BahaiEdit

The Bahá’í Faith is a monotheistic world religion that emerged in the 19th century in Persia and has since grown into a global community. At its core is the belief in the oneness of God, the unity of all religions, and the unity of humanity. Followers hold that religious truth is revealed progressively through a series of prophets, culminating in the writings of Bahá’u’lláh, whom Bahá’ís regard as the latest in a line that includes the Báb; the faith centers on the idea that spiritual and social transformation go hand in hand. The administrative structure of the religion relies on elected councils rather than a professional clergy, a model aimed at balancing spiritual life with collective action. For adherents, personal conscience, education, and service to others are means to bring about a more just and peaceful society, both in local communities and around the world. Bahá’u’lláh the Báb Progressive revelation Mashriqu’l-Adhkár

The Bahá’í World Centre, located in Haifa and the surrounding area, serves as the spiritual and administrative hub of the faith. It oversees global affairs through a system of Local Spiritual Assemblies, National Spiritual Assemblies, and the Universal House of Justice, the supreme governing body since 1963. The movement emphasizes not only religious devotion but also practical service, including education, health, and economic development projects. Central to Bahá’í worship are devotional practices and the community’s growing network of Houses of Worship, devotional gatherings, and educational initiatives that aim to foster both moral character and civic responsibility. Bahá’í World Centre Universal House of Justice Local Spiritual Assemblies Mashriqu’l-Adhkár devotional gathering]

History

Origins and early development The Bahá’í Faith traces its roots to the mid-19th century with the Báb’s proclamation in 1844, which marked the birth of a new religious movement in the region then known as Persia. Bahá’u’lláh, who Bahá’ís believe received divine guidance, later declared a universal message of peace and unity and was exiled to various lands, ultimately settling in the Holy Land. The ongoing lineage of guidance, according to Bahá’í belief, is part of a single divine plan unfolding through successive ages. Key events include the ministry of the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh’s leadership, and the later works of Abdu’l-Bahá that helped spread the faith beyond its Persian origin. Báb Bahá’u’lláh Abdu’l-Bahá

Institution-building and expansion In the 20th century the Bahá’í Faith established a global administrative framework that eschews a professional clergy in favor of elections at the local and national levels. The creation of the Universal House of Justice in 1963 marked a milestone in aligning spiritual governance with the needs of a growing, increasingly diverse global community. The faith has established communities and institutions in contemporary societies across regions such as Asia, Africa, the Americas, and parts of Europe. The Bahá’í emphasis on education and development projects has led to a wide range of social programs, often carried out through voluntary participation by adherents. Universal House of Justice Local Spiritual Assemblies National Spiritual Assemblies Haifa

Beliefs and practice

Core beliefs - The oneness of God and the belief that all major religious traditions reflect a common spiritual truth. Followers view Bahá’í writings as part of a continuous divine plan, with each prophet bringing guidance for the age in which they appear. the Báb Progressive revelation - The unity of humanity and the elimination of prejudice, including racial prejudice and other forms of bias.
- The independent search for truth through personal reflection and study, rather than acceptance of tradition alone. Independent investigation of truth
- The equality of men and women and the necessity of education for all children.
- Prayers, the consultation method, and service to humanity as daily spiritual practices. Equality of the sexes Prayer (Bahá’í) Consultation (Bahá’í)

Practice and everyday life - Personal and family devotion, and participation in community life through devotional gatherings and the study of Bahá’í scriptures.
- The Bahá’í calendar and annual religious observances, including a period of fasting for adults during a designated time each year. Bahá’í calendar Fasting (Bahá’í)
- A governance model that relies on elected bodies at the local and national level, with no professional clergy, designed to foster accountability and inclusivity while safeguarding the spiritual character of the community. Local Spiritual Assemblies National Spiritual Assemblies

Social teachings and public engagement - Emphasis on education, science, health, and social welfare as expressions of spiritual principles, with a focus on building just and cohesive communities. The faith advocates peaceful cooperation among peoples and nations, sometimes endorsing global initiatives toward world peace and a coordinated response to global challenges. World peace Socioeconomic development

Organization and governance

Structure of administrative institutions - The Local Spiritual Assembly is elected locally and coordinates community life, including youth programs, devotional gatherings, and education projects. The National Spiritual Assembly oversees affairs within a country, linking local activity to the global network.
- The Universal House of Justice, elected by representatives of the National Spiritual Assemblies, provides overarching guidance on matters of principle and policy for the world-wide Bahá’í community. The World Centre in Haifa coordinates international affairs and serves as a spiritual focal point for adherents. Local Spiritual Assemblies National Spiritual Assemblies Universal House of Justice Bahá’í World Centre

Global presence and communities

Distribution and demographics - The Bahá’í Faith is a truly global faith with adherents in many countries, including large communities in parts of the Americas, Africa, and Asia as well as significant populations in the Middle East and Europe. Adherents are often active in local education, health, and interfaith initiatives, reflecting the religion’s emphasis on practical service. Estimates of global membership commonly place the figure in the several millions. America Africa Asia Iran

Cultural and institutional footprint - The faith maintains architectural and cultural footprints such as Houses of Worship, religious schools, and the Bahá’í World Centre’s gardens and facilities, which symbolize the pursuit of spiritual and social betterment. Mashriqu’l-Adhkár Haifa

Controversies and debates

Political neutrality and social reform - A notable feature of Bahá’í practice is a cautious stance toward partisan politics in many jurisdictions, intended to preserve unity and focus on non-sectarian civic improvement. Critics sometimes argue that this neutrality limits direct political advocacy, while supporters contend it helps prevent factionalism and allows followers to contribute to society through non-governmental channels and voluntary service. The balance between spiritual aims and political engagement remains a live topic in public debates about the role of faith communities in liberal democracies. Non-partisan politics Civil society

Persecution and legal status in various countries - In several countries, most prominently in the Iran, Bahá’ís have faced discrimination and persecution, including restrictions on education and public life. These episodes are widely documented and have shaped international concerns about religious freedom and minority rights. The Bahá’í community continues to advocate for equal rights and peaceful coexistence within legal frameworks where possible. Persecution of Bahá’í in Iran Religious freedom

Governance and internal community dynamics - Critics have sometimes raised questions about governance, transparency, and the handling of dissent within tightly organized religious communities. Proponents stress the preventive benefits of a centralized but consultative governance model designed to preserve unity and provide long-term continuity in a diverse global membership. Bahá’í sources emphasize that consultation is a core method for decision-making and that elected bodies are accountable to the people they represent. Consultation (Bahá’í) Administrative order (Bahá’í)

The interplay with cultural norms and modern life - The faith’s universalist aspirations—such as the equality of men and women and education for all—have intersected with various cultural contexts, provoking debates about tradition, gender roles, and social reform. Supporters view these efforts as compatible with modern liberty and human development, while critics sometimes question how those ideals are implemented in local communities. Equality of the sexes Education

See also