The Baha'i Faith
by Judith Partelow
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The Baha'i Faith |
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The Bahá’í Faith is an independent, monotheistic religion established in virtually every country of the world with a membership of over 5 million. Bahá’ís believe that the world’s major religions represent unfolding chapters in God’s teachings for humankind, and that the writings of Bahá’u’lláh represent God’s guidance for this age. Bahá’ís consider Bahá’u’lláh to be the most recent in a line of great religious teachers, or Messengers of God, that includes Abraham, Buddha, Jesus Christ, Krishna, Muhammad, Moses, Zoroaster, and others. Bahá’u’lláh – the name is Arabic for “Glory of God” – was born in 1817 in Tehran, Iran, and passed away in 1892 in Acre, Israel. The coming of Bahá’u’lláh was announced by the Báb (Arabic for “Gate”), also considered by Bahá’ís to be a divine Messenger.
Bahá’u’lláh’s central teaching is the unity of humanity under one God. Among the many Bahá’í principles are the following:
the unity of the races and elimination of prejudice; the equality of women and men; universal education; the elimination of extremes of wealth and poverty; a spiritual solution to economic problems; establishment of a universal auxiliary language; the harmony of science and religion; the independent investigation of truth; the creation of a world commonwealth of nations that will keep the peace through collective security
Baha'i Writings The writings that guide the life of the Baha'i community include numerous works by Baha'u'llah, the Prophet-Founder of the Baha'i Faith, and interpretations by His son, 'Abdu'l-Baha, and Baha'u'llah's great-grandson, Shoghi Effendi. Baha'is believe that humanity is family created by God. The Baha'i community promotes the unity of mankind and the establishment of peace in the world. The teachings of the Baha'i Faith provide solutions to problems which have been barriers to the achievement of unity and peace.
Characteristics of the Baha'i Community There is no clergy In the Baha'i Faith. Local meetings are planned by the local Baha’i communities. Baha'i meetings include devotional programs, children’s classes, pre-youth service groups, study classes, discussions, social events, and the observation of holy days. The institutions and programs of the Baha’i Faith are supported exclusively by voluntary contributions from its own members. Baha'i religious and community activities are planned according to the Baha'i calendar. The Baha'i Faith began in 1844 and each new calendar year begins on March 21, the first day of spring. The Baha'i year includes nine holy days and a period of fasting near the end of the year.
Head of the religion – the Universal House of Justice The Universal House of Justice has its seat at the Bahá’í World Centre in Haifa, Israel. Around the world, in almost all countries, a National Spiritual Assembly oversees the affairs of the Bahá’í Faith in that country, and local Spiritual Assemblies oversee local affairs.
Baha'i Administrative Order The Baha'i Faith relies on a pattern of local, national, and international administration, created by Baha’u’llah, elaborated by 'Abdu'l-Baha, and implemented by Shoghi Effendi. There are approximately 12,000 local assemblies and over 180 National Spiritual Assemblies throughout the world.
In administering the affairs of the community, the institutions of the Baha'i Faith practice a form of consultation that involves full and frank discussion of issues under consideration. Matters are discussed with a desire to ascertain the facts and to come to a decision that is based on spiritual principles and is unencumbered by personal attachment to points of view. The Baha'i writings state: "The shining spark of truth comes forth only after the clash of differing opinions." While the goal of consultation is unanimous agreement upon a course of action, when unanimity cannot be reached a vote is taken and the decision of the majority prevails.
The purpose of human life for Baha'is is to know and to worship God, and to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization. To achieve these goals the Baha'i teachings encourage:
1. The fostering of good character and the development of spiritual qualities, such as honesty, trustworthiness, compassion, and justice. Prayer, meditation, and work done in the spirit of service to humanity are expressions of the worship of God.
2. The eradication of prejudices of race, creed, class nationality, and sex. Recognition of the oneness of mankind must be universally upheld if prejudice is to be overcome.
3. The achievement of a dynamic coherence between the spiritual and practical requirements of life on earth. There are spiritual principles or values by which solutions can be found for every social problem.
4. The development of the unique talents and abilities of each individual. Through the pursuit of knowledge, the acquisition of skills for the practice of a trade or profession and participation in community life both the individual and society as a whole are enriched.
5. The equality of women and men. The denial of such equality perpetrates an injustice against one half of the world's population and promotes in men harmful attitudes and habits that are carried from the family to the workplace, to political life, and ultimately to international relations.
6. The cause of universal education. Ignorance is indisputably the principal reason for the decline and fall of peoples and the perpetuation of prejudice. No nation can achieve success unless education is accorded all its citizens.
Baha'i Laws Besides spiritual laws requiring daily prayer and an annual period of fasting, the Baha'i Faith has social laws. It prescribes monogamy and upholds the importance of chastity. Divorce is discouraged In the Baha’i community and the Baha'i law requires a year of trial separation, after which if differences cannot be resolved, divorce is permissible. Baha'i law also prohibits the use of alcoholic drinks and narcotics.
Non-Partisan Character The Baha'i Faith is not aligned with any government or political party. While they may accept non-partisan government posts and appointments, Baha'is may not be members of any political faction or ideology. Baha'is, both individually and collectively, are enjoined to obey the laws of their respective states and the authority of the legally constituted governments under which they live.
Social and Economic Development Projects Baha'i communities throughout the world are involved in social and economic development activities that serve the needs of local populations. Activities in health and social services, communications, agriculture and forestry, and community development encourage work in the spirit of service to mankind.
Relationship to the United Nations The Baha’i International Community participates in meetings of UN agencies concerned with human rights, social development, the status of women, the environment, human settlement, food, science and technology, population, the law of the sea, crime prevention, substance abuse, youth, children, the family, disarmament, and the United Nations University. It has accredited consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council and UNICEF. It is also affiliated with the United Nations Environment Program and the UN Office of Public Information. Local Baha'i communities are encouraged to support the UN’s various humanitarian projects.
U.S. Baha'i Office of Communications 1233 Central Street Evanston, IL 60201
Phone: 847-733-3559 Email: Communications@Bahai.us
“It is incumbent upon all the peoples of the world to reconcile their differences, and, with perfect unity and peace, abide beneath the shadow of the Tree of His care and loving-kindness.” Baha’u’llah