Baha'i Faith

Definition

The Baha'i Faith is a monotheistic religion that emerged in the 19th century, emphasizing the unity of all religious teachings and the oneness of humanity. Central to its beliefs is the idea that all major world religions come from the same divine source and serve as different chapters in the unfolding story of humanity's spiritual development.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Baha'i Faith was founded in Persia (modern-day Iran) in the mid-19th century by Baha'u'llah, who is considered its prophet-founder.
2. Baha'is believe that there is only one God and that all major world religions are part of a single divine plan.
3. The teachings promote gender equality, the elimination of prejudice, and universal education as essential for global harmony.
4. The Baha'i community is known for its lack of clergy and its democratic administrative structure, with elected bodies governing at local, national, and international levels.
5. Baha'is celebrate various holy days and observe a 19-day fasting period known as the Nineteen Day Fast, which is a time for spiritual reflection and prayer.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of Progressive Revelation in the Baha'i Faith relate to other religious beliefs about divine revelation?
  • Progressive Revelation in the Baha'i Faith suggests that religious truth evolves over time through successive prophets or messengers. This contrasts with some religious traditions that may view their sacred texts as fixed and unchanging. In this way, Baha'is see their faith as a continuation of prior revelations from figures like Jesus, Muhammad, and others, thus promoting an inclusive view of world religions while maintaining a distinct identity.
• Discuss the implications of the Unity of Humanity principle in addressing contemporary social issues within the Baha'i framework.
  • The principle of Unity of Humanity in the Baha'i Faith calls for the elimination of racial, national, and religious prejudices, which has significant implications for addressing contemporary social issues like racism and inequality. Baha'is advocate for collective efforts towards social justice and peacebuilding initiatives that foster understanding and cooperation among diverse groups. This principle encourages believers to work towards creating inclusive communities where everyone's rights are respected and valued.
• Evaluate how the democratic administrative structure of the Baha'i Faith contributes to its mission of promoting global unity and cooperation among diverse populations.
  • The democratic administrative structure of the Baha'i Faith promotes global unity by ensuring that decision-making processes are inclusive and represent diverse perspectives within the community. Local and national elected bodies facilitate participation from members around the world, fostering a sense of belonging and collective responsibility. This structure not only empowers individuals but also aligns with the Baha'i mission to promote peace and cooperation across cultures, positioning it as a model for collaborative governance in an increasingly interconnected world.

Related terms

Abdu'l-Baha: The son of Baha'u'llah, Abdu'l-Baha was the appointed leader of the Baha'i Faith after his father's passing and played a significant role in spreading its teachings worldwide.

Unity of Humanity: A core principle of the Baha'i Faith that emphasizes the belief in the inherent oneness of all people, regardless of race, nationality, or religion.

Progressive Revelation: The Baha'i concept that religious truth is revealed progressively by God through a series of divine messengers, each bringing teachings suited to the time and place.