Baha'i Faith

The Baha'i Faith began in Persia (modern-day Iran) during the nineteenth century. It teaches that all people belong to one human family and that all religions come from the same God. Today it has followers in more than 200 countries and territories. It was founded by Baha 'u' llah, who taught that humanity is one family and that the world's major religions come from the same divine source. The Baha'i Faith emphasizes unity, equality, peace, education, and the elimination of prejudice. Today, Baha'is live in countries and communities throughout the world, making it a globally practiced religion.

Place of Worship

The Lotus Temple in New Delhi, India, is an important symbol of the Baha'i Faith because it welcomes people of all religion backgrounds. Its flower-like design represents purity, peace, and openness.  The temple does not contain traditional religious statues or images and is open to anyone who wishes to pray or meditate. This image captures the Baha'i belief that people of different faiths can come together in unity and worship the same God. 

Why Study It?

The Baha'i Faith promotes peace, equality, and unity among all people. Learning about it helps us understand how different religions encourage cooperation and respect in a diverse world.

Founded in 1863

Symbol: Nine-pointed star

Meaning: Represents unity and completeness because the number nine is the highest sing-digit number.

Place of Worship: Lotus Temple, New Delhi, India

Religious Leader: Baha 'u' llah 

Founder:

Baha 'u' llah was born as Mirza Husayn-'Ali in Persia in 1817. He became a follower of the Bab, a religious figure who announced that a new messenger of God would soon appear. In 1863, Baha 'u' llah declared that he was the messenger of God whom the Bab had predicted, marking the beginning of the Baha'i Faith. His followers accepted him as the founder and central figure of the religion, and his teachings became the foundation of the Baha'i Faith. He spent much of his life in exile and imprisonment because of his religious beliefs but continued to teach about unity, peace, and the oneness of humanity. 

"The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizen."

Bah'a 'u' llah