Baha'i

Bahá'í Faith The Bahá'í Faith is a monotheistic religion founded by Bahá'u'lláh in the 19th century in Persia (modern-day Iran). It emphasizes the spiritual unity of all humankind and teaches that all major religions have the same spiritual source and come from the same God. The Bahá'í Faith has spread globally and has adherents in virtually every country.

History

The Bahá'í Faith originated with the Báb, who announced in 1844 that he was the bearer of a new divine revelation. The Báb's teachings laid the groundwork for Bahá'u'lláh, who declared in 1863 that he was the one prophesied by the Báb. Bahá'u'lláh's writings form the core of Bahá'í scripture.

Beliefs

The central teachings of the Bahá'í Faith include the oneness of God, the oneness of religion, and the oneness of humanity. Bahá'ís believe in the equality of men and women, the elimination of all forms of prejudice, and the harmony of science and religion. They also emphasize the importance of universal education and the establishment of a global commonwealth of nations.

Sacred Texts

The primary texts of the Bahá'í Faith are the writings of Bahá'u'lláh, including the Kitáb-i-Aqdas and the Kitáb-i-Íqán. Other important texts include the writings of the Báb and `Abdu'l-Bahá, Bahá'u'lláh's son and appointed successor.

Administrative Order

The Bahá'í administrative order is unique and includes elected bodies known as Local Spiritual Assemblies and National Spiritual Assemblies. The international governing body is the Universal House of Justice, located in Haifa, Israel.

Houses of Worship

Bahá'í Houses of Worship, also known as Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, are open to people of all faiths. These temples are located around the world and serve as places for prayer and meditation.

Persecution

Bahá'ís have faced persecution, particularly in Iran, where the faith originated. Despite this, the Bahá'í community continues to grow and contribute to the social and spiritual development of society.

Related Pages

• Bahá'u'lláh
• Báb
• `Abdu'l-Bahá
• Kitáb-i-Aqdas
• Kitáb-i-Íqán
• Universal House of Justice
• Mashriqu'l-Adhkár
• Spiritual Assembly
• National Spiritual Assembly