185-631: Baháʼu'lláh (born Ḥusayn-ʻAlí ; 12 November 1817 – 29 May 1892) was an Iranian religious leader who founded the Baháʼí Faith . He was born to an aristocratic family in Iran and was exiled due to his adherence to the messianic Bábi Faith . In 1863, in Iraq , he first announced his claim to a revelation from God and spent the rest of his life in further imprisonment in the Ottoman Empire . His teachings revolved around
370-627: A united world , the need for ethical actions, and many prayers . In 1890, Cambridge orientalist Edward Granville Browne was able to interview Baháʼu'lláh in Bahji. After this meeting he wrote his famous pen-portrait of Baháʼu'lláh: In the corner where the divan met the wall sat a wondrous and venerable figure... The face of him on whom I gazed I can never forget, though I cannot describe it. Those piercing eyes seemed to read one's very soul; power and authority sat on that ample brow... No need to ask in whose presence I stood, as I bowed myself before one who
555-469: A "rational soul", and that this provides the species with a unique capacity to recognize God's status and humanity's relationship with its creator. Every human is seen to have a duty to recognize God through his Messengers , and to conform to their teachings. Through recognition and obedience, service to humanity and regular prayer and spiritual practice, the Baháʼí writings state that the soul becomes closer to God,
740-534: A Bábí should, and having repeatedly forgiven him for things he had done in the past, Bahá’u’lláh decided the time had come to formally declare to Mirza Yahya that he was God's latest manifestation, the Promised One of the Báb, "Him whom God shall make manifest"—because doing so would require him to obey Bahá’u’lláh if Yahya were to remain faithful to the Báb. Bahá’u’lláh made that declaration to Yahya in early March 1866 through
925-453: A center for activities, and he generously gave financial support for the religion. In the summer of 1848, Bahá’u’lláh attended and hosted a gathering at Badasht in the province of Khorasan , where 84 Bábí disciples met for 22 days. At that conference historic discussions took place between those who wanted to maintain Islamic law (the religious heritage of most early Bábís) and those who believed
1110-541: A few acts of personal conduct that are prohibited or discouraged by Baháʼu'lláh's teachings: The observance of personal laws, such as prayer or fasting, is the sole responsibility of the individual. There are, however, occasions when a Baháʼí might be administratively expelled from the community for a public disregard of the laws, or gross immorality. Such expulsions are administered by the National Spiritual Assembly and do not involve shunning. While some of
1295-568: A footing in Europe and America, and was consolidated in Iran, where it still suffers intense persecution. ʻAbdu'l-Bahá's death in 1921 marks the end of what Baháʼís call the "heroic age" of the religion. On the evening of 22 May 1844, Siyyid ʻAlí-Muhammad of Shiraz gained his first convert and took on the title of "the Báb " ( الباب "Gate"), referring to his later claim to the status of Mahdi of Shiʻa Islam . His followers were therefore known as Bábís . As
1480-437: A friendly and loving manner, condemns and forbids all forms of religious violence, including jihad. Baháʼu'lláh describes in detail the role of true religion as a deterrent to crime, as a force for the maintenance of social order, and as a catalyst for ongoing personal spiritual development, daily communion with God, and needed self-transformation. Baháʼu'lláh forbids asceticism, mendicancy, monasticism, and penance, while affirming
1665-438: A man and a woman and to provide a stable and loving environment for the rearing of children. The Baháʼí 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 human society . Baháʼu'lláh highly praised marriage, discouraged divorce, and required chastity outside of marriage; Baháʼu'lláh taught that a husband and wife should strive to improve
1850-571: A messianic figure whose coming, according to Baháʼís, was announced in the scriptures of all of the world's great religions, and whom Baháʼu'lláh, the founder of the Baháʼí Faith, claimed to be. The Báb's tomb, located in Haifa , Israel, is an important place of pilgrimage for Baháʼís . The remains of the Báb were brought secretly from Iran to the Holy Land and eventually interred in the tomb built for them in
2035-551: A noted theological seminary happened to meet Bahá’u’lláh and invited him to visit. There a student noticed Bahá’u’lláh's exquisite penmanship, which raised the curiosity of leading instructors. As he responded to their queries on complex religious themes, Bahá’u’lláh quickly gained admiration for his learning and wisdom. Shaykh ʻUthmán, Shaykh ʻAbdu'r-Rahmán, and Shaykh Ismáʼíl, leaders of the Naqshbandíyyih , Qádiríyyih , and Khálidíyyih Orders respectively, began to seek his advice. It
SECTION 10
#17328522637042220-403: A particular period and place as an instrument of divine intervention to help the human race gradually develop its inherent capacities to realize God's plan for humanity. Bahá’ís believe manifestations reflect the light of God's Will and Purpose in this world. Bahá’í writings liken manifestations to perfect mirrors reflecting one sun—though every mirror is distinct, yet the reflection cast by each
2405-591: A prisoner. His prison conditions were eased in June 1877 and while still a prisoner, he moved to Mazra'ih at that time. The Baháʼí buildings and property in Akká were rented or bought during this period of time. The House of ʻAbbúd refers actually to two houses: The house provided a home for Baháʼu'lláh's first wife Navváb and her family. It was in this building that the Kitáb-i-Aqdas was written. The House of ʻAbdu'lláh Páshá
2590-460: A royal decree of 1868 banished all Bábís to either Cyprus or ʻAkká . It was in or near the Ottoman penal colony of ʻAkká, in present-day Israel, that Baháʼu'lláh spent the remainder of his life. After initially strict and harsh confinement, he was allowed to live in a home near ʻAkká, while still officially a prisoner of that city. He died there in 1892. Baháʼís regard his resting place at Bahjí as
2775-430: A severe month-long illness that left Bahá’u’lláh with a tremor in his hand for the rest of his life. Though Bahá’u’lláh advised those who knew not to speak of what had happened, awareness of the incident grew, giving rise to strong agitation among Bábís. However, it was Yahya's subsequent attempt on Bahá’u’lláh's life that brought about "an unprecedented commotion in the community". It involved Ustad Muhammad-‘Aliy-i-Salmani,
2960-495: A single uncreated imperishable entity that is the absolute and ultimate source of all existence. Baháʼu'lláh unequivocally teaches "the existence and oneness of a personal God, unknowable, inaccessible, the source of all Revelation , eternal , omniscient , omnipresent and almighty ". Bahá’u’lláh asserted that the Creator cannot be grasped by creation—for anything made can never comprehend its maker. Nevertheless, Baháʼu'lláh said that
3145-478: A society characterized by the unity of nations, fellowship of religions, equal rights of all people, and a compassionate, consultative, tolerant, democratic, moral world order". Woven throughout the Báb's teachings are references to " He whom God shall make manifest ", the great Promised One for whom he was preparing the way. In numerous prophesies the Báb stated that the next divine educator would appear shortly after his own expected martyrdom. In one of his major works,
3330-433: A somewhat broader and more advanced revelation that is rendered as a text of scripture and passed on through history with greater or lesser reliability but at least true in substance, suited for the time and place in which it was expressed. Specific religious social teachings (for example, the direction of prayer, or dietary restrictions) may be revoked by a subsequent manifestation so that a more appropriate requirement for
3515-510: A spot specifically designated by Baháʼu'lláh. The writings of the Báb are considered inspired scripture by Baháʼís, though having been superseded by the laws and teachings of Baháʼu'lláh. The main written works translated into English of the Báb are compiled in Selections from the Writings of the Báb (1976) out of the estimated 135 works. Mírzá Husayn ʻAlí Núrí was one of the early followers of
3700-576: A strong emphasis on social and ethical issues, a number of foundational texts have been described as mystical . These include the Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys . The Seven Valleys was written to a follower of Sufism , in the style of ʻAttar , the Persian Muslim poet, and sets forth the stages of the soul's journey towards God. It was first translated into English in 1906, becoming one of
3885-610: A successor to be appointed. In 1937, Shoghi Effendi launched a seven-year plan for the Baháʼís of North America, followed by another in 1946. In 1953, he launched the first international plan, the Ten Year World Crusade . This plan included extremely ambitious goals for the expansion of Baháʼí communities and institutions, the translation of Baháʼí texts into several new languages, and the sending of Baháʼí pioneers into previously unreached nations. He announced in letters during
SECTION 20
#17328522637044070-559: A summons to Constantinople (now Istanbul ) from the Ottoman Sultan. In 1863, at the time of his removal from Baghdad, Baháʼu'lláh first announced his claim of prophethood to his family and followers, which he said came to him years earlier while in a dungeon of Tehran . From the time of the initial exile from Iran, tensions grew between him and Subh-i-Azal , the appointed leader of the Bábís, who did not recognize Baháʼu'lláh's claim. Throughout
4255-818: A tablet penned in Bahá’u’lláh's own handwriting and read aloud to Yahya by Bahá’u’lláh's amanuensis. Besides unequivocally proclaiming his spiritual station, Bahá’u’lláh called upon Yahya "to recognize and support him as the Báb had explicitly instructed him to do." Mirza Yahya's response was to counter that he, not Bahá’u’lláh, was the promised manifestation mentioned by the Báb. This step by Yahya promptly resulted in almost all Bábís in Adrianople, who were already devoted to Bahá’u’lláh, deciding to have nothing further to do with Yahya or his few supporters. As news of this development reached Bábís in Persia and Iraq, and surviving Bábí members of
4440-484: A traditional barber who served as Bahá’u’lláh's bath attendant. Salmani reported that Yahya suddenly began to show kindness to him, then one day insinuated it would be "a great service" to their religion if he assassinated Bahá’u’lláh while attending to him in the bath. Salmani was so outraged he said his immediate thought was to kill Yahya—he hesitated only because he knew doing that would displease Bahá’u’lláh. Agitated, he informed Bahá’u’lláh's faithful brother Mirza Musa of
4625-425: A united world federation, and some practical recommendations to encourage its realization involve the establishment of a universal language, a standard economy and system of measurement, universal compulsory education, and an international court of arbitration to settle disputes between nations. Nationalism, according to this viewpoint, should be abandoned in favor of allegiance to the whole of humankind. With regard to
4810-452: Is a Baháʼí holy place situated just outside Acre. Originally known as the 'garden of Naʻmayn', it was rented by ʻAbdu'l-Bahá for Baháʼu'lláh where he enjoyed spending the later part of his life, after years in a desolate prison cell. Although it shares the same name, it does not have the same significance of the Garden of Ridván, Baghdad and no connection to the festival of Ridván . During
4995-478: Is a monotheistic religion founded in the 19th century that teaches the essential worth of all religions and the unity of all people . Established by Baháʼu'lláh , it initially developed in Iran and parts of the Middle East, where it has faced ongoing persecution since its inception. The religion is estimated to have approximately 8 million adherents (known as Baháʼís ) as of 2024, spread throughout most of
5180-462: Is a destination for pilgrimage by his followers, known as Bahá’ís, who now reside in 236 countries and territories and number between 5 and 8 million. Baháʼís regard Baháʼu'lláh as a Manifestation of God in succession to others like Buddha, Jesus, or Muhammad. Baháʼu'lláh's given name was Ḥusayn-ʻAlí , and as the son of a nobleman in the province of Núr , he was known as Mírzá Ḥusayn-ʻAlí Núrí ( Persian : میرزا حسینعلی نوری ). In 1848 he took
5365-591: Is a distinct tradition with its own scriptures and laws , and not a sect of another religion. Most religious specialists now see it as an independent religion, with its religious background in Shiʻa Islam being seen as analogous to the Jewish context in which Christianity was established. Baháʼís describe their faith as an independent world religion, differing from the other traditions in its relative age and modern context. The Baháʼí writings state that human beings have
5550-645: Is a seaport, located below and on Mount Carmel , and lies on the Mediterranean coast. In 1891 Baháʼu'lláh himself designated Mount Carmel as the location for the Shrine of the Báb . Later, Baháʼu'lláh in the Tablet of Carmel wrote that Mount Carmel would be the physical location of the Baháʼí World Centre . The Shrine of the Báb is the location where the Báb 's remains have been finally laid to rest . The location
5735-563: Is a significant number within both the Baháʼí and Bábí religions. The Visitors Centre is an underground structure on the 11th terrace behind the Shrine of the Báb on Mount Carmel.. It can be found on street level under the Hatzionut Bridge which the terraces pass over. 'Abdu'l-Bahá, who was the head of the Baháʼí Faith from 1892 to 1921, designed and built a house in Haifa on 7 Haparsim (Persian) Street after his father Baháʼu'lláh died. It
Baháʼu'lláh - Misplaced Pages Continue
5920-755: Is achieved through the recognition of the person of the Manifestation and through the understanding of his revelations via his Manifestations. In the Baháʼí Faith, God is often referred to by titles and attributes (for example, the All-Powerful, or the All-Loving), and there is a substantial emphasis on monotheism . Baháʼí teachings state that these attributes do not apply to God directly but are used to translate Godliness into human terms and to help people concentrate on their own attributes in worshipping God to develop their potential on their spiritual path. According to
6105-445: Is also viewed in harmony with true religion. Though Baháʼu'lláh and ʻAbdu'l-Bahá called for a united world that is free of war, they also anticipate that over the long term, the establishment of a lasting peace (The Most Great Peace) and the purging of the "overwhelming Corruptions" requires that the people of the world unite under a universal faith with spiritual virtues and ethics to complement material civilization. Shoghi Effendi ,
6290-466: Is assumed for all of these texts. Some of Baháʼu'lláh's most important writings include the Kitáb-i-Aqdas ("Most Holy Book"), which defines many laws and practices for individuals and society, the Kitáb-i-Íqán ("Book of Certitude"), which became the foundation of much of Baháʼí belief, and Gems of Divine Mysteries , which includes further doctrinal foundations. Although the Baháʼí teachings have
6475-621: Is currently part of the Baháʼí World Centre. While it was originally rented to serve as a Pilgrim House, the house was then bought by ʻAbdu'l-Bahá . After being replaced by a new Western Pilgrim House, the site was then used by members of the Baháʼí holy family. It left Baháʼí hands shortly before being re-bought by the Universal House of Justice . The second Western Pilgrim House, located at 10 Haparsim (lit. 'Persian') Street in Haifa, Israel,
6660-576: Is near Haifa, by the Ottoman Empire during the period of Ottoman rule over Palestine , now Israel . Many Baháʼí holy places in Haifa and around Acre , including the terraces and the Shrine of the Báb on the north slope on Mount Carmel , and the Shrine of Baháʼu'lláh , the Mansion of Bahji, and the Mansion at Mazra'ih were inscribed on the World Heritage List in July 2008. The Baháʼí shrines "are
6845-402: Is of the same sun, varying only due to differences relating to time and position. Bahá’u’lláh says the guidance of manifestations necessarily differ due to the particular situations and requirements of those they deal with: "The Prophets of God should be regarded as physicians whose task is to foster the well-being of the world and its peoples... Little wonder, then, if the treatment prescribed by
7030-542: Is one of the properties the Baháʼí holy family used in the Akká area. It was acquired by ʻAbdu'l-Bahá to fit the growing family and also provide space to welcome pilgrims who had started to arrive. The name derives from the Egyptian governor, Ibrahim Pasha , who owned the house in the early decades of the 19th century. The first western pilgrims were welcomed here on 10 December 1898. The Garden of Ridván (lit. garden of paradise)
7215-443: Is part of the Baháʼí World Centre that is not particularly celebrated but has been an integral part of the centre for many years. Amongst other things it has been used for: It is currently used as the Baháʼí "Department of Holy Places". A site has been selected for a Baháʼí House of Worship on Mount Carmel. About two thirds of the way from the terraces to the head of the mountain, land was purchased by Shoghi Effendi. In August 1971
7400-564: Is shown to Bahá’ís during visits to the International Archives building as part of an organized Bahá’í pilgrimage; it may also be displayed on certain other highly significant special occasions. The other image was reproduced by William Miller in his 1974 polemic against the Baháʼí Faith. Baháʼu'lláh was born in Tehran, Iran, on 12 November 1817. Baháʼí authors trace his ancestry to Abraham through both his wives Keturah and Sarah , to
7585-399: Is the creator of all things in the universe. The existence of God and the universe are thought to be eternal, with no beginning or end. Even though God is not directly accessible, he is seen as being conscious of creation, with a will and a purpose which is expressed through messengers who are called Manifestations of God . The Baháʼí conception of God is of an "unknowable essence" who
Baháʼu'lláh - Misplaced Pages Continue
7770-482: Is the object of a devotion and love which kings might envy and emperors sigh for in vain! A mild dignified voice bade me be seated, and then continued:— " Praise be to God that thou hast attained!... Thou hast come to see a prisoner and an exile... We desire but the good of the world and the happiness of the nations; yet they deem us a stirrer up of strife and sedition worthy of bondage and banishment... That all nations should become one in faith and all men as brothers; that
7955-663: Is the only religion to have grown faster in every United Nations region over the past 100 years than the general population; Bahaʼi [sic] was thus the fastest-growing religion between 1910 and 2010, growing at least twice as fast as the population of almost every UN region." (See Growth of religion .) The largest proportions of the total worldwide Bahá'í population were found in sub-Saharan Africa (29.9%) and South Asia (26.8%), followed by Southeast Asia (12.7%) and Latin America (12.2%). Lesser populations are found in North America (7.6%) and
8140-417: Is the paramount issue in the religious and political conditions of the present world. When ʻAbdu'l-Bahá first traveled to Europe and America in 1911–1912, he gave public talks that articulated the basic principles of the Baháʼí Faith. These included preaching on the equality of men and women, race unity, the need for world peace, and other progressive ideas for the early 20th century. Published summaries of
8325-462: Is the source of all existence and known through the perception of human virtues. In another sense, Baháʼí teachings on God are also panentheistic , seeing signs of God in all things, but the reality of God being exalted and above the physical world. Baháʼí teachings state that God is too great for humans to fully comprehend, and based on them, humans cannot create a complete and accurate image of God by themselves. Therefore, human understanding of God
8510-520: Is used either as an adjective to refer to the Baháʼí Faith or as a term for a follower of Baháʼu'lláh . The proper name of the religion is the "Baháʼí Faith", not Baháʼí or Baháʼism (the latter, once common among academics, is regarded as derogatory by the Baháʼís). It is derived from the Arabic "Baháʼ" ( بهاء ), a name Baháʼu'lláh chose for himself, referring to the 'glory' or 'splendor' of God. In English,
8695-500: The Tablet to The Hague . Additionally notes taken of a number of his talks were published in various volumes like Paris Talks during his journeys to the West . Baháʼu'lláh's Kitáb-i-Aqdas and The Will and Testament of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá are foundational documents of the Baháʼí administrative order. Baháʼu'lláh established the elected Universal House of Justice , and ʻAbdu'l-Bahá established
8880-531: The Baháʼí Faith ; they comprise more than 20 different administrative offices, pilgrim buildings, libraries, archives, historical residences, and shrines. These structures are all set amidst more than 30 different gardens or individual terraces. The buildings themselves are located in Haifa , Acre , and Bahjí, Israel. The location of the Baháʼí World Centre buildings has its roots in Baháʼu'lláh 's imprisonment in Acre, which
9065-581: The Baháʼí teachings . In this vein, in the 1970s, the Ruhi Institute was founded by Baháʼís in Colombia to offer short courses on Baháʼí beliefs, ranging in length from a weekend to nine days. The associated Ruhi Foundation, whose purpose was to systematically "consolidate" new Baháʼís, was registered in 1992, and since the late 1990s the courses of the Ruhi Institute have been the dominant way of teaching
9250-584: The Monument Gardens now called the Department of Holy Places were temporary Archives buildings. The Seat of the Universal House of Justice is a large building located in Haifa , Israel, where the Universal House of Justice operates. It includes the chamber where the Universal House of Justice holds its meetings as well as a reception concourse, banquet room, reference library, and a few other offices of
9435-450: The Ottoman Empire . Upon settling in Baghdad, Baháʼu'lláh began dispatching communications and teachers to encourage and revive flagging spirits of persecuted followers of the Báb in Persia. Over time, a number of Bábís moved to Baghdad to be close to Bahá’u’lláh. One of these was Mirza Yahya , later known as Subh-i-Azal, a half-brother 13 years younger than Bahá’u’lláh, who followed him into
SECTION 50
#17328522637049620-520: The Parthenon as the basis for the design, possibly due to the apparent enduring beauty even after thousands of years. The capitals of the fifty columns were Ionic rather than the Doric Order. It was finished in 1957 however Shoghi Effendi never lived to furnish the interior. This was left to his wife Rúhíyyih Khanum . Previously the rear three rooms of the Shrine of the Báb and then the building beside
9805-454: The Qiblih to which they turn in prayer each day. He produced over 18,000 works in his lifetime, in both Arabic and Persian, of which only 8% have been translated into English. During the period in Adrianople, he began declaring his mission as a Messenger of God in letters to the world's religious and secular rulers, including Pope Pius IX , Napoleon III , and Queen Victoria . ʻAbbás Effendi
9990-680: The Síyáh-Chál dungeon, Baháʼu'lláh claimed to receive revelations from God marking the beginning of his divine mission. After settling in Iraq, Baháʼu'lláh again attracted the ire of Iranian authorities, and they requested that the Ottoman government move him farther away. He spent months in Constantinople where the authorities became hostile to his religious claims and put him under house arrest in Edirne for four years, followed by two years of harsh confinement in
10175-449: The Universal House of Justice announced that the future Shrine of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá is to be constructed in the vicinity of the Garden of Ridván. The prison cell in which Baháʼu'lláh lived between 1868 and 1870 has now become a Baháʼí pilgrimage location. Its restoration was completed in June 2004. Bahjí is a place near Akká (Acre), where Baháʼu'lláh spent his final years of life. While he
10360-583: The Universal House of Justice erected an obelisk on the site, on the side of which is the Greatest Name . The land is near the intersection of David Marcus St and Hatsav St. Baháʼu'lláh , and his family, were exiled to the prison city of Akká , known in English as Acre, by the Ottoman Sultan Abdulaziz . Baháʼu'lláh arrived in Akká on 31 August 1868, and lived the rest of his life in the Akká area as
10545-543: The Zoroaster , to David 's father Jesse , and to Yazdegerd III , the last king of the Sasanian Empire . His mother was Khadíjih Khánum, his father Mírzá ʻAbbás Núrí, known as Mírzá Buzurg, served as vizier to Imám-Virdi Mírzá, the twelfth son of Fath-Ali Shah Qajar . Baháʼu'lláh married Ásíyih Khánum , the daughter of a nobleman, in Tehran in 1835 when he was 18 and she was 15. In his early twenties Baháʼu'lláh declined
10730-430: The nature of God and the progress of the soul, while others address the needs of society, religious obligations of his followers, or the structure of Bahá’í institutions that would propagate the religion. He viewed humans as fundamentally spiritual beings and called upon individuals to develop divine virtues and further the material and spiritual advancement of society. Baháʼu'lláh died in 1892 near Acre. His burial place
10915-566: The oneness of God's manifestations, and the essential oneness of religion. Thus, Bahá’ís see Bahá’u’lláh as fulfilling prophecies of Jewish, Christian, Islamic, Zoroastrian, Hindu, and Buddhist scriptures. Baháʼu'lláh calls upon every Bahá’í to live a righteous, healthy, productive life, characterized by good manners and moral virtues such as truthfulness, integrity, trustworthiness, patience, courtesy, hospitality, fidelity, purity, chastity, moderation, forbearance, justice and fairness. He encourages believers to associate with those of all faiths in
11100-435: The unity of humanity . Bahá'ís believe that God periodically reveals his will through divine messengers, whose purpose is to transform the character of humankind and to develop, within those who respond, moral and spiritual qualities. Religion is thus seen as orderly, unified, and progressive from age to age. Baháʼí writings describe a single, personal, inaccessible, omniscient, omnipresent, imperishable, and almighty God who
11285-454: The "Haifa Pilgrim Reception Centre" was the old Pilgrim Reception Centre for pilgrimage to sites near the Baháʼí World Centre. It comprised two conjoined buildings of a historic medical clinic, that had been remodeled and opened in October 2000. While open, the building could serve up to 500 people on pilgrimage. It has now been replaced by a newer Pilgrim Reception Center situated near the Shrine of
SECTION 60
#173285226370411470-609: The "intense fear and suspicion" of the Iranian monarch and his advisors. The Persian government asked the Ottoman government to extradite Baháʼu'lláh back to Persia, but the latter refused. The Persians then pressed the Ottomans to remove Baháʼu'lláh from Baghdad which was near Iran's border. The result was an invitation in April 1863 from Sultan ʻAbdu'l-ʻAzíz himself inviting Baháʼu'lláh to reside in
11655-458: The 1930s and 1940s the island setting of the garden disappeared, as a result of a draining project against malaria. In 2010 a three-year restoration and conservation project of the garden and the original water canals surrounding it was completed, after which the Ridvan Garden, referred to by Baháʼu'lláh as 'Our Verdant Isle', became an island once again. In 2019, in its annual Ridván message ,
11840-528: The 1950s, the vast majority of Baháʼís were found in Iran; converts from outside Iran were mostly found in India and the Western world. From having roughly 200,000 Baháʼís in 1950, the religion grew to have over 4 million by the late 1980s, with a wide international distribution. As of 2008, there were about 110,000 followers in Iran. Most of the growth in the late 20th century was seeded out of North America by means of
12025-463: The 1970s into the 1990s across some countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The most intense opposition has been in Iran and neighboring Shia -majority countries, considered an attempted genocide by some scholars, watchdog agencies and human rights organizations. Meanwhile, in other times and places, the religion has experienced surges in growth. Before it was banned in certain countries, the religion "hugely increased" in sub-Saharan Africa . In 1989
12210-478: The Baháʼí Faith are the writings of the Báb , Baháʼu'lláh, ʻAbdu'l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House of Justice , and the authenticated talks of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá. The writings of the Báb and Baháʼu'lláh are considered as divine revelation, the writings and talks of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá and the writings of Shoghi Effendi as authoritative interpretation, and those of the Universal House of Justice as authoritative legislation and elucidation. Some measure of divine guidance
12395-462: The Baháʼí Faith around the world. By 2013 there were over 300 Baháʼí training institutes around the world and 100,000 people participating in courses. The courses of the Ruhi Institute train communities to self-organize classes for the spiritual education of children and youth, among other activities. Additional lines of action the Universal House of Justice has encouraged for the contemporary Baháʼí community include social action and participation in
12580-559: The Baháʼí World Centre. The building is located at the apex of the Arc and has fifty-eight Corinthian columns around it to mirror the design of the International Archives. Planning for the building began in 1972, and in 1973 the architect Hossein Amanat was chosen. It was completed in 1982 during the second stage of building on the Arc, to be occupied in 1983. Built in the third stage of
12765-419: The Baháʼí community unified and free of any serious fracturing. The Universal House of Justice is the final authority to resolve any disagreements among Baháʼís, and the few attempts at schism have all either become extinct or remained extremely small, numbering a few hundred adherents collectively. The followers of such divisions are regarded as Covenant-breakers and shunned. The canonical texts of
12950-453: The Baháʼí community; developed the Baháʼí World Centre ; carried on a voluminous correspondence with communities and individuals around the world; and built the administrative structure of the religion, preparing the community for the election of the Universal House of Justice. He unexpectedly died after a brief illness on 4 November 1957, in London, England, under conditions that did not allow for
13135-429: The Baháʼí holy places. There have been numerous buildings dedicated as Baháʼí pilgrim houses in the Haifa area. The original Western Pilgrim House, located at 4 Haparsim (Persian) Street in Haifa, Israel, was used as a Pilgrim House for Baháʼís of Western origin, who had come for pilgrimage during the early years of the 20th century, before it was replaced by the new Western Pilgrim House on 10 Haparsim Street. The house
13320-408: The Baháʼí teachings often include a list of these principles, and lists vary in wording and what is included. The concept of the unity of humankind , seen by Baháʼís as an ancient truth, is the starting point for many of the ideas. The equality of races and the elimination of extremes of wealth and poverty, for example, are implications of that unity. Another outgrowth of the concept is the need for
13505-457: The Baháʼí teachings the human purpose is to learn to know and love God through such methods as prayer , reflection , and being of service to others. Baháʼí notions of progressive religious revelation result in their accepting the validity of the well known religions of the world, whose founders and central figures are seen as Manifestations of God. Religious history is interpreted as a series of dispensations , where each manifestation brings
13690-469: The Baháʼí texts to assist the Universal House of Justice. The architect was Hossein Amanat and it was completed in 1999. The International Baháʼí Library Building, specified by Shoghi Effendi , is not yet built. The Baháʼí World Centre Library holds an extensive collection of Baháʼí literature . The Universal House of Justice stated: "In future decades its functions must grow, it will serve as an active centre for knowledge in all fields, and it will become
13875-496: The Bàb. The Resting place of Amatu'l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khanum is situated within Haifa, Israel as part of the Baháʼí World Centre . Originally bought to make sure that the area around the House of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá was not built up, and used as a garden, it was selected as the burial ground for Amatu'l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khanum after she died in 2000. 75 Hatzionut Avenue is a building within Haifa which
14060-419: The Báb and Baháʼu'lláh. Baháʼís regard the world's major religions as fundamentally unified in their purpose, but divergent in their social practices and interpretations. The Baháʼí Faith stresses the unity of all people as its core teaching; as a result, it explicitly rejects notions of racism, sexism, and nationalism. At the heart of Baháʼí teachings is the desire to establish a unified world order that ensures
14245-471: The Báb had inaugurated a new religious dispensation. Baháʼu'lláh influenced agreement around the latter point of view. It was at Badasht that Mírzá Ḥusayn-ʻAlí Núrí assumed the name Bahá’ and also gave new spiritual names to all other attendees; thereafter the Báb addressed tablets to them by those names. When Táhirih , the most prominent female disciple of the Báb, was arrested after the conference, Baháʼu'lláh intervened to protect her. Subsequently, he himself
14430-473: The Báb himself was executed by firing squad in Tabriz at the age of 30. In his teachings the Báb identifies himself as the first of two Manifestations of God whom the Creator was sending to usher in the enduring peace that is to signify humanity's attainment of maturity—when all people will live in unity as one human family. Baháʼís hold that the Báb's teachings lay the groundwork "for the eventual establishment of
14615-524: The Báb stated: "Well is it with him who fixeth his gaze upon the Order of Baháʼu'lláh, and rendereth thanks unto his Lord." Events leading up to and after the execution of the Báb were tumultuous for Bábís. As Muslim leaders incited fanatic mobs to violence against them, many Bábís—while refusing to take offensive steps against attackers—did take actions to defend themselves, but commonly ended-up being slaughtered. On 15 August 1852, two Bábí youth, in retaliation for
14800-414: The Báb's family, their response in support of Bahá’u’lláh was the same. Mirza Yahya's effort to claim a divine station thus effectively cleaved him from most Bábís, for it was against the Báb's covenant with his followers which decreed that whensoever "Him whom God shall make manifest" announced himself all Bábís were required to accept him. From this time onwards those who understood the Báb's teachings about
14985-474: The Báb's prophecies regarding "Him whom God shall make manifest". The "inseparable" nature and unity of the twin revelations of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh are why Bahá’ís consider both faiths as forming one complete religious entity, and the reason the 1844 declaration of the Báb is considered the starting date of the Bahá’í Faith. When it was proven beyond any doubt that Baháʼu'lláh was innocent of involvement with
15170-478: The Báb's teachings spread, which the Islamic clergy saw as blasphemous, his followers came under increased persecution and torture. The conflicts escalated in several places to military sieges by the Shah 's army. The Báb himself was imprisoned and eventually executed in 1850. Baháʼís see the Báb as the forerunner of the Baháʼí Faith, because the Báb's writings introduced the concept of " He whom God shall make manifest ",
15355-478: The Báb, and later took the title of Baháʼu'lláh. In August 1852, a few Bábís made a failed attempt to assassinate the Shah , Naser al-Din Shah Qajar . The Shah responded by ordering the killing and in some cases torturing of about 50 Bábís in Tehran. Further bloodshed spread throughout the country and hundreds were reported in period newspapers by October, and tens of thousands by the end of December. Baháʼu'lláh
15540-532: The Bábí Faith and even accompanied him on some early journeys on its behalf. After their father's death, Yahya's education and care were largely overseen by Bahá’u’lláh. During Baha’u’llah's imprisonment in the Síyáh-Chál Yahya went into hiding, but after Bahá’u’lláh's exile to Iraq Yahya left Iran in disguise and made his way to Baghdad. For a time, Yahya served as Bahá’u’lláh's secretary in Baghdad, but envy for
15725-442: The Bábí Faith or the lives of Bábís over which he was now claiming a high position. To bolster his effort, Yahya simultaneously sought to discredit Bahá’u’lláh by spreading false rumors and accusations about him, which stirred up feelings among Bábís in the Baghdad community. Declining to dispute with Yahya or do anything to "endanger the unity and survival of the already demoralized Bábí community", Bahá’u’lláh entrusted his family to
15910-452: The Bábí community also showed Yahya respect, even if they did not accept his claims to a special religious status. However, when Salmani was unable to keep silent and openly related to others what Yahya had asked of him, Yahya's actions and intentions—so contrary to the Báb's teachings—incited great turmoil amidst the Bábís. Having given his younger sibling ample guidance and opportunities to live as
16095-453: The Bábí movement ( The Dawn-Breakers ) is considered one of three books that every Baháʼí should "master" and read "over and over again". The Baháʼí community was mostly confined to the Iranian and Ottoman empires until after the death of Baháʼu'lláh in 1892, at which time he had followers in 13 countries of Asia and Africa. Under the leadership of his son, ʻAbdu'l-Bahá, the religion gained
16280-464: The Bábís came to recognize him as the leader of their faith. Emboldened by lack of persecution against Bábís, Mirza Yahya "decided to emerge from his self-imposed seclusion" to again pursue leadership ambitions which his envy of Bahá’u’lláh had kept burning. Convinced that Bahá’u’lláh's death was necessary for his own advancement, Yahya's first effort towards that end involved personally poisoning Bahá’u’lláh when he invited him for tea. His doing so caused
16465-458: The Creator bestowed upon humans' capacity to recognize the maker's existence, and the ability to develop spiritually through awareness of God's infinite superlative attributes and by striving to emulate those qualities as best as one can in life—virtues such as love, mercy, kindness, generosity, justice, etc. Bahá’u’lláh explains human knowledge of God's existence and awareness of the Creator's attributes have been—and will forever be—only possible to
16650-480: The Faith; the basic unity of all religions; the condemnation of all forms of prejudice, whether religious, racial, class or national; the harmony which must exist between religion and science; the equality of men and women, the two wings on which the bird of human kind is able to soar; the introduction of compulsory education; the adoption of a universal auxiliary language ; the abolition of the extremes of wealth and poverty;
16835-561: The Middle East/North Africa (6.2%), while the smallest populations in Europe (2.0%), Australasia (1.6%), and Northeast Asia (0.9%). In 2015, the internationally recognized religion was the second-largest international religion in Iran, Panama, Belize, Bolivia, Zambia, and Papua New Guinea; and the third-largest in Chad, and Kenya. From the Bahá'í Faith's origins in the 19th century until
17020-511: The Ottoman capital Constantinople (now Istanbul ). On 22 April 1863, Baháʼu'lláh left his house in Baghdad for the banks of the Tigris River and crossed to enter the verdant Najibiyyih garden-park on the other side, which a Baghdad admirer had offered for his use. There Baháʼu'lláh stayed for twelve days with family members and a few close followers chosen to accompany him. Upon arrival in the garden Bahá’u’lláh declared to his companions that he
17205-413: The Ottomans decided to imprison both Baháʼu'lláh and Mirza Yahya in far-flung outposts of their empire. In July 1868 a royal decree condemned Bahá’u’lláh and his family to perpetual imprisonment in the pestilential penal colony of Acre; banished with them were most Bahá’ís in Adrianople, and a handful of Azalis. Mirza Yahya's intrigue also resulted in his own captivity—because Turkish authorities suspected he
17390-508: The Promised One began to call themselves "Bahá’ís" (meaning the people of Bahá’ , followers of Bahá’u’lláh). Having lost all respect or influence among Bábís who had become Bahá’ís, Mirza Yahya again sought to discredit Baháʼu’lláh with Ottoman authorities, accusing him of agitating against the Turkish government. Yahya's actions provoked a government investigation, which cleared Baháʼu’lláh—but fearing religious issues might stir up future disorder,
17575-438: The Promised One prophesied in every major religion of the past—the divine teacher God vowed to send to usher in humanity's Golden Age. Bahá’u’lláh's claim to being several ' messiahs ' converging in one person is understood by Bahá’ís as being a spiritual symbolic fulfillment rather than a literal fulfilment of messianic and eschatological prophecies of past faiths. This understanding is based upon Bahá’u’lláh's teachings regarding
17760-536: The Shah of Persia. Yahya's utter failings as a religious leader led most Bábís to reject his claims. When rumors of a ‘saint’ living in Sulaymaniyyih reached Bábí friends in Baghdad they suspected it was Bahá’u’lláh and asked one of his relatives to locate and beg him to return to help the community. Acceding to their urgent requests, to which Yahya even added an appeal, Bahá’u’lláh returned to Baghdad on 19 March 1856. Over
17945-434: The Shrine of the Báb on Mount Carmel, with nine located above the Shrine, one around it, and nine below it. Nine concentric circles provide the main geometry of the eighteen terraces. Just as the identification of a circle presupposes a centre, so the terraces have been conceived as generated from the Shrine of the Báb. The eighteen terraces plus the one terrace of the Shrine of the Báb make nineteen terraces in total. Nineteen
18130-574: The Study of the Sacred Texts . A fifth building, the International Baháʼí Library , has yet to be built. Baháʼu'lláh in his Tablet of Carmel wrote that God would "sail His Ark " on Mount Carmel and said the mountain will be "the seat of His throne." This statement was interpreted by Shoghi Effendi , the head of the Baháʼí Faith during the first half of the 20th century, as referring to
18315-493: The Sultan's invitation, Mirza Yahya joined the group en route. After fifteen weeks Bahá’u’lláh arrived in the Ottoman capital on 16 August 1863. He was welcomed by various government ministers of the Sultan, and by prominent personalities who paid their respects. The Persian ambassador also sent emissaries to greet him the day after his arrival. At the time, it was customary for prominent government guests such as Bahá’u’lláh to "call on
18500-642: 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. Since 1963, the Universal House of Justice has been the elected head of the Baháʼí Faith. The general functions of this body are defined through the writings of Baháʼu'lláh and clarified in the writings of Abdu'l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi. These functions include teaching and education, implementing Baháʼí laws, addressing social issues, and caring for
18685-467: The United States after his release from confinement in 1908. After ʻAbdu'l-Bahá's death in 1921, the leadership of the religion fell to his grandson Shoghi Effendi (1897–1957). Baháʼís annually elect local, regional, and national Spiritual Assemblies that govern the religion's affairs, and every five years an election is held for the Universal House of Justice , the nine-member governing institution of
18870-597: The Universal House of Justice named Bolivia , Bangladesh , Haiti , India , Liberia , Peru , the Philippines , and Taiwan as countries where the growth of the religion had been notable in the previous decades. Bahá'í sources claimed "more than five million" Bahá'ís in 1991–92. However, since around 2001 the Universal House of Justice has prioritized statistics of the community by their levels of activity rather than simply their population of avowed adherents or numbers of local assemblies. Because Bahá'ís do not represent
19055-406: The Universal House of Justice; all other positions are open to male and female Baháʼís. Malietoa Tanumafili II of Samoa , who became Baháʼí in 1968 and died in 2007, was the first serving head of state to embrace the Baháʼí Faith. The teachings of Baháʼu'lláh form the foundation of Baháʼí beliefs. Three principles are central to these teachings: the unity of God , the unity of religion , and
19240-638: The apostrophe-like mark after "Bahá" is for the Arabic letter hamza which represents the glottal stop ; u'l as in ol d (the apostrophe represents a contraction and is not pronounced); and láh as in la w. Common transliterations of the name, with or without diacritical marks, include Baha'u'llah, Bahaullah, and Baháʼ Alláh. There are two known photographs of Baháʼu'lláh, both taken in Adrianople. Bahá’ís avoid displaying photographs or imagery of Baháʼu'lláh in public or in their homes, and prefer that others also avoid displaying them in books and websites. One picture
19425-409: The appointed hereditary Guardianship and clarified the relationship between the two institutions. In his Will, ʻAbdu'l-Bahá appointed Shoghi Effendi, his eldest grandson, as the first Guardian of the Baháʼí Faith. Shoghi Effendi served for 36 years as the head of the religion until his death. Throughout his lifetime, Shoghi Effendi translated Baháʼí texts ; developed global plans for the expansion of
19610-402: The attempt against the Shah's life, the Shah finally agreed to free him but decreed that Baháʼu'lláh would be permanently banished from Persia. Dispossessed of his extensive properties and wealth, in the exceptionally severe winter of January 1853 Baháʼu'lláh with family members undertook a three-month journey to Baghdad , thus beginning what became exile for the rest of his life in territories of
19795-441: The bonds of affection and unity between the sons of men should be strengthened; that diversity of religion should cease, and differences of race be annulled—what harm is there in this?... Yet so it shall be; these fruitless strifes, these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the 'Most great Peace' shall come.... Is not this that which Christ foretold?... Yet do We see your kings and rulers lavishing their treasures more freely on means for
19980-599: The building of the Arc, the International Teaching Centre Building is where the International Teaching Centre is based. The architect was Hossein Amanat . Its construction was announced in 1987 and it was completed in 2000. Built in the third stage of the building of the Arc, the Centre for the Study of the Sacred Texts is the base for the scholars and translators who study and translate
20165-525: The building of the drum and dome, a task done without the availability of sophisticated machinery. The Shrine of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá is where ʻAbdu'l-Bahá is buried. The Arc is a grouping of administrative buildings on the slopes of Mount Carmel . They include the Seat of the Universal House of Justice , the Seat of the International Teaching Centre , the International Archives , and the Centre for
20350-461: The care of his brother Mirza Musa and without notice left Baghdad on 10 April 1854 for mountains in the north near Sulaymaniyyih in Kurdistan . He later wrote that he withdrew to avoid becoming a source of disagreement within the Bábí community. Initially living as a hermit in those mountains, Bahá’u’lláh dressed as a dervish and used the name Darvish Muhammad-i-Irani. In Sulaymaniyyih the head of
20535-416: The claim of the Báb and became one of the most outspoken supporters of the new religious movement which advocated, among other things, abrogation of Islamic law, which attracted heavy opposition. At the age of 33, during a governmental attempt to exterminate the movement, Baháʼu'lláh narrowly escaped death, his properties were confiscated, and he was banished from Iran. Just before leaving, while imprisoned in
20720-407: The destruction of the human race than on that which would conduce to the happiness of mankind... These strifes and this bloodshed and discord must cease, and all men be as one kindred and one family... Let not a man glory in this, that he loves his country; let him rather glory in this, that he loves his kind ." After a short illness, Baháʼu'lláh died on 29 May 1892 in Bahji. He was buried adjacent to
20905-488: The development of a united world community, Baha’u’llah emphasizes the importance of eliminating religious and racial prejudices and avoiding extreme nationalism. Further, he stipulates the rights of all minorities must be safeguarded and their development nurtured. A condition described as absolutely necessary for the realization of global peace is complete equality between women and men worldwide. Bahá’u’lláh states that in God's sight
21090-507: The dome's structural engineering were designed by Professor H. Neumann of Haifa's Technion University. After Maxwell died in 1952, Leroy Ioas , an American Baháʼí who had been closely associated with the construction of the Baháʼí House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois helped Shoghi Effendi in the construction process. Ioas employed his administrative skills and practical mind to supervise
21275-429: The earliest available books of Baháʼu'lláh to the West. The Hidden Words is another book written by Baháʼu'lláh during the same period, containing 153 short passages in which Baháʼu'lláh claims to have taken the basic essence of certain spiritual truths and written them in brief form. As of around 2020, there were about 8 million Bahá'ís in the world. In 2013, two scholars of demography wrote that, "The Baha'i Faith
21460-422: The essential elements [which Baháʼu'lláh proclaimed]. Baháʼís highly value unity, and Baháʼu'lláh clearly established rules for holding the community together and resolving disagreements. Within this framework, no individual follower may propose 'inspired' or 'authoritative' interpretations of scripture, and individuals agree to support the line of authority established in Baháʼí scriptures. This practice has left
21645-403: The essential equality of human beings, and the abolition of prejudice. Humanity is seen as essentially one, though highly varied; its diversity of race and culture are seen as worthy of appreciation and acceptance. Doctrines of racism, nationalism, caste, social class, and gender-based hierarchy are seen as artificial impediments to unity. The Baháʼí teachings state that the unification of humanity
21830-417: The establishment of the Universal House of Justice, the governing body of the Baháʼís; connected with this establishment, the prophecy was linked to a number of administrative institutions that would be established on Mount Carmel. Shoghi Effendi decided that the buildings housing the institutions would be designed on an arc and surrounded by gardens. The fulcrum of arc would be Monument Gardens , which hold
22015-412: The extent that these are shared by special Beings he and the Báb describe as Manifestations of God . Rather than simply being great thinkers with a better perspective on life than others, manifestations are spiritual entities specially created by God with capacities infinitely superior to ordinary humans. Existing in spiritual realms prior to birth in this physical life, each manifestation is sent by God to
22200-518: The first sites connected with a relatively new religious tradition to be recognized by the World Heritage List." The UNESCO World Heritage Committee considers the sites to be "of outstanding universal value [and]...inscribed for the testimony they provide to the Baháʼí's strong tradition of pilgrimage and for their profound meaning for the faith." Haifa is the third-largest city in Israel , and it
22385-401: The function of propagating the teachings and protecting the community. The latter do not serve as clergy, which the Baháʼí Faith does not have. The Universal House of Justice remains the supreme governing body of the Baháʼí Faith, and its 9 members are elected every five years by the members of all National Spiritual Assemblies. Any male Baháʼí, 18 years or older, is eligible to be elected to
22570-498: The generality of Islamic clergy in Iran, ending in his public execution for the crime of heresy. The Báb taught that God would soon send a new messenger, and Baháʼís consider Baháʼu'lláh to be that person. Although they are distinct movements, the Báb is so interwoven into Baháʼí theology and history that Baháʼís celebrate his birth, death, and declaration as holy days , and consider him one of their three central figures (along with Baháʼu'lláh and ʻAbdu'l-Bahá). A historical account of
22755-433: The graves of some of the members of the Baháʼí holy family. The buildings include bomb shelters as required by law and an underground passage which connects the buildings. The International Archives is the first building to be built on the Arc and holds many of the most sacred items of the Baháʼí Faith, including the sword of Mullá Husayn , the photos of Baháʼu'lláh , and a painting of the Báb . Shoghi Effendi chose
22940-415: The growing admiration Bábís showed Bahá’u’lláh led Yahya to seek leadership of the Bábí religion. Attempting to elevate himself among Bábís, Yahya and a few supporters referenced a letter the Báb had written a few years earlier when Yahya was still a teenager, naming Yahya to nominal leadership pending the appearance of "Him whom God shall make manifest". Yahya claimed the letter meant he was actually appointed
23125-561: The head of the religion from 1921 to 1957, wrote the following summary of what he considered to be the distinguishing principles of Baháʼu'lláh's teachings, which, he said, together with the laws and ordinances of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas constitute the bedrock of the Baháʼí Faith: The independent search after truth, unfettered by superstition or tradition; the oneness of the entire human race, the pivotal principle and fundamental doctrine of
23310-451: The human race must, and will, embrace its final circle of unity, that of the planet itself. Bahá’u’lláh links this "process of progressive Revelation " to God's eternal covenant —the promise that every divine teacher makes with his followers regarding the next manifestation whom the Creator will send to guide them. Prophecies pertaining to this great covenant are found in scriptures of all religions, with every manifestation prophesying about
23495-421: The importance of working in some trade or profession to benefit oneself and others. Bahá’ís are urged to be exemplary, honest, loyal and conscientious citizens wherever they may reside, and to eschew pride, strife, slander and backbiting in all circumstances. Baháʼu'lláh's core message to his followers is to make every effort to serve humanity, and to collaborate with like-minded individuals in all efforts to advance
23680-424: The incident, who advised him to ignore it, saying Yahya had thought of this for years. Still upset, Salmani told ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’u’lláh's eldest son, about the matter, who told him not to speak of it to others. Salmani finally informed Bahá’u’lláh, who likewise said he should not mention it to anyone. Until this incident, because Yahya was a half-brother whom Bahá’u’lláh always treated with kindness and care, most in
23865-427: The institution of a world tribunal for the adjudication of disputes between nations; the exaltation of work, performed in the spirit of service, to the rank of worship; the glorification of justice as the ruling principle in human society, and of religion as a bulwark for the protection of all peoples and nations; and the establishment of a permanent and universal peace as the supreme goal of all mankind—these stand out as
24050-485: The kernel of great institutions of scientific investigation and discovery." The Monument Gardens are a set of gardens that hold the graves of some of the members of the family of Baháʼu'lláh. The grave monuments are at the fulcrum of the arc of administrative buildings, located downhill from the seat of the Universal House of Justice. They were constructed by Shoghi Effendi between 1932 and 1939. Graves include those of The Terraces are 18+1 garden terraces accompanying
24235-417: The killings of the Báb and his leading disciples, made an attempt to assassinate the Iranian king. As Nasiri'd-Din Shah passed along a public road the two blocked the monarch to fire birdshot at him. The king escaped without serious injury, but the incident led to an outburst of persecution against Bábís far exceeding past events. Though investigations found the offending pair acted alone, a "reign of terror"
24420-496: The land around them which are now used as gardens) were bought up or traded for land near the Sea of Galilee . Several of the buildings were demolished as they had been used by covenant breakers . Tiles from the roofs were used to pave the garden pathways, and the material recovered from the razed buildings was used to construct a large windbreak to the northeast of the Mansion. Located in Bahjí,
24605-425: The laws in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas are applicable at the present time, other laws are dependent upon the existence of a predominantly Baháʼí society, such as the punishments for arson and murder. The laws, when not in direct conflict with the civil laws of the country of residence, are binding on every Baháʼí. The purpose of marriage in the Baháʼí Faith is mainly to foster spiritual harmony, fellowship and unity between
24790-628: The life of privilege offered by his aristocratic lineage, instead devoting his time and resources to a range of charitable works that earned him renown as "the Father of the Poor". The Báb , a 24-year-old merchant from Shiraz , stirred Persia with his claim in May 1844, to not only be the promised redeemer of Islam (the Qa’im or Mahdi ), but a new prophet of God similar to Moses , Jesus , and Muhammad . His original name
24975-465: The light of God through such means as best befitted the exigencies of the age in which they appeared." Bahá’ís perceive each major world religion as part of one God-ordained holistic educational process which has spiritually and socially enabled human civilization itself to progress—as people have learned to embrace ever-widening circles of unity which have successively involved ever more diverse families, tribes, city-states, and then nations. Inevitably,
25160-453: The local community improved, so conditions of their imprisonment were eased. When visiting Acre in April 1871, Dr. Thomas Chaplin (director of a British-run hospital in Jerusalem) met with ʻAbdu'l-Bahá, on behalf of Baháʼu'lláh, in a home the family was living in after being moved out of the citadel. Afterward, the physician sent a letter regarding Baháʼu'lláh to the editor of The Times , which
25345-465: The majority of the population in any country, and most often represent only a tiny fraction of countries' total populations, there are problems of under-reporting . In addition, there are examples where the adherents have their highest density among minorities in societies who face their own challenges. The following are a few examples from Baháʼu'lláh's teachings on personal conduct that are required or encouraged of his followers: The following are
25530-401: The mansion in an existing building which now serves as his shrine . It is a place of pilgrimage for Bahá’ís from all over the world, and is the Qiblih they face for daily obligatory prayers . In 2008 the shrine of Bahá’u’lláh, along with other Baháʼí holy places in Acre and Haifa, were added to UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites . The Baháʼí concept of God is monotheistic . God is
25715-462: The mother of the Shah and authorities seeking to curry favor with the king sought ways to justify executing him. Bahá’u’lláh relates that during imprisonment in the Síyáh-Chál he had several mystical experiences, in which he received his mission as a manifestation of God, the Promised One heralded by the Báb. Bahá’ís view this dawning of Bahá’u'lláh's spiritual mission as the beginning of fulfillment of
25900-830: The next 7 years, Bahá’u’lláh undertook to transform the Bábí community. Through personal example, as well as encouragement and constant interaction with Bábís, Bahá’u’lláh "restored the community to the moral and spiritual level it had attained during the Báb's lifetime". Growing numbers were drawn to join the reinvigorated Bábí movement. As Bahá’u’lláh's renown as a spiritual guide and Bábí leader grew, Mirza Yahya remained withdrawn. The spread of Bahá’u’lláh's reputation in Baghdad and surrounding areas, along with increased dissemination of his writings, attracted "[p]rinces, scholars, mystics, and government officials" to meet him, many "prominent in Persian public life." This development unnerved antithetical elements among Iran's Islamic clergy, and again raised
26085-430: The next one, and even others, to come. As for their responsibility in this covenant, the followers of each religion have the duty to carefully investigate, with an open mind, whether a person claiming to be the promised new messenger of their faith does, or does not, spiritually fulfill relevant prophecies. In announcing his claim to be the promised manifestation heralded by the Báb, Baháʼu'lláh also declared his station as
26270-458: The orthographies Baháʼí , the Báb , Baháʼu'lláh , and ʻAbdu'l-Bahá . When accent marks are unavailable, Bahai , Bahaʼi , or Bahaullah are often used. The Baháʼí Faith traces its beginnings to the religion of the Báb and the Shaykhi movement that immediately preceded it. The Báb was a merchant who began preaching in 1844 that he was the bearer of a new revelation from God, but was rejected by
26455-517: The physician in this day should not be found to be identical with that which he prescribed before. How could it be otherwise when the ills affecting the sufferer necessitate at every stage of his sickness a special remedy? In like manner, every time the Prophets of God have illumined the world with the resplendent radiance of the Day Star of Divine knowledge, they have invariably summoned its peoples to embrace
26640-483: The planned migration of individuals. Yet, rather than being a cultural spread from either Iran or North America, in 2001, sociologist David B. Barrett wrote that the Baháʼí Faith is, "A world religion with no racial or national focus". However, the growth has not been even. From the late 1920s to the late 1980s, the religion was banned and adherents of it were harassed in the Soviet -led Eastern Bloc , and then again from
26825-516: The prevalent discourses of society. Annually, on 21 April, the Universal House of Justice sends a ' Ridván ' message to the worldwide Baháʼí community, that updates Baháʼís on current developments and provides further guidance for the year to come. At local, regional, and national levels, Baháʼís elect members to nine-person Spiritual Assemblies , which run the affairs of the religion. There are also appointed individuals working at various levels, including locally and internationally, which perform
27010-441: The prime minister and other high-ranking officials", during which the guests would seek favors, broker deals, and secure various forms of official support for themselves. When Bahá’u’lláh did not return any visits, Kamal Pasha, a former Ottoman prime minister, even reminded him of the custom. Bahá’u’lláh's response was that he knew of the practice "but had no demands to make of anyone nor did he require favors from them; therefore there
27195-516: The principles of the Baháʼí Faith. As of 2020, there are over 38,000 extant documents containing the words of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá, which are of widely varying lengths. Only a fraction of these documents have been translated into English. Among the more well known are The Secret of Divine Civilization , Some Answered Questions , the Tablet to Auguste-Henri Forel , the Tablets of the Divine Plan , and
27380-410: The principles of unity and religious renewal, ranging from moral and spiritual progress to world governance. Baháʼu'lláh was raised with no formal education but was well-read and devoutly religious. His family was considerably wealthy, and at the age of 22 he turned down a position in the government, instead managing family properties and donating time and money to charities. At the age of 27 he accepted
27565-508: The prison-city of Acre . His restrictions were gradually eased until his final years were spent in relative freedom in the area surrounding Acre. Baháʼu'lláh wrote at least 1,500 letters, some book-length, that have been translated into at least 802 languages. Some notable examples include the Hidden Words , the Kitáb-i-Íqán , and the Kitáb-i-Aqdas . Some teachings are mystical and address
27750-423: The process of unifying the world in ways pleasing to God. Bahá'u’lláh repeatedly states his message is for all peoples, and that the purpose of his teachings is to build a new world in which humanity advances as a whole. He clearly proclaims the principle of the oneness of mankind, urging heads of state to join in resolving existing disputes to achieve peace and to safeguard it through collective security. To promote
27935-496: The prosperity of all nations, races, creeds, and classes. Letters and epistles by Baháʼu'lláh, along with writings and talks by his son ʻAbdu'l-Bahá, have been collected and assembled into a canon of Baháʼí scriptures . This collection includes works by the Báb, who is regarded as Baháʼu'lláh's forerunner. Prominent among the works of Baháʼí literature are the Kitáb-i-Aqdas , the Kitáb-i-Íqán , Some Answered Questions , and The Dawn-Breakers . The word "Baháʼí" ( بهائی )
28120-422: The pursuit of world peace, Baháʼu'lláh prescribed a world-embracing collective security arrangement. Other Baháʼí social principles revolve around spiritual unity. Religion is viewed as progressive from age to age, but to recognize a newer revelation one has to abandon tradition and independently investigate. Baháʼís are taught to view religion as a source of unity, and religious prejudice as destructive. Science
28305-702: The remains of the Báb on Mount Carmel . The construction of this stone building was supervised by Mírzá Jaʼfar Rahmání of ʻIshqábád , who also paid all the expenses. It is known as the "Eastern Pilgrim House", as for decades it housed the Persian pilgrims. After 1951, when the Western Pilgrim House at 10 Haparsim Street became the seat of the International Baháʼí Council , it became the Pilgrim House for all pilgrims. The Pilgrim Reception Centre or
28490-468: The rest of his life Baháʼu'lláh gained the allegiance of almost all of the Bábís, who came to be known as Baháʼís, while a remnant of Bábís became known as Azalis , and are regarded by Bahá'ís as equivalent to apostates. He spent less than four months in Constantinople. After receiving chastising letters from Baháʼu'lláh, Ottoman authorities turned against him and put him under house arrest in Adrianople (now Edirne ), where he remained for four years, until
28675-483: The ruler promptly approved. On 12 December 1863, Baháʼu'lláh arrived in Adrianople with his family and other companions. His presence there, which lasted four and a half years, became a significant period for the further unfoldment of his mission among Bábís, and for the general proclamation of his cause. Over the next two years, writings which flowed from Bahá’u’lláh were broadly shared with Bábís in Iran. Bahá’u’lláh dispatched several trusted followers to Iran, and most of
28860-454: The same time Yahya used the Bábí Faith to benefit himself materially and to try to augment his delusory standing, employing means towards those ends which shamefully contradicted statements by the Báb. He also engaged in criminal activities, including persuading several followers to murder other Bábís whom Yahya viewed as potential adversaries, or as supporters of such imagined rivals. Yahya even took steps to initiate another attempt to assassinate
29045-411: The sexes are equal; neither is superior to the other. To realize such equality, Baháʼí teachings envisage the implementation of far-reaching societal changes everywhere—including mandates to end discriminatory practices against females and greater emphasis on education for girls to ensure women fulfill their potential in all fields of human endeavor. Bah%C3%A1%CA%BC%C3%AD Faith The Baháʼí Faith
29230-478: The spiritual ideal in Baháʼí belief. According to Baháʼí belief when a human dies the soul is permanently separated from the body and carries on in the next world where it is judged based on the person's actions in the physical world. Heaven and Hell are taught to be spiritual states of nearness or distance from God that describe relationships in this world and the next, and not physical places of reward and punishment achieved after death. The Baháʼí writings emphasize
29415-434: The spiritual life of each other. Interracial marriage is also highly praised throughout Baháʼí scripture. Bah%C3%A1%CA%BC%C3%AD World Centre buildings#International Archives The Baháʼí World Centre buildings are buildings that are part of the Baháʼí World Centre in Israel . The Baháʼí World Centre buildings include both the Baháʼí holy places used for pilgrimage and the international administrative bodies of
29600-489: The successor or vicegerent of the Báb. Knowledgeable Bábís promptly rejected Yahya's bold claim, because the referenced letter indicated no such status, and due to the fact that other writings of the Báb specifically "eliminated the institution of successorship, or vicegerency" from his religion. The Báb also decreed no one's words would be binding upon believers until the advent of the Promised One. Others questioned Yahya's motives, considering he had never done anything to protect
29785-463: The tablet—this news brought great joy to the Báb when Mullá Husayn wrote him about it. Bahá’u’lláh received the tablet when he was 27, he immediately acknowledged the truth of the Báb's message and arose to share it with others. In his native province of Núr Bahá’u’lláh's notability as a prominent local provided numerous opportunities to teach the Bábí Faith, and his trips attracted many to the new religion, including Muslim clerics. His Tehran home became
29970-417: The time and place may be established. Conversely, certain general principles (for example, neighbourliness, or charity) are seen to be universal and consistent. In Baháʼí belief, this process of progressive revelation will not end; it is, however, believed to be cyclical. Baháʼís do not expect a new manifestation of God to appear within 1000 years of Baháʼu'lláh's revelation. Baháʼís assert that their religion
30155-423: The title Baháʼ (بهاء), Arabic for "glory" or "splendour", or Baháʼu'lláh ( / b ə ˈ h ɑː ʔ ʊ l ɑː / , Arabic : بَهاءُالله ), as a glorification of God. Many symbols and phrases of the Baháʼí Faith derive their significance from the word Baháʼ. For example, a nine-pointed star or nine-sided temples are references to the numerical value of Baháʼ according to a system of numerology (b=2, h=5, á=1, ʼ=1),
30340-524: The weak and the poor. Starting with the Nine Year Plan that began in 1964, the Universal House of Justice has directed the work of the Baháʼí community through a series of multi-year international plans . Starting with the Nine-Year Plan that began in 1964, the Baháʼí leadership sought to continue the expansion of the religion but also to "consolidate" new members, meaning increase their knowledge of
30525-459: The word Baháʼí indicates a follower of Baháʼ, and his son ʻAbdu'l-Bahá (Servant of Baháʼ) chose his title to demonstrate servitude toward Baháʼu'lláh. In the 1930s, Baháʼís adopted a standardized system of transliterating Arabic that renders Arabic faithfully into Roman script . The vowels without diacritical marks are short, and those with diacritical marks are long. His name is pronounced in four syllables: Ba , as in ba t; há , as in ha rd;
30710-429: The word is commonly pronounced bə- HYE ( / b ə ˈ h aɪ / ), but the more accurate rendering of the Arabic is bə- HAH -ee ( / b ə ˈ h ɑː . iː / ). The accent marks above the letters, representing long vowels, derive from a system of transliterating Arabic and Persian script that was adopted by Baháʼís in 1923, and which has been used in almost all Baháʼí publications since. Baháʼís prefer
30895-399: The world's countries and territories. The Baháʼí Faith has three central figures: the Báb (1819–1850), executed for heresy, who taught that a prophet similar to Jesus and Muhammad would soon appear; Baháʼu'lláh (1817–1892), who claimed to be said prophet in 1863 and had to endure both exile and imprisonment; and his son, ʻAbdu'l-Bahá (1844–1921), who made teaching trips to Europe and
31080-461: The worldwide Baháʼí community that is located in Haifa , Israel, near the Shrine of the Báb . According to Baháʼí teachings , religion is revealed in an orderly and progressive way by a single God through Manifestations of God , who are the founders of major world religions throughout human history; the Buddha , Jesus , and Muhammad are cited as the most recent of these Manifestations of God before
31265-516: Was William Sutherland Maxwell , a Canadian Baháʼí who was a Beaux-Arts architect and the father-in-law of Shoghi Effendi. Shoghi Effendi provided overall guidance, including in the use of Western and Eastern styles, but left the artistic details to Maxwell. Maxwell's design of the Rose Baveno granite colonnade, Oriental-style Chiampo stone arches, and golden dome is meant to harmonize Eastern and Western proportions and style. Some remaining aspects of
31450-597: Was " Him whom God shall make manifest ", the one promised by the Báb, and announced that his mission as God's latest manifestation in this world had commenced. Bahá’u’lláh left the Riḍván garden on 3 May 1863 and proceeded with his family to Constantinople as guests of the Ottoman government, accompanied by a mounted government escort arranged for their protection by 'Ali Pasha, the Sultan's prime minister. Other travelers included at least two dozen companions who requested Bahá’u’lláh's permission to accompany him. Though not included in
31635-568: Was Baháʼu'lláh's eldest son, known by the title of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá ("Servant of Bahá"). His father left a will that appointed ʻAbdu'l-Bahá as the leader of the Baháʼí community. ʻAbdu'l-Bahá had shared his father's long exile and imprisonment, which continued until ʻAbdu'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, teaching, and maintaining correspondence with communities of believers and individuals, expounding
31820-461: Was completed in 1908, and ʻAbdu'l-Bahá moved to the house in August 1910. It became his official residence. After his travels to the West, it became the place for the reception of pilgrims to the Baháʼí World Centre . The election of the first Universal House of Justice occurred in this house in 1963. Pilgrim Houses signify buildings where pilgrims are (or were) greeted and housed during pilgrimage to
32005-634: Was designated by Baháʼu'lláh himself in 1891 while he was camped, with ʻAbdu'l-Bahá , on Mount Carmel . The location is right above the German Colony , which was established in the 1860s by the German Templer Society , who were working for the Kingdom of God on earth. The initial shrine was built by ʻAbdu'l-Bahá and completed in 1909. Many years later, the superstructure was completed by Shoghi Effendi , and finally dedicated in 1953. The architect
32190-464: Was involved in some conspiracy, he was sent to prison in Famagusta , Cyprus with his family, some Azalis, and four Bahá’ís. Leaving Adrianople on 12 August 1868, Bahá’u’lláh and his companions arrived in Acre on 31 August where they were incarcerated in the city's prison citadel. Inhabitants of Acre were told the new prisoners were enemies of the state, of God, and his religion, and association with them
32375-445: Was no reason" for him to call upon anyone. Bahá’u’lláh's independence and detachment from the situation was used by the Persian ambassador to maliciously misrepresent Bahá’u’lláh before the Ottoman court, and to press for his banishment from the capital. As a consequence, less than four months after arriving in Constantinople, the prime minister suggested the Sultan banish Baháʼu'lláh and his companions to Adrianople (now Edirne ), which
32560-555: Was not involved in the assassination attempt but was imprisoned in Tehran until his release was arranged four months later by the Russian ambassador, after which he joined other Bábís in exile in Baghdad. Shortly thereafter he was expelled from Iran and traveled to Baghdad , in the Ottoman Empire. In Baghdad, his leadership revived the persecuted followers of the Báb in Iran, so Iranian authorities requested his removal, which instigated
32745-642: Was printed on 5 October 1871. Eventually, after the Sultan's death, Baháʼu'lláh was allowed to leave the city to visit nearby places, and to then reside in areas outside Acre. From 1877 to 1879, Baháʼu'lláh lived in Mazra'ih , a house a few miles north of the prison city. Though formally still a prisoner of the Ottoman Empire, the final years of Baháʼu'lláh's life (1879–1892) were spent in the Mansion of Bahjí , just outside Acre. Baháʼu'lláh devoted his time to writing numerous volumes detailing his teachings, including his vision for
32930-436: Was started under the instruction of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá , but was only completed during the time that Shoghi Effendi was the head of the Baháʼí Faith. Although it served originally as the Pilgrim House for western Baháʼís, it has been used for other purposes more recently: The Eastern Pilgrim House or the "Haifa Pilgrim House" is a Pilgrim House for Baháʼís when they go on pilgrimage. The house was built after ʻAbdu'l-Bahá interred
33115-423: Was still formally a prisoner of the Ottoman Empire, his prison conditions were eased, and from 1879 he used the Mansion of Bahjí as his home. Although the Mansion of Bahjí is relatively isolated, with only a small pilgrim house and the Shrine within several hundred metres, there used to be a complex of several buildings mostly used by the extended Holy family. During the time of Shoghi Effendi , these buildings (and
33300-421: Was strictly forbidden. The first years in ‘Akká were under very harsh conditions with many Bahá’ís becoming sick (three eventually died). June 1870 witnessed the tragic death of Baháʼu'lláh's 22-year-old son Mirzá Mihdí who fell through an unguarded skylight as he paced on the roof of the prison one evening while engrossed in prayer and meditation . After a while, relations between Bahá’í prisoners, officials, and
33485-438: Was temporarily confined and punished with bastinado . The Bábí Faith quickly spread across Persia, attracting large numbers of adherents. This provoked widespread opposition from both Islamic clerics fearful of losing congregants and associated benefits, and from civil authorities afraid of the growing influence of the Bábí community, resulting in thousands of Bábís being killed in relentless campaigns of persecution. In July 1850
33670-501: Was to the second of these that Bahá’u’lláh's book the Four Valleys was written. During Bahá’u’lláh's absence from the Baghdad Bábí community, Mirza Yahya's true nature became increasingly clear. The public respect and morale of Bábís soon disintegrated as Yahya failed to give spiritual guidance or to demonstrate in daily living the lofty standards taught by the Báb. His actions to discredit Bahá’u’lláh, and any who admired him, grew. At
33855-434: Was unleashed, killing at least 10,000 Bábís that same year as government ministers vied with one another to collectively punish known or suspected Bábís, including Bahá’u’lláh. Well known for his support of the Bábí cause, Baháʼu'lláh was arrested and incarcerated in the subterranean Síyáh-Chál of Tehran, where he was bound in heavy chains that left life-long scars. Baháʼu'lláh was confined to that dungeon for four months, as
34040-544: Was used as a Pilgrim House for members of the Baháʼí Faith who had come for pilgrimage during the first half of the 20th century. It is currently part of the Baháʼí World Centre and used by the Baháʼí International Community Secretariat and related offices. The house was originally paid for by William Harry Randall, a wealthy American Baháʼí, who felt the facilities of the previous Western Pilgrim House at 4 Haparsim were inadequate. Its construction
34225-537: Was ʿAlí Muḥammad, and later assumed the title of the Báb ( lit. ' the gate ' ), indicating his position as a spiritual "gate to divine knowledge", and to a still greater God-sent educator whose imminent appearance he was preparing the way for. Soon after declaring his spiritual mission to Mullá Husayn , the Báb sent him to Tehran to deliver a special tablet to one whom God would guide him to. After learning about Baháʼu'lláh through an acquaintance, Mullá Husayn felt compelled to arrange for Baháʼu'lláh to receive
#703296