Who are the Baha'is?
The Bahá'í Faith is today among the fastest growing of the world's religions. With more than seven million followers who reside in virtually every nation, island and territory on earth. It is the second-most widespread faith, surpassing every religion except Christianity in its geographic reach. Bahá'ís reside in more than 100,000 localities around the world, an expansion that reflects their dedication to the ideal of world citizenship. Its Sacred Texts have been transcribed into more than 700 languages and dialects.
The Bahá'í Faith is today among the fastest growing of the world's religions. With more than seven million followers who reside in virtually every nation, island and territory on earth. It is the second-most widespread faith, surpassing every religion except Christianity in its geographic reach. Bahá'ís reside in more than 100,000 localities around the world, an expansion that reflects their dedication to the ideal of world citizenship. Its Sacred Texts have been transcribed into more than 700 languages and dialects.
Bahá'ís believe there is only one God, one human family and one common faith, which is periodically renewed by the appearance of a new Independent World Religion.
The principle of the oneness of humankind is the pivot around which all the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh revolve. Bahá’u’lláh taught that humanity, after a long and turbulent adolescence, is at last reaching a stage of maturity in which unity in a global and just society finally can be established. To this end, the Bahá'í Faith prescribes laws of personal morality and behavior, as well as social laws and principles, to establish the oneness of humanity.
Bahá'ís believe:
Bahá'ís practice:
Social principles include:
The principle of the oneness of humankind is the pivot around which all the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh revolve. Bahá’u’lláh taught that humanity, after a long and turbulent adolescence, is at last reaching a stage of maturity in which unity in a global and just society finally can be established. To this end, the Bahá'í Faith prescribes laws of personal morality and behavior, as well as social laws and principles, to establish the oneness of humanity.
Bahá'ís believe:
- the purpose of life is to know and worship God, to acquire virtues, to promote the oneness of humankind and to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization
- all humanity was created by one God and is part of one human race
- work performed in the spirit of service is a form of worship
Bahá'ís practice:
- independent investigation of truth
- daily prayer and communion with God
- a life dedicated to the service of humanity
- fellowship with the followers of all religions
- high moral principles, including trustworthiness, chastity and honesty
- avoidance of materialism, partisan politics, backbiting, alcohol, drugs and gambling
Social principles include:
- equality of women and men
- the elimination of prejudice
- a spiritual solution to economic problems
- the abolition of extremes of poverty and wealth
- recognition of the common origin and fundamental unity of purpose of all religions
- the harmony of science and religion as two complementary systems of knowledge and practice
- the adoption of a world auxiliary language, a universal script, currency, and system of weights and measures