Baha'i Faith:  An Introduction

Baha'i (also spelled Bahai) is a faith founded by Baha'u'llah, and is based on the tenets of the unity of all religions and humanity. Baha'is perceive God as an essence that manifests in numerous ways and is a religion without a clergy.

Each individual practicing in Baha'i is encouraged to look into religious teachings with an unbiased mind and be responsible for his or her own beliefs and actions. Spiritual assemblies are elected to carry on various activities such as marriages and funerals. Baha'is often meet for small group discussions called "firesides" and observe various Holy Days such as the birth and death of the Bab and Baha'u'llah (see below). Fasting is observed, from March 2 through March 20, when Baha'is abstain from all food and drink from sunrise to sunset. The Baha'i Faith (Bahai Faith) also has the institution of obligatory prayer; Baha'is are obligated to say one of three obligatory prayers each day. Baha'i teachings have as their goal the improvement of the conditions of human life.

Baha'i is the outgrowth of a movement within Islam known as Babism. There are over 5 million Baha'is thoughout the world, with large followings in Iran, India, Europe, and the United States.

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