Bahá'í Faith

The Baháʼí Faith, founded in the 19th century by Baháʼu'lláh, emphasizes the essential worth of all religions and the unity of humanity. Originating in Iran and the Middle East, it has faced persecution since its inception and is estimated to have five to eight million adherents worldwide.

​

The faith has three key figures: the Báb, executed for heresy; Baháʼu'lláh, who claimed to be the prophet foretold by the Báb; and his son, ʻAbdu'l-Bahá, who spread the teachings in Europe and the U.S. after his release from imprisonment. Leadership passed to his grandson Shoghi Effendi after ʻAbdu'l-Bahá's death in 1921. Baháʼís govern their community through elected local and national Spiritual Assemblies, with elections for the Universal House of Justice every five years.

​

Baháʼí teachings view religion as revealed progressively by a single God through Manifestations. They emphasize unity and reject racism, sexism, and nationalism. Central texts include the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, and Some Answered Questions, which form the basis of Baháʼí scripture.