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Quotation:

"We desire but the good of the world and happiness of the nations....That all nations should become one in faith and all men as brothers; that the bonds of affection and unity between the sons of men should be strengthened; that diversity of religion should cease, and differences of race be annulled... Yet so it shall be; these fruitless strifes, these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the "Most Great Peace" shall come.... These strifes and this bloodshed and discord must cease, and all men be as one kindred and one family.... Let not a man glory in this, that he loves his country; let him rather glory in this, that he loves his kind." Baha'u'llah, (1890)

Overview:

The Bahá'í Faith is the youngest of the world's main religions. It was founded in Iran during the mid 19th century by  Siyyid 'Ali-Muhammad (1819-1850 CE). He assumed the title Bab ("the Gate") and prophesized the future arrival of "One greater than Himself."

The asymetrical five pointed star shown above is the official symbol of the Bahá'í Faith; it was taken from an unidentified tablet in the Bab's handwriting. The nine-pointed star symbol is an alternate and commonly used symbol.

One of the Bab's followers, Mirza Husayn-'Ali-i-Nuri (1817-1892), announced that he was the Manifestation predicted by the Bab. He assumed the title Baha'u'llah ("glory of God"). His teachings on world peace, democracy, civil rights, equal rights for women, the acceptance of scientific discoveries, etc. were decades ahead of his time.

Bahá'ís believe in a single God who has repeatedly sent prophets into the world through whom he has revealed the "Word of God." Prophets include Adam, Krishna, Buddha, Yeshua of Nazareth (Jesus), Mohammed, The Bab and Baha'u'llah.

The Bahá'í faith is still looked upon by many Muslims as a breakaway sect of Islam. Bahá'ís are very heavily persecuted in some countries, particularly Iran.

Topics covered in this section:

	History
	Beliefs and practices
	The number of Baha'i members in the U.S. and elsewhere
	Controversies: Freedom of expression, schisms   The Baha'i faith and homosexuality   Persecution of Bahai's in Iran
	References:  Books and Internet sites

Copyright © 1996 to 2012 by Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance
Latest update: 2012-JUN-11
Author: B.A. Robinson

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