Baha'i Faith
Site visit: Philadelphia Bahá'í Community 2462 Bryn Mawr Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19131.
Overview of the Baha'i Tradition
The Baha’i religion has its origins in nineteenth-century Persia with Mirza Ali-Muhammad, also known as “The Bab,” or “the door,” to a Universal Messenger of God. The Bab was killed in Persia in 1850, having been declared a heretic by Islamic authorities. One of his disciples, Bahaullah, publicly stated that he was “He Whom God Shall Manifest.” Baha’i followers believe in the unity of all humans and all religions. Key figures have brought important revelations (e.g., Jesus, the Buddha, Muhammad, Krishna), but new revelations appropriate to new times can come through prophets like Baha'u'llah.
Learning Resources:
Read What's the Right Response to a Hate Crime? One Baha'i perspective on how to respond if a hate crime happens in your community.
How to visit a Baha’i Community
What to expect during the service: Baha’i communities gather for regular worship every 19 days. It is called the Nineteen Day Feast and refers to a spiritual feast. Services involve devotions, prayers, and reading selections from both Baha’i and other religious texts. Readings are often followed by group discussions.
What to wear:
Both men and women should dress modestly. No head coverings are required. Participation by Non-Bahá'í Visitors: Visitors are welcome to sit wherever they like.
Religious Service:
Services may last 90 minutes or more.
Baha'i communities typically meet in homes and community centers.
Religious Leadership:
Chairperson or host: There are no clergy in the Baha'i tradition. The host will guide the flow of activities during the service.
Select Bahai Holy Days:
World Religion Day: a day that celebrates the oneness of religion.
Ayyam-i-Ha: a holiday devoted to hospitality, charity, and fasting.
Festival of Ridvan: commemorates the day when Baha'u'llah declared his mission as God's messenger.
Other holidays include Race Unity Day, the Martyrdom of Báb, and holidays commemorating the births of both Báb and Baha'u'lláh.
For current dates, consult the Inter-Faith Calendar
Readings/Resources
Hatcher, William S. and J. Douglas Martin. The Baha’I Faith and the Emerging Global Religion. Illinois: Baha’i Publishing, 2002.
Stockman, Robert. Baha’i: A Guide for the Perplexed. New York: Bloomsbury, 2012.