THE BAHÁ'Í FAITH
Core Beliefs
Oneness of Humanity
"The tabernacle of unity hath been raised; regard ye not one another as strangers. Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch"
Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh
At the heart of the Baha'i faith is the conviction of the oneness of humanity. This principle finds expression in every endeavour the Baha'i community undertakes.
This implies that people from every walk of life are invited to participate in the efforts to create a just and equitable society. The wellbeing of the whole encompasses the wellbeing of every part.
"The tabernacle of unity hath been raised; regard ye not one another as strangers. Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch"
Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh
The Bahá'í writings teach us that humanity cannot reach its full potential when women are oppressed, male involvement is encouraged in bringing about gender equality in all aspects of community life.
Gender Equality
Science and religion, the dual knowledge systems of the world in which we live; religion helps us understand the progressive spiritual life of humanity while science gives us the instrument for discovering the material world.
"Religion and Science are inter-twined with each other and cannot be separated. These are the two wings with which humanity must fly. One wing is not enough. Every religion which does not concern itself with science is mere tradition…. Therefore science, education and civilisation are most important necessities for the full religious life."
-Abdu’l-Baha in London, p. 28-29
Harmony of Science
& Religion
One sets the goals for an ever-maturing society, the other assists in their attainment. The harmony between science and religion strengthens the interactions between individuals, communities, and institutions in this way.
"Put all your beliefs into harmony with science; there can be no opposition, for truth is one. When religion, shorn of its superstitions, traditions, and unintelligent dogmas, shows its conformity with science, then will there be a great unifying, cleansing force in the world which will sweep before it all wars, disagreements, discords and struggles -- and then will mankind be united in the power of the Love of God. "
"Put all your beliefs into harmony with science; there can be no opposition, for truth is one. When religion, shorn of its superstitions, traditions, and unintelligent dogmas, shows its conformity with science, then will there be a great unifying, cleansing force in the world which will sweep before it all wars, disagreements, discords and struggles -- and then will mankind be united in the power of the Love of God. "
Abdu’l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 433.
One of the challenges facing humanity today is the repetition of past choices, this has stunted both society and individual mind and volition. The attitude encouraged by the bahai teachings that helps us move away from this pattern is the independent exploration of truth. Its practical application is the detached evaluation of different sources of knowledge to come to a cohesive conclusion.
"Baha’u’llah continually urges man to free himself from the superstitions and traditions of the past and become an investigator of reality, for it will then be seen that God has revealed his light many times in order to illumine mankind in the path of evolution, in various countries and through many different prophets, masters and sages."
-Abdu’l-Baha, Divine Philosophy, p. 8.
Independant Investigation of Truth
The Bahá’í Faith teaches that the elimination of prejudice is essential to the unity and progress of humanity. Prejudice in all its forms, whether racial, religious, gender based or national, arises from ignorance and denies the spiritual truth that all people are equal. Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings affirm that humanity is one family and that no group holds superiority over another. The full equality of women and men is a fundamental principle and a key to building a just and peaceful society.
By seeking truth, building friendships across differences and recognising the dignity in every soul, lasting unity can be achieved.
Know ye not why We created you all from the same dust? That no one should exalt himself over the other.
Abdu’l-Baha, Divine Philosophy
Elimination of Prejudice