Bahai Faith

Bahai Faith

The Bahá'í Faith proclaims itself to be the youngest of the independent world religions. Its roots stem from Iran during the mid-nineteenth century. This new faith is primarily based on the founder, Bahá'u'lláh, meaning 'the Glory of God'. Bahá'ís (the believers) in many places around the world have been heavily persecuted for their beliefs and differences and have been branded by many as a cult, a reform movement and/or a sect of the Muslim religion. The Bahá'í Faith is unique in that it accepts the teachings of what they believe to be all the divine messengers, these are Abraham, Moses, Zoroaster, the Buddha, Jesus and Muhammad. The faith believes each messenger is equally authentic of the one living God. This is in line with what is called progressive revelation. What is meant by progressive revelation is that, "Bahá'ís believe that this series of interventions by God in human history has been progressive, each revelation from God more complete than those which preceded it, and each preparing the way for the next." The teachings of these messengers are seen as a path for people's salvation. With each new messenger, more is revealed by God. Like a long journey or novel, the ones who were before prepared the way for the next, and with the next making it more complete. "Like Muslims, Bahá'ís believe that God is One. God "manifests" his will to humanity through the series of messengers whom Bahá'ís call "Manifestations of God". This purpose is to provide perfect guidance for both all encompassing spiritual growth and the unification of all societies. Bahá'ís believe that all of these religions are each one part of a divine plan.

The Faith first appeared in Persia (which is now Iran), where Is...

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...inted his first born son, 'Abdu'l-Bahá (servant of Baha) to continue the works of God, and to ensure the new message of faith amongst the believers continues and to prosper.

Many of the people who met with Bahá'u'lláh, all had fascinating stories and memories of him. One such person was an American foreigner who was travelling the East for adventure and experience. This is a quote from the American who spent time amongst the Bahá'ís and who was also fortunate enough to meet Bahá'u'lláh. "In the corner where the divan met the wall sat a felt head-dress of the kind called 'taj' by dervishes, round the base of which was a small white turban. The face of him on whom I gazed I can never forget, though I cannot describe it. Those piercing eyes seemed to read one's very soul, power and authority sat on that ample brow…. No need to ask in whose presence I stood."