The Bahá’í Faith is an independent world religion founded in the 19th century by Bahá’u’lláh (1817–1892), whose name means “Glory of God.” Bahá’ís believe that Bahá’u’lláh is the most recent in a long line of divine Messengers that includes Abraham, Moses, Krishna, Buddha, Zoroaster, Jesus Christ, and Muhammad.
At the heart of the Bahá’í Faith are three fundamental principles: the oneness of God, the oneness of religion, and the oneness of humanity. Bahá’ís believe that the world’s great religions come from the same divine Source and have been revealed progressively according to humanity’s needs and capacity at different stages of history.
Bahá’u’lláh taught that humanity has now entered an age in which recognizing its essential unity is both possible and necessary. Bahá’í teachings therefore emphasize the elimination of prejudice, equality of women and men, harmony of science and religion, universal education, justice, consultation, service to humanity, and the establishment of lasting world peace.
The Bahá’í Faith has no clergy. Its communities are governed through elected councils, and Bahá’í life emphasizes prayer, spiritual growth, service to others, education of children and youth, and building communities characterized by unity in diversity.
A passage from Bahá’u’lláh captures much of its spirit:
“The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.”
The Baha'i Faith teaches that the equality of men and women is a fundamental spiritual and social principle, essential for the progress of humanity and the establishment of world peace. Just as a bird requires two wings of equal strength to fly, the advancement of society is only possible when women and men are given equal opportunities for education, leadership, and participation in all fields of human endeavor.
"The world of humanity is possessed of two wings — the one is women and the other men. Not until both wings are equally developed can the bird fly. Should one wing remain weak, flight is impossible."
-'Abdu'l-Bahá, from Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá
Independent Investigation of Truth
The Bahá'í Faith emphasizes the individual's responsibility to search for truth independently, rather than blindly following the opinions of others or inherited traditions. This principle encourages a rational and personal engagement with spiritual and social realities, fostering a community of critical thinkers dedicated to universal progress.
"God has created in man the power of reason, whereby man is enabled to investigate reality. God has not intended man to blindfold himself in order to stray."
- ʻAbdu'l-Bahá, The Promulgation of Universal Peace
Universal Peace
The establishment of universal peace is the next stage in the evolution of humanity—a transition from a state of conflict and competition to one of cooperation and unity. Per the Bahá'í Teachings, peace is not merely the absence of war, but a spiritual state of harmony that requires the dismantling of prejudice and the recognition of our common humanity.
"The Great Peace towards which people of good will throughout the centuries have inclined their hearts... is now at long last within the reach of the nations."
- The Universal House of Justice, The Promise of World Peace
God has sent Divine Messengers to humanity since its creation - for example, Abraham, Moses, Krishna, Zoroaster, Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad, the Báb and Baháʼu'lláh - to guide and teach humanity according to its needs at that time. As humanity progresses, guidance from God through His Divine Messengers is renewed and expanded.
"There can be no doubt whatever that that peoples of the world, of whatever race or religion, derive their inspiration from one heavenly Source, and are the subjects of one God. The difference between the ordinances under which they abide should be attributed to the varying requirements and exigencies of the age in which they were revealed."
- Gleanings from the Writings of Baháʼu'lláh, section CXI
Humanity's progress is such that we can now begin to understand the reality of our existence as one human family. Per the Baháʼí Writings, there is only one human race, and the idea of separate races is superstition. Rather, our creation as varied and unique beings is meant to be the cause of our global beauty and unity.
"The diversity in the human family should be the cause of love and harmony, as it is in music where many different notes blend together in the making of a perfect chord."
-ʻAbdu'l-Bahá, from Paris talks
"The oneness of humanity is the pivot round which all the teachings of Baháʼu'lláh revolve."
-The Promulgation of Universal Peace