An Overview of the Bahá’í Faith

The Bahá’í Faith is the newest of the world religions. Only recently has the public come to recognize that it is, in fact a major religion - one worthy of study and reflection.

The Bahá’í Faith began in Persia (now Iran) in the middle of the nineteenth century. It was directly preceded by the Bábí Faith, founded in 1844 by the Báb (a title which means “Gate” or “Door”). He foretold the coming of a new Prophet of God, just as John the Baptist had foretold the coming of Christ.

In 1863, a distinguished Persian nobleman announced that He was not only the One promised by the Báb, but also the Promised One of all the world’s religions, Who would usher in an age of peace for all humankind. He spent the rest of His life as a prisoner and exile for His Teachings. He took the title Bahá’u’lláh, which means “the Glory of God”.

Bahá’u’lláh called upon women and men to give up

their prejudices and to recognize the brotherhood of all mankind as children of one loving God. He said the time had come for humanity to unite under a

common faith. He revealed a plan for world civilization to be built on a foundation of love and justice.Among the most fundamental of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings are :There is only one God.All religions share a common foundation.Mankind is one. People of all races, nations, economic groups and religious backgrounds are equal in the sight of God.Each individual is responsible for investigating truth for himself.Science and religion harmonize. Science without religion is materialism – religion without science is superstition.Men and women are equal, like the two wings of one bird.Each child is entitled to a sound, basic education.There is a spiritual solution to economic problems.The world needs an international, auxiliary language.We must establish a universal peace protected by a world commonwealth.People of all backgrounds, as Bahá’ís, are striving to develop the potential to rise above the division and prejudice of the world to become lovers of mankind.

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Becoming a Bahá’í

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