The Bahá'í Faith is a world religion that teaches the oneness of God, the oneness of religion, and the oneness of humanity. It was founded by Bahá'u'lláh in nineteenth-century Persia and emphasizes peace, justice, and universal fellowship.
Shoghi Effendi was the Guardian of the Bahá'í Faith after 'Abdu'l-Bahá. He interpreted the teachings and guided the administration of the Faith.
The Universal House of Justice is the elected international governing council of the Bahá'í Faith, guiding the affairs of the worldwide Bahá'í community.
A Local Spiritual Assembly is the elected governing body of the Bahá'í community in a town or village, responsible for spiritual and administrative matters.
A National Spiritual Assembly is the elected body that guides Bahá'í activities and coordinates community life within a country.
Consultation is a Bahá'í method of collective decision-making based on truthfulness, respect, and seeking the best solution rather than personal victory.
Bahá'í administration is the system of elected and appointed institutions that guide and serve the Bahá'í community at local, national, and international levels.
The Bahá'í World Centre in Haifa, Israel, is the spiritual and administrative center of the Bahá'í Faith, including the shrines and institutions of the Faith.
The Badí' calendar has 19 months of 19 days, with intercalary days called Ayyám-i-Há and a period of fasting before the last month. New Year begins at Naw-Rúz.
The Nineteen Day Feast is a regular Bahá'í gathering for prayer, consultation, and fellowship, held once in each Badí' month.
The Bahá'í Fast takes place during the last month of the Badí' year. Adult Bahá'ís abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset as a time of spiritual renewal.
Bahá'í holy days commemorate the lives of the Báb, Bahá'u'lláh, and 'Abdu'l-Bahá, and include gatherings for prayer and reflection.
The Bahá'í writings include the books, tablets, and prayers revealed by Bahá'u'lláh, the Báb, 'Abdu'l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, and the Universal House of Justice.
The Kitáb-i-Aqdas is the Most Holy Book of the Bahá'í Faith, revealed by Bahá'u'lláh. It contains laws and guidance for personal and community life.
The Kitáb-i-Íqán is a major theological work of Bahá'u'lláh explaining the unity of the Messengers of God and the nature of progressive revelation.
The Hidden Words is a collection of spiritual counsels revealed by Bahá'u'lláh, presenting the essence of divine guidance in brief passages.
Bahá'ís believe in one God, the essential harmony of all religions, the equality of women and men, the elimination of prejudice, universal education, and the establishment of world peace.
Progressive revelation means that God sends Divine Messengers at different times in history, each bringing teachings suited to the age and building upon the foundations laid before.
Yes. Bahá'ís believe there is only one God, though people may call God by different names and understand the Divine in different ways.
Bahá'ís believe the soul continues its journey toward God after physical death. This life is a chance to prepare the soul for the worlds to come.
The Bahá'í Covenant is the assurance that God's guidance will continue after the passing of Bahá'u'lláh through 'Abdu'l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, and the Universal House of Justice.
A person becomes a Bahá'í by recognizing Bahá'u'lláh as the Messenger of God for this age and striving to follow His teachings.
Bahá'í gatherings often include prayer, consultation, study of the writings, and social activities that strengthen community bonds.
Service is a form of worship in the Bahá'í Faith. Bahá'ís engage in social, educational, and spiritual activities that benefit their neighbors and society.
Moral education nurtures qualities such as kindness, truthfulness, justice, and service in children, youth, and adults.
Bahá'í communities offer classes for children's spiritual education, junior youth empowerment programs, and study circles for young people and adults.
Marriage is a strong bond and a spiritual partnership. Bahá'ís value family life and believe marriage should be based on love, respect, and unity.
A Bahá'í pioneer is someone who moves to a new area to help establish Bahá'í community life and share the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh.
Bahá'í social action includes educational, health, environmental, and economic initiatives that improve people's lives while reflecting spiritual principles.
Yes, Bahá'ís in some countries, especially Iran, face persecution for their beliefs. The international community continues to call for their human rights.
You can explore the Bahá'í Reference Library online, visit a local Bahá'í gathering, or contact the Bahá'í community of Tanzania through this website.
Bahá'u'lláh is the Founder of the Bahá'í Faith and the latest in the line of Divine Messengers sent by God to guide humanity.
The Báb is the Herald of the Bahá'í Faith. He prepared the way for Bahá'u'lláh and taught that a greater Messenger would soon appear.
'Abdu'l-Bahá was the eldest son of Bahá'u'lláh and the appointed Interpreter of His teachings. His example of service and love is central to Bahá'í life.
The purpose of life is to know and worship God, to develop spiritual qualities, and to contribute to the advancement of society.
Bahá'ís pray daily, privately, and in gatherings. They also read from the Bahá'í writings and recite obligatory prayers revealed by Bahá'u'lláh.
Bahá'í prayers are revealed by Bahá'u'lláh, the Báb, and 'Abdu'l-Bahá. They help individuals draw closer to God and develop spiritual qualities.
The equality of women and men is essential to peace and true social development. Without it, humanity cannot advance.
The Bahá'í Faith teaches that all races are one human family and that prejudice must be replaced by love, respect, and justice.
The Bahá'í Faith teaches that world peace is not only possible but inevitable. It will be achieved through justice, unity, and the recognition of humanity's oneness.
Economic justice requires eliminating extremes of wealth and poverty, ensuring opportunity for all, and orienting work toward service to humanity.
Education is a fundamental right. Bahá'ís believe that spiritual and material education must be available to all people, especially girls.
Science and religion are two complementary paths to truth. When they are in harmony, both contribute to human progress.
Every person is encouraged to investigate truth for themselves, without blindly following traditions, superstitions, or the opinions of others.