In thousands upon thousands of locations around the world, the teachings of the Bahá’í Faith inspire individuals and communities as they work to improve their own lives and contribute to the advancement of civilization. Bahá’í beliefs address such essential themes as the oneness of God and religion, the oneness of humanity and freedom from prejudice, the inherent nobility of the human being, the progressive revelation of religious truth, the development of spiritual qualities, the integration of worship and service, the fundamental equality of the sexes, the harmony between religion and science, the centrality of justice to all human endeavours, the importance of education, and the dynamics of the relationships that are to bind together individuals, communities, and institutions as humanity advances towards its collective maturity.
The conviction that we belong to one human family is at the heart of the Bahá’í Faith. The principle of the oneness of humankind is
“the pivot round which all the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh revolve”.
The Baha’i Faith is a young religion that began in the mid-1800s. It has a rich history, rooted in the teachings of the Prophets of God throughout time. It is a monotheistic faith that believes in the oneness of God, the unity of humanity, and the harmony of all religions.
Key Beliefs:
- Unity of God: Called by different names throughout the ages, the eternal God, the one Creator of the universe. God is limitless, all-knowing, all-powerful, all-merciful. God is one. While the reality of God is beyond human understanding, we may find expressions of God’s attributes in every created thing. All the best human qualities are reflections of God’s divine attributes. The Baha’i Faith affirms the oneness of God, transcending all names and attributes. While God is unknowable in essence, God’s manifestations, such as Krishna, Abraham, Moses, Zoroaster, Buddha, Jesus Christ, Muhammad and, most recently, the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh, have revealed God’s teachings to humanity.
- Unity of Humanity: The Baha’i Faith emphasizes the essential unity of all human beings, regardless of race, nationality, ethnicity, or religion. It promotes the elimination of prejudice and discrimination and advocates for a global society characterized by justice, equality, and peace.
- Harmony of Religions: The Baha’i Faith views all religions as progressive revelations from God, each suited to the needs and understanding of its time. It rejects religious sectarianism and promotes the harmonious coexistence of different faiths.
- Spiritual Progression: The Baha’i Faith believes in the continuous spiritual evolution of humanity. It teaches that the Manifestations of God appear periodically to guide humanity toward a higher level of consciousness and civilization.
Core Teachings:
- Love: Love is the cornerstone of the Baha’i Faith. It encompasses love for God, love for humanity, and love for creation.
- Justice: The Baha’i Faith emphasizes the importance of justice as a fundamental principle for the establishment of a just and equitable society.
- Work: Work is considered a sacred duty in the Baha’i Faith. It promotes the development of individual talents and contributes to the betterment of society.
- Education: The Baha’i Faith values education as a means of spiritual and intellectual growth. It encourages the pursuit of knowledge and the development of critical thinking skills.
- Consultation: Consultation is a key Baha’i principle that emphasizes the importance of collective decision-making and the value of diverse perspectives.
Baha’i Community:
The Baha’i community is a global community of individuals who share a common belief in the oneness of God and the unity of humanity. Baha’is strive to live their lives in accordance with the teachings of the Baha’i Faith, promoting peace, justice, and equality.
The Baha’i community is organized into local, national, and international levels. Baha’is gather regularly for worship, study, and social activities. They also engage in various community service projects to contribute to the betterment of society.
