How is Bahaism, born in Iran, transforming worldviews?

Bahaism is a global movement that is changing ideas about faith. Emerging in a time of change, Bahaism has combined spiritual traditions, a desire for unity, and a deep respect for education and science. Issues concerning peaceful coexistence, education and harmony are at the heart of this religion, attracting followers around the world.

Origin and history of the religion

Baha'ism originated in Persia in the mid-nineteenth century, at a time when society was undergoing significant changes under the influence of scientific progress. The religion came into being through Baha'u'llah, who was associated with an esoteric Shi'i movement that criticised the strictness and dogmatism of the official clergy. Baha'u'llah, whose real name was Mirza Hussein Ali, was born in 1817 in Tehran to a noble family where his father served as a minister under the Shah.

At the same time, Sayyid Ali Muhammad Sirazi was born in the Persian city of Shiraz. In 1844, he declared himself the bearer of a divine message, announcing the imminent arrival of a new ‘Mahdi’ who would save the world. He adopted the name Bab, meaning ‘door,’ and soon his ideas attracted many followers.

However, the Bab was accused of apostasy and executed in 1850. In 1852, Mirza Hussein Ali, who was a disciple of the Bab, was arrested and imprisoned in Tehran. A few years later, in 1863, he proclaimed himself the prophet foretold by the Báb and took the name Baha'u'lláh, which translates as ‘Glory of God.’ He was subsequently exiled to Saint-Jean-d'Acre in Ottoman Palestine, where he produced much of his writings that became the foundation of the Bahá'í Faith.

The path to peace through the teachings

Baha'u'llah's basic teaching is to proclaim the unity of God and the unity of religions, since all of humanity is one big family. His teachings emphasise that all religions seek the same thing - peace and unity on earth. The differences between them are due to the historical, cultural, economic and social circumstances in which they originated.

Each of God's messengers, whether Moses, Mohammed, Jesus or Buddha, contributed to the development of civilisation at a particular stage, preparing the way for the next. The Bahá'í Faith, the last of the monotheistic religions, continues this sequence. Baha'u'llah died in 1892 at St Jean d'Acre, where he was buried. Before his death, he willed that the remains of his teacher, the Báb, be transferred to the slopes of Mount Carmel, some twenty kilometres from Saint-Jean-d'Acre. The reburial of the Báb's remains took place in 1909.

After Bahá'u'lláh's death, his eldest son ‘Abdu'l-Bahá succeeded him and actively promoted the Bahá'í teachings in the West. Abdu'l-Baha was buried in Haifa, Israel, next to the Báb's burial place. After him, his grandson Shoghi Effendi, known as the ‘Guardian’ of the Bahá'í Faith, became the Bahá'í leader, but he had no descendants. Since then, leadership of the Bahá'í community has passed to the Universal House of Justice, which consists of nine elected members and is the highest governing body of the Bahá'ís. There are between 5 and 7 million Bahá'í followers worldwide, living in more than 200 countries. However, the Bahá'í Faith remains banned in Iran, where adherents are persecuted.

Central value

Education is a core value in the Bahá'í religion. In Baha'u'llah's words, each person is ‘like a mine full of gems of great value.’ It is only through education that these treasures can be unlocked and humanity enabled to utilise them for good. In Bahaism, religion and science are seen as two complementary systems that contribute to the progress of civilisation. In order to achieve universal peace, it is important to teach children tolerance, altruism and respect for differences from an early age. Education should be available to everyone, regardless of gender, and if a family cannot afford to send all children to school, priority should be given to girls.

The heart of the Baha'i world

Haifa, where the remains of the Báb and ‘Abdu'l-Bahá, “the servants of Bahá'u'lláh,” rest, is the most important pilgrimage site for Bahá'ís from around the world. The city also serves as the world centre for all Bahá'í institutions. The idea of locating the administrative centre on Mount Carmel was suggested by Bahá'u'lláh himself, and his son ‘Abdu'l-Bahá made it a reality in 1908.

After the establishment of the State of Israel, Shoghi Effendi expanded Bahá'í influence in Haifa by acquiring the land around the Báb's mausoleum. A magnificent garden was created here, offering stunning views of the city. The site has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008. It is important to note that the Bahá'ís forbid proselytising around the world, and in Israel their rules are particularly strict. For example, the 700 or so Baha'is working in Israel in their religion's institutions are not allowed to invite locals to their prayer meetings.

Faith without rituals and ceremonies

There are virtually no rituals in the Bahá'í religion. Prayer is a strictly private affair, except in the case of funerals, when one of the prayers is said aloud by one of those present. Otherwise, everyone prays wherever they feel comfortable, at any time and in any form. There are no special places for prayer, nor are there sermons, priests, formal ceremonies or texts.

Although Baha'u'llah's writings are considered an important source of knowledge, Bahá'ís may also refer to other sacred texts such as the Bible, the Gospels, the Qur'an, and others. Bahaism has no initiation rites for newborns or converts. Becoming a Bahá'í is a completely personal decision, requiring only faith in God and the message of Bahá'u'lláh. As for marriage, there are no elaborate ceremonies - all that is required is the utterance of one particular phrase. The only significant ritual is an annual fast lasting 19 days, which corresponds to one month in the Bahá'í calendar. The fast begins on 2 March and involves abstaining from food and water from sunrise to sunset.

Conclusion

Bahaism, though young by historical standards, has already proven its ability to inspire and unite people around the world. Its adherents strive to build a society where the values of peace, justice and education take centre stage. It is a reminder that true progress is only possible through unity and mutual understanding.