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| The Bahá’ís: An exploration of the history, beliefs, and practices of the Bahá’í Faith A publication of the Bahá’í International Community |
Origins
The Bahá’í Faith was born in Persia (today Iran) in the mid-19th century. In less than 200 years it has become a universal faith present in every country in the world with adherents from virtually every national, ethnic, religious, and tribal background.
Founders
The Bahá’í Faith originated with Bahá’u’lláh (1817-1892), Whose title means “the Glory of God.” Bahá’ís regard Him as the latest in the succession of Divine Messengers Who founded the world’s major religions. He is the Promised One They foretold. In His writings, Bahá’u’lláh outlines a framework for the development of a global civilization which takes into account both the spiritual and material dimensions of human life. His teachings, centered around the recognition of the oneness of humanity, offer a compelling vision of an approaching world united in justice, peace, and prosperity.
Bahá’u’lláh’s coming was heralded by the Báb (1819-1850), meaning “the Gate.” The Báb proclaimed His divine mission in 1844, which is considered the beginning of the Bahá’í Era—a new cycle of human history and social evolution.
A Movement of Personal and Social Transformation
The millions worldwide who constitute the international Bahá’í community are quite possibly the most diverse organized body of people on the planet. United by their belief in Bahá’u’lláh, and inspired by His teachings, members strive to live out the twofold moral purpose of transforming their own characters while contributing to the advancement of society.
Sacred Writings
The writings of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh are considered by Bahá’ís to have been revealed by God. As the creative Word of God, these sacred writings have the power to touch the deepest recesses of our hearts and transform us and the world around us.
The Bahá’í writings address the needs of the age and offer inspiration for individuals working to better themselves and their communities. Bahá’u’lláh enjoined His followers to read daily from the sacred texts:
“Immerse yourselves in the ocean of My words, that ye may unravel its secrets, and discover all the pearls of wisdom that lie hid in its depths.”Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings
Worship
Daily prayer, offered both in private and in the company of others, is regarded by Bahá’ís as essential spiritual nourishment, providing inspiration for positive personal and social change. Bahá’ís consider work done in the spirit of service to humanity as the highest form of worship. Individuals pray daily and observe an annual 19-day period of fasting during daylight hours. The Bahá’í Faith has no clergy or sacraments, and has simple practices for life’s rites of passage, such as marriage and funerals.
Structure
The affairs of the Bahá’í community are governed by institutions established by Bahá’u’lláh. This Administrative Order comprises both elected and appointed institutions at local, national, and international levels. Nonpartisan elections, without nominations or campaigns and conducted by secret ballot, and collective decision making are hallmarks of Bahá’í administration. These and other principles constitute a model of just and unified global governance.
Excerpted from The Bahá’ís
Bahá’í Faith at a Glance
