Day 18: The Bahá'í Faith

fasting

Bahá'u'lláh established the guidelines of the fast in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, his book of laws. Fasting is observed from sunrise to sunset during the Bahá'í month of `Ala' (between March 1st and 2nd through March 19th and 20th) and it is the complete abstention from food, drink and smoking. (Sharlenea Bracale) ...Like the moral duty that Muslims in the 9th month out of every year (Ramadan) do not eat or drink from dawn to when the sunsets to show the love they have for God (Fisher 485) (Steven Bailey), Baha'is do not eat or drink from sunrise to sunset in the 19th/last month of the Baha'i year. (Dr. P.)

Community Building

Besides the founding of schools, agricultural programs, programs for the empowerment of young women, and social work institutes, Baha'is around the world are working to create collaborative relationships with neighbors and friends to create local children's classes that focus on practicing virtues, junior youth empowerment programs in which pre-teens see themselves as effective agents to enact projects to better their local neighborhoods, inter-faith devotional gatherings, and study circles to study the Baha'i teachings together. (Dr. P.)

natural manifestations of God

In distinction to Prophets who show the word and attributes of God, in the Baha'i writings it is said that all of the natural world--trees, rivers, mountains, valleys, sun, moon, air, fire, etc.--all are signs that disclose names and attributes of God for those who look with the eye of discernment. (dr. P video)(Cavazos & Dr. P.)

'Abdu'l-Baha

(1844-1921) Baha'u'llah's oldest son and successor in the Baha'i faith. (Fisher p. 483) He became leader of the faith after his father passed away in 1892 until his own death in 1921. He was freed from the Ottoman Empire in 1911, and proceeded to begin a series of journeys to Europe and North America, exposing thousands of westerners to the new religion of his father. Baha'is consider him as the Center of the Covenant, Interpreter of Baha'u'llah's Word, and Exemplar of the Baha'i teachings. (Infographic)(Aiden Campbell & Dr. P.)

temples / houses of worship

...Are open to all, have nine doors and a central dome symbolizing the diversity and oneness of humanity. Devotional services include include readings from scriptures of all religions, meditations, unaccompanied singing, and prayers by the Bab, Baha'u'llah, and his successor Abdu'l-Baha, his oldest son.(Fisher, 483)(Young)

Bahá'í Principles

...Baha'is' attempts to unite the earth in faith extend into the political sphere, where they actively support the United Nations' efforts to unify the planet. Their goal is a unified, peaceful global society built on these principles: 1) The end of prejudice in all forms. 2) Equality for women. 3) Acceptance of the relativity and unity of spiritual truth. 4) Just distribution of wealth. 5) Universal education. 6) The individual responsibility to seek truth. 7) development of a world federation. 8) harmony of science and true religion (Fisher, 484) (McCoy). " Baha'i denies that Muhammad is thefinal prophet. Baha'i also finds the theological legitmacy in religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism, which ismlam does not consider acceptable god-worshiping traditions"(Fisher 484) (Nathen Stinson).

Covenant

"A covenant is an agreement or contract involving obligations by both parties." (Hatcher and Martin page 128) As "Gods part in the "Great Covenant" was his promise of a succession of Manifestations." In turn the Bahá'i faith teaches "they must recognize and accept the Manifestation when he comes, and obey and strive to put into practice the teaching which the Manifestation gives." (Hatcher and Martin page 128) (Lindsey Felty) In the "Lesser Covenant," people should obey the one appointed by the Manifestation of God as having authority after Him. Baha'u'llah appointed His eldest Son 'Abdu'l-Baha (1844-1921) as the head of the Faith, Center of the Covenant, and Interpreter of His Word, to whom all Baha'is should turn to afterwards. 'Abdu'l-Baha in turn appointed Shoghi Effendi (1897-1957) as the head of the Faith and interpreter as well as the Universal House of Justice. (Dr. P.)

oneness of humanity

"Ye are the fruits of one tree, the leaves of one branch." Humanity is one and from one human family. We all come from one ancestor and all are created noble. We're all united as different leaves, blossoms, and fruit from one tree. Baha'i is not accepting of the theory of original sin. We are created to do good but can fall short and be sinful. But we are not intrinsically sinful at the core of our being. God's light is in all of us. Turning to Him, we can find this light that fills the gems of our souls and manifests as virtues. All of our spirits are a breath from God--we all have one spiritual essence, a created gem-like nature. The Oneness of Humanity also says our differences are superficial and sources of beauty and harmony. We should cooperate with one another, embracing our differences, tolerances, insights, and abilities. "Be ye as the fingers of one hand, the members of one body" (Pschaida, Baha'i Faith: Oneness of Humanity. 29 March 2016. Lecture). (Shelly Stuckman)

the Báb

(1819-1850) This young merchant named Siyyid 'Ali Muhammad-i-Shirazi is also known as "Gate". In 1844 this man "announced that a new messenger of God to all the peoples of the world would soon appear" (Fisher, p. 482), and the He was the return of the hidden Qa'im or last Imam (of Shiite Islam). After saying this he was arrested and executed because Muslim authorities were threatened that this proclamation would take away their power. (Tatum Heeres & Dr. P.) He brought the message that all prophets had represented the one true God, and that a new Messenger would come, which directly contradicts Islam, which believes that Muhammad was the last true prophet. (Garth Schulz & Dr. P.)

Bahá'ís in Iran

... A group of followers who have been subjected to persecution since the inception of the religion, a pattern that increased after the 1979 revolution and establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran. since the 1979 revolution, more than 200 Baha'is have been executed or killed, hundreds more have been imprisoned, and tens of thousands have been deprived of jobs, pensions, businesses and educational opportunities. Formal Baha'i administration had to be suspended, and holy places, shrines, and cemeteries have been confiscated, vandalized, or destroyed (Fisher, 484, 494). (Starkey).

19-Day Feast

...A gathering of all local believers every 19 days to pray and talk of spiritual growth. As Baha'u'llah said, "This feast is held to foster comradeship and love, to call god to mind and supplicate him with contrite hearts, and encourage benevolent pursuits (Baha'i.org). (Zachary Prorok)

Progressive Revelation

...According to Baha'u'llah, the spiritual education of humans has been a process of "progressive revelation". Humanity has been maturing, like a child growing in the ability to grasp complex ideas as it grows in years and passes through grade school and college. Each time a divine message appeared, the message was given at levels appropriate to humanity's degree of maturity.(Fisher, 482)(Young)

Unification of Humanity / Most Great Peace

...Essentially part of the second of the three fundamental principles, the oneness of humanity. This is basically saying that "all people have the same basic, god given abilities" (Hatcher & Martin 75). Physical differences have no affect on the spiritual capacities of all humankind. The evolution of human kind is likened to the growth of an individual child. Humankind has gone through its infancy and childhood, and is now in its adolescence. All "Manifistations of god" are thought to have guided mankind in some new teaching, with Baha'u'llah being the most recent. The "world order" taught by Baha'i is that humankind will inevitably become a global society which accepts its differences.When a global society is formed, the most great peace will come. As said in the readings, "war must be permanently eliminated and universal peace firmly established among the nations and communities of Earth" (Hatcher & Martin 130). The most great peace is thought of as the third stage humanity will reach in the development of the world order (Hatcher & Martin 140). (Zachary Prorok)

"unknowable Essence"

...Mere humans cannot understand God's infinite nature with their limited minds. This is of the heart of the message that appears in the Kitab-i-Iquan (The book of Certitude) (Fisher, 482) (McCoy). This is also what prophets are given glimpses of when they receive their revelations. (482)(Jonathan Jenkins) Told by Baha'u'llah, God that humans cannot understand God's infinite nature with their own limited minds. God has become known as the messenger. (Fisher pg. 482) (Heather Donais)

Manifestations of God

...Throughout the ages, humanity's spiritual, intellectual and moral capacities have been cultivated by the Founders of the great religions, among them Abraham, Krishna, Zoroaster, Moses, Buddha, Jesus Christ, Muhammad, and—in more recent times—the Báb and Bahá'u'lláh. These Figures are not simply ordinary people with a greater knowledge than others. Rather they are Manifestations of God, Who have exerted an incomparable influence on the evolution of human society. While each of them has a distinct individuality and a definite mission, the Manifestations of God all share in a single, divinely-ordained purpose—to "educate the souls of men, and refine the character of every living man..." (http://www.bahai.org/beliefs/god-his-creation/revelation/manifestations-god)(Young)

marriage

...is called a fortress of well being and salvation. It is a unity between man and women which its purpose is to spiritually foster harmony and fellowship. Teachings state that it is a connection spiritually for in the next life the bond can continue. (Kambree Meskill)

drugs & alcohol

...it is prohibited to consume drugs (that are not prescribed by competent doctors) or alcohol. Baha'is see the physiological, mental, emotional and social effects of these. They follow the laws in which state that Baha'i practices abstain from drugs and alcohol. (Kambree Meskill). Cognitive abilities of thinking, reasoning, and understanding are of the "greatest gift of God to man" so that we can know, love, and worship Him well, and these abilities are hindered by drugs and alcohol and so should be avoided. (Dr. P.)

unity in diversity, beauty of diversity

...the beauty of diversity is that the contrast of color is what makes for charm and beauty. Each brings out qualities of others and shows the loveliness of each and all. Unity in diversity humans should collaborate and build off each other to help the human race advance. (Dr. P video lecture)(grace cavazos) Beauty in diversity is putting all race and color away. The beauty is everyone looks different but we are all still the same. Unity in diversity can happen if we are all advancing the human race by collaborating and building off of each other. (video) (Sharlenea Bracale)

Consultation

...within the Baha'i elected groups, and also within business, school, and family settings, Baha'is attempt to reach decisions by this nonadversarial process. The point of the process is to investigate the truth of depth and to build consensus rather than struggle for power. Attempts are made to reach unanimous consensus (Fisher, 483). (Starkey). "participants are enjoined to gather information from as many sources as possible and to be at once truthful and courteous to each other" (Fisher 482) (Nathen Stinson)

Bahá'í Calendar

A mostly solar calendar that begins on the first day of Spring (around March 20th) like that of Persian New year (Naw Ruz). There are nineteen months with nineteen days each, each month named after an attribute/name of God (e.g. Glory, Light, Power, Knowledge, Beauty, Mercy, Majesty). There are also four or five "intercalary days" just before the Baha'i month of fasting, which are not bound by the 19x19 day system, and thus reflect the infinity/boundlessness of God (say the Baha'i writings), and these are to be days of joy, visiting one another, giving generously, and doing service and acts of charity. (Dr. P.)

"gem-like reality" of human beings

Baha'is believe our special purpose is to know God and to love God. Similar to how the Manifestations of God (like Muhammad and Jesus) are "luminous gems of holiness," human virtues and qualities, such as compassion, honesty, integrity, friendliness, and loyalty, are qualities we are able to develop and reflect from the gems of our souls. We are reflecting His greatness, the many facets of His glory, His perfections, His attributes, His characteristics (which we show as virtues) when we know Him, learn from Him, and love Him. From all created things, God has singled the pure out for this special favor of a gem-like reality with the unique capacity to reflect His glory (Pschaide. Baha'i Faith: Oneness of Humanity. 29 March 2016. Lecture). (Shelly Stuckman)

Promised One

Baha'is consider Baha'u'llah to be the One promised by Messengers and Prophets of other religious scriptures, the One to bring justice, peace, and brotherhood to the planet, uniting all races, religions, and peoples in harmony. Baha'i writings cite promises of the Immaculate Incarnation of Krishna, the 5th Buddha or Maitreya Buddha, the Prince of Peace, and the Return of Christ, which Baha'is believe that Baha'u'llah fulfills. (Dr. P.) Is what the center of the teaching are surrounded by. He is chosen by the members who feel had loyalty, self-devotion, and a well trained mind. (pg.483) shelbie oconnor

Scriptures

Baha'is consider the writings of the Bab and Baha'u'llah--of which they wrote many volumes--are the revealed word of God for promised age of humanity's maturity. The writings of Baha'u'llah's son and successor 'Abdu'l-Baha are also considered scripture, while the writings of Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House of Justice are considered "inspired" and "infallible" but not scriptures. The Baha'i Faith also teaches the Qur'an of Islam is the word of God and that the Bible of Judaism and Christianity is "inspired." Many Baha'is also consider scriptures of other religions as "inspired" and incorporate them in inter-faith devotional gatherings, although no official status has been given to those other scriptures in Baha'i official/authoritative statements. (Dr. P.)

Holy Days

Baha'is have nine official holy days in which they are to take off work and spend more time in prayer, celebration, and or commemoration: Birth of Baha'u'llah, Birth of the Bab, Declaration of Baha'u'llah (3 days of the 12 day period are individual "holy days"), Declaration of the Bab, Ascension (i.e. passing) of Baha'u'llah, Martyrdom of the Bab, and the Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Baha. (Dr. P.)

recitation and meditation

Baha'u'llah in his Most Holy Book commands that every believer in God should recite and meditate upon the Words of God in Scripture (Writings of the Bab, Baha'u'llah, the Qur'an, the Bible) for a while each morning and evening. (Dr. P.) ...in formal worship services in Baha'i Houses of Worship, scripture from a variety of religions are recited, often accompanied with meditation (Fisher 9th ed. p. 478). (Garth Schulz)

prayer

Baha'u'llah, the Bab, and 'Abdu'l-Baha revealed thousands of prayers that Baha'is should draw from each day in their daily prayers. Baha'u'llah also gave certain obligatory prayers, similar to Islamic Salah with precise movements of the body to go with it, for Baha'is to say each day. Baha'is are also free to make up their own prayers from the heart. Prayer is considered similar to the lung's respiration but for the soul. (Dr. P.) Each local member is asked to pray and meditate. Baha'i house of Worship has 9 doors and a central dome symbolizing the diversity of ones humanity. (pg. 483) shelbie oconnor) Part of a devotional service done by all religions. Prayers are done by the Bab, and 'Abdu'l-Baha. (Fisher pg. 483) (Heather Donais)

Bahá'í World Centre

In Haifa, Israel, on the Biblical Mount Carmel this includes Shrine of the Bab and 18 garden terraces, the Seat (or administrative building) of the Universal House of Justice, the office of the International Teaching Center, the Baha'i Archives building, the Baha'i library, pilgrimage hospitality buildings, and a number of other auxiliary office buildings. In the future, a Baha'i House of Worship will also be built there. Across the bay in Akka, Israel is the shrine of Baha'u'llah. (Dr. P.)

backbiting

Talking negatively about others is considered a "most grievous of sins" in the Baha'i writings for it "quencheth the light of the heart and extinguisheth the life of the soul", creating divisiveness and animosity towards one another. (Dr. P.) ...This term means when someone mentioning something about a person when he is not there that he hates (to have mentioned), whether it is about his body, his religious characteristics, etc. (Fisher 480) (Steven Bailey)

virtues

The Baha'i Faith says that the purpose of human life is to know and love and draw ever nearer to God, carry forward an ever-advancing civilization, and to develop virtues, such as truthfulness, justice, purity, kindness, radiance, compassion, generosity, forbearance, patience, perseverance, and joy. The Baha'i writings compare the virtues to seeds in the soul waiting to be watered, or as gems ready to be revealed through the influence of spiritual education. Baha'i children's classes often focus on learning more about individual virtues, and Baha'is have been active in public life in promoting discourses of "virtue-centered" classrooms, neighborhoods, and communities, such as the workshops and books of the "Virtues Project." (Dr. P.)

Universal House of Justice

The Universal House of Justice is elected by National Spiritual Assemblies every 5 years. This is the head of the Baha'i Faith for the entire world and the only council whose collective decisions are considered "infallible." They are called to be a source of unity, guidance, and evolution of the worldwide Baha'i community, and a source of guidance, inspiration, peace, and unity for the non-Baha'i world as well. (Dr. P.)

9-person Spiritual Assemblies / Councils

There are no individual priests or pastors leading Baha'i congregations, as each person has the responsibility to study, reflect, and learn about the Baha'i Faith directly from the authoritative sources. Rather, Baha'i communities on the local, regional, and national scale are led by 9-person councils, elected yearly by local Baha'is, with Baha'is 21-years or older, male and female, being eligible. They are to consult thoroughly and impartially on issues confronting Baha'i communities and ways to strengthen it and serve the generality of society. Individual Baha'is on the these councils have no more authority than other Baha'is, but when the council makes a collective decision, that decision has authority for the Baha'is. (Dr. P.)

Baha'u'llah

This Persian nobleman (1817-1892) founded the Baha'i Faith. The heart of his message is shown in the Kitab-i-Iqan. According to the book "Living Religions" this man "proclaimed his own message as the most advanced and the one appropriate for this time. It contains the same eternal truths as the earlier truths as the earlier revelations, but with some new features" (Fisher, p. 482-483). (Tatum Heeres & Dr. P.) He was one of the imprisoned followers of "Bab," who wasn't executed like many of the other followers and Bab himself. "He revealed himself as the messenger proclaimed by the Bab." (Fisher page 482) (Lindsey Felty) Prior to being imprisoned he was also banished and had all of his wealth stripped away. Torture was also involved prior to his imprisonment in Palestine. (482) (Jonathan Jenkins) He was exiled to Baghdad, Iraq in 1853,, then to Istanbul/Constantinople in 1863, then Edirne/Adrionople, then Akka, (in Palestine/Israel) in 1868. (Dr. P.)