Central Figures of
the Baháʼí Faith
Bahá’u’lláh is the Promised One foretold by the Divine Messengers of the past. He delivered a new Revelation from God to humanity, outlining a framework for a global civilization centered on the spiritual and material well-being of mankind.
Key Figures and Institutions of the Baháʼí Faith.
From time to time, God sends Messengers to humanity to advance our spiritual development through His divine Writings and social teachings. This concept, called “progressive revelation”, is a fundamental Bahá’í belief.
The Báb
The Báb (1819-1850), meaning the Gate, was the Forerunner of Bahá’u’lláh, and He prepared the people for the coming of a new Manifestation.
Bahá’u’lláh
Bahá’u’lláh (1817-1892), meaning the Glory of God, is the Prophet-Founder of the Bahá’í Faith. He wrote thousands of verses, letters and books and outlined a framework for developing a united global civilization accounting for humankind’s spiritual and material well-being.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá
‘Abdu’l-Bahá (1844-1921), meaning servant of Bahá, was the eldest son of Bahá’u’lláh. To guarantee that His Revelation would achieve its purpose of creating a united world and to safeguard the unity of the Bahá’í community, Bahá’u’lláh appointed ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as His successor and the Centre of His Covenant.
Shoghi Effendi
Shoghi Effendi (1897-1957), Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith. Abdu’l-Bahá named His eldest grandson, Shoghi Effendi, as the Guardian of the Faith. Shoghi Effendi established the administrative order, translated scripture into English, developed the Faith’s spiritual and administrative centre in the Holy Land, and offered profound insights through his writings.
The Universal House of Justice
The Universal House of Justice (est. 1963-present), is the international governing council of the Bahá’í Faith. It is an institution of nine members who are elected every five years by all national Bahá’í National Assemblies in the world. The Universal House of Justice directs the spiritual and administrative affairs of the Baha’i International Community.