http://www.bahai.us/Q-A/
What is the Baha'i Faith?
Founded by Baha'u'llah in the mid-1800s, the Baha'i Faith is among the fastest-growing of the world's religions. With more than five million followers throughout the world, it is the second-most widespread faith, surpassing every religion but Christianity in its geographic reach. Baha'is live in more than 100,000 localities around the world, which reflects their dedication to the ideal of world citizenship.
What does 'Baha'i' mean?
Baha'i means a follower of Baha'u'llah, of or pertaining to Baha'u'llah's revelation.

Who is Baha'u'llah?
Baha'u'llah is recognized by millions throughout the world as the Messenger of God for this age. The Baha'i Faith is founded on His teachings. Born in 1817 to a prominent family in Iran, Baha'u'llah showed unusual brilliance and spiritual insight from an early age although He wasn't formally schooled. He also demonstrated extreme devotion to helping the poor. Baha'u'llah's given name was Mirza Husayn Ali, but He identified Himself as Baha'u'llah, which means "Glory of God," a title bestowed by His Forerunner, the Bab. Because of His teachings, Baha'u'llah was exiled for 40 years and died in the Holy Land in 1892.

Who is the Bab?
Baha'is believe that the Bab (1819-1850) was an independent Messenger of God, whose mission was to inaugurate a new cycle in humanity's spiritual development. His writings prepared the way for the mission of Baha'u'llah. The Bab was executed in 1850 at the insistence of Islamic clergy, who felt threatened by the principles He taught.

What does the Baha'i Faith teach?
The Baha'i Faith teaches that there is one God, that all humanity is one family and that there is a fundamental unity underlying religion. Baha'u'llah affirms that this is the age in which world peace will be established. As anticipated in the sacred scriptures of the past, humanity will achieve its spiritual and social maturity and live as one family in a just, global society.

I've read in different places that the Baha’i Faith began in 1844 and in 1863. Which is correct? Both years are significant: In 1844, the Bab announced the imminent coming of Baha’u’llah. The Bab is considered an independent Messenger of God who plays a role similar to John the Baptist in the founding of Christianity. In 1863, Baha’u’llah announced that He was the Promised One foretold by the Bab. Most often, we point to 1844 as the inception of the Baha’i Faith, but it was not until after Baha’u’llah’s declaration in 1863 that the Bab’s followers became known as Baha’is.

What are some basic teachings of the Baha'i Faith?
While retaining the basic spiritual teachings of all the Messengers of God, the Baha'i Faith brings new social principles relevant to the needs of a global society: the oneness of humanity, equality of men and women, the abolition of prejudice, the harmony of science and religion and the elimination of extremes of poverty and wealth.

Where are the headquarters of the Baha'i Faith?

The Baha'i World Center is located in the Haifa/Akka area in northern Israel. Set among lush, extensive gardens, the center includes the Shrines of Baha'u'llah, the Bab, and Abdu'l-Baha, the Seat of the Universal House of Justice, the International Teaching Center, the Center for the Study of the Texts and the International Baha'i Archives.

Who is the head of the Baha'i Faith?
Baha'u'llah created a system of democratically elected councils at the local, national and international levels. The head of the Faith is the Universal House of Justice, the nine-person international council elected by secret ballot by the members of national councils.

Why is there no clergy in the Baha'i Faith?
There is no clergy in the Baha'i Faith. Baha’u’llah taught that in an age of universal education, there was no longer a need for a special class of clergy. Instead, He provided a framework for administering the affairs of the Faith through a system of elected councils at the local, national and international levels.

Do the Baha'is have a holy book?
The Most Holy Book of the Baha'i Faith is the Kitab-i-Aqdas, the book of laws written by Baha'u'llah. It is part of a large body of scriptures authored by Him. Comprising an estimated 100 volumes, these wide-ranging writings include laws and principles for personal conduct and the governance of society, as well as mystical writings on the progress of the soul and its journey toward God. The many writings of the Bab and those of Abdu'l-Baha also are a sacred source of reference for Baha'is. Moreover, Baha'is recognize the Bible, the Qur'an and the holy texts of the world's other revealed religions as sacred.

Why are Baha'i writings and prayers written in the style of the King James Bible?
When Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the Faith, translated the writings of the central figures of the Faith, he chose a slightly archaic form of English to act as a bridge between the formal Persian and Arabic style in which they wrote and modern English.
The Guardian also chose a style similar to that of the King James Bible to convey the texts’ exact meaning and to evoke in the reader the spirit of meditative reverence, a distinguishing feature of the response to the original writings.
What does Baha'u'llah teach about God?God is the ultimate Reality, Creator of the universe, Whose nature is unknowable and inaccessible to humankind. Such designations as God, Allah, Yahweh and Brahma all refer to the One Divine Being. We learn about God through His Messengers, Who teach and guide humanity.
How do Baha'is relate to other religions?Baha'u'llah called upon Baha'is to associate with the followers of all religions in a spirit of love and friendship. Baha'is see no intrinsic conflict with other religious communities because they believe that all the revealed faiths originate from the same source, God, and are essentially one.
Baha'is practice “independent investigation of truth,” but what exactly does that mean?Baha'u'llah emphasizes the fundamental obligation of individuals to acquire knowledge with their "own eyes and not through the eyes of others" and therefore know why they adhere to a given ideology or doctrine. When we blindly follow various traditions, movements and opinions, we tend to become intolerant of those who do not share them. This attitude - believing that only our own beliefs are right and everyone else is wrong - is one of the main sources of conflict in the world today. History has witnessed conflict and bloodshed over slight alterations in religious practice, or a minor change in the interpretation of doctrine. Abdu’l-Baha explains that “God has given man the eye of investigation by which he may see and recognize truth…Man is not intended to see through the eyes of another, hear through another’s ears nor comprehend with another’s brain. … Therefore depend upon your own reason and judgment and adhere to the outcome of your own investigation…”
Baha’is believe that, as there is only one reality, all people will gradually discover its different facets and come to a common understanding and unity, provided they sincerely seek after truth. In this connection, Abdu'l-Baha said:
Being one, truth cannot be divided, and the differences that appear to exist among the many nations only result from their attachment to prejudice. If only men would search out truth, they would find themselves united.
There are so many differences between the religions. How can Baha'is claim that they are all "one?" When Baha'is say that religions are one, they do not mean they all have the same creeds and organizational structure. Rather, Baha'is believe that there is only one religion and that all the Messengers of God have progressively revealed its nature. Together, the world's great religions are expressions of a single, unfolding Divine plan, "the changeless Faith of God, eternal in the past, eternal in the future." Baha'u'llah explains: "That they differ one from another is to be attributed to the varying requirements of the ages in which they were promulgated."
What is the relationship of the Baha'i Faith to Islam?Baha'u'llah was born into a Muslim family and society. Thus, in much the same way that Christianity grew out of Judaism, or Buddhism out of Hinduism, the Baha'i Faith emerged from an Islamic context. Like them, however, the Baha'i Faith is an independent religion with its own laws, teachings and institutions.
Are there sects or branches of the Baha'i Faith?No. The Baha'i Faith is protected from division by a Covenant established by Baha’u’llah. It was instituted to preserve the unity of His followers and prevent schism after His passing. The Covenant calls on Baha’is to turn for guidance to Baha'u'llah's eldest son, Abdu’l-Baha, the appointed interpreter of His teachings; to Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the Faith until his passing in 1957; and to the Universal House of Justice, the elected international council. Those who do not, or cease to, observe these provisions of the Covenant cannot legitimately claim to be Baha’is. Despite efforts by individuals to divert authority to themselves, the Baha'i community is a single, united body, free of schisms or factions. The Baha’i Faith is thus the first religion in history that has survived its critical first century with its unity firmly established. "Were it not for the protecting power of the Covenant to guard the impregnable fort of the Cause of God," said Abdu'l-Baha, "there would arise among the Baha’is, in one day, a thousand different sects as was the case in former ages." But in this Revelation, Baha'u'llah's Covenant is the magnet that draws the hearts of its followers together.
What holidays do Baha'is observe?Baha'is observe 11 holy days each year and abstain from work on nine of those days. Baha'i holy days include days associated with the lives of Baha'u'llah and the Bab; Naw-Ruz, the Baha'i new year, on March 21; and Ridvan, a 12-day festival in spring commemorating Baha'u'llah's declaration of His mission. Baha'is observe holy days by gathering for prayer, reflection and fellowship. The Baha'i calendar is made up of 19 months of 19 days each.
Do Baha’is celebrate Christmas?The Baha'i Faith is an independent religion with its own holy days, so Baha’is generally do not celebrate Christmas in their own homes. However, because Baha’is recognize Christ as a Divine Messenger, we share in the season’s spirit of goodwill. Based on Baha’u’llah’s instruction to “Consort with the followers of all religions in a spirit of friendliness and fellowship,” Baha’is with Christian friends and family enjoy various Christmas activities. The Baha'i season of gift-giving is Ayyam-i-Ha, which takes place at the end of February. It is followed by the annual 19-day Fast and then the Baha'i New Year, Naw-Ruz, on March 21.
What does Baha'u'llah teach about Heaven and Hell?Baha'u'llah explains that heaven and hell are not physical places, but rather spiritual realities -- allegories for nearness and remoteness from God. When we die, the condition of our souls determines our experience in the afterlife.
What is the role of the individual in the Baha'i Faith?As the Faith has no clergy, individuals are responsible for building a united, functioning Baha'i community and acquainting others with the Faith. The role of the individual is important in the Baha'i Faith because the success of the Baha'i community depends ultimately on the individual's response to the teachings of Baha'u'llah. In addition to individual initiative, Baha'is work at the community and institutional levels. Baha'is are expected to pray and meditate daily, be wholly engaged with the world at large and place service to humanity as their highest goal.
What is the Baha'i view of marriage and family?A stable, loving family is considered the basic unit of social life on which the progress of society depends. Monogamous marriage between a man and a woman is the foundation of family life. Baha'u'llah described matrimony as "a fortress for well-being and salvation" and identified the rearing of children as the fundamental, though not the only, purpose of marriage.
How does the Baha’i Faith deal with the reality of suffering?Suffering should be understood in the context of the purpose of life: Baha'u'llah and Abdu'l-Baha have shown us that one of the primary purposes of life is to prepare human souls for the afterlife, the world to come.
As John Hatcher, in his book The Purpose of Physical Reality explained, the Baha'i Writings teach that this world is like a classroom in which all of our experiences either directly or indirectly provide us with opportunities to learn. The main point of the lessons in this classroom is to acquire spiritual virtues, develop spiritual knowledge, increase in the love of God, promote unity, advance civilization and serve our fellow human beings in their endeavor to do the same.
A key aspect of these lessons is that human beings should learn to live fully in this world and yet be detached from it so as to be fully prepared - mentally, emotionally, spiritually - for the transition from this world into the next. As Abdu’l-Baha reminds us, “The earthly life lasts but a short time, even its benefits are transitory; that which is temporary does not deserve our heart's attachment.” Suffering plays a vital role in helping us learn the lessons we need to learn.
Suffering, especially in the path of God and for the sake of service to others, helps us let go of our limitations, develop our innate capacities to the fullest and serve as an example for others.
The Universal House of Justice reminds us that, “an essential characteristic of this physical world is that we are constantly faced with trials, tribulations, hardships and sufferings and that by overcoming them we achieve our moral and spiritual development.”
It is important to note that Baha'is are not taught to suffer needlessly or accept injustices simply because good often can come from suffering. Baha'is are neither masochistic nor ascetic. While the Baha'i teachings make clear that suffering for noble purposes is commendable, suffering needlessly is just simply tragic, and effective efforts should be made to remedy such pointless and harmful sorrows.
What is the Baha'i attitude toward homosexuality?Baha'i law limits permissible sexual relations to those between a man and a woman in marriage. Believers are expected to abstain from sex outside matrimony. Baha'is do not, however, attempt to impose their moral standards on those who have not accepted the Revelation of Baha’u’llah. To regard homosexuals with prejudice would be contrary to the spirit of the Baha'i teachings.
What kinds of activities are Baha'is involved in for the benefit of others?Baha'i are dedicated to personal and social transformation, which Baha'u'llah said is the true purpose of religion. Specifically, as individuals and as a community, Baha'is are dedicated to improving society through social and economic development projects in education, agriculture and healthcare, among other fields. The ultimate goal is to unite humanity by eliminating prejudice, promulgating the equality of the sexes, adopting a universal standard of human rights, ensuring education for all, recognizing the harmony between religion and science, and establishing a world federated government. Baha'is work with other organizations, such as the United Nations, to achieve these goals.
What does the Baha'i Faith teach regarding participation in political affairs?The Baha'i Faith encourages its members to take their civic responsibilities seriously. Members are required to uphold the authority of established governments through loyalty and obedience to the laws of their country. They are permitted to vote in government elections, but must abstain from partisanship or joining political parties. Baha'is may serve their government in administrative posts, but may not accept appointments to political or partisan positions. Baha'is may run as unaffiliated independents in elections for posts where no political party affiliations and no campaigning is required. This approach reflects the practice within the Baha'i community of holding elections -- entirely without nominations and campaigning -- for Baha'i administrative councils at the local, national and international level.
What is the Baha'i position on the status of women?The Baha'i writings clearly indicate that from a spiritual point of view there is no difference between women and men and no basis-moral, biological or social-for discrimination on grounds of gender.
What does the Baha'i Faith teach about science?The Baha'i Faith teaches that science and religion as complementary systems of knowledge, which throughout history have been the most powerful instruments for the investigation of reality and the advancement of civilization. Baha'is see the harmonious interaction of science and religion, each operating within its proper sphere, as one of the prerequisites for the establishment of a peaceful and just society.
How do Baha'is view the environmental crisis?Baha'is see the environmental crisis as one of a number of issues requiring a profound change in human behavior. They believe that humanity is in a turbulent period of transition toward a unified global society. Humanity will be able to live in harmony with the environment when its spiritual and material potentials are treated with respect. Baha’i teachings stress that sustainable development depends on humanity’s acceptance of ethical and spiritual principles that foster economic, social and environmental well being.
Do Baha'is observe dietary restrictions?Although there are no dietary restrictions in the Baha'i Faith, Baha'is are prohibited from consuming alcoholic beverages and using narcotic and hallucinogenic drugs.
Are Baha'is required to tithe a portion of their income?As an element of their life of service, Baha'is contribute regularly, in accordance with their means, to the funds that support the work of the Faith. Contributing is considered a spiritual duty and a matter of individual conscience, and is performed without coercion or overview by the Baha'i community.
How are Baha'i activities and projects funded? The work of the Baha'i Faith is entirely supported by voluntary contributions from its members. Giving to the Baha'i fund is regarded as one of the priviledges of membership; the Faith does not accept outside contributions. Giving to the Baha'i fund is considered a spiritual duty and a matter of individual conscience, with no coercion or oversight from the Faith's elected institutions.
Are there Baha'i activities in which I can participate?The public is invited to participate in Baha'i devotional gatherings and observance of holy days; study circles that explore Baha'u'llah's teachings; and social, spiritual and educational activities for children, youth and adults. Informal gatherings, sometimes referred to as "firesides," provide an open setting for asking questions and learning more about the Faith.

How to Attend a Baha'i Meeting

Many people meet Baha'is and learn about the Baha'i Faith by attending a meeting. This meeting may be a Fireside, Devotional or Ruhi Book Group. By showing how eager you are to learn about the Baha'i Faith, you will be welcomed by any Baha'i who confidently follows the sacred text, which encourages people to use the Word of God as proof, rather than conventions about how one should behave and appear.

[edit] StepsBe at ease. No one expects you to enroll in the Baha'i Faith after attending one meeting—it is not a missionary religion.

No one will try to talk you into anything.

Wear modest clothing that will not risk distracting others from your desire to learn. There is no single definition of modesty, and there are no Baha'i rules for modesty. But if you wear very tight, flashy or revealing clothing, you take a greater chance that people will be more focused on your body than your mind, and you are less likely to learn about the Baha'i faith.

Be on time. Your hosts are eager to fit their devotional or book group into their busy schedules.

By being on time you show the greatest courtesy and also receive the greatest use of your time.

Accept your status as a guest.
Hospitality is a given at a Baha'i meeting, where you will be served snacks, sweets and refreshing drinks.
You may certainly volunteer to bring something to share with the group, but don't be surprised to be told that "you are our guest".

Understand what the prayers are about. Baha'is believe strongly in the Creative Word, that is, prayers that have been composed by the Central Figures of the Baha'i Faith. In most meetings at least one or several of these prayers will be read to open and close the meeting.

Be prepared to accept information about the religion.
Baha'is will also happily present you with a gift of books, booklets, flyers, handouts, fact sheets, workbooks, anything you could possibly want. They will be happy if you take them home, but not insulted if you do not.

Understand that men and women are completely equal in the Baha'i Faith. Your meeting may be led by a woman, the tea may be served by a man. There are no priests or ministers in the Baha'i Faith.
The person leading the meeting may be a trained teacher in a book group, or just an average Baha'i who wishes to host a devotional or potluck dinner.

Ask away. The Baha'i Faith is so new and unknown that your Baha'i friends are quite used to being asked many questions. Don't be shy, ask.



[edit] TipsBaha'is love to tell their personal stories, if you ask be prepared to be entertained.
Baha'is love singing and music, although there are no Baha'i hymns, many prayers have been set to music.

The first Baha'is were former Shi'a Muslims. The Baha'i Faith is not a sect of Islam in any way, but much of its language is influenced by Islamic writings.

Most Baha'is have accepted their Faith after having been raised in another religion.

In a Baha'i meeting there may be former Catholics, Baptists, Jews, Muslims, or Buddhists. There may also be people who are 4th and 5th generation Baha'i.

Baha'is believe that all religions come from God. That all the major Prophets of God have taught the same Faith. Baha'is believe that Baha'u'llah is the Manifestation of God for this day, teaching the same Faith that has been taught in the past by Moses, Zoroaster, Buddha, Krishna, Jesus, and Muhammad.

Alcohol is never served at a Baha'i meeting. Baha'is do not drink alcohol.

Smoking does not usually occur at a Baha'i meeting. But there are Baha'is who do smoke and who will step out with you if you want to take a smoking break.

You never will be asked for any money at a Baha'i meeting. Giving to Baha'i Funds is a privilege of membership. If you try to contribute, your money will be very politely refused.



[edit] WarningsWhile Baha'is do not register with political parties or participate in party politics, this does not mean they are not liberal or conservative in practice, or that they do not have opinions about politics.

pictures from summer school dec 2007