Baha’í Faith Teachings
The teachings of the Baha’i Faith are about the oneness of God, the oneness of all religions and the oneness of humankind.
Background
The Baha’í Faith is an independent world religion founded in 1863 by Bahá’u’lláh, whose title means “The Glory of God”. Born Mirza Husayn Ali in Tehran, Persia in 1817, Bahá’u’lláh, the latest Messenger of God, has come to bring light to the world and universal peace. We are now living in an age in which humankind is approaching its collective maturity. One of Bahá’u’lláh’s main teachings is that all religions come from the same Divine Source, but just at different times in history. In brief, ONE God reveals His Message through a series of Divine Messengers (or Prophets) as ONE Progressive Religion, to ONE Humanity.
Who are the Baha’is?
The Baha’í Faith is the second most widespread religion geographically, with over five million followers from nearly every nation on earth. Baha’ís are followers of the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, and are inspired to improve their own lives and their communities by contributing to the advancement of civilization through service and worship. The core activities of local Baha’i communities include classes for children, youth and adults to help them develop an attitude of service to humanity. Regular devotional gatherings with music, Baha’i prayers and readings of Holy Scriptures are also held. Such activities, as well as all the Baha’i temples around the world are open to everyone.
Work is worship
In addition to praying and reflecting, Baha’is consider work done in the spirit of service to humanity as one of the highest forms of worship. Bahá’u’lláh taught that the promotion of the welfare of the people can be achieved through crafts, arts, and sciences, and that in “every art and skill, God loveth the highest perfection.” So, to bring forth spiritual attributes such as joy, beauty, creativity and excellence through conscientious work is considered an act of worship: “When anyone occupieth himself in a craft or trade, such occupation itself is regarded in the estimation of God as an act of worship; and this is naught but a token of His infinite and all-pervasive bounty.” – Bahá’u’lláh, Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p.26.
The main teachings of the Baha’i Faith
- The oneness of humanity
- The oneness of God
- The oneness of religion
- Harmony of science and religion
- Independent investigation of truth
- The establishment of an international tribunal
- Elimination of all forms of prejudice
- Universal peace
- Universal education
- A universal auxiliary language
- Spiritual solution to economic problems
- Equality of men and women
“These are the fundamental principles of progress, civilization, international peace and the unity of mankind. These are the essentials of Baha’ullah’s teachings, the secret of everlasting health, the remedy and healing for man. It is my hope that you may assist in healing the sick body of the world through these teachings so that eternal radiance may illumine all the nations of mankind.” -`Abdu’l-Baha (Son of Bahá’u’lláh): Promulgation of Universal Peace, Pages: 204-205.
More about the Baha’i Faith
- To find out more about the worldwide Baha’í community, visit bahai.org.
- To find out more about your national Baha’í community, visit bahai.org/national-communities.
- To explore more links of interesting and informative Baha’i websites, visit http://miamibahai.org/links.htm.
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