Baháʼí Faith

The Baháʼí Faith

The Baháʼí Faith is a religion started by Baháʼu'lláh in the 1800s. It teaches that all religions are important and that all people should be united. This belief began in Iran and parts of Western Asia, and it has grown to include many followers all around the world.

The Baháʼí Faith has three important leaders. The first was the Báb, who taught that a new prophet would come soon. The second was Baháʼu'lláh, who said he was that prophet. The third was his son, ʻAbdu'l-Bahá, who traveled to Europe and the United States to teach others.

Baháʼís believe that religion comes from one God through special messengers. They see the world’s major religions as having the same purpose. The Baháʼí Faith teaches that everyone should be treated equally. Followers elect leaders at local, regional, and national levels, and every five years they choose members for the Universal House of Justice, which guides the whole Baháʼí community from Haifa, Israel, near the Shrine of the Báb.

The word "Baháʼí" comes from the Arabic word "Baháʼ," meaning the 'glory' or 'splendor' of God. This name was chosen by Baháʼu'lláh, the founder of the religion.

The Baháʼí Faith teaches that all people are equal and should work together for peace. They believe in learning about the world and using knowledge to help everyone. Baháʼís also believe in unity among all people and think the world needs to work together for peace.

About 8 million people follow the Baháʼí Faith around the world. Most Baháʼís live in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Smaller groups are found in other parts of the world, like North America, Europe, and the Middle East. The religion began in Iran in the 1800s and later spread to many countries.