Known in India as the "Lotus Temple", the Baha'i House of Worship attracts an average of three and a half million visitors a year.

The Bahá'í Faith is a monotheistic religion whose members follow the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh, founder and prophet of the religion. Its central theme is that humanity is one single race and that the day has come for its unification in one global society. Bahá'u'lláh, a Persian whose name is Arabic for "the Glory of God", taught that there is one God who progressively reveals his will to humanity. In the Bahá'í view, each of the great religions were brought by Messengers of God—such as Moses, Krishna, the Buddha, Zoroaster, Jesus, Muhammad, and the Báb—and represent a successive stage in the spiritual development of civilization. Bahá'ís believe Bahá'u'lláh is the most recent Messenger in this line, and that he has brought teachings which address the moral and spiritual challenges of the modern world. As such, although the Bahá'í Faith is not traditionally included among the Abrahamic religions, it recognizes many of the same personages. Because of its inclusiveness in recognizing all the above as messengers of God, the Baha'i Faith is commonly assumed in religious studies textbooks to be syncretic[1]  (http://bahai-library.com/articles/rg.syncretism.html), although this is disputed by other scholars and by the Baha'is themselves. Bahai House of Worship Delhi, India Publicity still from the Delhi temple website for public use. ... Bahai House of Worship Delhi, India Publicity still from the Delhi temple website for public use. ... Monotheism (in Greek monon = single and Theos = God) is the belief in a single, universal, all-encompassing deity. ... Religion, sometimes used interchangeably with faith, is commonly defined as belief concerning the supernatural, sacred, or divine, and the practices and institutions associated with such belief. ... This article or section is currently being developed or reviewed. ... Persia or Persian most often refer to: Persia The Persians, an ethnic group, also called Tajiks Persian language Persian (Pokémon) See also Iranian, Iranian peoples, Iranian languages and Aryan. ... This article focuses on the monotheistic concept of a singular God. ... (See also Exodus) Moses or Móshe (מֹשֶׁה Drawn, Standard Hebrew Móše, Tiberian Hebrew Mōšeh, Arabic موسى), son of Amram and his wife, Jochebed, a Levite. ... This article is about Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu. ... Standing Buddha, ancient region of Gandhara, northern Pakistan, 1st century CE. Gautama Buddha was a South Asian spiritual leader who lived between approximately 563 BCE and 483 BCE. Born Siddhārtha Gautama in Sanskrit, a name meaning descendant of Gotama whose aims are achieved/who is efficacious in achieving aims, he... Zoroaster was a Iranian prophet, one of the great teachers of the East and the founder of Zoroastrianism, which was the national religion of Persia from the time of the Achaemenidae to the close of the Sassanid period. ... This article is about the figure known by both Jesus of Nazareth and Jesus Christ. For other usages, see Jesus (disambiguation). ... Muhammad is a common male name for Muslims. ... Shrine of the Báb at night from above in Haifa Israel Siyyid Mírzá Alí-Muhammad (میرزا علی‌محمد in Persian) ( October 20, 1819 - July 9, 1850), later to become known as the Báb (باب meaning Gate in Persian and Arabic;) was seen by Bábís (and is seen by modern Bahá... Spirituality may include belief in supernatural powers, as in religion, but the emphasis is on experience. ... The Pyramid of the Moon in Teotihuacan, Mexico. ... An Abrahamic religion (also referred to as desert monotheism) is any religion derived from an ancient Semitic tradition attributed to Abraham, a great patriarch described in the Torah, the Bible, and the Quran. ... Syncretism is the attempt to reconcile disparate, even opposing, beliefs and to meld practices of various schools of thought. ...

Geographic extent

The Bahá'í Faith, according to The Britannica Book of the Year (1992), is the second most widespread of the world's independent religions in terms of the number of countries in which it is represented; it is established in 247 countries and territories throughout the world. Bahá'ís come from over 2,100 ethnic, racial, and tribal groups and are numbered at approximately six million adherents worldwide. The central works of the Bahá'í Scriptures have been translated into 802 languages.

The majority of Baha'is live in Asia (3.6 million), Africa (1.8 million), and Latin America (900,000). According to "The World Almanac and Book of Facts 2004", the largest Baha'i community in the world is in India, with 2.2 million Baha'is residing there, although only 5,575 claimed to be Baha'i in the 1991 Census [2]  (http://www.h-net.org/~bahai/docs/vol3/incens/incens.htm). Next is Iran, with 350,000 Baha'is, and the USA, with 150,000. Aside from these countries, numbers vary greatly. Currently, no country has a Baha'i majority. Bolivia is the country with the largest percentage of Baha´is (3%). The Republic of India is the second most populous country in the world, with a population of more than one billion, and is the seventh largest country by geographical area. ... Iran ( Persia: ایران) is a Middle Eastern country located in southwestern Asia that until 1935 was referred to in the West as Persia. ... The word Usa has more than one meaning: U.S.A. - The United States of America Usa, Oita - A city in Japan This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... The Republic of Bolivia is a landlocked country in central South America. ...

History

The Báb

Shrine of the Bab in Haifa, Israel

Please see biographic article for full details

In 1844 the Persian prophet-herald Siyyid `Alí-Muhammad, proclaimed that he was "the Báb", which means "the Door" in Arabic, thus establishing a new religion. It is distinct from Islam but grew out of the Islamic matrix in the same way that Christianity grew out of Judaism, or Buddhism out of Hinduism. Followers of the Báb were known as Bábís and their religion as "the Bábí Faith." Although the Bábí Faith has its own scriptures and religious teachings, Bahá'ís believe its duration was intended to be very short. In their reading of the Báb's writings, he declared his primary purpose to have been to prepare the way for "Him whom God shall manifest," the one promised in the scriptures of all of the world's great religions. Shrine of the Bab in Haifa Israel at night viewed from above looking down Ben Gurion Avenue Photo distributed for public use by the Bahai World Center, re-sized from a photo on the press materials page at http://www. ... Shrine of the Bab in Haifa Israel at night viewed from above looking down Ben Gurion Avenue Photo distributed for public use by the Bahai World Center, re-sized from a photo on the press materials page at http://www. ... Haifa (Hebrew חיפה; Arabic حيفا Ḥayfā) is the third-largest city in Israel, with a population close to 300,000. ... Shrine of the B b at night from above in Haifa Israel Siyyid M Al -Muhammad (میرزا علی‌محمد in Persian) (October 20, 1819 - July 9, 1850), later to become known as the B b (باب meaning Gate in Persian and Arabic;) was seen by B s (and is seen... Events January 15 - University of Notre Dame receives its charter from Indiana. ... Iran ( Persia: ایران) is a Middle Eastern country located in southwestern Asia that until 1935 was referred to in the West as Persia. ... In numerous religions, including Abrahamic religions, Jah religions, Sikhism, and many forms of Paganism, a prophet is an intermediary with a deity, particularly someone who speaks for the deity or interprets the deitys will or mind. ... Islam ( Arabic al-islām الإسلام,  listen?) the submission to God is a monotheistic faith and the worlds second-largest religion. ... For other uses of the term Christian, see Christian (disambiguation). ... For a discussion of Jews as an ethnicity or ethnic group see the article on Jew. ... Statues of Buddha such as this, the Tian Tan Buddha statue in Hong Kong, remind followers to practice right living. ... This article is about the Hindu religion; for other meanings of the word, see Hindu (disambiguation). ... The room where The Báb declared His mission on May 23, 1844 in His house in Shiraz. ...

As the Báb's teachings spread his followers came into increasing conflict with the state religion, and in several instances this led to violence. Bahá'ís emphasize the persecution of the Faith and the torture and execution of large numbers of Bábís. The Báb was imprisoned and eventually executed by a firing squad in Tabriz, Persia (present-day Iran) on July 9, 1850. His mission lasted six years. Tabriz City Hall, built in 1895, by Arfaol molk, with the aid of German engineers. ... Iran ( Persia: ایران) is a Middle Eastern country located in southwestern Asia that until 1935 was referred to in the West as Persia. ... July 9 is the 190th day of the year (191st in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 175 days remaining. ... Events January 4 - The first American ice-skating club is formed (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania). ...

His tomb, the 'Shrine of the Báb', located on the slope of Mount Carmel in Haifa is an important pilgrim place for Bahá'ís. The remains of the Báb were brought secretly from Persia to the Holy Land and were eventually interred in the Shrine built for them in a spot specifically designated by Bahá'u'lláh. Mount Carmel is a coastal mountain in Israel overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. ... Haifa (Hebrew חיפה; Arabic حيفا Ḥayfā) is the third-largest city in Israel, with a population close to 300,000. ...

Bahá'u'lláh

Please see biographical article for full details

Mírzá Husayn-`Alí, known as Bahá'u'lláh, was the son of a Persian nobleman who became one of the early followers of the Báb. He was arrested and imprisoned during a period of severe persecution in 1852. He claimed that while incarcerated in the dungeon of the Síyáh-Chál in Tehran, he received the first intimations that he was the One anticipated by the Báb. Eleven years later, in 1863, while exiled in Baghdad, he formally announced his mission to his family and a small number of followers. This article or section is currently being developed or reviewed. ... 1852 was a leap year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ... Síyáh-Chál (سیاه چال in Persian, literally black pit) is the common word in Persian language for dungeon. Historically, siyah-chals were used as a harsher form of incarceration. ... Tehran (also spelled Teheran) (تهران in Persian), population 8,000,000 (metropolitan: 10,000,000), is the capital of Iran and one of the major world cities. ... 1863 is a common year starting on Thursday. ... A street map of Baghdad Average temperature (red) and precipitations (blue) in Baghdad Baghdad (بغداد) is the capital of Iraq and the Baghdad Province. ...

Problems with the Persian and Ottoman authorities took Bahá'u'lláh further and further into exile, from Baghdad to Istanbul (Constantinople), then to Edirne (formerly Adrianople, also within the Ottoman Empire), and finally, in 1868, to the penal colony of Acre (in present-day Israel), on the very edge of the Ottoman Empire. Bahá'u'lláh remained there until his death on May 29, 1892, after forty years of exile and imprisonment. Bahá'ís regard his resting place outside the city as the holiest spot on earth, the Bahá'í Qiblih to which they turn in prayer each day. Persia or Persian most often refer to: Persia The Persians, an ethnic group, also called Tajiks Persian language Persian (Pokémon) See also Iranian, Iranian peoples, Iranian languages and Aryan. ... The Ottoman Empire at the height of its power Imperial motto El Muzaffer Daima The Ever Victorious (as written in tugra) Official language Ottoman Turkish Capital İstanbul ( Constantinople/Asitane/Konstantiniyye ) Sovereigns Sultans of the Osmanli Dynasty Population ca 40 million Area 12+ million km² Establishment 1299 Dissolution October 29, 1923... This article needs cleanup. ... Edirne is a city in (Thrace), the westernmost part of Turkey, close to the borders with Greece and Bulgaria. ... 1868 was a leap year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... Akko (Hebrew עכו; Arabic عكّا ʿAkkā; also, Acre, Accho, Acco, and St. ... The State of Israel (Hebrew: מדינת ישראל, translit. ... May 29 is the 149th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (150th in leap years). ... 1892 was a leap year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ... Baháulláh, in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, prescribes the obligatory prayers; designates the time and period of fasting; prohibits congregational prayer except for the dead; and fixes the Qiblih as his tomb, Bahjí, in Akká. The concept has existed in other religions. ...

During his lifetime, Bahá'u'lláh wrote the equivalent of more than one-hundred volumes of what Bahá'ís believe are divinely inspired writings in Arabic and Persian, including the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, "the Most Holy Book", the main repository of Bahái teaching, written in 1873. The Kitáb-i-Aqdas is the central book of the Baháí Faith, written by Baháulláh, the founder of the religion. ...

During his life, Bahá'u'lláh had three wives and a total of fourteen children (seven from his first wife Assieh later surnamed Navvab, six from his second wife Fatimih known as Mahd-i-'Ulya and one from his last wife Gowhar) of which a total of seven made it to adulthood.

`Abdu'l-Bahá

Please see biographical article for full details

Bahá'u'lláh was followed by `Abdu'l-Bahá, as his successor and the sole interpreter of his teachings, designated as the "Center of the Covenant" and Head of the Faith [3]  (http://www.bahai-library.com/writings/bahaullah/tb/13.html) Abdul Baha `Abdul-Bahá Abbas ( May 23, 1844 - November 28, 1921) also known as Abbas Effendi, was the son of Baháulláh, the Prophet and Founder of the Baháí Faith. ...

`Abdu'l-Bahá had shared his father's long exile and imprisonment. This imprisonment continued until `Abdu'l-Bahá's own release as a result of the "Young Turk" revolution in 1908. The Young Turks were a Turkish nationalist reform party, officially known as the Committee of Union and Progress (CUP) — in Turkish the Ittihad ve Terakki Cemiyeti — whose leaders led a rebellion against Sultan Abdul Hamid II (who was officially deposed and exiled in 1909). ... 1908 is a leap year starting on Wednesday (link will take you to calendar). ...

Following his release he lead a life of travelling, speaking and maintaining correspondance with communities of believers and individuals, expounding the principles of the Bahai Faith.

Abdu'l-Bahá was the oldest surviving son of Bahá'u'lláh, from Bahá'u'lláh's first wife. Abdu'l-Bahá expelled from the Faith much of His relatives (along with some others) as Covenant-Breakers for attacking His Authority as the Center of The Covenant, which all Bahá'ís today recognize. Bahá'ís believe this period of time exhibited strength within the Bahá'í Community to resist division. Covenant-Breaking is a term used by Baháís to refer to heresy. ...

`Abdu'l-Bahá died in Haifa on November 28, 1921 and is now buried in one of the front rooms in the Shrine of the Báb. Haifa (Hebrew חיפה; Arabic حيفا Ḥayfā) is the third-largest city in Israel, with a population close to 300,000. ... November 28 is the 332nd day (333rd on leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1921 was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar). ...

The Covenant of Bahá'u'lláh and division

In the Bahá'í Faith, "Covenant" refers to the God's promise to send prophets to be his mouth-piece, as well as to the succession of authority from Bahá'u'lláh to `Abdu'l-Bahá, and from `Abdu'l-Bahá to the Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice. Those who publicly rebel against this established succession of authority with the intent of taking its leadership are sometimes declared "covenant-breakers", and subsequently expelled from the Bahá'í community. According to Bahá'í religious teachings, the purpose of the Covenant is to safeguard the unity of the Bahá'í community, protecting it from the influence of schismatics. photo of a cover of a kitab-i-aqdas This work is copyrighted. ... Seat of The Universal House of Justice The Universal House of Justice is the name used by Baháulláh for the elected supreme institution of the Baháí Faith, The nine-member institution administers the affairs of the Baháí community. ... Covenant-Breaking is a term used by Baháís to refer to heresy. ...

Since its early days when emerging from the framework of Bábism, the Bahá'í Faith has not been without controversy. During the time of Baha'u'llah, a split occurred between him and his younger half-brother Mirza Yahya, Subh-i-Azal, whom the Báb had appointed as either a figurehead (or spiritual leader depending on source) of the Bábi community (see Báb for details). The followers of Subh-i-Azal became known as Azalis while the followers of Bahá'u'lláh became known as Bahá'ís. According to Bahá'í teachings, by the early 20th century, the Azalis as a group had ceased to exist. His followers however have continued, but in much reduced numbers. Shrine of the Báb at night from above in Haifa Israel Siyyid Mírzá Alí-Muhammad (میرزا علی‌محمد in Persian) ( October 20, 1819 - July 9, 1850), later to become known as the Báb (باب meaning Gate in Persian and Arabic;) was seen by Bábís (and is seen by modern Bahá... Mirza Yahya Nuri ( 1831 - 29 April 1912) or often called Subh-i Azal (Morn of Eternity) was a Persian religious leader. ... Baháí may refer to: Baháí Faith, which in the largest and most notable Baháí denomination Orthodox Baháí Faith, currently the only other active Baháí denomination other than the aforementioned Baháí Faith There have been numerous failed separations from the Baháí Faith, most of... Mirza Yahya Nuri ( 1831 - 29 April 1912) or often called Subh-i Azal (Morn of Eternity) was a Persian religious leader. ...

Bahá'í theology asserts that any permanent schism in the Bahá'í Faith is impossible, even while recognizing that attempts would, as in prior religious history, be made in this direction. Efforts to break away or take over the Bahá'í Faith have existed since the faith's inception and with the passing of each central figure or authority. Bahá'ís belonging to the majority group headed by the Universal House of Justice in Haifa believe that through the history of the Faith, each of these attempts to attack the Faith have faded away into obscurity through the protection of the "Covenant", which is essentially the written Will and Testaments of the respective Centers of the Covenant. Included in these written wills were instructions on how Bahá'ís can resolve differences of opinion should they arise. The following quote of `Abdu'l-Bahá brings light to this in unequivocal terms. The word schism, from the Greek σχισμα, schisma (from σχιζο, schizo, to split), means a division or a split, usually in an organization. ...

As to the most great characteristic of the revelation of Bahá'u'lláh, a specific teaching not given by any of the Prophets of the past: It is the ordination and appointment of the Centre of the Covenant. By this appointment and provision He has safeguarded and protected the religion of God against difference and schisms, making it impossible for anyone to create a new sect or faction of belief. —`Abdu'l-Bahá [4] (http://www.bahai-library.com/writings/abdulbaha/pup/27/sec-9.html)

However, other passages, including some from `Abdu'l-Bahá make clear that people would make such attempts:

...so grievous is the conduct and behavior of this false people that they are become even as an axe striking at the very root of the Blessed Tree. Should they be suffered to continue they would, in but a few days' time, exterminate the Cause of God, His Word, and themselves.

Hence, the beloved of the Lord must entirely shun them, avoid them, foil their machinations and evil whisperings, guard the Law of God and His religion, engage one and all in diffusing widely the sweet savors of God and to the best of their endeavor proclaim His Teachings. —`Abdu'l-Bahá [5]  (http://www.bahai-library.com/writings/abdulbaha/wt/3.html)

After the death of Shoghi Effendi Rabbani there was no clear leader of the faith, as his Will remained unwritten, thus not appointing a succeeding Guardian. A close friend and highly respected member of the Bahá'í community Charles Mason Remey called for the Bahá'í community to recognize him as the head of the faith, going against all other Hands of the Cause that Shoghi Effendi appointed. Some Bahá'ís accepted his claim and became known as Remeyites, whilst the majority looked towards the creation of the Universal House of Justice as prescribed by Bahá'u'lláh and `Abdu'l-Bahá. Despite his written affirmations in 1957 that Shoghi Effendi had appointed no successor and could not have appointed one, Remey himself laid claim to this station in a "Proclamation" of April 1960 declaring that he was the "Second Guardian". He based this claim on the fact that he had been named president of the appointed International Bahá'í Council. When he refused to renounce his attempt to thus seize control of the Cause, the Hands of the Cause expelled him from the Faith as a violator of the Covenant. Shortly thereafter a number of believers in Europe, the United States, and elsewhere who had accepted his claim were likewise expelled from the Faith as Covenant-Breakers. Shoghi Effendi (1897-1957) The Guardians Resting Place in London Shoghi Effendi Rabbani was the Guardian of the Baháí Faith. ... Mason Remey, Hand of the Cause of God and Second Guardian of the Orthodox Bahai Faith Charles Mason Remey was appointed a Hand of the Cause of God of the Bahai Faith by its head, Shoghi Effendi. ... The Hands of the Cause in the Bahai Faith are a select group of appointed believers whose main function is to help propagate and protect the Bahai Faith on the international level. ... 1960 was a leap year starting on Friday (link will take you to calendar). ... In a January 9, 1951 telex to the Baháí world, Shoghi Effendi announced the formation of the International Bahai Council as the forerunner of the Universal House of Justice: Shoghi Effendi appointed eight men and women to the Council, and he added a ninth in 1955. ... Covenant-Breaking is a term used by Baháís to refer to heresy. ...

Since Remey's death in 1974 the minority group has undergone further splits. Some of these are described at minor Baha'i divisions. A history of these disputes according to the perspective of the Universal House of Justice is also available here  (http://bahai-library.com/?file=uhj_mason_remey_followers.html). 1974 is a common year starting on Tuesday (click on link for calendar). ... A number of groups which can be described as minor divisions within the Baháí Faith have been derived from the Baháí Faith. ...

Administrative order

Shrine of the Báb at the Baha'i World Center, Haifa, Israel

Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ...

General

`Abdu'l-Bahá's Will and Testament [6]  (http://bahai-library.com/?file=abdulbaha_will_testament.html) is the charter of the Bahá'í administrative order. In this document `Abdu'l-Bahá established the twin institutions of the Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice, and he appointed his eldest grandson, Shoghi Effendi, as the Guardian of the Bahá'í Faith. Again, because of the clear directions in the Will and Testament, there was no question as to the succession of leadership in the Faith. Shoghi Effendi (1897-1957) The Guardians Resting Place in London Shoghi Effendi Rabbani was the Guardian of the Baháí Faith. ...

Shoghi Effendi, who was a student at Oxford University at the time of his grandfather's passing, served as the Guardian of the Bahá'í Faith until his passing in 1957. For thirty-six years he developed the Bahá'í community and its administrative structure in order to prepare it to support the election of the Universal House of Justice. Because the Bahá'í community was relatively small and undeveloped when the Guardian assumed the leadership of the Faith, it took many years to strengthen it and develop it to the point where it was capable of supporting the administrative structure envisioned by `Abdu'l-Bahá. Shoghi Effendi pursued this goal energetically and systematically. The University of Oxford, situated in the city of Oxford in England, is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. ... 1957 was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will take you to calendar). ...

As outlined in the Will and Testament of `Abdu'l-Bahá, the roles and functions of the institutions of the Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice were clearly complementary: the Guardianship's function was interpretive, while the function of the Universal House of Justice was legislative. Neither should infringe upon the role of the other. Throughout the period of the Guardianship, Shoghi Effendi exercised his interpretive function. He translated the sacred writings of the Faith; he developed global plans for the expansion of the Bahá'í community; he developed the World Center of the Bahá'í Faith in Haifa; he carried on a voluminous correspondence with communities and individuals around the world; and he built the administrative structure of the Faith, preparing the community for the election of the Universal House of Justice. Seat of The Universal House of Justice The Universal House of Justice is the name used by Baháulláh for the elected supreme institution of the Baháí Faith, The nine-member institution administers the affairs of the Baháí community. ... Baháí World Centre ... Haifa (Hebrew חיפה; Arabic حيفا Ḥayfā) is the third-largest city in Israel, with a population close to 300,000. ...

The Will and Testament of `Abdu'l-Bahá clearly anticipated that there would be a succession of Guardians, but this was not to be. `Abdu'l-Bahá had indicated that the first born of the Guardian should be his successor, but if that individual did not inherit the Guardian's spiritual qualities, then he should appoint another male descendant of Bahá'u'lláh. However, Shoghi Effendi did not have children, and through the years all of the members of his family had rebelled against the authority conferred upon him, becoming "Covenant-Breakers". Thus, it was not possible for him to appoint a successor as Guardian. It was also clear from `Abdu'l-Bahá's Will and Testament that only the Universal House of Justice had the authority to resolve questions not explicitly dealt with by either Bahá'u'lláh or `Abdu'l-Bahá, and this issue would obviously need to be taken up by that body. And so Shoghi Effendi had laid the foundations for the election of the Universal House of Justice. This nine-member body, which governs the international Bahá'í community, was first elected in 1963. That same year, it determined that there was "no way to appoint or to legislate to make it possible to appoint a second Guardian to succeed Shoghi Effendi." [7]  (http://bahai-library.com/published.uhj/messages.1963-86.html#14) Bahá'ís all over the world, loyal to the Covenant first established by Bahá'u'lláh and then carried forward by `Abdu'l-Bahá, accepted this decision made by what they believe is the divinely guided central authority of their Faith.

There is no clergy in the Bahá'í Faith. At the grassroots level, Bahá'í communities are governed by freely elected nine-member councils called Local Spiritual Assemblies. Similarly, National Spiritual Assemblies direct and coordinate the affairs of national Bahá'í communities. The Bahá'í electoral process is unique. There is no system of candidature, electioneering or campaigning, and the purpose is to elect members who best possess those spiritual qualities that enable them to serve the community. Both men and women age 21 or over are eligible to be elected to the local and national assemblies, while the Universal House of Justice is male only. The Bahá'ís use what is described as a three-stage councilor-republican system for election of the Universal House of Justice. Critics maintain that these elections favor the incumbants and are more autocratic than democratic. Clergy is the generic term used to describe the formal religious leadership within a given religion. ... This article is about the political process. ... The Baháí administration refers to the administrative circle of the Baháí Faith. ... The Baháí administration refers to the administrative circle of the Baháí Faith. ...

Restrictions on Publishing in the Bahá'í Community

In addition to observing religious laws (see below) there are certain restrictions on publishing in the Bahá'í community. Bahá'ís are required to provide a copy of books and articles on Bahá'í-related subjects for pre-publication review by an administrative committee; publication is allowed only after approval is given. Although material published on the internet is not subject to review, in at least one case Bahá'ís who ran Internet listservs were reprimanded because their activity led to free public debate that the Bahá'í administration saw as inappropriate. Opponents of the Bahá'í administration regard such restrictions as limiting opportunities for open and honest discussion, and some opponents have alleged that restrictive practices of this sort are widespread (see e.g. [8]  (http://www-personal.umich.edu/~jrcole/bahai/1999/jssr/bhjssr.htm), [9] (http://www.fglaysher.com/bahaicensorship/), although this opinion is not itself widespread. An unofficial Bahá'í response is [10]  (http://bahai-library.com/?file=kluge_cole_panopticon.html), the official Bahá'í view on rights and freedoms [11] (http://bahai-library.com/?file=uhj_individual_rights_freedoms.html)).

The Bahá'í faith feature a similar sort of excommunication as Christianity and Islam (see covenant-breakers). The Bahá'í administration has been accused of using it as a threat to silence any usurping movements within the religion. As centre of the covenant, the Universal House of Justice is considered absolute. Covenant-Breaking is a term used by Baháís to refer to heresy. ...

As all laws are restrictions on personal freedom, this issue is addressed in the "Other laws and ordinances" section.

Entry by troops and teaching the Faith

The term entry by troops in the Bahá'í writings refers to an expected period where many people will accept the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh. Bahá'í communities are readying resources for the day they believe entry by troops will happen. Baha'is believe that "teaching" the Faith is one of the most meritorious of deeds, but no proselytizing is allowed. Some people see no real difference between teaching and proselytizing, since the aim in both cases is to actively promote and spread the religion. According to the Universal House of Justice the difference is a matter of approach: "teaching" is not supposed to use high-pressure methods, psychological manipulation or material incentives. [12]  (http://bahai-library.com/uhj/proselytizing.covenant.html) Seat of The Universal House of Justice The Universal House of Justice is the name used by Baháulláh for the elected supreme institution of the Baháí Faith, The nine-member institution administers the affairs of the Baháí community. ...

Teachings and laws

Bahá'u'lláh's primary teachings are these:

• There is but one supreme deity. (God) and he is unknowable to man.

Bahá'u'lláh writes on this subject:

"So perfect and comprehensive is His creation that no mind or heart, however keen or pure, can ever grasp the nature of the most insignificant of His creatures; much less fathom the mystery of Him Who is the Day Star of Truth, Who is the invisible and unknowable Essence..." [13]  (http://www.bahai-library.com/writings/bahaullah/gwb/026.html)

and further

"All that the sages and mystics have said or written have never exceeded, nor can they ever hope to exceed, the limitations to which man's finite mind hath been strictly subjected. To whatever heights the mind of the most exalted of men may soar, however great the depths which the detached and understanding heart can penetrate, such mind and heart can never transcend that which is the creature of their own thoughts. The meditations of the profoundest thinker, the devotions of the holiest of saints, the highest expressions of praise from either human pen or tongue, are but a reflection of that which hath been created within themselves." [14]  (http://www.bahai-library.com/writings/bahaullah/gwb/148.html)

• There is but one humanity; all people are equal in the sight of God regardless of race, gender, nationality, etc. At the same time the Bahá'í Writings emphasize the value of cultural and individual differences: "It [the Faith] does not ignore, nor does it attempt to suppress, the diversity of ethnical origins, of climate, of history, of language and tradition, of thought and habit, that differentiate the peoples and nations of the world... Its watchword is unity in diversity..." [15]  (http://www.bahai-library.com/writings/shoghieffendi/wob/21.html) This point is often illustrated by the image of different flowers contributing to the beauty of a garden.

• All the world's great religions receive their inspiration from the same divine source.

`Abdu'l-Bah&aacute wrote:

The differences among the religions of the world are due to the varying types of minds. [16]  (http://www.bahai-library.com/writings/abdulbaha/swab/031.html)

Regarding the relationships and station of the various founders of the worlds great religions, which Bahá'ís refer to as "Manifestations of God" Bahá'u'lláh writes:

God hath ordained the knowledge of these sanctified Beings to be identical with the knowledge of His own Self. Whoso recognizeth them hath recognized God. Whoso hearkeneth to their call, hath hearkened to the Voice of God, and whoso testifieth to the truth of their Revelation, hath testified to the truth of God Himself. Whoso turneth away from them, hath turned away from God, and whoso disbelieveth in them, hath disbelieved in God . . . They are the Manifestations of God amidst men, the evidences of His Truth, and the signs of His glory. [17]  (http://www.bahai-library.com/writings/bahaullah/gwb/021.html)

Since the founders of all the world religions are essentially the manifestations of one God, it follows that the religions themselves are from the same source, and have the same goal, Bahá'u'lláh has therefore urged the followers of the different religions to put aside their differences.

The Great Being saith: O ye children of men! The fundamental purpose animating the Faith of God and His Religion is to safeguard the interests and promote the unity of the human race, and to foster the spirit of love and fellowship amongst men. Suffer it not to become a source of dissension and discord, of hate and enmity. [18]  (http://www.bahai-library.com/writings/bahaullah/gwb/110.html)

Bahá'u'lláh urged the elimination of religious intolerance. `Abdu'l-Bahá expresses the same idea even more emphatically in his Will and Testament.

"Consort with all the peoples, kindreds and religions of the world with the utmost truthfulness, uprightness, faithfulness, kindliness, good-will and friendliness, that all the world of being may be filled with the holy ecstasy of the grace of Bahá, that ignorance, enmity, hate and rancour may vanish from the world and the darkness of estrangement amidst the peoples and kindreds of the world may give way to the Light of Unity. Should other peoples and nations be unfaithful to you show your fidelity unto them, should they be unjust toward you show justice towards them, should they keep aloof from you attract them to yourself, should they show their enmity be friendly towards them, should they poison your lives, sweeten their souls, should they inflict a wound upon you, be a salve to their sores. Such are the attributes of the sincere! Such are the attributes of the truthful." [19] (http://bahai-library.com/?file=abdulbaha_will_testament.html#1par25)

Bahá'ís often refer to this concept as "Progressive Revelation", meaning that God's will is revealed to us progressively, as we mature and are better able to comprehend the purpose of God in creating humanity.

This article focuses on the monotheistic concept of a singular God. ...

Social principles

The following 12 "principles" are frequently listed as a quick summary of the Bahá'í teachings. They are derived from transcripts of speeches given by Abdu'l-Bahá during his tour of Europe and North America in 1912. The list is not authoritative and a variety of such lists circulate. 1912 is a leap year starting on Monday. ...

• The Oneness of God
• The Oneness of religion
• The Oneness of mankind
• Equality of women and men
• Elimination of all forms of prejudice
• World peace
• Harmony of religion and science
• Independent investigation of truth
• The need for universal compulsory education
• The need for a universal auxiliary language
• Obedience to government and non-involvement in politics
• A spiritual solution to economic problems (elimination of extremes of wealth and poverty)

Another Bahá'í principle is that of moderation in all things (specifically liberty, civilization, religious zeal and scriptural literalism.) The Bahá'í teachings also reject asceticism and monasticism. An ascetic is one who practices a renunciation of worldly pursuits to achieve spiritual attainment. ... Monasticism (from Greek: monachos—a solitary person) is the religious practice of renouncing all worldly pursuits in order to fully devote ones life to spiritual work. ...

Bahá'ís believe that although the current age is quite dark, the future of humanity is gloriously bright and that world peace is inevitable. This bright future is generally seen by Baha'is as the fulfilment of prophecies in various older religions (see for example [20] (http://bci.org/prophecy-fulfilled/)). Many Bahá'í beliefs are in harmony with those of the emerging global civilization (such as support for international organisations, universal standards of human rights, and the free movement of people and trade between countries). At the same time, the Bahá'í teachings differ in important ways from many values associated with westernization and its harmful effects (rejecting, for example, cultural uniformity, materialism, economic injustice and "loose" moral standards). This article refers to the topic of prophecy as the purported telling of future events or supernatural revelations. ... The theory of a Global civilization emerged in the late 20th century. ... Westernisation is a process whereby traditional, long-established societies come under the influence of Western (European or American) culture in such matters as industry, technology, economics, lifestyle, food and moral and cultural values. ...

To be a Bahá'í means that a person believes that Bahá'u'lláh is the manifestation of God for this time. A Bahá'í strives to follow his teachings and observe his laws.

Rituals

There are very few rituals or traditions in the Bahá'í Faith, and rigidity is seen as a quality that must be avoided. However, there are a few basic religious observances that the Kitáb-i-Aqdas holds as obligatory: Written around 1873 by Baháulláh, the founder of the Baháí Faith from Iran, this work is written in Arabic and its Arabic title is al-Kitab al-Aqdas, but it is commonly referred to by its Persian title, Kitáb-i-Aqdas, which was given the work by...

• There is a specified set of marriage vows.
• There are a few specified funerary practices.
• Bahá'ís are enjoined to
  • recite an obligatory prayer each day, facing in the direction of the Qiblih (the Point of Adoration)
  • read the sacred writings of their faith each morning and evening

Marriage is a relationship that plays a key role in the definition of many families. ... Underwater funeral in Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea A funeral is a ceremony marking a persons death. ... Prayer is an effort to communicate with a God, or to some deity or deities, either to offer praise to the deity, to make a request of the deity, or simply to express ones thoughts and emotions to the deity. ... Baháulláh, in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, prescribes the obligatory prayers; designates the time and period of fasting; prohibits congregational prayer except for the dead; and fixes the Qiblih as his tomb, Bahjí, in Akká. The concept has existed in other religions. ...

Other laws and ordinances

• Bahá'ís in good health between the ages of 15 and 70 observe a nineteen-day sunrise-to-sunset fast each year March 2 to March 20, during the Bahá'í month of `Alá.
• There are no dietary restrictions, but Bahá'ís are forbidden to drink alcohol or to take recreational drugs, as these interfere with an individual's spiritual growth and progress. The use of opium is particularly condemned in the Writings. Tobacco is not forbidden but is discouraged.
• Bahá'ís are generally expected to make a financial contribution to the faith, but soliciting of funds from individuals is prohibited and contributions from people who are not registered Bahá'ís are not accepted. Distinct from the general Bahá'í funds is the law of Huqúqu’lláh ("Right of God"), which requires Bahá'ís to pay 19% of their net income (after subtracting all necessary expenses). In the case of both Huqúqu’lláh and the general funds contributions are confidential and the amount paid is a matter of individual conscience.
• Family life is, in the Bahá'í view, a cornerstone of society. Marriage is encouraged. Marriage is permitted only between a man and a woman; homosexual relationships are forbidden in Bahá'í law.
  • Couples wishing to marry must obtain the consent of all living natural parents, as the Bahá'í teachings state that marriage is more than a union of individuals; it is the union of families.
  • Interreligious marriages are permitted, and interracial marriages are encouraged.
  • Chastity is required, i.e. sexual intercourse only within marriage.
  • Divorce is permitted, although regarded with the utmost seriousness, and is granted if, after a year of separation, the couple is unable to reconcile their differences.
  • Parents are required to provide an education to their children. If resources permit for only one child to be educated, the Bahá'í Faith says that a daughter should receive this education, as she is the first educator to her future children.
• Bahá'ís should obey the decisions made by their elected local and national spiritual assemblies (elected religious councils) and the Universal House of Justice. If they continuously fail to do so in a way that endangers the faith they may be sanctioned: national assemblies are authorised to remove "administrative rights" (to vote and be elected, attend meetings with an administrative function and make financial contributions); the Universal House of Justice has the authority to expel members from the community and declare a person a "Covenant-Breaker". In accordance with the instructions given by `Abdu'l-Bahá, Bahá'ís are expected to "shun" covenant-breakers, i.e. avoid personal contact. Most people who disobey the laws or institutions of the Faith are not considered "covenant-breakers", however.

March 2 is the 61st day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (62nd in leap years). ... March 20 is the 79th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (80th in Leap years). ... The Baháí calendar, common to the Baháí Faith, is a solar calendar with regular years 365 days long and leap years 366 days long. ... In general usage, alcohol (from Arabic al-khwl الكحول, or al-ghawl الغول) refers almost always to ethanol, also known as grain alcohol, and often to any beverage that contains ethanol (see alcoholic beverage). ... Recreational drug use is the use of psychoactive drugs for recreational rather than medical or spiritual purposes, although the distinction is not always clear. ... Opium is a narcotic drug which is obtained from the unripe seed pods of the opium poppy . ... Species N. alata N. bigelovil N. debneyi N. excelsior N. exigua N. glauca N. glutinosa N. kawakamii N. knightiana N. longiflora N. sylvestris N. tabacum Ref: ITIS 30562 as of 2002-08-28 Tobacco () is a broad-leafed plant of the nightshade family, indigenous to North and South America, whose... Homosexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by esthetic attraction, romantic love, or sexual desire exclusively for another of the same sex. ... Interreligious marriage is marriage (either religious or civil) between partners professing different religions. ... Sexual abstinence or chastity is the practice of voluntarily refraining from sexual intercourse and (usually) other sexual activity. ... Covenant-Breaking is a term used by Baháís to refer to heresy. ...

Calendar

The Bahá'í calendar was established by the Báb. The year consists of 19 months of 19 days, and 4 or 5 intercalary days, to make a full solar year. The New Year (called Naw Rúz) occurs on the vernal equinox, March 21, at the end of the month of fasting. Bahá'í communities gather at the beginning of each month at a meeting called a "feast" for worship, consultation and socializing. While the name may seem to suggest that an elaborate meal is served, that is not necessarily the case. Sometimes refreshments are plentiful, but they can be as simple as bread and water. Bahá'ís observe 11 Holy Days throughout the year, with work suspended on 9 of these. These days commemorate important anniversaries in the history of the Faith. The Baháí calendar, common to the Baháí Faith, is a solar calendar with regular years 365 days long and leap years 366 days long. ... March 21 is the 80th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (81st in leap years). ...

For more information see: Bahá'í calendar

The Baháí calendar, common to the Baháí Faith, is a solar calendar with regular years 365 days long and leap years 366 days long. ...

Mashriqu'l-Adhkár

Most Bahá'í meetings occur in individuals' homes, local Bahá'í centers, or rented facilities. Worldwide, there are currently only seven Bahá'í Houses of Worship, with an eighth under construction. The name used in the Bahá'í writings for a House of Worship is Mashriqu'l-Adhkár (Dawning-place of the Remembrance of God). The Mashriqu'l-Adhkár forms the center of a complex of institutions of the Bahá'í community. There are currently seven Baháí Houses of Worship around the world, although Baháí communities own many properties where they plan for Houses of Worship to be constructed as the Baháí community grows and develops. ...

Involvement in the life of society

Bahá'ís actively promote issues of social justice and spirituality wherever they are found, holding the concept of the unity of mankind as the standard for their actions. Bahá'ís have also become increasingly involved in projects of social and economic development around the world [21] (http://www.bahai.org/article-1-8-1-1.html).

Bahá'u'lláh wrote of the need for world government in this age of humanity's collective life. Because of this emphasis Bahá'ís have actively supported the United Nations since its inception. The Bahá'í International Community has consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and with the United Nations Children's Fund UNICEF, and it has undertaken joint development programs with United Nations agencies. (See this article (http://www.bahai.org/article-1-6-0-6.html) for further information on the relationship between the Bahá'í International Community and the United Nations.) The United Nations, or UN, is an international organization made up of 191 states established in 1945. ... UNICEF logo The United Nations International Childrens Emergency Fund (UNICEF) was established by the United Nations General Assembly on December 11, 1946. ...

See also

• Orthodox Bahai Faith
• Baha'i School
• Bahá'í timeline
• Bahá'ís in India
• Letters of the Living

The Orthodox Baháí Faith is a movement which started within the Baháí Faith, though now independent of it. ... A Baháí School is a class, normally run weekly that Bahai and non-Bahai children get together to study about different religious topics such as God, religion, the prophets, and the soul. ... This page is dedicated to providing a basic timeline of the Bábí movement and Baháí Faith. ... The Baháí Faith has been established in India almost since the founding of the religion in 1844. ... The Letters of the Living was a title provided by the Báb to the first eighteen disciples of the Bábí movement. ...

References

• `Abdu'l-Bahá (1944). The Will and Testament of `Abdu'l-Bahá. Bahá'í Publishing Trust, Wilmette, Illinois 60091. . Available online here  (http://www.bahai-library.com/writings/abdulbaha/wt/3.html).
• `Abdu'l-Bahá (1982). The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by `Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912. Bahá'í Publishing Trust, Wilmette, Illinois 60091. ISBN 0-87743-172-8. Available online here (http://www.bahai-library.com/writings/abdulbaha/pup/27/sec-9.html).
• `Abdu'l-Bahá, Research Department of the Universal House of Justice (Ed.) (1982). Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá. The Camelot Press Limited, Southampton. ISBN 0-87743-190-6. Available online here  (http://www.bahai-library.com/writings/abdulbaha/swab/index.html).
• Bahá'í International Community (2002). Bahá'í Development Projects: A Global Process of Learning (http://www.bahai.org/article-1-8-1-1.html). Retrieved December 29, 2004.
• Bahá'í International Community (2002). The Bahá'í International Community and the United Nations (http://www.bahai.org/article-1-6-0-6.html). Retrieved December 29, 2004.
• Bahá'í International Community (2002). The Bahá'í World (http://www.bahai.org). Retrieved December 29, 2004.
• Bahá'u'lláh, translated by Shoghi Effendi (1983). Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh. Bahá'í Publishing Trust, Wilmette, Illinois 60091. ISBN 0-87743-187-5. Available online here (http://www.bahai-library.com/writings/bahaullah/gwb/contents.html).
• British Broadcasting Corporation (2002). BBC Religion and Ethics Special: Bahá'í (http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/bahai/). Retrieved December 29, 2004.
• Britannica (Eds.) (1992). Britannica Book of the Year. Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. Chicago,. .
• Browne, E.G. (1891). A Traveller’s Narrative. Cambridge.
• Commisioned by the Universal House of Justice (2001). Century of Light. Nine Pines, Canada. ISBN 0-88867-115-6. Available online here  (http://www.bahai-library.com/published.uhj/century.light/).
• Effendi, Shoghi (1974). God Passes By. Bahá'í Publishing Trust, Wilmette, Illinois 60091. ISBN 0-87743-020-9. Available online here  (http://bahai-library.com/writings/shoghieffendi/gpb/).
• Uzzell, Charles (2001). Some History of the Bahá'í Faith (http://www.mindspring.com/~lmno/vinsa6.html). Retrieved December 29, 2004.

External links

File links The following pages link to this file: Abraham Lincoln Aristotle Ayn Rand Adolf Hitler Al Gore Animal Farm Aldous Huxley Arthur Koestler Arthur Schopenhauer Animal Albert Einstein Art Abortion Apocalypse Now Alfred Hitchcock Alexander Graham Bell Andy Warhol Afrika Bambaataa Arthur C. Clarke Atheism Arthur Conan Doyle A... Wikiquote is a sister project of Wikipedia, using the same MediaWiki software. ...

Official websites

• The Bahá'í World (http://www.bahai.org/), the official presence of the Bahá'í Faith on the Web.
• Bahá'í World News Service (http://www.bahaiworldnews.org/), news and reports on the activities, projects and events of the worldwide Bahá'í community.
• Bahá'í Reference Library (http://reference.bahai.org/), official versions of selected writings of the Bahá'í Faith in English, Persian, and Arabic.
• One Country (http://www.onecountry.org/), the newsletter of the Bahá'í International Community.
• Bahá'í International Community Statement Library (http://www.bic-un.bahai.org/), statements by the Bahá'í International Community in eleven languages, including submissions to the United Nations (1947-present).
• BAHAIYOUTH.COM (http://www.bahaiyouth.com/), A site dedicated to Bahá'í Youth.

Unofficial websites

• Bahá'í Faith Index (http://www.bahaindex.com/), extensive site with links to over 3000 Bahá'í-related web sites, maintained by an individual Bahá'í.
• Bahá'í Library Online (http://bahai-library.com/), an independent, academically-oriented site with a large number of primary and secondary source materials on the Bahá'í Faith.
• Bahá'í Prayers (http://www.bahaiprayers.org/), Prayers of Bahá'u'lláh, The Báb and `Abdu'l-Bahá in English and many other languages.
• BBC Religion and Ethics special: Bahá'í  (http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/bahai/), BBC on the Bahá'í Faith.
• Ocean, a privately-developed, free downloadable reference library (http://www.bahai-education.org/ocean/) and research engine, containing the full text of the Bahá'í writings in English, and over 1000 volumes from among the world's religious literature. Smaller selections in six other major languages. Typographical accuracy of texts varies.
• Baha'i Debate Forum (http://www.beliefnet.com/boards/discussion_list.asp?boardID=5608).

Usage note: The correct orthographies are "Bahá'í", "Bahá'ís", "Báb", "Bahá'u'lláh", and "`Abdu'l-Bahá". Bahá'ís use a particular and very precise transcription of Arabic in their publications. Because of typographic limitations, the forms "Bahai", "Bahais", "Bab", and "Bahaullah" are often used as a common spelling or as satisfactory for certain electronic uses. Arabic is a Semitic language, closely related to Hebrew and Aramaic. ...