What Bahá’ís Believe
The Oneness of Humanity
Bahá’ís believe that we all belong to one human family, and this principle is the foundation of all Bahá’í teachings.
Bahá’u’lláh has compared the world of humanity to the human body. The human body has billions of cells of diverse forms and functions which work together to maintain a healthy system.
Likewise, humanity is an organic whole comprising individuals, families, communities and institutions. Similar to the different parts of the body, the interaction between the various components of humanity must be characterized by harmony, cooperation and reciprocity to ensure the material and spiritual prosperity of all and allow for the advancement of society.
“Ye are the fruits of one tree and the leaves of one branch… So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth.”
Elimination of all
Forms of Prejudice
Prejudice significantly contributes to much of the conflict, confusion and despair we see today. The recognition by individuals, communities and institutions in society that only one human race is the remedy for racism and intolerance in all its forms. The human soul has no race, ethnicity, gender or class, and as such all forms of prejudice should be eliminated.
“O CHILDREN OF MEN! Know ye not why We created you all from the same dust? That no one should exalt himself over the other. Ponder at all times in your hearts how ye were created.”
The Equality of
Women & Men
The equality of women and men is a spiritual truth that has been suppressed throughout history. It is not just a condition to be achieved for the common good. Although this principle has been widely acknowledged, gender prejudice remains a widespread injustice today. Inequality promotes harmful attitudes and habits in all facets of life. Achieving equity of the sexes is one of the most essential prerequisites for justice, as it acknowledges the value every person contributes to society.
“When all mankind shall receive the same opportunity of education and the equality of men and women be realized, the foundations of war will be utterly destroyed. Without equality this will be impossible because all differences and distinction are conducive to discord and strife.”
How the Baha’i Faith
Inspires Hope
Gender Equality: Not Just a Women’s Issue
The Life of the Spirit
Humans have souls. Bahá’u’lláh says, “Know verily that the soul is a sign of God, a heavenly gem whose reality the most learned of men hath failed to grasp, and whose mystery no mind, however acute, can ever hope to unravel.” One purpose of our life in this world is to prepare for the life beyond. We need to develop spiritual qualities and characteristics for the next stage in our journey. One of the ways we can achieve those qualities is through prayer and devotion. Prayer is like food for the soul! `Abdu’l-Bahá describes prayer as “conversation with God”. When we pray we are having a loving conversation with our Creator. Communion with God also provides comfort and strength and offers us a channel to express our love for God. When we pray we are having a loving conversation with our Creator. Communion with God also provides comfort and strength and offers us a channel to express our love for God.
“O Son of Spirit! My first Counsel is this: possess a pure, kindly and radiant heart, that thine may be a sovereignty ancient, imperishable and everlasting.”