Baha'i Faith
Site visit: Philadelphia Bahá'í Community 2462 Bryn Mawr Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19131.
Overview of the Baha'i Tradition
The Bahai 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 declared that he was “He Whom God Shall Manifest.” Bahai followers believe in the unity of all humans and all religions. Key figures have brought important revelations (i.e. Jesus, the Buddha, Muhammad, Krishna, etc.), but new revelations appropriate to new times can come through prophets like Bahaullah.
How to visit a Baha’i Community
What to expect during the service: Bahai 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 Bahai 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-Bahai Visitors: Visitors can 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 Bahai tradition. The host will guide theflow 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 when Bahaullah declared his mission as God’smessenger.
Other holidays include Race Unity Day, the Martyrdom of Bab, and holidayscommemorating the births of both Bab and Bahaullah.
For current dates, consult the Inter-Faith Calendar (Links to an external site.)
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.
Bahai.org (Links to an external site.)