Bahá’í Faith

Origins and Development

The Bahá’í Faith is a monotheistic religion founded in the 19th century that emphasizes the unity of all religions and the oneness of humanity. It was established by Bahá’u’lláh and has grown into a global faith with millions of followers worldwide.

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Origins and Founder

The Báb

• Birth and Early Life: The Bahá’í Faith originated from the Bábí movement, which was founded in 1844 by Mírzá ‘Alí Muhammad of Shíráz, known as the Báb (meaning "Gate"). He proclaimed a spiritual doctrine emphasizing the forthcoming appearance of a new prophet or messenger of God who would usher in a new era.

• Teachings and Persecution: The Báb's teachings spread rapidly throughout Iran, provoking strong opposition from both the Shi’a Muslim clergy and the government. He was arrested and executed in 1850, leading to large-scale persecutions of his followers.

Bahá’u’lláh

• Birth and Early Life: One of the Báb's earliest disciples was Mírzá Ḥusayn-‘Alí Núrí, who later assumed the title Bahá’u’lláh (meaning "Glory of God"). He was born in 1817 in Tehran, Iran.

• Revelation and Exile: In 1863, while in exile in Baghdad, Bahá’u’lláh declared himself to be the promised prophet foretold by the Báb. This declaration marked the beginning of the Bahá’í Faith. Bahá’u’lláh faced further persecution and was exiled multiple times, eventually settling in Acre, in present-day Israel.

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Key Figures

‘Abdu’l-Bahá

• Role and Contributions: Bahá’u’lláh's son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, played a crucial role in spreading the Bahá’í Faith beyond the Middle East. After his father's death in 1892, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá became the leader of the Bahá’í community and travelled extensively to promote the faith.

Shoghi Effendi

• Role and Contributions: After ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's death in 1921, leadership passed to his grandson, Shoghi Effendi. He was appointed as the Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith and worked to consolidate and expand the community, overseeing the establishment of national and local spiritual assemblies.

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Growth and Spread

Early Expansion

The Bahá’í Faith initially spread throughout Iran and the Ottoman Empire. Despite facing intense persecution, the faith gained followers in various regions, including Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Global Expansion

Under the leadership of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi, the Bahá’í Faith expanded to Europe, North America, and other parts of the world. The establishment of the Universal House of Justice in 1963 marked a significant milestone in the global administration of the faith.

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Core Beliefs

Oneness of God

The Bahá’í Faith teaches the belief in one God, who is the creator of all things and is beyond human comprehension.

Unity of Religion

Bahá’ís believe that all major world religions are fundamentally unified in their purpose and that their founders were manifestations of God. This includes figures such as Moses, Jesus, Muhammad, the Buddha, and others.

Oneness of Humanity

The Bahá’í Faith emphasizes the unity of all people and the elimination of racial, class, and religious prejudices. It advocates for the equality of men and women and the establishment of universal peace.

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Rituals and Practices

Daily Prayers

Bahá’ís are encouraged to pray daily and meditate on the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. There are specific obligatory prayers that followers can choose from to recite each day.

Fasting

The Bahá’í fast takes place during the month of ‘Alá (March 2-20). During this period, Bahá’ís abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset as a means of spiritual purification.

Feasts and Holy Days

Bahá’ís observe several holy days and festivals, including Naw-Rúz (New Year), the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh, and the Declaration of the Báb. The Nineteen Day Feast, held at the beginning of each Bahá’í month, is a gathering for worship, consultation, and socializing.

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Cultural Impact

Art and Architecture

The Bahá’í Faith has inspired the creation of beautiful temples and gardens around the world. The Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois, and the Bahá’í Gardens in Haifa, Israel, are notable examples.

Social and Ethical Teachings

The Bahá’í teachings on social justice, equality, and the unity of humanity have influenced various social and humanitarian initiatives. Bahá’ís are actively involved in promoting education, healthcare, and community development.

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Enduring Legacy

Global Community

Today, the Bahá’í Faith has millions of followers in over 200 countries and territories. The Universal House of Justice, located in Haifa, Israel, serves as the highest governing body of the Bahá’í community.

Continued Persecution

Despite its global presence, the Bahá’í community continues to face persecution in some countries, particularly in Iran, where Bahá’ís are often subjected to discrimination and human rights abuses.

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The Bahá’í Faith, with its origins in the Bábí movement and the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, has grown into a global religion that emphasizes the unity of all religions and the oneness of humanity. From its early expansion under the leadership of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi to its continued growth and influence today, the Bahá’í Faith remains a vibrant and influential force, guiding the lives of millions of people worldwide.