What Bahá’ís Believe
Overview
In thousands upon thousands of locations around the world, the teachings of the Bahá’í Faith inspire individuals and communities as they work to improve their own lives and contribute to the advancement of civilization. Bahá’í beliefs address such essential themes as the oneness of God and religion, the oneness of humanity and freedom from prejudice, the inherent nobility of the human being, the progressive revelation of religious truth, the development of spiritual qualities, the integration of worship and service, the fundamental equality of the sexes, the harmony between religion and science, the centrality of justice to all human endeavours, the importance of education, and the dynamics of the relationships that are to bind together individuals, communities, and institutions as humanity advances towards its collective maturity.
"The Earth is but one country and mankind its citizens" - Bahá’u’lláh
Some principles of the Bahá’í Faith
The Eternal Covenant
Education is of three kinds: material, human and spiritual. We receive an abundance of education and information regarding our body (material). Civilisation and progress constitute the human education and deals with governance, social order, human welfare, commerce and industry, arts and sciences, momentous discoveries, and great undertakings. Spiritual education is about acquiring divine perfections and bringing the higher nature within us.
Bahá’u’lláh tells us that in order to progress as humanity, we are in need of an Educator: “God’s purpose in sending His Prophets unto men is twofold. The first is to liberate the children of men from the darkness of ignorance, and guide them to the light of true understanding. The second is to ensure the peace and tranquillity of mankind, and provide all the means by which they can be established.”
The Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh
“The pivot of the oneness of mankind is nothing else but the poser of the Covenant”
Abdu'l-Bahá
The Covenant is the line of succession that Bahá’u’lláh has set for the continuity of guidance following His passing. This Covenant is the foundation that Bahá’ís accept as the divine authority and guidance. Bahá’ís turn to the Figures of the Faith as the pillars for guidance and example to lead their lives.
For more information on the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh – the Twin Manifestations – as well as their successors, please visit https://www.bahai.org/beliefs/bahaullah-covenant
Oneness of Humanity
The diversity in the human family should be a source of harmony, as it is in music where different notes blend together to make a perfect chord. When we meet people of different nationalities, ethnic backgrounds, religions, and opinions different than our own, we should not allow these differences to become barriers between us. We should think of them as different flowers of one garden of humanity, enjoy its beauty and be a part of it.
“The tabernacle of unity hath been raised; regard ye not one another as strangers. Ye are fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch” - Bahá’u’lláh
