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.