The Bahá'í Faith
Origins & Timeline
Place of Origin
Persia & Ottoman Empire
Baghdad, Istanbul, Edirne, 'Akká
Time Period
1863 CE
Era
The Ridván Declaration
FROM
MODERN
TO
PRESENT
The Bahá'í Faith arose in the mid-nineteenth century, rooted in Persia and the Ottoman Empire. Historically continuous with the Bábí Faith (1844), its public beginning is marked by the Ridván Declaration in Baghdad (1863). Through successive exiles, the Faith spread from Baghdad to 'Akká and then rapidly throughout the world.
* Today the Bahá'í Faith has established communities in virtually every country, with its World Centre in Haifa and 'Akká, Israel.
Bahá'u'lláh
Born Mírzá Ḥusayn-'Alí
The Glory of God
"The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens."
Early life and character (1817–1844)
Born into a noble family in Tehran (His father served as a minister at court), yet widely known for His compassion toward the poor, uprightness, and generosity.
Support for the Bábí movement and persecution (1844–1852)
He became a leading supporter and prominent figure within the Bábí movement; in 1852, He was persecuted for political reasons and imprisoned in Tehran's notorious Síyáh-Chál ('Black Pit').
The beginning of revelation and the Baghdad period (1853–1863)
After His release, He was exiled to Baghdad. During this period, He revitalized and consolidated the community, revealed numerous Tablets, and increasingly made evident the nature of His mission.
Public declaration of His mission (1863)
Before leaving Baghdad, in the Garden of Ridván, He announced to His close companions the divine mission entrusted to Him.
Successive exiles and imprisonment in 'Akká (1863–1892)
He was exiled first to Istanbul and then to Edirne (Adrianople), and ultimately imprisoned in 'Akká. Under severe conditions, He revealed His central scriptures and many Tablets, laying the foundations of teachings directed toward a future world civilization and order. He passed away in 1892 at Bahjí.
Despite forty years of exile and imprisonment, Bahá'u'lláh revealed His central scriptures and teachings directed toward world civilization and lasting peace. He passed away in 1892 at Bahjí, which has become a major place of pilgrimage.
Core Briefs
Oneness of God
One Creator
Affirmation of one Creator; human life has a spiritual purpose, and humanity is of one origin.
Oneness of Religion
Progressive Revelation
The world's major religions share a single divine source; God sends divine Educators in different eras, renewing teachings according to humanity's capacity.
Oneness of Humanity
Unity in Diversity
Humanity is one family; diversity should become a source of harmony and beauty, not division.
Independent Investigation of Truth
Seeking Truth
Each person is encouraged to seek truth with reason, conscience, and reverence, free from blind imitation and prejudice.
Harmony of Science and Religion
Harmony of Knowledge
True science and true religion are in accord and mutually reinforcing.
Equality and Education
Universal Education
Social progress requires equality between the sexes and access to universal education; education is the foundation of civilization.
Elimination of Prejudice
Social Justice
Opposing all forms of prejudice—racial, ethnic, class, or sectarian—and advocating for improved social structures through justice and compassion.
World Peace
Global Cooperation
Advocacy of international consultation, rule of law, collective security, an auxiliary universal language, and reduction of economic disparity—all directed toward the realization of lasting peace.
No Clergy
Shared Responsibility
The Bahá'í Faith has no priestly class; individual and community members share responsibility for spiritual growth and service.
Consultation and Elections
Elected Institutions
Community affairs are conducted through consultation and governance by elected institutions (Local/National Spiritual Assemblies); the Universal House of Justice, established in 1963, is the international governing body.
Daily Practice
Service as Worship
Emphasis on prayer, fasting, family life, and moral cultivation; service to society is seen as a natural expression of faith—promoting unity and well-being through education, community building, and social action.
📝 Contemporary Significance
The Bahá'í Faith unites spiritual renewal with the building of civilization: with the oneness of religion, the oneness of humanity, and social justice at its core, it encourages individuals to practice love and service in daily life, and with a global vision, to advance humanity toward a new era of peace and unity.
Sacred Scriptures
Writings of Bahá'u'lláh
Writings of Bahá'u'lláh
Including the Kitáb-i-Aqdas (Most Holy Book—the central book of laws), Kitáb-i-Íqán (Book of Certitude), The Hidden Words, The Seven Valleys, and numerous Tablets
Writings of the Báb
Writings of the Báb
In the Bahá'í understanding, the Báb's revelation is an integral part of the divine revelation system
Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá
Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá
As the designated interpreter of Bahá'u'lláh, His talks and writings (such as Some Answered Questions) have had profound influence on faith understanding, community practice, and social education
Writings of Bahá'u'lláh
Including the Kitáb-i-Aqdas (Most Holy Book—the central book of laws), Kitáb-i-Íqán (Book of Certitude), The Hidden Words, The Seven Valleys, and numerous Tablets
Writings of the Báb
In the Bahá'í understanding, the Báb's revelation is an integral part of the divine revelation system
Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá
As the designated interpreter of Bahá'u'lláh, His talks and writings (such as Some Answered Questions) have had profound influence on faith understanding, community practice, and social education
Sacred Symbols
Nine-pointed Star
One of the most widely used public symbols, signifying wholeness, universality, and unity. The number nine represents completeness.
Greatest Name
Calligraphy of 'Yá Bahá'u'l-Abhá' (O Glory of the Most Glorious), commonly used in decorative arts and sacred spaces as a remembrance of the Divine.
Ringstone Symbol
Expresses the relationship of God—His Manifestation—humanity, and the continuity of divine revelation through the ages.
Stories & Illustrations
Visual journey through sacred narratives
#01
Bahá'u'lláh's Vision: Worldly Glory is but an Illusion
When Bahá'u'lláh was eight years old, He witnessed a grand scene of nobility watching a puppet show whose figures could be packed into a small box—revealing that worldly glory is but an illusion.
#02
The Declaration of the Báb
The Báb's declaration of His mission in 1844, heralding a new religious era and preparing the way for Bahá'u'lláh.
#03
The Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh
The Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh in Bahjí, Israel - the holiest place on earth for Bahá'ís and the direction of prayer.
#04
The Bahá'í Gardens in Haifa
The terraced Bahá'í Gardens on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel - a UNESCO World Heritage Site symbolizing unity and beauty.
Knowledge Quiz
Question 1 of 3
Score: 0
What does 'Bahá'u'lláh' mean?