Baha'i
The Baha'i faith was established in Iran (Persia) in the mid-nineteenth century and as such is one of the youngest of the world's independent religions.
In 1844, a messenger from God, the Bab, proclaimed the imminent arrival of one who would bring a new age of civilization and world peace. In 1863, Husayn Ali claimed to be this "Greater One". Ali is now known as Baha'u'llah (the Glory of God) and is thought to be the Messenger that people of all religions had been awaiting.
Baha'i scriptures consist of the writings of the Bab, Baha'u'llah and Baha'u'llah's son, 'Abdu'l-Baha.
Beliefs
Baha'is believe in:
- one God
- the unity and equality of all humankind
- the common foundations of all religions
Their goals include:
- universal compulsory education
- the establishment of a universal auxilliary language
- the abolition of poverty brought about through legislation
- international peace brought about by a world government and international military force
Baha'is over the age of 15 are required to read portions of the scriptures morning & evening and to recite set prayers three times a day - morning, noon and evening. Members of the Baha'i faith frequently follow a vegetarian diet; alcohol is forbidden and smoking is discouraged.
