The Bahá'í Faith, founded in the 19th century, is a monotheistic religion that emphasizes the oneness of God, religion, and humanity. Central to its teachings is the belief in a single, all-powerful, and unknowable Supreme God who has revealed His will through a succession of prophets. This belief in a Supreme God forms the foundation of Bahá'í spirituality, guiding its followers towards unity, peace, and justice.
In the Bahá'í Faith, God is viewed as the eternal, omnipotent, and omniscient creator of the universe. He is transcendent and beyond human comprehension, yet His essence is reflected in the world through His attributes, such as love, justice, and mercy. Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith, describes God as "an unknowable Essence" whose reality is beyond the grasp of human minds.
The Bahá'í Faith teaches that throughout history, God has sent a series of divine messengers, known as Manifestations of God, to guide humanity. These Manifestations include figures such as Abraham, Moses, Krishna, Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad, the Báb, and Bahá'u'lláh. Each Manifestation reveals aspects of God’s will and attributes, bringing teachings suited to the needs of the time and place of their appearance. Bahá'ís believe that Bahá'u'lláh is the latest of these Manifestations, bringing a message of unity and peace for the modern age.
A core tenet of the Bahá'í Faith is the unity of all religions. Bahá'ís believe that the world's great religions are different expressions of the same divine truth, revealed progressively by God through His Manifestations. This progressive revelation reflects the evolving spiritual and social needs of humanity. The teachings of Bahá'u'lláh emphasize that the essential purpose of all religions is to unite humanity and to promote love and understanding among all people.
Worship in the Bahá'í Faith is centered on prayer, meditation, and community service. Bahá'ís pray daily and have a rich tradition of devotional practices, including the recitation of prayers revealed by Bahá'u'lláh, the Báb, and `Abdu'l-Bahá. The community gathers regularly for devotional meetings, where prayers and sacred writings are read, fostering a spirit of unity and fellowship.
The Bahá'í House of Worship, or Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, serves as a central place for prayer and meditation, open to people of all faiths. These temples symbolize the unity of God, religion, and humanity, and are surrounded by auxiliary institutions dedicated to education, healthcare, and social services.
Bahá'í teachings emphasize that understanding and implementing God’s will involves working towards social justice, equality, and the betterment of society. Key social principles include the elimination of all forms of prejudice, the equality of women and men, the harmony of science and religion, and the promotion of universal education.
Bahá'ís believe that these principles are expressions of God’s attributes and will. By striving to embody these principles in their personal and community life, Bahá'ís seek to reflect God’s love and justice in the world, contributing to the establishment of a unified and peaceful global society.
The concept of a Supreme God in the Bahá'í Faith is rooted in the belief in a single, all-knowing, and loving Creator who reveals His will through successive Manifestations. This belief fosters a vision of unity and harmony among all people, transcending religious, cultural, and national boundaries. By adhering to the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh, Bahá'ís strive to build a world where the oneness of humanity is recognized and where justice and peace prevail, reflecting the divine attributes of the Supreme God.