Basic Beliefs 

Throughout history, God has sent to humanity a series of divine Educators—known as Manifestations of God—whose teachings have provided the basis for the advancement of civilization. These Manifestations have included Abraham, Krishna, Zoroaster, Moses, Buddha, Jesus, and Muḥammad. Bahá’u’lláh, the latest of these Messengers, explained that the religions of the world come from the same Source and are in essence successive chapters of one religion from God.

 

Bahá’ís believe the crucial need facing humanity is to find a unifying vision of the future of society and of the nature and purpose of life. Such a vision unfolds in the writings of Bahá’u’lláh.

 

“Let your vision be world embracing.”

- Bahá’u’lláh

 

Historical Background 

In the year 1863, in what is now modern-day Iraq, Bahá’u’lláh declared his mission as the next manifestation in a long line of previous manifestations. He began to share the new message entrusted to Him. He was rejected by the ruling elite, imprisoned, tortured, and banished from His homeland. A series of harsh exiles brought Bahá’u’lláh to what is now modern-day Israel. 

Before Bahá’u’lláh’s passing, He revealed his last Will and Testament naming the line of succession referred to as the Covenant, from Him to His Son ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and then to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s grandson, Shoghi Ef-fendi, and then to Universal House of Justice, ordained by Bahá’u’lláh. 

A Bahá’í accepts the divine authority of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh and of these appointed successors. 

 

Customs and People 

Bahá’ís hail from all walks of life. Young and old, men and women alike, they live alongside others in every land and belong to every nation. They share a common goal of serving humanity and refining their inner lives in accordance with the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. The community to which they belong is one of learning and action, free from any sense of superiority or claim to exclusive understanding of truth. It is a community that strives to cultivate hope for the future of humanity, to foster purposeful effort, and to celebrate the endeavors of all those in the world who work to promote unity and alleviate human suffering.

 

Structure 

The energy that Bahá’ís devote to enhancement of institutional capacity and the care with which they follow the evolution and development of administrative processes and structures is not motivated simply by a wish to increase the efficiency with which the Bahá’í community’s own affairs are managed. Bahá’ís recognize that these processes and structures are a necessary contribution to the new social order envisaged by Bahá’u’lláh, and they will foster a new mature humanity who will attend to its political, social, and cultural affairs.  There are no clergy. Campaigning for elected offices is not allowed.  All voting is carried out anonymously by secret ballot.  The focus is on choosing the best person for each position, free from influence. 

 

Worship 

Prayer is integral to Bahá’í life, whether at the level of the individual, the community, or the institutions. Bahá’ís turn their hearts in prayer to God repeatedly throughout the day—imploring His assistance, supplicating Him on behalf of loved ones, offering praise and gratitude, and seeking divine confirmations and guidance. 

 

Bahá’ís also host gatherings in which friends, Bahá’ís and others alike, unite together in prayer, often in one another’s homes. Devotional meetings such as these serve to awaken spiritual susceptibilities within the participants, and in concert with the acts of service they perform, lead to a pattern of community life that is infused with the spirit of devotion and focused on the attainment of spiritual and material prosperity. 

 

“Praise be to God, thy heart is engaged in the commemoration of God, thy soul is gladdened by the glad tidings of God and thou art absorbed in prayer. The state of prayer is the best of conditions…” 

– ‘Abdu’l-Bahá