Bahá始í Faith
By CA A. K. Jain
 |
Inception of Bahá始í Faith
The Bahá始í Faith originated in mid-19th century Persia (modern-day Iran), during a time of religious ferment and social change. It began with the declaration of the Báb in 1844, who announced the imminent appearance of a new messenger of God. His teachings paved the way for Bahá始u'lláh (1817-1892), the founder of the Bahá始í Faith, who declared in 1863 that he was the Promised One foretold by the Báb.
Bahá始u'lláh's mission was to bring about the unity of all humanity, establishing a new world order based on justice, peace, and spiritual principles.
Core Philosophy and Teachings
The Bahá始í Faith emphasizes :
• Unity of God - One God who has sent messengers through different ages.
• Unity of Religion - All major world religions are stages in the progressive revelation of divine will.
• Unity of Humanity - All humans are equal, regardless of race, religion, gender, or nationality.
• Equality of Men and Women - Equal rights and opportunities for both sexes.
• Harmony of Science and Religion - True science and true religion must agree.
• Universal Education - Education as a fundamental right for every individual.
• World Peace - Promotion of global governance and the end of war and conflict.
Important Figures
|
Name |
Contribution |
|
The Báb (1819-1850) |
Herald of the Bahá始í Faith who prepared the way for Bahá始u'lláh. |
|
Bahá始u'lláh (1817-1892) |
Prophet-founder of the Bahá始í Faith. |
|
驶Abdu'l-Bahá (1844-1921) |
Son of Bahá始u'lláh and appointed interpreter of His teachings; promoted the Faith worldwide. |
|
Shoghi Effendi (1897-1957) |
Guardian of the Bahá始í Faith, systematized administration and teachings. |
Religious Symbols
• The most recognized symbol of the Bahá始í Faith is the nine-pointed star, which symbolizes completeness and unity.
• Another symbol is the Greatest Name (Yá Bahá始u'l-Abhá) in Arabic calligraphy, representing the glory and majesty of God.
Festivals and Holy Days
|
Festival / Holy Day |
Significance |
|
Naw-Rúz (March 21) |
Bahá始í New Year, coincides with the spring equinox. |
|
Ridván (April 21-May 2) |
Commemorates Bahá始u'lláh's declaration of his mission in 1863. Considered the most holy Bahá始í festival. |
|
Birth of the Báb and Birth of Bahá始u'lláh |
Celebrated on consecutive days in October/November based on lunar calculation. |
|
Day of the Covenant and Ascension of 驶Abdu’l-Bahá |
Honoring the life and work of 驶Abdu’l-Bahá. |
Places of Worship
Bahá始í Houses of Worship, also called Mashriqu’l-Adhkárs, are open to all regardless of religion.
Notable Bahá始í Temples :
|
Location |
Country |
Description |
|
Lotus Temple |
India (New Delhi) |
One of the most visited religious buildings in the world, known for its lotus flower-like architecture. |
|
Wilmette |
USA |
The first Bahá始í House of Worship in the Western world. |
|
Kampala |
Uganda |
First Bahá始í temple in Africa. |
|
Santiago |
Chile |
South America's continental temple. |
|
Frankfurt |
Germany |
Serves the European Bahá始í community. |
Progress and Global Reach
• Today, the Bahá始í Faith has over 5 million adherents in more than 230 countries.
• Bahá始í communities emphasize grassroots development, education, gender equality, interfaith harmony, and social justice.
• It is one of the most geographically widespread religions.
Contribution to the Modern World
|
Area |
Contribution |
|
Peace & Unity |
Advocates world peace, abolition of racial and religious prejudices. |
|
Education |
Establishes schools and literacy programs worldwide. |
|
Gender Equality |
Promotes female empowerment and leadership. |
|
Environment |
Encourages responsible stewardship of nature. |
|
Global Governance |
Supports creation of global institutions for peace and justice. |
The United Nations has often collaborated with the Bahá始í International Community (BIC), which holds consultative status with major UN bodies.
Bahá始í Faith in India
• India has one of the largest Bahá始í populations, with over 2 million adherents.
• The Lotus Temple in New Delhi serves as a spiritual center and a major architectural landmark.
• Bahá始ís in India are actively engaged in:
o Rural development
o Community-building activities
o Children's moral education
o Empowerment of junior youth and women
• The Bahá始í community has been recognized for promoting interfaith harmony and unity in diversity in India’s pluralistic society.
Conclusion
The Bahá始í Faith is a vibrant, evolving religion that addresses the spiritual and social needs of modern humanity. Rooted in the principle of oneness, it stands as a global force for unity, peace, and development. In India and around the world, the Bahá始í community continues to contribute to social transformation through education, equality, and the power of spiritual principles applied to everyday life.
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Author : CA A. K. Jain
Cell : +91 98 100 46108
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Mail to : Ahimsa Foundation
www.jainsamaj.org
R17052025
