baha'i
What does progressive revelation mean for the Bahá'í Faith?
Bahá'ís demonstrate a high respect for scriptures from among the religions of the world: the Hebrew Tanak, the Zoroastrian Avesta, the Hindu collection, the Buddhist Tripitika, the Christian New Testament, and the Qur'an.
How many prescribed prayers do Bahá'ís recite each day?
Bahá'ís should pray at least five times a day, and there are three prescribed prayers for Bahá'ís to recite each day.
Why do Bahá'ís used prayers composed by Bahá'u'lláh and `Abdu'l-Bahá?
Bahá'ís use prayers composed by Bahá'u'lláh and `Abdu'l-Bahá and thereby connect themselves to the revealed Word of God.
Why, in the Bahi view, is there only one religion?
Because all of the worlds religions aim at truth, and god is the truth
Why, for the Bahá'ís, must science and religion be in harmony?
Because when a religion is opposed to science it becomes more superstition
How many Houses of Worship does the Bahá'í Faith currently maintain?
Currently, there are seven complete Houses of Worship.
To what city were the Bahá'ís finally moved?
Famagusta, Cyprus
Why do Bahá'ís promote a universal language?
Language is one problem; the mode of communication is another. In working towards unity, Bahá'ís employ the principle of consultation.
Why, according to the Bahá'í Faith should one work?
Work is required for wealth, and wealth is required for the support of one's family and in order to engage in charitable contributions that assist in the advancement of civilization.
What does the Festival of Ridvan commemorate?
commemorates Bahá'u'lláh's declaration that he was the promised one.
To what does the ideal of "spiritual unity" refer?
each one will make sacrifices for the other, and the utmost desire will be to forfeit life and all that pertains to it in behalf of another's good
Where do Bahá'ís face when they pray?
iblih ("point of adoration") which is Bahá'u'lláh's shrine outside `Akká or Acre, Israel.
How many months are in the Bahá'í calendar, and how many days are in each month?
nineteen months with each month including nineteen days (365 days)
What, according to the Bahá'í Faith will be the culmination of human evolution on earth?
to lie in the unification of the entire world, the creation of a truly global society.
Where are Bahá'ís worship services typically held?
worship services are typically held in homes or rented buildings.
What does "bahá" mean?
"glory" in arabic
What, ideally, is a Mashriqu'l-Adhkár?
("the dawning place for the remembrance of God")
To what does "Huqúqu'lláh" refer?
("the right of God"), which indicates that nineteen percent of what one earns belongs to God.
If a religion is not "a cause of love and unity," according to `Abdu'l-Bahá, what is it?
Any religion which is not a cause of love and unity is no religion.
To what did Ali Muhammad change his name, what does it mean, and what were his followers called?
Bab-ud-Din ("the gate of faith")
What is the holiest shrine of the Bahá'í Faith?
The shrine of Bahá'u'llàh
What title did Husayn Ali assume, what does that title mean, and what name was given to his followers?
Baha'u'lláh ("the glory of God") and his followers became known as Baháis'
What institution was established to lead the Bahá'ís after Shoghi' Effendi's death?
The universal house of justice
What do all humans have in common?
All humans are created by God, they stem from the same source and are members of the same race.
About how many Bahá'ís are there in the world?
An estimated following of about 7 million adherents
How many holy days, during which work is suspended, are in the Bahá'í calendar?
9 holy days
How many sides does a Bahá'í temple have?
9 sides
What did Husayn Ali experience in the prison at Tehran, in "the Black Pit"?
A main den of God appeared to Husayn Ali and declared that he was the one whom the Bab had foretold, the one who would establish a global religion.
What is a common symbol for the Bahá'í Faith?
A nine-point star
Who, as Bahá'u'lláh's son, assumed leadership of the Bahá'ís?
Abbás Effendí
Aside from Bahá'u'lláh's writings, whose other writings are recognized as sacred scripture?
The summons of the lord of hosts
What happened when Bahá'u'lláh's leadership was challenged by Yaḥyá Núrí?
Baha'u'llah appeared but Yahaya' Nuri did not.
Where did Husayn Ali live in exile after his release from "the Black Pit," and what became his status among the Babis?
He chose the city of Baghdad, Iraq, gradually gaining recognition among the Babi's as a leader
What, in 1844, did Ali Muhammad claim for himself?
He claimed that he was the Twelfth Imam
What did the Bab proclaim prior to his execution?
He proclaimed that the had prepared the way for one who was yet to come, someone who would found a universal or global religion.
Before being forced to move from Bagdad for Constantinople, what, in the Garden of Ridvan, did Husayn Ali reveal to the Babis?
He revealed that he was the promised one
What was unusual about the Bab-ud-Din's execution?
He somehow escaped the first firing squad
Was Husayn Ali's relationship to the Babis?
He was the real leader
How, according to `Abdu'l-Bahá is humanity like a bird?
Humanity is like a bird with its two wings—the one is male, the other female. Unless both wings are strong and impelled by some common force, the bird cannot fly heavenwards.
What and where is the second holiest shrine in the Bahá'í Faith?
The shrine is located on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel. The structure features a drum w/ 18 windows supporting a dome and resting on an octagonal base surrounded by an arcade.
How is the number "nine" significant to Bahá'ís?
Nine represents perfection as the highest unit number and representing the worldwide unity that Baha'i seeks to develop.
Why is partisanship forbidden in Bahá'í?
Partisanship suggests loyalty to a cause or group that supersedes one's dedication to humanity and, consequently, is not permitted.
What does the five-point star of Bahá'í represent?
Represents Baháullah', the messenger of God
Who, `Abdu'l-Bahá's grandson, assumed leadership of the Bahá'ís after `Abdu'l-Bahá's death?
Shoghí Effendí Rabbání
What central Bahá'í belief conflicted with an important Islamic belief?
The Baha'i belief in the Bab and Baháullah' as manifestations of God
What do heaven and hell mean for Bahá'ís?
The afterlife destinations of heaven and hell have only symbolic significance. One is heaven, while living, when one is close with god; and one is in hell, while living, when one is far from god
What is the primary authority for Bahá'í beliefs and practices?
The collection of Baha'u'llahs writings
What appears to be the goal of the Iranian government as far as the Bahá'í Faith is concerned?
The elimination of the Baha'i faith
What is the focus of a Bahá'í worship service?
The focus is on the Word of God with readings from Bahá'í scriptures and/or scriptures representing other world religions. There are no sermons, no instrumental music, and no offerings.
When do Bahá'ís fast?
The last month of the year, 'Alá' or the "Loftiness" of God, is set aside as a month of fasting
Whose other writing are recognized as authoritative thought not scriptural?
The most holy book which sets fourth the laws and institutions requisite for the future world civilization.
How was `Abdu'l-Bahá able to spread the Bahá'í Faith?
The ottoman turks formally set free, so he was able to travel widely in Europe and north America.
How would you describe the reaction of governmental and religious authorities towards Bab-ud-Din and his followers?
The reacted against the Bab and his unorthodox views
How are the nine members of the Universal House of Justice chosen?
They are elected by delegates from spiritual assemblies representing different nations
What do Shi'a Twelvers believe about the Twelfth legitimate successor to Muhammad?
They believe that when the time is right, he will reappear as the Imam Mahdi a special agent of God, who will usher in an era of Islamic righteousness
