BAHÁ’U’LLÁH
THE BAHÁ’Í FAITH
WHAT BAHÁ’ÍS DO
Since the inception of the Bahá’í Faith in the Nineteenth Century, a growing number of people have found in the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh a compelling vision of a better world. Many have drawn insights from these teachings—for example, on the oneness of humanity, on the equality of women and men, on the elimination of prejudice, on the harmony of science and religion—and have sought to apply Bahá’í principles to their lives and work. Others have gone further and have decided to join the Bahá’í community and participate in its efforts to contribute directly to the realization of Bahá’u’lláh’s stupendous vision for humanity’s coming of age.
Bahá’ís hail from all walks of life. Young and old, men and women alike, they live alongside others in every land and belong to every nation. They share a common goal of serving humanity and refining their inner-lives in accordance with the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. The community to which they belong is one of learning and action, free from any sense of superiority or claim to exclusive understanding of truth. It is a community that strives to cultivate hope for the future of humanity, to foster purposeful effort, and to celebrate the endeavours of all those in the world who work to promote unity and alleviate human suffering.
ONE GOD
Called by different names throughout the ages, the eternal God, the one Creator of the universe. God is limitless, all-knowing, all-powerful, all-merciful. God is one. While the reality of God is beyond human understanding, we may find expressions of God’s attributes in every created thing. All the best human qualities are reflections of God’s divine attributes.
“The peoples of the world, of whatever race or religion, derive their inspiration from one heavenly Source, and are the subjects of one God.”
— BAHA’U’LLAH
As God’s creation, we may never understand God completely. God communicates through Messengers, also referred to as Divine Educators. We can know God through studying the words and scriptures of these Messengers.
ONE HUMAN FAMILY
Beyond all differences of race, culture, class or ethnicity, regardless of differences in customs, opinions, or temperaments, every individual is a member of one gloriously diverse human family. Each unique individual has a role to play in carrying forward an ever-advancing material and spiritual civilization.
“Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch. Deal ye one with another with the utmost love and harmony, with friendliness and fellowship.”
— BAHA’U’LLAH
This core belief in oneness calls us to actively root out our prejudices and the systemic inequalities that divide people of different ethnic backgrounds, national origins, genders and social classes.
ONE UNFOLDING RELIGION
Humanity’s spiritual, intellectual and moral capacities have been cultivated through the successive teachings of the Founders of the world’s religions—the Manifestations of God. Among Them are Krishna, Abraham, Moses, Zoroaster, Buddha, Jesus Christ, Muhammad and, most recently, the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh. Each religion originates with God and is suited to the age and place in which it is revealed. In essence, the religion of God is one and is progressively unfolding.
“This is the changeless Faith of God, eternal in the past, eternal in the future.”
— BAHA’U’LLAH
BASIC TEACHINGS
Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings offer hope to a troubled world. He identified the spiritual principles on which humanity may, with divine assistance, establish lasting peace:
• The oneness of humanity
• Independent investigation of truth
• Elimination of prejudice
• Racial and social justice
• The nobility of each human being
• Equality of women and men
• Harmony between science and religion
• Universal education
• Spiritually guided solutions to economic inequality
• Justice and equity as foundations for world peace
“A new life is, in this age, stirring within all the peoples of the earth.”
— BAHA’U’LLAH
DAILY PRACTICES
Each Baha’i takes time every day to pray, read from scripture, meditate, and reflect on how to translate Baha’i teachings into action. There is no clergy or priesthood in the Baha’i Faith. Each person is responsible for his or her own relationship with God and spiritual development.
SACRED WRITINGS
Baha’u’llah revealed over a hundred volumes of sacred texts, including prayers, and meditations, a book of laws, mystical passages and the Book of Certitude, which covers theology.
Baha’u’llah’s Hidden Words are perhaps one of the most accessible scriptural collections, explaining the essence of faith in short and beautiful passages.
ORGANIZATION
Each year, the Baha’i community elects local and national councils, known as Spiritual Assemblies. All Baha’is 21 and older are eligible to both vote and be elected. Diverse membership, non-partisan elections, and collective decision-making are basic features of the Baha’i model of leadership. In place of clergy or priesthood, these local assemblies ensure community members feel cared for and connected to one another.
An international council, known as the Universal House of Justice, is elected once every five years.
WHAT BAHÁ’ÍS BELIEVE
THE LIFE OF THE SPIRIT
Baha’u’llah’s Revelation affirms that the purpose of our lives is to know God and to attain His presence. Our true identity is our rational soul, whose free will and powers of understanding enable us to continually better ourselves and our society. Walking a path of service to God and to humanity gives life meaning and prepares us for the moment the soul separates from the body and continues on its eternal journey towards its Maker.
Four topics are examined in this section. Under each heading, there is a collection of pages, articles, selections from the Bahá’í writings, and further resources, that explore each of the topics in depth.
Our Core
COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES
We believe lasting social change starts at the neighborhood level when we build relationships based on love and mutual respect. So, we start small by holding gatherings in community centers and homes with opportunities for all age groups to grow together.
Baha’is often host informal “fireside” meetings in their homes for introductory conversations about the Baha’i Faith. A fireside is a great setting for people to ask questions and learn about how the Faith’s teachings relate to contemporary life.
In addition, our core community building activities include:
small efforts make big change
Contact Bahá’ís of Fullerton
Address
1630 E Union Ave, Fullerton, CA, 92831
Phone
657-217-4809
