefs can be connected to the development of a more united global society.

 

 

 

The following are a few examples from Baháʼu'lláh's teachings on personal conduct that are required or encouraged of his followers:

Personal conduct that are prohibited or discouraged by Baháʼu'lláh's teachings include:

The observance of personal laws, such as prayer or fasting, is the sole responsibility of the individual.^[147] There are, however, occasions when a Baháʼí might be administratively expelled from the community for a public disregard of the laws, or gross immorality. Such expulsions are administered by the National Spiritual Assembly and do not involve shunning.^[148]

While some of the laws in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas are applicable at the present time, other laws are dependent upon the existence of a predominantly Baháʼí society, such as the punishments for arson and murder.^[149] The laws, when not in direct conflict with the civil laws of the country of residence, are binding on every Baháʼí.^[150][151]

The purpose of marriage in the Baháʼí Faith is mainly to foster spiritual harmony, fellowship and unity between a man and a woman and to provide a stable and loving environment for the rearing of children.^[152] The Baháʼí teachings on marriage call it a fortress for well-being and salvation and place marriage and the family as the foundation of the structure of human society.^[153] Baháʼu'lláh highly praised marriage, discouraged divorce, and required chastity outside marriage; Baháʼu'lláh taught that a husband and wife should strive to improve the spiritual life of each other.^[154] Interracial marriage is also highly praised throughout Baháʼí scripture.^[153]

Baháʼís intending to marry are asked to obtain a thorough understanding of the other's character before deciding to marry.^[153] Although parents should not choose partners for their children, once two individuals decide to marry, they must receive the consent of all living biological parents, whether they are Baháʼí or not. The Baháʼí marriage ceremony is simple; the only compulsory part of the wedding is the reading of the wedding vows prescribed by Baháʼu'lláh which both the groom and the bride read, in the presence of two witnesses.^[153] The vows are "We will all, verily, abide by the Will of God."^[153]

Transgender people who have completed medical and legal transition are recognized in the Baháʼí Faith as the new gender, including the possibility of marriage to the opposite gender.^[155]

Baháʼu'lláh prohibited a mendicant and ascetic lifestyle.^[146] Monasticism is forbidden, and Baháʼís are taught to practice spirituality while engaging in useful work.^[27] The importance of self-exertion and service to humanity in one's spiritual life is emphasised further in Baháʼu'lláh's writings, where he states that work done in the spirit of service to humanity enjoys a rank equal to that of prayer and worship in the sight of God.^[27]

 

Baháʼí House of Worship, Langenhain, Germany

Bahá'í devotional meetings in most communities currently take place in people's homes or Bahá'í centres, but in some communities Bahá'í Houses of Worship (also known as Bahá'í temples) have been built.^[156] Bahá'í Houses of Worship are places where both Baháʼís and non-Baháʼís can express devotion to God.^[157] They are also known by the name Mashriqu'l-Adhkár (Arabic for "Dawning-place of the remembrance of God").^[158] Only the holy scriptures of the Bahá'í Faith and other religions can be read or chanted inside, and while readings and prayers that have been set to music may be sung by choirs, no musical instruments may be played inside.^[159] Furthermore, no sermons may be delivered, and no ritualistic ceremonies practiced.^[159] All Bahá'í Houses of Worship have a nine-sided shape (nonagon) as well as nine pathways leading outward and nine gardens surrounding them.^[160] Eight continental, two national, and four local Baháʼí Houses of Worship have been built.^[161] The Bahá'í writings also envision Bahá'í Houses of Worship being surrounded by institutions for humanitarian, scientific, and educational pursuits,^[158] though none has yet been built up to such an extent.^[162]