Baháʼí Faith

The Baháʼí Faith is a world religion that originated in nineteenth-century Iran. Its founder was Mirza Husayn-Ali Nuri, known as Baháʼu'lláh, who claimed to be a manifestation of God sent for this age. Central to its teachings are the unity of God, the unity of religion, and the unity of humanity.

Adherents are found across all continents, but no single country contains a majority. The administrative and spiritual center is in Haifa and Acre, Israel, where the shrine-tombs of the Báb and Baháʼu'lláh are located, as well as the seat of the Universal House of Justice.

Early history

In 1844, a man named Siyyid Ali Muhammad of Shiraz announced himself as the Báb (the Gate), telling people that another messenger would follow. The Bábi movement faced opposition and persecution from the Qajar state and religious scholars; the Báb was executed in Tabriz around 1850. Baháʼu'lláh, one of his followers, later declared himself to be the one promised by the Báb. Much of his life was spent in imprisonment and exile, beginning in Baghdad, Istanbul, and Adrianople, and ending in Acre.

Belief and teaching

Baháʼís believe that God is one and unknowable directly, but that individuals called manifestations represent God in each age. This list includes figures from other religions such as Abraham, Moses, Jesus, Muhammad, and Buddha, which they term 'progressive revelation'. They also emphasize equality of men and women, universal education, avoidance of partisan politics, and the reconciliation of science and religion.

Administration and worship

The Baháʼí Faith has no clergy or scholars at present; administration is carried out through elected councils at local, national (Spiritual Assemblies), and international levels. Worship practices include daily prayer, reading of sacred writings, and fasting for one month before the new year (Naw-Rúz). The Baháʼí calendar consists of nineteen months of nineteen days each.

Social status and obstacles

Baháʼís in Iran are not recognized as a legitimate religion under the constitution of the Islamic Republic, resulting in restrictions on higher education, employment, and property ownership. Reports from human rights organizations and the United Nations have documented cases of persecution and discrimination. Some other countries, particularly in the Middle East, have also restricted Baháʼí community activities.