Bahá'í Faith

Overview of Bahá'í Faith

The Bahá'í Faith teaches the essential unity of God, of religion and of humanity. It grew out of the Bábí movement in nineteenth century Iran, when a young merchant known as the Báb announced the imminent arrival of a new messenger of God. In 1863 Bahá'u'lláh, a Persian nobleman exiled by the authorities, declared himself that promised figure. He wrote extensively while in exile in Baghdad, Istanbul, Edirne and finally Acre in Ottoman Palestine, where he died in 1892.

Bahá'ís believe that God has sent a series of messengers, including Abraham, Moses, Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad and the Báb, each revealing truth suited to their age. Bahá'u'lláh's writings call for the elimination of prejudice, equality of women and men, harmony of science and religion, universal education and a world commonwealth. Leadership passed to his son 'Abdu'l-Bahá and then to Shoghi Effendi, and today the community is governed by elected councils led by the Universal House of Justice.

The faith has no clergy, and worship often takes place in homes through devotional gatherings and study circles. Bahá'í Houses of Worship are open to all and have striking nine sided designs, such as the Lotus Temple in New Delhi and the temple in Wilmette near Chicago. For travelers, the Bahá'í World Centre in Haifa and Acre, with its terraced gardens on Mount Carmel, is a peaceful highlight and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Core beliefs

• There is one God, unknowable in essence yet revealed through messengers.
• The world's religions share a common divine source.
• Humanity is one family, and all prejudice should be abandoned.
• Women and men are equal.
• Science and religion should be in harmony.
• The soul is eternal and progresses toward God after death.
• Humanity is moving toward a unified, peaceful world civilization.

Practices and worship

• Daily obligatory prayer and recitation of sacred verses.
• An annual nineteen day fast from sunrise to sunset in March.
• The Nineteen Day Feast, a community gathering each Bahá'í month.
• Study circles and devotional meetings open to all.
• Service to society and community building activities.
• Abstaining from alcohol and partisan politics.

Pilgrimage in Bahá'í Faith

For Bahá'ís, pilgrimage centers on the Bahá'í World Centre in Israel. The Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh at Bahjí near Acre is the holiest place on Earth for the faith, and the golden domed Shrine of the Báb rises amid nineteen terraces on Mount Carmel in Haifa. Formal pilgrimages last several days and are arranged in advance. Visitors of any background can tour the gardens, while Houses of Worship in India, Chile, Samoa and elsewhere welcome all.

Major festivals

Etiquette for visitors

• Dress modestly when visiting shrines and Houses of Worship.
• Remove shoes before entering the shrines in Haifa and Acre.
• Keep silent inside Houses of Worship, which are reserved for prayer and reading.
• Photography inside the shrines is not permitted.
• Book guided tours of the Haifa gardens in advance where possible.
• Do not bring food or drink into the gardens.

Map of Bahá'í Faith sacred sites

Frequently asked questions