Origin

The Baha'i Faith was founded in Persia (Iran) in the mid 1800s by twin Messengers of God. Its beginnings are rooted in the Babi Faith founded in 1844 by the Bab (1819 -1850), who foretold the coming of a greater Messenger of God. In 1863, Mirza Husayn-'Ali (1817-1892), known to followers as Baha'ullah (the Glory of God), declared Himself the promised one of God.

Scripture

Baha'u'llah revealed many books, short writings, and prayers, forming the basis of Baha'i sacred scriptures. He provided laws and guidance on every aspect of individual and community life. Baha'u'llah gave authority to His son, 'Abdu'l-Baha, as sole interpreter and exemplar of His teachings. In later life, 'Abdu'l-Baha traveled to Europe and North America giving numerous talks. He wrote many short writings and prayers. After 'Abdu'l-Baha, Baha'u'llah's great-grandson Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the Baha'i Faith, guided the community, writing several books and a vast number of letters. Authority now rests with the Universal House of Justice, the ruling body of the worldwide Baha'i Faith. The House of Justice continues to guide Baha'is everywhere.

Beliefs

The central Baha'i principles are the oneness of God, the oneness of religion, and the oneness of humankind. Baha'u'llah taught that divine revelation is continuous and progressive; the missions of the various Messengers of God represent successive stages in humanity's spiritual evolution. The Baha'i Faith promotes the unity of humanity and establishment of worldwide peace. Several central teachings of Baha'u'llah are elimination of all forms of prejudice, equality between all peoples, equality of men and women, education for all children, harmony of science and religion, and the inevitability of world peace.

Practice

The Baha'i Faith is an independent world religion with adherents in virtually every country. There is no clergy. Local activities are directed by annually elected Spiritual Assemblies. Each national community has an elected National Spiritual Assembly. Baha'i meetings include devotional gatherings, study classes, children's classes, discussions, community service and social events. Activities are planned in accordance with the Baha'i calendar, beginning each year on March 21. Eleven holy days are celebrated, on nine of which Baha'is are required to suspend work, and a 19-day period of fasting (from sunrise to sunset) is observed. Each Baha'i month (every 19 days) starts with a local gathering called a Feast. Feasts include devotions, community consultation, and socializing. The purpose of life for Baha'is is to know and to worship God, serve humanity, and promote an ever-advancing civilization.

Devotional gatherings, study cirlces, and children and junior-youth classes are conducted throughout the world in homes and Baha'i centres. There are larger Baha'i Houses of Worship in United States, Australia, Uganda, Germany, Panama, Western Samoa, and India. A new temple is being built in Chile. Worship services consist of reading Baha'i scriptures and may include scriptures from other religions. Eventually, each locality where Baha'is reside will have its own House of Worship, surrounded by scientific, educational, humanitarian, and administrative institutions.

Contact

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