Bahá’í Faith
The Bahá’í Faith is a monotheistic religion founded in 19th-century Persia by Bahá’u’lláh, centered on the unity of God, religion, and humanity.
Its founder spent much of his life imprisoned and exiled by two different empires, yet the faith he preached — built around the unity of all religions and all people — still spread to nearly every country in the world.
A Forerunner's Announcement
The religion traces its origins to the Báb, who in 1844 announced himself as the forerunner of a promised messenger from God, sparking a religious movement in Persia that would soon face intense persecution from both religious and political authorities.
Bahá'u'lláh's Declaration
In 1863, Bahá'u'lláh declared himself to be the promised messenger foretold by the Báb, teaching a message centered on the fundamental spiritual unity of all people and all major world religions.
Core Teachings
Central Bahá'í teachings include the oneness of God, the oneness of religion, viewing the major world faiths as successive chapters of a single unfolding divine revelation, and the oneness of humanity, alongside progressive principles including the equality of women and men.
Decades of Exile
Bahá'u'lláh spent much of his life imprisoned and exiled by both Persian and Ottoman authorities, eventually settling near Akka, in present-day Israel, where the religion's holiest shrines are now located and continue to draw Bahá'í pilgrims.
A Faith Without Clergy
The religion has since spread worldwide and notably has no ordained clergy, with local and national elected councils instead guiding community affairs, reflecting the faith's emphasis on collective decision-making and consultation.
