Baháʼí Faith

The Baháʼí Faith is a religion started by Baháʼu'lláh in the 1800s. It teaches that all religions are important and that all people should be united. This belief began in Iran and parts of Western Asia, and it has grown to include about 7 to 8 million followers, called Baháʼís, all around the world.

The Baháʼí Faith has three important leaders. The first was the Báb, who lived from 1819 to 1850 and taught that a new prophet, similar to Jesus and Muhammad, would come soon. The second was Baháʼu'lláh, who lived from 1817 to 1892 and said he was that prophet. He faced hard times, including exile and imprisonment. The third was his son, ʻAbdu'l-Bahá, who traveled to Europe and the United States to teach others after being freed in 1908. After ʻAbdu'l-Bahá passed away, leadership continued with his grandson Shoghi Effendi.

Baháʼís believe that religion comes from one God through special messengers called Manifestations of God. They see the world’s major religions as having the same purpose, even though they may have different practices. The Baháʼí Faith teaches that everyone should be treated equally, without any racism, sexism, or extreme national pride. Followers elect leaders at local, regional, and national levels, and every five years they choose members for the Universal House of Justice, which guides the whole Baháʼí community from Haifa, Israel, near the Shrine of the Báb.

Etymology

Main article: Baháʼí orthography

The word "Baháʼí" is used to describe the Baháʼí Faith or its followers, called Baháʼís. The name comes from the Arabic word "Baháʼ," meaning the 'glory' or 'splendor' of God, a name chosen by Baháʼu'lláh, the founder of the religion. In English, people often say "bə-HYE," but the correct way to say it in Arabic is "bə-HAH‑ee."

Special accent marks are used in writing to show the correct pronunciation, a system adopted by Baháʼís in 1923. When these marks are not available, simpler versions like "Bahaʼi" are used.

History

Main article: History of the Baháʼí Faith

The Baháʼí Faith began with the teachings of the Báb, a merchant who started sharing his beliefs in 1844. He said that God would soon send a new messenger. The Báb was executed in 1850 because many religious leaders did not agree with his ideas. Baháʼís believe that Baháʼu'lláh, who later followed, was that promised messenger.

At first, most followers lived in Iran and the Ottoman Empire. After Baháʼu'lláh passed away in 1892, his son ʻAbdu'l-Bahá helped the religion grow in Europe and America. During this time, the Baháʼí community in Iran faced difficult times and much hardship.

Báb

Main article: Báb

On May 22, 1844, a man named Siyyid ʻAlí-Muhammad from Shiraz introduced himself as the Báb, meaning "Gate." He taught that a new messenger from God was coming. Many people followed him, but religious leaders opposed him, leading to conflicts and persecutions. The Báb was eventually imprisoned and executed in 1850.

Baháʼís honor the Báb as a key figure in their faith. His writings introduced the idea of a future messenger, which they believe was fulfilled by Baháʼu'lláh. The Báb’s tomb in Haifa, Israel, is a special place for Baháʼís to visit.

Baháʼu'lláh

Main article: Baháʼu'lláh

Mírzá Husayn ʻAlí Núrí later became known as Baháʼu'lláh. He was an early follower of the Báb. In 1852, some followers tried to harm the shah, and although Baháʼu'lláh was not involved, he was imprisoned for four months. Later, he lived in exile in Baghdad, then moved to Constantinople (Istanbul) and Adrianople (Edirne), before settling in ʻAkká (Acre), where he spent the rest of his life.

Baháʼu'lláh announced that he was a messenger from God. He wrote many books and letters, sharing his teachings with leaders around the world. He passed away in 1892 in ʻAkká.

ʻAbdu'l-Bahá

Main article: ʻAbdu'l-Bahá

ʻAbdu'l-Bahá was Baháʼu'lláh’s eldest son. After his father’s passing, he became the leader of the Baháʼí community. He traveled widely, teaching about the Baháʼí Faith and writing many letters and books. His works include The Secret of Divine Civilization and Some Answered Questions. He was released from exile in 1908 and continued to guide the Baháʼí community until his death.

Shoghi Effendi

Main article: Shoghi Effendi

Baháʼu'lláh and ʻAbdu'l-Bahá set up important guidelines for the Baháʼí Faith. ʻAbdu'l-Bahá chose Shoghi Effendi, his grandson, to be the first Guardian of the Faith. Shoghi Effendi led the religion for 36 years until he passed away in 1957. He translated Baháʼí writings, created plans for growth, and built important centers.

Universal House of Justice

Main article: Universal House of Justice

Since 1963, the Universal House of Justice has been the elected leader of the Baháʼí Faith. It guides the community through plans and teachings. The Universal House of Justice helps with education, following Baháʼí laws, and supporting those in need.

Local and national groups called Spiritual Assemblies help manage the affairs of the Baháʼí community. The Universal House of Justice is made up of nine members elected every five years.

Beliefs

Main article: Baháʼí teachings

The teachings of Baháʼu'lláh are the foundation of Baháʼí beliefs. Three main ideas are important: the unity of God, the unity of religion, and the unity of humanity. Baháʼís believe that God sends special messengers to teach people and help them become better. These messengers bring new teachings that fit the time and place.

God

Main article: God in the Baháʼí Faith

See also: Faith in the Baháʼí Faith

Baháʼí writings talk about one God who created everything. This God is all-knowing and everywhere, but people cannot fully understand Him. God sends messengers, called Manifestations of God, to share His messages with the world. Baháʼís believe that God is too big for humans to fully understand, so they learn about Him through these messengers and their teachings.

Religion

See also: Progressive revelation (Baháʼí)

Baháʼís believe that many religions are valid and that each one was sent for a specific time and place. They think each religion brings new teachings that help people live better lives. Baháʼís see their own religion as a separate and independent one, not just a part of another religion. They believe it is a world religion with its own special teachings and rules.

Human beings

See also: Baháʼí Faith and the unity of humanity and Baháʼí Faith on life after death

Baháʼí writings teach that every person has a soul that can get closer to God. People are meant to follow the teachings of God’s messengers. After death, the soul continues and is judged by what they did in life. Baháʼís believe all people are equal and should work together without prejudice.

Social principles

When ʻAbdu'l-Bahá traveled to Europe and America, he spoke about important ideas like equality for everyone, peace in the world, and working together. Baháʼís believe in unity among all people and think the world needs to work together for peace. They also believe in learning about the world and using knowledge to help everyone.

Covenant

Main article: Covenant of Baháʼu'lláh

Baháʼís value unity and follow rules set by Baháʼu'lláh to stay together. They agree to follow the leaders chosen by Baháʼu'lláh. This helps keep the community strong and united. The Universal House of Justice makes final decisions when there are disagreements.

Sacred texts

Main article: Baháʼí literature

The important books of the Baháʼí Faith are the writings of the Báb, Baháʼu'lláh, ʻAbdu'l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, and the Universal House of Justice, along with talks given by ʻAbdu'l-Bahá. The writings of the Báb and Baháʼu'lláh are seen as messages from God. The writings and talks of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi help explain these messages, and the Universal House of Justice provides important rules and explanations.

Some of Baháʼu'lláh’s most important books include the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, which shares many rules for individuals and communities, the Kitáb-i-Íqán, which helps explain Baháʼí beliefs, and Gems of Divine Mysteries, which shares more teachings. Other books, like the Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys, talk about the spirit’s journey toward understanding. The Seven Valleys was written for a follower of Sufism and was first shared in English in 1906. The Hidden Words is another short book by Baháʼu'lláh with 153 passages sharing deep spiritual ideas.

Demographics

There are about 8 million people who follow the Baháʼí Faith around the world. This religion has grown quickly over the past 100 years, becoming one of the fastest-growing religions in many areas.

Most Baháʼís live in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Smaller groups are found in other parts of the world, such as North America, Europe, and the Middle East. The religion started in Iran in the 1800s and later spread to many countries. Despite facing challenges in some places, the Baháʼí Faith continues to grow in many areas.

Social practices

See also: Baháʼí laws

Exhortations

Baháʼu'lláh, the founder of the Baháʼí Faith, gave teachings about how his followers should live. Some important practices include:

• Baháʼís who are 15 or older should say a special prayer each day.
• They should also pray, think deeply, and read holy writings every day.
• Adult Baháʼís fast during daylight hours for one month each year.
• There are special rules for burials, and certain ways to treat the body are recommended.
• Baháʼís are asked to give away a small part of their extra money to help others.

Prohibitions

There are also things that Baháʼís are asked not to do:

• Spreading gossip or talking badly about others is not allowed.
• Drinking alcohol or selling it is forbidden.
• Marriage is very important, and any intimate relationships outside of marriage are not permitted.
• Getting involved in strong political parties is discouraged.
• Begging for money as a way of life is not allowed.

Following these personal rules is up to each person, but there are times when a Baháʼí might be asked to leave the community for not following them publicly or for serious wrong actions.

Marriage

Marriage is very important in the Baháʼí Faith. It is seen as a way to bring harmony and support between a man and a woman, and to create a good home for children. Baháʼu'lláh praised marriage and discouraged divorce. He taught that both husband and wife should help each other grow spiritually.

When two people want to marry, they should learn a lot about each other first. Their parents must agree, but parents cannot choose a partner for them. The marriage ceremony is simple, with the couple reading special promises in front of two witnesses.

Work

Baháʼu'lláh taught that working for the good of others is very important and is as valuable as prayer. He did not support a life of begging or not working. Instead, he encouraged people to work hard and help their communities.

Places of worship

Most Baháʼí meetings happen in homes or special centers, but some communities have beautiful buildings called Houses of Worship. These are open to everyone and are used for quiet worship. Only holy writings can be read there, and no instruments are played. These buildings have nine sides and nine gardens around them.

Calendar

The Baháʼí calendar has 19 months with 19 days each, plus a few extra days to match the solar year. The new year, called Naw Rúz, is celebrated near March 21. Each month has a special name, and there are special days each year to remember important events in the religion’s history.

Symbols

The Baháʼí Faith uses symbols like the nine-pointed star, which comes from the word “Baháʼ,” meaning splendor or glory. This shape appears on temples and gravestones. Another common symbol is the Greatest Name, a special writing often seen in homes and temples.

Socio-economic development

The Baháʼí Faith has always encouraged helping others, especially women and education. Over time, Baháʼís have started many projects to help communities, like schools, farms, and health clinics. Today, there are thousands of small projects and many larger ones working on health, education, farming, and the environment.

United Nations

Baháʼu'lláh taught that the world needs to work together. Because of this, the Baháʼí community supports the United Nations and works with groups like UNICEF, UNIFEM, ECOSOC, UNEP, and WHO. They have offices in many cities around the world and help with development projects together with the United Nations.

Persecution

Main article: Persecution of Baháʼís

The Baháʼí Faith faces difficulties in places where leaders do not see it as a separate religion. This has led to unfair treatment of Baháʼís in several countries. Iran, where the religion began, has had the most serious problems. Over many years, Baháʼís there have faced strict rules, loss of property, and being unable to go to university or hold certain jobs.

During different times in Iran, Baháʼí schools were closed, and their places of worship were damaged or destroyed. Even after big changes in the country’s government, Baháʼís still struggle for basic rights. In other countries such as Egypt, laws have made it hard for Baháʼís to get identification cards or other important documents needed for daily life.

In the past, leaders in some areas worried that Baháʼu'lláh, the founder of the religion, might cause trouble, so he was moved many times before finally living in Acre, where special gardens and shrines were later built.