Baháʼí Faith

Baháʼí Faith. The Baháʼí Faith is a monotheistic religion that emerged in 19th-century Persia, emphasizing the spiritual unity of all humankind. Its central figures are the Báb (1819–1850), considered a herald, and Baháʼu'lláh (1817–1892), whom followers believe to be the latest in a line of messengers from God that includes Abraham, Moses, Buddha, Jesus, and Muhammad. The religion's core teachings focus on the oneness of God, the oneness of religion, and the oneness of humanity, advocating for universal peace, harmony between science and religion, and the elimination of all forms of prejudice.

Beliefs and teachings

The central theological principle is the oneness of God, an unknowable essence who reveals divine will through a succession of manifestations. These manifestations, including Krishna, Zoroaster, and the aforementioned figures, are seen as founders of the world's great religions, each suited to the needs of their time and place. A key doctrine is progressive revelation, which posits that religious truth is revealed by God progressively and cyclically throughout human history. Teachings stress the fundamental harmony of science and religion, the independent investigation of truth, and the equality of men and women. The faith promotes the establishment of a global commonwealth, the adoption of a universal auxiliary language, and the elimination of extremes of wealth and poverty.

History

The religion originated from the Bábí movement founded by the Báb in 1844 in Shiraz, which faced severe persecution from the clerical and political establishments in Qajar Iran. Following the execution of the Báb in 1850, most Bábís accepted the leadership of Baháʼu'lláh, who in 1863 declared his mission as the promised one foretold by the Báb. Exiled by the Ottoman Empire from Baghdad to Constantinople, then Adrianople, and finally to the prison-city of Acre, Baháʼu'lláh authored many foundational texts. His son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, designated as his successor, traveled to Europe and North America after his release from confinement, spreading the teachings. Leadership then passed to Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian, who systematized the global administration before the establishment of the Universal House of Justice in Haifa in 1963.

Organization and administration

The faith has no clergy and is administered through a unique elected system. At the local and national levels, nine-member councils known as Local Spiritual Assemblies and National Spiritual Assemblies are elected annually. The global governing body is the Universal House of Justice, a nine-member institution elected every five years by the members of all National Spiritual Assemblies, which resides on Mount Carmel in Haifa. Another appointed institution is the International Teaching Centre, which coordinates global teaching efforts and guides the Continental Boards of Counsellors. The faith's administrative order is based on principles of consultation, collective decision-making, and obedience to elected institutions.

Practices and laws

Obligatory practices include daily prayer, as prescribed in one of three selections revealed by Baháʼu'lláh, and an annual nineteen-day fast from sunrise to sunset during the month of ‘Alá’. Followers are enjoined to engage in some work performed in a spirit of service and to observe monogamous marriage. The most important communal gathering is the Nineteen-Day Feast, which combines devotional, administrative, and social portions. Significant holy days, such as the births of the Báb and Baháʼu'lláh and the declaration of the Báb, are observed by suspending work. The faith prohibits alcohol, recreational drugs, gossip, and backbiting, and places strong emphasis on education and chastity outside of marriage.

Demographics and distribution

The Baháʼí Faith is among the most geographically widespread religions, with adherents residing in over 200 countries and territories. Significant populations exist in India, the United States, Iran, Kenya, and Bolivia. The World Christian Database estimates several million adherents globally. Despite its international presence, the community in its birthplace, Iran, faces ongoing persecution, including denial of access to higher education and imprisonment, a situation monitored by bodies like the United Nations and Amnesty International. Growth has historically occurred through pioneering efforts and teaching plans coordinated by the Universal House of Justice, with a notable increase in diverse populations across Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.

Category:Baháʼí Faith Category:New religious movements Category:Religions founded in the 19th century