Bahá'í Faith: Difference between revisions

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==Practices==
==Practices==


Bahá'í [[spirituality]] tends to consist of textual study, [[prayer]], and recitation. [[Monasticism]] is forbidden, and Bahá'ís attempt to ground their spirituality in ordinary daily life. Performing useful work, for example, is not only required but considered a form of [[worship]].<ref name="britannica" />
===The Covenant===
{{main|Covenant of Bahá'u'lláh}}
Bahá'ís have high regard for what is termed the "Greater Covenant", which they see as universal in nature, and from "time immemorial" has been carried through by the [[Manifestation of God|Manifestations of God]] of all ages.<ref>{{cite book |last= Taherzadeh |first= Adib |year= 1972 |title= The Covenant of Bahá'u'lláh |publisher= George Ronald |location=Oxford, UK |id= ISBN 0853983445}}</ref> They also regard highly the "Lesser Covenant", which is viewed as an agreement between a Manifestation of God and his followers; the lesser covenant is viewed as unique to each revelation and includes the [[Progressive revelation|distinguishing characteristics]] of each revelation and the continuation of authority in the religion.<ref name="momen_covenant">{{cite web | title = Covenant, The, and Covenant-breaker | last = Momen | first = Moojan | accessdate = 2006-06-14 | url = http://bahai-library.com/?file=momen_encyclopedia_covenant#3.%20The%20Lesser%20Covenant }}</ref>At this time Bahá'ís view Bahá'u'lláh's revelation as a binding lesser covenant for his followers; in the Bahá'í writings being firm in the covenant is considered as one of the main religious virtues a person can work toward.<ref name="momen_covenant" />
With unity as an essential teaching of the Faith, Bahá'ís follow an [[Bahá'í administration|administration]] that they believe is divinely ordained, and therefore see attempts to create schisms and divisions as insignificant, doomed efforts which are contrary to the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh. Throughout the Faith's history schisms have occurred over the succession of authority.<ref name="momen_covenant" /> The followers of the various [[Bahá'í divisions]], who in total, number in the low thousands, are regarded as [[Covenant-breaker]]s and shunned,<ref name="momen_covenant" /> essentially [[Excommunication|excommunicated]].
==History==
[[Image:Shrine Bab North West.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Shrine of the Báb in [[Haifa]], [[Israel]].]]
{{main|Bahá'í history}}
Bahá'ís regard the period from the [[Báb]]'s 1844 declaration in Shiraz, to the 1921 passing of [[`Abdu'l-Bahá]], as the Heroic Age of the Faith. During this period its early believers experienced great [[Persecution of Bahá'ís|persecution]] and its foundations were established in several countries around the world. The period after 1921 is described as the Formative Age. [[Shoghi Effendi]] characterized this era as coinciding with the Bahá'í Faith's emergence from obscurity, by the establishment and "maturation" of its administrative institutions, and by the faith's world-wide expansion. He indicated that the Formative Age would eventually transition into a future Golden Age in which the Bahá'í Faith "is embraced by the majority of the peoples of a number of the Sovereign States of the world".<ref>{{cite book |first=Shoghi |last=Effendi |authorlink= Shoghi Effendi |year= 1938 |title= The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh |publisher=Bahá'í Publishing Trust |location=Wilmette, Illinois, USA |id= ISBN 0877432317 |pages = pp. 7|url= http://reference.bahai.org/en/t/se/WOB/wob-3.html#pg7}}</ref>
===The Báb===
:''Main articles: [[Báb]], [[Bábism]], [[Bahá'í/Bábí split]]''
In 1844 Siyyid `Alí-Muhammad of [[Shiraz, Iran]] proclaimed that he was "[[Báb|The Báb]]" ({{ArB|الباب}} "The Gate"), after a [[Shi'a Islam|Shi'a]] religious concept.<ref name="affolter">{{cite journal | last = Affolter | first = Friedrich W.  | year = 2005 | month = Jan. | title = The Specter of Ideological Genocide: The Bahá'ís of Iran | journal = War Crimes, Genocide, & Crimes against Humanity | volume = 1 | issue = 1 | pages = pp. 75-114 | url =http://www.aa.psu.edu/journals/war-crimes/v1n1a3.pdf| accessdate = 2006-05-31}}</ref> His followers were therefore known as [[Bábism|Bábís]]. As the Báb's teachings spread, the Islamic government saw it as a threat to state religion and Bábís were persecuted.<ref name="britannica" /> Several military confrontations took place between government and Bábí forces. The Báb himself was imprisoned and eventually executed in 1850.<ref>{{cite journal | url = http://bahai-library.com/theses/dying/ | last = Winter | first = Jonah | date =1997-09-17 | title= Dying for God: Martyrdom in the Shii and Babi Religions | journal = Master of Arts Thesis, University of Toronto }}</ref>
Bahá'ís see the Báb as the forerunner of the Bahá'í Faith, because the Báb's writings introduced the concept of "[[He whom God shall make manifest]]", a Messianic figure whose coming, according to Bahá'ís, was announced in the scriptures of all of the world's great religions, and whom Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith, claimed to be in 1863.<ref name="britannica" />  [[Shrine of the Báb|The Báb's tomb]] is located in [[Haifa|Haifa, Israel]], and is an important place of [[Bahá'í pilgrimage|pilgrimage]] for Bahá'ís. The remains of the Báb were brought secretly from Persia to the Holy Land and were eventually interred in the Shrine built for them in a spot specifically designated by Bahá'u'lláh.<ref name="balyuzi">{{cite book |first=Hasan |last=Balyuzi  |year=2001 |title=`Abdu'l-Bahá: The Centre of the Covenant of Bahá'u'lláh |edition=Paperback |publisher=George Ronald |location=Oxford, UK |id=ISBN 0853980438}}</ref>
===Bahá'u'lláh===
{{main|Bahá'u'lláh}}
Mirza Husayn `Alí of Nur was one of the early followers of the Báb, who later took the title of Bahá'u'lláh. He was arrested and imprisoned for this involvement in 1852. He claimed that while incarcerated in the dungeon of the [[Síyáh-Chál]] ("black pit") in [[Tehran]], he received the first intimations that he was the One anticipated by the Báb.<ref name="eor" /> (He shared this privately in 1863, and publicly in 1866.)
Shortly thereafter he was expelled from [[Persian Empire|Persia]] to [[Baghdad]],<ref name="eor" /> in the [[Ottoman Empire]]; then to [[Istanbul|Constantinople]]; then to [[Edirne|Adrianople]]. During this time tensions grew between Bahá'u'lláh and [[Subh-i-Azal]], the appointed leader of the Bábís, culminating in Bahá'u'lláh's 1866 declaration.<ref name="iranica">{{cite encyclopedia
|encyclopedia= Encyclopædia Iranica |year= 1989 |article=Baha'-allah}}</ref>While in Adrianople, he wrote letters to several rulers of the world, including Sultan [[Abd-ul-Aziz]], declaring his mission as a Messenger of God. As a result Bahá'u'lláh was banished a final time, to the penal colony of [[Acre, Israel|`Akká]], in present-day [[Israel]].<ref name="iranica" />
Towards the end of his life, the strict and harsh confinement was gradually relaxed, and he was allowed to live in a home near Akká, while still officially a prisoner of that city.<ref name="iranica" /> He died there in 1892. Bahá'ís regard his resting place at [[Mansion of Bahji|Bahji]] as the [[Qiblih]] to which they turn in prayer each day.  During his lifetime, Bahá'u'lláh left a large volume of writings; the ''[[Kitáb-i-Aqdas]]'', and the [[Kitáb-i-Íqán|Book of Certitude]] are recognized as primary Bahá'í theological works, and the [[Hidden Words]] and the [[Seven Valleys]] as primary mystical treatises.
===`Abdu'l-Bahá===
{{main|`Abdu'l-Bahá}}
Bahá'u'lláh was succeeded by his eldest son, `Abdu'l-Bahá in 1892, at a time when only a handful of Bahá'ís existed in the [[Western world|West]]. He was designated as the "Centre of the Covenant" and "Head of the Faith," Bahá'u'lláh designated him in his will as the sole authoritative interpreter of Bahá'u'lláh's writings. <ref>{{cite book |author=Bahá'u'lláh |authorlink=Bahá'u'lláh |origyear=1873-92 |year=1994 |title=Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh Revealed After the Kitáb-i-Aqdas |publisher=Bahá'í Publishing Trust |location=Wilmette, Illinois, USA |id=ISBN 0877431744 |url=http://reference.bahai.org/en/t/b/TB/ |pages=pp.217}}</ref><ref name="balyuzi" />
`Abdu'l-Bahá had shared his father's long exile and imprisonment. This imprisonment continued until `Abdu'l-Bahá's own release as a result of the "[[Young Turk]]" revolution in 1908.  Following his release he led a life of travelling, speaking, and maintaining correspondence with communities of believers and individuals, expounding the principles of the Bahá'í Faith.<ref name="eor" /> `Abdu'l-Bahá died in [[Haifa]] on [[November 28]], [[1921]] and is now buried in one of the front rooms in the Shrine of the Báb.
===Bahá'í administration===
[[Image:Willandtestofabdulbaha.jpg|right|110px|]]
{{main|Bahá'í administration}}
Bahá'u'lláh's ''[[Kitáb-i-Aqdas]]'' and ''The [[Will and Testament of `Abdu'l-Bahá]]'' are foundation documents of the [[Bahá'í administration|Bahá'í administrative order]]. Bahá'u'lláh established the elected [[Universal House of Justice]]; and `Abdu'l-Bahá established the appointed hereditary Guardianship and clarified the relationship between the two institutions.<ref name="balyuzi"/> In his Will, `Abdu'l-Bahá appointed his eldest grandson, [[Shoghi Effendi]], as the first Guardian of the Bahá'í Faith.<ref name="esslemont" />
Shoghi Effendi throughout his lifetime translated the sacred writings of the Faith; developed global plans for the expansion of the Bahá'í community; developed the [[Bahá'í World Centre]]; carried on a voluminous correspondence with communities and individuals around the world; and built the administrative structure of the Faith, preparing the community for the election of the Universal House of Justice.<ref name="eor" /> He died in 1957 under conditions that didn't allow for a successor to be appointed.
At local, regional, and national levels, Bahá'ís elect members to nine-person [[Spiritual Assembly|Spiritual Assemblies]], which run the affairs of the religion.<ref name="britannica" /> There are also [[Institution of the Counsellors|appointed individuals]] working at various levels, including locally and internationally which perform the function of propagating the faith and protecting the community.<ref name="britannica" /> The latter do not serve as [[clergy]], which the Bahá'í Faith does not have.<ref name="britannica" />
The Universal House of Justice today remains the supreme governing body of the Bahá'í Faith, and its 9 members are elected every five years by the members of all National Spiritual Assemblies.<ref>{{cite book | chapter = Bahá'í Faith: A portraint | first = Robert | last = Stockman | title = A SourceBook for Earth's Community of Religions | editor = Joel Beversluis (ed) | location = Grand Rapids, MI | publisher = CoNexus Press | year = 1995}}</ref> Any male Bahá'í, 21 years or older, is eligible to be elected to the Universal House of Justice; all other positions are open to male and female Bahá'ís.
==Involvement in society==
===Work ethic===
Bahá'u'lláh prohibited a [[Mendicancy|mendicant]] and [[Asceticism|ascetic]] lifestyle,<ref name="britannica" /> encouraging Bahá'ís to "Be anxiously concerned with the needs of the age ye live in, and centre your deliberations on its exigencies and requirements."<ref>{{cite book |author= Bahá'u'lláh |authorlink=Bahá'u'lláh |year=1991 |title=Proclamation of Bahá'u'lláh |publisher=Bahá'í Publishing Trust |location=Wilmette, Illinois, USA |id=ISBN 0877430640 |url=http://reference.bahai.org/en/t/b/PB/pb-61.html#gr1 |pages=pp. 122}}</ref> The importance of self-exertion and service to humanity in man's spiritual life is emphasised further in Bahá'u'lláh's writings, where he states that work done in the spirit of service to humanity enjoys a rank equal to that of prayer and worship in the sight of God.<ref name="britannica" />
===United Nations===
Bahá'u'lláh wrote of the need for world government in this age of humanity's collective life. Because of this emphasis many Bahá'ís have chosen to support the [[United Nations]] since its inception. The [[Bahá'í International Community]], an agency under the direction of the [[Universal House of Justice]] in [[Haifa]] has consultative status with the following organizations:<ref name="bic">{{cite web | title = History of Active Cooperation with the United Nations| author = Bahá'í International Community | publisher = bahai.org | url = http://statements.bahai.org/about.cfm | date = 2006 | accessdate = 2006-06-15}}</ref>
*[[United Nations Economic and Social Council]] (ECOSOC)
*[[United Nations Children's Fund]] (UNICEF)
*[[World Health Organization]] (WHO)
*[[UNIFEM|United Nations Development Fund for Women]] (UNIFEM)
*[[United Nations Environment Programme]] (UNEP)
The Bahá'í International Community has offices at the United Nations in [[New York]] and [[Geneva]] and representations to United Nations regional commissions and other offices in [[Addis Ababa]], [[Bangkok]], [[Nairobi]], [[Rome]], [[Santiago, Chile|Santiago]], and [[Vienna]].<ref name="bic" /> In recent years an Office of the Environment and an Office for the Advancement of Women were established as part of its United Nations Office. The Bahá'í Faith has also undertaken joint development programs with various other United Nations agencies.  In the 2000 [[Millennium Development Goals|Millennium Forum]] of the [[United Nations]] a Bahá'í was invited as the only non-governmental speaker during the summit.<ref>{{cite web |author=Bahá'í World News Service | publisher =Bahá'í International Community | title= Bahá'í United Nations Representative Addresses World Leaders at the Millennium Summit|url =http://www.bahai.org/article-1-1-0-3.html | date=2000-09-08 | accessdate = 2006-06-01}}</ref> See [http://www.bahai.org/article-1-6-0-6.html this article] for further information on the relationship between the Bahá'í International Community and the United Nations.
===International plans===
In 1939 [[Shoghi Effendi]] launched a seven year plan, followed by another in 1946.<ref>{{cite book | title=Studying the Writings of Shoghi Effendi | chapter = The Life of Shoghi Effendi | first = Helen | last = Danesh | coauthors = Danesh, John; Danesh, Amelia | = location = Oxford | publisher = George Ronald | year = 1991 | id = ISBN 0853983364 | editor = M. Bergsmo (Ed.)}}</ref> In 1953 [[Shoghi Effendi]] launched the [[Ten Year Crusade|Ten Year World Crusade]], with extremely ambitious goals for the expansion of Bahá'í communities and institutions, the translation of [[Bahá'í literature]] into several new languages, and the sending of [[Pioneering (Bahá'í)|Bahá'í pioneers]] into previously unreached nations.<ref>{{cite journal | journal = Journal of Bahá'í Studies | title= Baha'i History in the Formative Age | first = Graham | last= Hassal | volume = 6 | issue = 4 | year = 1996 | pages=pp.1-21}}</ref> He announced in letters during the Ten Year Crusade that it would be followed by other plans under the direction of the Universal House of Justice, which was elected in 1963 at the culmination of the Crusade. The House of Justice then launched a nine year plan in 1964, and a series of subsequent multi-year plans of varying length and goals followed, guiding the direction of the international Bahá'í community.<ref>{{cite journal |title= The Baha'i Faith 1957-1988: A Survey of Contemporary Developments | first = Moojan | last = Momen | coauthors = Smith, Peter | year = 1989 |  url = http://bahai-library.com/?file=momen_smith_developments_1957-1988.html |volume = 19 | journal = Religion | pages=pp. 63-91}}</ref>
===Current international plan===
Since the late 1990's, the House of Justice has been directing communities to prepare for large-scale expansion, organizing localities into "clusters", creating new institutions such as [[Spiritual Assembly|Regional Councils]] and strengthening the various "training institutes". <ref name="uhj_letter_2003">{{cite web | author = Universal House of Justice | title = 17 January 2003 letter | date=2003-01-17  | accessdate = 2006-06-15 | publisher= bahai-library.org | url = http://bahai-library.com/published.uhj/jan17.html}}</ref>The recently completed five-year plan (2001-2006) focused on developing institutions and creating the means to "sustain large-scale expansion and consolidation" (Rid&#803;ván 158). Since 2001, the Bahá'ís around the world have been specifically encouraged to focus on children's classes, devotional gatherings, and a systematic study of the Faith, known as [[Bahá'í study circle|study circles]].<ref name="uhj_letter_2003" /> A new focus was added in December 2005 with the addition of "[http://www.ruhiresources.org/index.php?src=gendocs&link=Junior%20Youth&category=Main junior youth]" classes to the core activities, focusing on education for those between 11 and 14.<ref name="second_five">{{cite book | title = Five Year Plan 2006-2011 | author = Universal House Of Justice | publisher = Palabra Publications | year = 2006  | location = West Palm Beach, Florida}}</ref>
The second five-year plan (2006-2011) was launched by the [[Universal House of Justice]] in April of 2006; it calls upon the Bahá'ís of the world to establish advanced patterns of growth and community development in over 1,500 "clusters" around the world.<ref name="second_five" /> It also alludes to a possible tier-election process for [[Spiritual Assembly|Local Spiritual Assemblies]] in localities with many Bahá'ís. The years from 2001 until 2021 represent four successive five-year plans, culminating in the centennial anniversary of the passing of [[`Abdu'l-Bahá]].<ref name="second_five" />
===Study circles===
{{main|Bahá'í study circle}}
Along with a focus on consolidation has come a system designed to systematically bring Bahá'í education to the grassroots level. The "study circles" are intended to be sustainable and self-perpetuating on a large scale. Participants complete a sequence of workbooks in small groups, facilitated by a tutor. Upon completion of the sequence, a participant can then go on to facilitate study circles for others.
The most popular study program is the [[Ruhi Institute]], a study course originally designed for use in [[Colombia]], but which has received wide use. The first book studies three themes: the [[Bahá'í literature|Bahá'í writings]], [[prayer]], and [[Afterlife|life and death]]. Subsequent themes include the education of children, the lives of the Báb and Bahá'u'lláh, service, and others.
==Social practices==
===Laws===
{{main|Bahá'í laws}}
The laws of the Bahá'í Faith primarily come from the ''[[Kitáb-i-Aqdas]]'', Bahá'u'lláh's book of laws.  While some of the laws from the Kitáb-i-Aqdas are applicable at the present time, Bahá'u'lláh has provided for the progressive application of other laws that are dependent upon the existence of a predominantly Bahá'í society, which is expected gradually to come into being.<ref name ="aqdas_intro">{{cite book |author=Universal House of Justice |year=1992 |title=The Kitáb-i-Aqdas | chapter = Introduction |publisher=Bahá'í Publishing Trust |location=Wilmette, Illinois, USA |id=ISBN 0853989990 |url=http://reference.bahai.org/en/t/b/KA/ka-2.html#gr12 | pages = pp. 5 }}</ref> The laws, when not in direct conflict with the civil laws of the country of residence are binding on every Bahá'í.<ref name ="aqdas_intro" /> The observance of personal laws such as prayer or fasting, while a universal obligation, is the sole responsibility of the individual. <ref name="log_233">{{cite book |first=Shoghi |last=Effendi |authorlink= Shoghi Effendi |coauthors= The Universal House of Justice |editor= Hornby, Helen (Ed.)  |year= 1983  |title= Lights of Guidance: A Bahá'í Reference File  |publisher= Bahá'í Publishing Trust, New Delhi, India  |id= ISBN 8185091463 |url= http://bahai-library.com/?file=hornby_lights_guidance |pages= pg. 233}}</ref><ref name="walbridge">{{cite web | url = http://bahai-library.org/encyclopedia/prayer.html | title = Prayer and Worship | first = John |last = Walbridge | date =2006-03-23 | accessdate = 2006-07-11 | publisher = bahai-library.org}}</ref> Other laws may be enforced to a degree by the administrative order, while still others are dependent upon the existence of a predominantly Bahá'í society.<ref name="enforce">{{cite web | author = Universal House of Justice | url = http://bahai-library.org/uhj/law.html | title = Letter to a National Spiritual Assembly | date = 1991-12-9| accessdate = 2006-07-11| publisher = bahai-library.org}}</ref>  
The laws of the Bahá'í Faith primarily come from the ''[[Kitáb-i-Aqdas]]'', Bahá'u'lláh's book of laws.  While some of the laws from the Kitáb-i-Aqdas are applicable at the present time, Bahá'u'lláh has provided for the progressive application of other laws that are dependent upon the existence of a predominantly Bahá'í society, which is expected gradually to come into being.<ref name ="aqdas_intro">{{cite book |author=Universal House of Justice |year=1992 |title=The Kitáb-i-Aqdas | chapter = Introduction |publisher=Bahá'í Publishing Trust |location=Wilmette, Illinois, USA |id=ISBN 0853989990 |url=http://reference.bahai.org/en/t/b/KA/ka-2.html#gr12 | pages = pp. 5 }}</ref> The laws, when not in direct conflict with the civil laws of the country of residence are binding on every Bahá'í.<ref name ="aqdas_intro" /> The observance of personal laws such as prayer or fasting, while a universal obligation, is the sole responsibility of the individual. <ref name="log_233">{{cite book |first=Shoghi |last=Effendi |authorlink= Shoghi Effendi |coauthors= The Universal House of Justice |editor= Hornby, Helen (Ed.)  |year= 1983  |title= Lights of Guidance: A Bahá'í Reference File  |publisher= Bahá'í Publishing Trust, New Delhi, India  |id= ISBN 8185091463 |url= http://bahai-library.com/?file=hornby_lights_guidance |pages= pg. 233}}</ref><ref name="walbridge">{{cite web | url = http://bahai-library.org/encyclopedia/prayer.html | title = Prayer and Worship | first = John |last = Walbridge | date =2006-03-23 | accessdate = 2006-07-11 | publisher = bahai-library.org}}</ref> Other laws may be enforced to a degree by the administrative order, while still others are dependent upon the existence of a predominantly Bahá'í society.<ref name="enforce">{{cite web | author = Universal House of Justice | url = http://bahai-library.org/uhj/law.html | title = Letter to a National Spiritual Assembly | date = 1991-12-9| accessdate = 2006-07-11| publisher = bahai-library.org}}</ref>  
These laws are not taught as a rigid legalistic framework concerned with enforcement and punishment. Instead, they are regarded as an indispensable part of human spiritual progress. One commonly referenced comment of Bahá'u'lláh states:  
These laws are not taught as a rigid legalistic framework concerned with enforcement and punishment. Instead, they are regarded as an indispensable part of human spiritual progress. One commonly referenced comment of Bahá'u'lláh states:  
Line 157: Line 81:
*[[Gambling]] is strictly forbidden, as well as the consumption of [[narcotics]] such as [[opium]].
*[[Gambling]] is strictly forbidden, as well as the consumption of [[narcotics]] such as [[opium]].


===Places of worship===
 
 
Bahá'í [[spirituality]] tends to consist of textual study, [[prayer]], and recitation. [[Monasticism]] is forbidden, and Bahá'ís attempt to ground their spirituality in ordinary daily life. Performing useful work, for example, is not only required but considered a form of [[worship]].<ref name="britannica" />
 
===The Covenant===
{{main|Covenant of Bahá'u'lláh}}
Bahá'ís have high regard for what is termed the "Greater Covenant", which they see as universal in nature, and from "time immemorial" has been carried through by the [[Manifestation of God|Manifestations of God]] of all ages.<ref>{{cite book |last= Taherzadeh |first= Adib |year= 1972 |title= The Covenant of Bahá'u'lláh |publisher= George Ronald |location=Oxford, UK |id= ISBN 0853983445}}</ref> They also regard highly the "Lesser Covenant", which is viewed as an agreement between a Manifestation of God and his followers; the lesser covenant is viewed as unique to each revelation and includes the [[Progressive revelation|distinguishing characteristics]] of each revelation and the continuation of authority in the religion.<ref name="momen_covenant">{{cite web | title = Covenant, The, and Covenant-breaker | last = Momen | first = Moojan | accessdate = 2006-06-14 | url = http://bahai-library.com/?file=momen_encyclopedia_covenant#3.%20The%20Lesser%20Covenant }}</ref>At this time Bahá'ís view Bahá'u'lláh's revelation as a binding lesser covenant for his followers; in the Bahá'í writings being firm in the covenant is considered as one of the main religious virtues a person can work toward.<ref name="momen_covenant" />
 
With unity as an essential teaching of the Faith, Bahá'ís follow an [[Bahá'í administration|administration]] that they believe is divinely ordained, and therefore see attempts to create schisms and divisions as insignificant, doomed efforts which are contrary to the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh. Throughout the Faith's history schisms have occurred over the succession of authority.<ref name="momen_covenant" /> The followers of the various [[Bahá'í divisions]], who in total, number in the low thousands, are regarded as [[Covenant-breaker]]s and shunned,<ref name="momen_covenant" /> essentially [[Excommunication|excommunicated]].
 
==Places of worship==
[[Image:Chile2.jpg|thumb|200px|right|The night view of a model of the new [[Bahá'í House of Worship]] under construction in [[Chile]].]]
[[Image:Chile2.jpg|thumb|200px|right|The night view of a model of the new [[Bahá'í House of Worship]] under construction in [[Chile]].]]
{{main|Bahá'í House of Worship}}
{{main|Bahá'í House of Worship}}
Most Bahá'í meetings occur in individuals' homes, local Bahá'í centers, or rented facilities. Worldwide, there are currently seven Bahá'í Houses of Worship, basically one per continent, with an eighth under construction in Chile.<ref>{{cite web | author=adherents.com | publisher=adherents.com | title=Baha'i Houses of Worship | url= http://www.adherents.com/largecom/bahai_HoW.html | date = 2001-05 | accessdate=2006-06-14}}</ref> Bahá'í writings refer to an institution called a [[Bahá'í House of Worship|Ma<u>sh</u>riqu'l-A<u>dh</u>kár]] (Dawning-place of the Mention of God), which is to form the center of a complex of institutions including a hospital, university, and so on.<ref name="esslemont" /> Only the first ever Ma<u>sh</u>riqu'l-A<u>dh</u>kár in [[Ashgabat|'Ishqábád]], [[Turkmenistan]], was built to such a degree.
Most Bahá'í meetings occur in individuals' homes, local Bahá'í centers, or rented facilities. Worldwide, there are currently seven Bahá'í Houses of Worship, basically one per continent, with an eighth under construction in Chile.<ref>{{cite web | author=adherents.com | publisher=adherents.com | title=Baha'i Houses of Worship | url= http://www.adherents.com/largecom/bahai_HoW.html | date = 2001-05 | accessdate=2006-06-14}}</ref> Bahá'í writings refer to an institution called a [[Bahá'í House of Worship|Ma<u>sh</u>riqu'l-A<u>dh</u>kár]] (Dawning-place of the Mention of God), which is to form the center of a complex of institutions including a hospital, university, and so on.<ref name="esslemont" /> Only the first ever Ma<u>sh</u>riqu'l-A<u>dh</u>kár in [[Ashgabat|'Ishqábád]], [[Turkmenistan]], was built to such a degree.


===Marriage===
==Symbols==
{{main|Bahá'í marriage}}
Bahá'í [[marriage]] is the union of a man and a woman.  Its purpose is mainly spiritual and is to foster harmony, fellowship and unity between the two partners.<ref name="marriage_pamphlet">{{cite web | author = Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Warwick | title= Baha'i Marriage | date = 2003-10-12 | url = http://www.netcomuk.co.uk/~vickers/warwick_bookshop/pages/marriage.html | accessdate = 2006-06-14 | publisher = Bahá'ís of Warwick}}</ref> The Bahá'í teachings on marriage call it a ''fortress for well-being and salvation'' and place marriage and the family as the foundation of the structure of [[society|human society]]. Bahá'u'lláh highly praised the institution of marriage, declaring it an eternal command of God, also discouraging divorce, and requiring [[chastity]] outside of marriage; Bahá'u'lláh taught that a husband and wife should strive to improve the spiritual life of each other.<ref name="marriage_pamphlet" />
 
Bahá'ís intending to marry "should study each other's character and spend time getting to know each other before they decide to marry, and when they do marry it should be with the intention of establishing an eternal bond." <ref>{{cite book | publisher =  Bahá’í Publishing Trust |location= Willmette, IL| title=Bahá'í marriage and family life : selections from the writings of the Bahá'í Faith |date =1997 |id = ISBN 0877432589 | url=http://studycircle.angeltowns.com/marriage.htm}}</ref> Although parents should not choose partners for their children, once two individuals decide to marry, they must receive the consent of all living parents, even if one partner is not a Bahá'í.<ref name="esslemont" /> [[Interracial marriage]] is highly praised in the [[Bahá'í teachings]]. The Bahá'í marriage ceremony is simple; the only compulsory part of the wedding is the reading of the wedding vows prescribed by [[Bahá'u'lláh]] which both the groom and the bride read, in the presence of two witnesses.<ref name="esslemont" /> The vows are:
:"We will all, verily, abide by the Will of God." <ref>{{cite book |author=Bahá'u'lláh |authorlink=Bahá'u'lláh |origyear=1873 |year=1992 |title=The Kitáb-i-Aqdas: The Most Holy Book
|publisher=Bahá'í Publishing Trust |location=Wilmette, Illinois, USA |id=ISBN 0853989990
|url=http://reference.bahai.org/en/t/b/KA/ka-15.html#gr6| pages=pp. 105}}</ref>
 
===Symbols===
[[Image:Bahaistar.jpg|thumb|200px|A stylized nine pointed star, with the calligraphy of the [[Bahá'í symbols#The Greatest Name|Greatest Name]] in the centre.]]
[[Image:Bahaistar.jpg|thumb|200px|A stylized nine pointed star, with the calligraphy of the [[Bahá'í symbols#The Greatest Name|Greatest Name]] in the centre.]]
{{main|Bahá'í symbols}}
{{main|Bahá'í symbols}}
The official symbol of the Bahá'í Faith is the five-pointed star, but a nine-pointed star is more frequently used.<ref>{{cite book |first=Shoghi |last=Effendi |authorlink= Shoghi Effendi |coauthors= The Universal House of Justice |editor= Hornby, Helen (Ed.)  |year= 1983  |title= Lights of Guidance: A Bahá'í Reference File  |publisher= Bahá'í Publishing Trust, New Delhi, India  |id= ISBN 8185091463 |url= http://bahai-library.com/?file=hornby_lights_guidance.html&chapter=2#n375}}</ref> The ringstone symbol and calligraphy of the Greatest Name are also often encountered. The former consists of two stars interspersed with a stylized Bahá’ ({{ArB|بهاء}} "splendor" or "glory") whose shape is meant to recall the three onenesses.<ref>{{cite book |author=Faizi, Abu'l-Qasim |year=1968 |title=Explanation of the Symbol of the Greatest Name |publisher=Bahá'í Publishing Trust, PO Box No. 19, New Delhi, India |url=http://bahai-library.com/?file=faizi_symbol_greatest_name}}</ref> The Greatest Name is Yá Bahá'u'l-'Abhá ({{ArB|يا بهاء الأبهى}} "O Glory of the Most Glorious!")<br clear="left">
The official symbol of the Bahá'í Faith is the five-pointed star, but a nine-pointed star is more frequently used.<ref>{{cite book |first=Shoghi |last=Effendi |authorlink= Shoghi Effendi |coauthors= The Universal House of Justice |editor= Hornby, Helen (Ed.)  |year= 1983  |title= Lights of Guidance: A Bahá'í Reference File  |publisher= Bahá'í Publishing Trust, New Delhi, India  |id= ISBN 8185091463 |url= http://bahai-library.com/?file=hornby_lights_guidance.html&chapter=2#n375}}</ref> The ringstone symbol and calligraphy of the Greatest Name are also often encountered. The former consists of two stars interspersed with a stylized Bahá’ ({{ArB|بهاء}} "splendor" or "glory") whose shape is meant to recall the three onenesses.<ref>{{cite book |author=Faizi, Abu'l-Qasim |year=1968 |title=Explanation of the Symbol of the Greatest Name |publisher=Bahá'í Publishing Trust, PO Box No. 19, New Delhi, India |url=http://bahai-library.com/?file=faizi_symbol_greatest_name}}</ref> The Greatest Name is Yá Bahá'u'l-'Abhá ({{ArB|يا بهاء الأبهى}} "O Glory of the Most Glorious!")<br clear="left">


===Calendar===
==Calendar==
{{main|Bahá'í calendar}}
{{main|Bahá'í calendar}}
The Bahá'í calendar is based upon the calendar established by the Báb. The year consists of 19 months of 19 days, with 4 or 5 intercalary days, to make a full solar year.<ref name="eor" /> The Bahá'í New Year corresponds to the traditional Persian New Year, called [[Norouz|Naw Rúz]], and occurs on the vernal equinox, [[March 21]], at the end of the month of fasting. Bahá'í communities gather at the beginning of each month at a meeting called a [[Nineteen Day Feast|Feast]] for worship, consultation and socializing.<ref name="britannica" />
The Bahá'í calendar is based upon the calendar established by the Báb. The year consists of 19 months of 19 days, with 4 or 5 intercalary days, to make a full solar year.<ref name="eor" /> The Bahá'í New Year corresponds to the traditional Persian New Year, called [[Norouz|Naw Rúz]], and occurs on the vernal equinox, [[March 21]], at the end of the month of fasting. Bahá'í communities gather at the beginning of each month at a meeting called a [[Nineteen Day Feast|Feast]] for worship, consultation and socializing.<ref name="britannica" />
Line 185: Line 110:
{{main|Persecution of Bahá'ís}}
{{main|Persecution of Bahá'ís}}


Bahá'ís claim to be persecuted in Muslim countries--especially [[Iran]], where several hundred Baha'is were executed after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The most recent death
Bahá'ís claim to be persecuted in Muslim countries--especially Iran, where several hundred Baha'is were executed, and various holy sites destroyed, in the wake of the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Several dozen Baha'is are currently imprisoned in Iran, mostly for breaking laws against [[proselytism]].
 
 
 
Since then Baha'is have complained of the 
 
 
 
complained of being forbidden to attend university (students are required to take an exam in one of four recognized religions; Baha'is fear that the government will use selection of the exam on Islam as proof of Muslim status);
 


The most recent Baha'i to have been executed by Iran was Ruhollah Rohani (for proselytizing) in 1998. Another Baha'i,Zabihullah Mahrami, died in 2005 while serving a prison term (for espionage on behalf of Israel). The government of Iran claims that family members, acting on orders from the Baha'i leadership, refused the offer of an autopsy, which it said would reveal the cause of death to have been a heart attack rather than abuse in prison.


, and several hundred have received prison sentences for their religious beliefs, most recently for participating in [[Bahá'í study circle|study circles]]. Bahá'í cemeteries have been desecrated and property seized and occasionally demolished, including the House of Mírzá Burzurg, Bahá'u'lláh's father. The House of the Báb in Shiraz has been destroyed twice, and is one of three sites to which Bahá'ís perform [[Bahá'í pilgrimage|pilgrimage]]. <ref name="affolter" /><ref>{{cite web | author = Netherlands Institute of Human Rights | publisher = Netherlands Institute of Human Rights |title = Iran, Islamic Republic of | date =2006-03-08  | accessdate = 2006-05-31 | url = http://sim.law.uu.nl/SIM/CaseLaw/uncom.nsf/0/e7b8824bdd987268c1256fa8004a8753?OpenDocument}}
Iranian Baha'is have also complained of being being forbidden to attend university in Iran as students there are required to take an exam in one of four recognized religions, and the Baha'is fear that if they take the exam in Islam, this might be used as proof of their Muslim status.
</ref><ref>{{cite web | author = Bahá'í International Community | publisher = Religion News Service |title = Bahá'í International Community dismayed at lack of Human Rights Resolution on Iran | date = 2005-04-14 | accessdate = 2006-03-08 | url = http://www.religionnews.com/press02/PR041505.html}} </ref>


Even more recently the situation of Bahá'ís has worsened; the [[United Nations Commission on Human Rights]] revealed an October 2005 confidential letter from Command Headquarters of the Armed Forces of Iran to identify Bahá'ís and to monitor their activities <ref name="unhchr">{{cite web | author = Asma Jahangir | publisher = United Nations |title = Special Rapporteur on Freedom of religion or belief concerned about treatment of followers of Bahá'í Faith in Iran | date =2006-03-20 | accessdate = 2006-06-01 | url = http://www.unhchr.ch/huricane/huricane.nsf/view01/5E72D6B7B624AABBC125713700572D09?opendocument}}
</ref> and in November 2005 the state-run and influential [[Kayhan]] <ref>{{cite web | author= Michael Rubin | title = Iran Means What It Says | publisher = Middle East Forum | accessdate = 2006-06-01 | date = 2006-01-25 | url =http://www.meforum.org/article/892}}</ref> newspaper, whose managing editor is appointed by Iran's supreme leader, [[Ali Khamenei|Ayatollah Khamenei]],<ref> {{cite web | title=The press in Iran | author = BBC News | publisher = BBC News | date = 2005-08-16 | accessdate =2006-06-01 | url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4308203.stm}}</ref> ran nearly three dozen articles defaming the Bahá'í Faith.<ref>{{cite web | author= Bahá'í International Community | publisher = Bahá'í International Community | title= Summary and Analysis of Recent Media Attacks| date= 2006 | accessdate= 2006-06-01|url=http://www.bahai.org/iranthreat/mediaattacks}}</ref>


Due to these actions, the Special Rapporteur of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights stated on [[March 20]], [[2006]] that she "also expresses concern that the information gained as a result of such monitoring will be used as a basis for the increased persecution of, and discrimination against, members of the Bahá'í faith, in violation of international standards. ... The Special Rapporteur is concerned that this latest development indicates that the situation with regard to religious minorities in Iran is, in fact, deteriorating."<ref name="unhchr" />




Revision as of 23:42, 29 November 2006

The Baha'i religion was founded by Baha'u'llah, a 19th-century Iranian leader of Babi exiles in the Ottoman Empire. Members recognize Baha'u'llah as the most recent of a series of divine prophets, whose revelation supercedes the provisions of Islam as well as other, earlier religions.

From its roots in the Middle East, the Baha'i religion attracted followers from Western countries in the early 20th century, especially in the wake of a 1912-1913 speaking tour by Baha'u'llah's grandson 'Abdul-Baha. During the 1960's, heeding the call of 'Abdul-Baha'is grandson Shoghi Effendi, Baha'i missionaries spread their religion to various Third World countries. Thus the religion has achieved a noteworthy ethnic diversity as well as geographic spread. Recent estimates of their population have ranged from a little more than a million, to upwards of seven million, with Baha'i sources tending toward the higher number.

Schisms have occurred periodically during the religion's history, resulting in the formation of several splinter groups following different lineages of authority. By far the largest grouping of Baha'is recognizes the Universal House of Justice in Haifa, Israel (est. 1963) as its supreme body. Other groups boast perhaps several hundred followers altogether. Members of rival groups shun one another, with each viewing the other as having "broken the covenant."

A central Baha'i teaching is that of the unity of humanity. That is, Baha'is believe that their revelation heralds the gradual rise of a new global civilization, characterized by peace between all nations. Ultimately, most of the world's people are expected to become Baha'is. This emphasis on the unity of humanity parallels the oneness which Baha'is observe in the major world religions, for which they posit a common divine source; as well as the unity of God.

Nomenclature

The word "Baha'i" (/baˈhaːʔiː/)comes from the Arabic word Bahá’ (بهاء), meaning "glory" or "splendor"--a term which forms part of Baha'u'llah's assumed title.

Properly the term "Baha'i" is either an adjective referring to the religion, or a noun for a follower of Baha'u'llah, but not a noun for the religion itself. Today Baha'is often refer to their religion as the "Baha'i Faith"--i.e. preferring "faith" to "religion," and treating it as part of the religion's name. Names like "Baha'ism", "Bahaism", etc. are sometimes encountered in older material, or in material by dissidents, but are avoided by mainstream Baha'is for complex historical reasons. "Baha'i religion" is a common academic usage.

Bahá'ís prefer the orthographies "Bahá'í", "Bahá'ís", "the Báb", "Bahá'u'lláh", and "`Abdu'l-Bahá", using a particular transcription of the Arabic and Persian in publications. The spellings of "Behaism" and "Beha 'Ollah" are associated with now-defunct splinter groups.

Sect or Religion?

Baha'is consider theirs to be an "independent world religion" whose relationship to Islam is similar to that of Christianity to Judaism, or of Buddhism to Hinduism. That is to say, while Baha'is recognize Islam as their parent religion, and the source of much of their theology and practice, they categorically reject a Muslim identity for themselves. Much Baha'i literature insists on the religion's equal status with "other" major world religions (size nothwithstanding). Terms such as "sect" are rejected on theological grounds as they tend to reduce the Baha'i religion to a subset of Islam.

This perspective became normative under the leadership of Shoghi Effendi. Previously, Baha'is from Muslim backgrounds would have been assumed to be Muslims, albeit of a special sect; whereas early Western converts often assumed the Baha'is to be an ecumenical group open to members of any religion.

A number of Muslim authorities reject the notion that Baha'is constitute an independent religion. Islamic law recognizes as a Muslim, anyone who accepts Muhammad as a prophet of God (which Baha'is do). Baha'is accept Muhammad as the Seal of the Prophets, but interpret this phrase in such a way as to allow additional prophets (such as Baha'u'llah) after Muhammad. Thus, from a Muslim perspective they resemble the Ahmadiyyah movement, with the crucial difference that Baha'is claim that Islamic law has been superceded.

In answer to criticism that their religion is too small to deserve comparison with Christianity or Islam, Baha'i literature argues that theirs is the "second-most widespread" religion in the world (after Christianity). Their argument assumes the existence of local and national "spiritual assemblies" to be the criterion by which the claim of "significant presence" in a country may be established. (Larger religions usually prefer to focus on the number of countries in which they are the majority.)

The Baha'i religion is sometimes treated as a New Religious Movement, by those who accept 19th-century movements as "new." As such it would be grouped with Mormonism or Theosophy, or (limiting ourselves to groups claiming to be independent religions) to Tenrikyo or Caodaism--and indeed, constitute one of the largest and most established of such groups.

Beliefs

The purpose of life in the Bahá'í scriptures is to acquire virtues, know God, develop spiritually, and help carry forward an ever-advancing civilization. The personal development is conceived as an organic process, like the development of a fetus, assisted by God's Messengers. Bahá'u'lláh taught of an afterlife in which the soul may progress infinitely through ever-more-exalted spiritual realms. Heaven and Hell are perceived as a reference to an individual's proximity to God, and not as exclusive or physical places.[1]

Bahá'ís believe that while God's essence can never be fully fathomed, he can be understood through his "names and attributes." These are likened to gems and include such divine qualities as compassion or wisdom. The purpose of God in revealing himself to mankind is to bring "the Mystic Gems out of the mine of man." [2]

Baha'i literature often cites lists of core "principles" formulated by 'Abdul-Baha during his tour of Europe and America. The first three of this list are commonly referred to as the "three onenesses":


The Oneness of God

The Oneness of Religion

The Oneness of Humanity

The Equality of Men and Women

The "Elimination of All Forms of Prejudice"

World Peace, under a World Government

Harmony Between Religion and Science

Independent Investigation of Truth

Universal Compulsory Education

A Universal Auxilliary Language

Obedience to Government, Non-involvement in Politics

Elimination of Extremes of Wealth and Poverty

Practices

The laws of the Bahá'í Faith primarily come from the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, Bahá'u'lláh's book of laws. While some of the laws from the Kitáb-i-Aqdas are applicable at the present time, Bahá'u'lláh has provided for the progressive application of other laws that are dependent upon the existence of a predominantly Bahá'í society, which is expected gradually to come into being.[3] The laws, when not in direct conflict with the civil laws of the country of residence are binding on every Bahá'í.[3] The observance of personal laws such as prayer or fasting, while a universal obligation, is the sole responsibility of the individual. [4][5] Other laws may be enforced to a degree by the administrative order, while still others are dependent upon the existence of a predominantly Bahá'í society.[6] These laws are not taught as a rigid legalistic framework concerned with enforcement and punishment. Instead, they are regarded as an indispensable part of human spiritual progress. One commonly referenced comment of Bahá'u'lláh states:

“ Think not that We have revealed unto you a mere code of laws. Nay, rather, We have unsealed the choice Wine with the fingers of might and power.[7] ”

These are a few examples of laws and basic religious observances of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas which have been codified by Shoghi Effendi, the appointed interpreter of the Bahá'í writings:


Bahá'í spirituality tends to consist of textual study, prayer, and recitation. Monasticism is forbidden, and Bahá'ís attempt to ground their spirituality in ordinary daily life. Performing useful work, for example, is not only required but considered a form of worship.[8]

The Covenant

For more information, see: Covenant of Bahá'u'lláh.

Bahá'ís have high regard for what is termed the "Greater Covenant", which they see as universal in nature, and from "time immemorial" has been carried through by the Manifestations of God of all ages.[9] They also regard highly the "Lesser Covenant", which is viewed as an agreement between a Manifestation of God and his followers; the lesser covenant is viewed as unique to each revelation and includes the distinguishing characteristics of each revelation and the continuation of authority in the religion.[10]At this time Bahá'ís view Bahá'u'lláh's revelation as a binding lesser covenant for his followers; in the Bahá'í writings being firm in the covenant is considered as one of the main religious virtues a person can work toward.[10]

With unity as an essential teaching of the Faith, Bahá'ís follow an administration that they believe is divinely ordained, and therefore see attempts to create schisms and divisions as insignificant, doomed efforts which are contrary to the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh. Throughout the Faith's history schisms have occurred over the succession of authority.[10] The followers of the various Bahá'í divisions, who in total, number in the low thousands, are regarded as Covenant-breakers and shunned,[10] essentially excommunicated.

Places of worship

The night view of a model of the new Bahá'í House of Worship under construction in Chile.
For more information, see: Bahá'í House of Worship.

Most Bahá'í meetings occur in individuals' homes, local Bahá'í centers, or rented facilities. Worldwide, there are currently seven Bahá'í Houses of Worship, basically one per continent, with an eighth under construction in Chile.[11] Bahá'í writings refer to an institution called a Mashriqu'l-Adhkár (Dawning-place of the Mention of God), which is to form the center of a complex of institutions including a hospital, university, and so on.[12] Only the first ever Mashriqu'l-Adhkár in 'Ishqábád, Turkmenistan, was built to such a degree.

Symbols

A stylized nine pointed star, with the calligraphy of the Greatest Name in the centre.
For more information, see: Bahá'í symbols.

The official symbol of the Bahá'í Faith is the five-pointed star, but a nine-pointed star is more frequently used.[13] The ringstone symbol and calligraphy of the Greatest Name are also often encountered. The former consists of two stars interspersed with a stylized Bahá’ (Template:ArB "splendor" or "glory") whose shape is meant to recall the three onenesses.[14] The Greatest Name is Yá Bahá'u'l-'Abhá (Template:ArB "O Glory of the Most Glorious!")

Calendar

For more information, see: Bahá'í calendar.

The Bahá'í calendar is based upon the calendar established by the Báb. The year consists of 19 months of 19 days, with 4 or 5 intercalary days, to make a full solar year.[1] The Bahá'í New Year corresponds to the traditional Persian New Year, called Naw Rúz, and occurs on the vernal equinox, March 21, at the end of the month of fasting. Bahá'í communities gather at the beginning of each month at a meeting called a Feast for worship, consultation and socializing.[8]

Each of the 19 months is given a name which is an attribute of God; some examples include Bahá’ (Splendour), ‘Ilm (Knowledge), and Jamál (Beauty).[12]The Baha'i week is familiar in that it consists of seven days, with each day of the week also named after an attribute of God; some examples include Istiqlál (Independence), Kamál (Perfection) and ‘Idál (Justice). Bahá'ís observe 11 Holy Days throughout the year, with work suspended on 9 of these. These days commemorate important anniversaries in the history of the Faith.

Persecution

For more information, see: Persecution of Bahá'ís.


Bahá'ís claim to be persecuted in Muslim countries--especially Iran, where several hundred Baha'is were executed, and various holy sites destroyed, in the wake of the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Several dozen Baha'is are currently imprisoned in Iran, mostly for breaking laws against proselytism.

The most recent Baha'i to have been executed by Iran was Ruhollah Rohani (for proselytizing) in 1998. Another Baha'i,Zabihullah Mahrami, died in 2005 while serving a prison term (for espionage on behalf of Israel). The government of Iran claims that family members, acting on orders from the Baha'i leadership, refused the offer of an autopsy, which it said would reveal the cause of death to have been a heart attack rather than abuse in prison.

Iranian Baha'is have also complained of being being forbidden to attend university in Iran as students there are required to take an exam in one of four recognized religions, and the Baha'is fear that if they take the exam in Islam, this might be used as proof of their Muslim status.



See also

Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named eor
  2. ↑ Bahá'u'lláh [1892] (1988). Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, Paperback. Wilmette, Illinois, USA: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, pp. 13. ISBN 0877431825. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Universal House of Justice (1992). “Introduction”, The Kitáb-i-Aqdas. Wilmette, Illinois, USA: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, pp. 5. ISBN 0853989990. 
  4. ↑ Effendi, Shoghi; The Universal House of Justice (1983). Hornby, Helen (Ed.): Lights of Guidance: A Bahá'í Reference File. Bahá'í Publishing Trust, New Delhi, India, pg. 233. ISBN 8185091463. 
  5. ↑ Walbridge, John (2006-03-23). Prayer and Worship. bahai-library.org. Retrieved on 2006-07-11.
  6. ↑ Universal House of Justice (1991-12-9). Letter to a National Spiritual Assembly. bahai-library.org. Retrieved on 2006-07-11.
  7. ↑ Bahá'u'lláh [1873] (1992). The Kitáb-i-Aqdas: The Most Holy Book. Wilmette, Illinois, USA: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, pp. 21. ISBN 0853989990. 
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named britannica
  9. ↑ Taherzadeh, Adib (1972). The Covenant of Bahá'u'lláh. Oxford, UK: George Ronald. ISBN 0853983445. 
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 Momen, Moojan. Covenant, The, and Covenant-breaker. Retrieved on 2006-06-14.
  11. ↑ adherents.com (2001-05). Baha'i Houses of Worship. adherents.com. Retrieved on 2006-06-14.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named esslemont
  13. ↑ Effendi, Shoghi; The Universal House of Justice (1983). Hornby, Helen (Ed.): Lights of Guidance: A Bahá'í Reference File. Bahá'í Publishing Trust, New Delhi, India. ISBN 8185091463. 
  14. ↑ Faizi, Abu'l-Qasim (1968). Explanation of the Symbol of the Greatest Name. Bahá'í Publishing Trust, PO Box No. 19, New Delhi, India. 

References

External links

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