Baha’i religion emerged from Iran in the middle of the nineteenth century and was named after its founder Mirza Hoseyn Ali Nuri who was known as Baha-Ullah(means “Glory of God” in Arabic). The coming of Baha-Ullah was foretold by Mirza Ali Mohammad who was known as Al-Bab and founded a new religion called Babism in 1844. It is widely believed that the Baha’i faith emerged out of Babism. It is a general misconception that the Baha’i faith is a sect within Islam which is categorically denied by Bahais.
Bahais believe in the concept of progressive revelation which teaches that since the inception of time God has been sending different manifestations of God in the form of prophets and messengers. The outcome of progressive revelation is the emergence of continued sophisticated religious teachings. Bahaullahrecognized Moses, Jesus, Mohammad and others as prophets and considered them ,including himself, to be the historical manifestations of God.
God in Baha’i Faith
Baha’i faith is considered to be monotheistic as it promotes belief in a single, formless, limitless and eternal deity. They believe that the majesty of God is so great that a single person or religion is not able to fully comprehend and appreciate God and hence the emergence of different religions through out the ages. Even though the true essence of God is beyond human comprehension Bahais believe that human beings can still relate to God through His divine attributes as illustrated in the following:
“God has numerous attributes, such as mercy, compassion, power and justice, and it is by knowledge of these attributes that man can be said to have knowledge of God. It was Baha’u’llah’s conviction that it is through the divine attributes that mankind can relate personally to a God who is not a person”.[1]
Tenets of Baha’i Faith
The central tenets of Baha’i faith are succinctly summarized in the following:
“The central tenets of the Baha'i faith are the oneness of God, the oneness of humanity, and the common foundation of all religion. Baha'ists also believe in the equality of men and women, universal education, world peace, and the creation of a world federal system of government”.[2]
Bahais feel very strongly about the oneness and equality of humanity. They believe that since a single God created all of mankind all human lives must be valued equally.
Baha’i Scriptures
Baha-Ullah wrote a large volume of work in both Arabic and Persian that serve as the spiritual guide for millions worldwide. The main religious scripture Al-Kitab al-Aqdas(the most Holy Book) was originally written in Arabic. Another crucial religious scripture is called Kitab-i-Iqan(the Book of Certitude).
Education and Equality
As part of the faith Bahais strongly promote acquiring both secular and religious education. It is considered to be the prerequisite for preparing people for a better society. Bahais also believe in the inherent equality of mankind and therefore treatment of women and minorities are immensely important to them. They are also greatly concerned about the growing difference between the rich and the poor. As a result they promote narrowing the gap through charity, education and social activism.
References
- Garlington, William. The Baha'I Faith in America. Praeger. Westport, CT. 2005. Page 24.
- World Religion: Diversity of Faith. Magazine Title: The New Crisis. Volume: 106. Issue: 6. November/December 1999. Page 33+. Crisis Publishing Company, Incorporated.
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