The Bahá’ís: An exploration of the history, beliefs, and practices of the Bahá’í Faith A publication of the Bahá’í International Community |
Bahá’í Faith at a Glance
ONE GOD
Called by different names throughout the ages, the eternal God, the Creator of the universe, is limitless, all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-loving. God is one. The reality of God is beyond human understanding, though we may find expressions of God’s attributes in every created thing.
“The peoples of the world, of whatever race or religion, derive their inspiration from one heavenly Source, and are the subjects of one God.”
ONE UNFOLDING RELIGION
Humanity’s spiritual, intellectual, and moral capacities have been cultivated through the successive teachings of the Founders of the world’s religions—the Manifestations of God. Among Them are Krishna, Abraham, Moses, Zoroaster, Buddha, Jesus Christ, Muhammad, and, most recently, the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh. Each religion originates with God and is suited to the age and place in which it is revealed. In essence, the religion of God is one and is progressively unfolding.
“This is the changeless Faith of God, eternal in the past, eternal in the future.”
ONE HUMAN FAMILY
Beyond all differences of race, culture, class, or ethnicity, regardless of differences in customs, opinions, or temperaments, every individual is a member of one gloriously diverse human family. Each unique individual has a role to play in carrying forward an ever-advancing material and spiritual civilization.
“Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch. Deal ye one with another with the utmost love and harmony, with friendliness and fellowship.”
Excerpted from The Bahá’ís
Bahá’í Faith at a Glance