1. World Religions- Bahaii by Heather STUDENT

2. The Bahai Faith The Bahai Faith is an independen t monotheist ic religion with its own laws, calendar, and holy days.

3. Number of Adherents The Bahai Faith has more than five million adherents residing in over 124,000 localities.

4. When Was It Established? The Bahai Faith was inaugurated in 1863 when Baha’u’llah announced his mission in Bagdad.

5. Influential Practitioners Baha’u’llah, a persian nobleman from Tehran was the Faith’s founder. In the Mid- nineteenth century, he left behind a life of comfort and faced intense persecution and deprivation bringing a stirring new message of peace & unity to all of humanity.

6. Basic Principles The oneness of God, mankind and religion. The independent investigation of truth. The equality of women and men. Harmony of science and religion. Elimination of extremes of wealth and poverty. Universal peace.

7. Continued.. A world common-wealth of nations. A universal auxiliary language. Spiritual solutions to economic problems. Universal education.

8. Laws and Obligations Teach the Cause of God. Contribute to the Bahai Fund (only Bahai’s may do this.) Observe Bahai Holy Days and attend the Nineteen Day Feast. Consider work as worship. Observe chastity before marriage. Respect and obey the Government of the land. Pray and read Holy Writings every day.

9. Forbidden Acts Baha’u’llah forbid the following: Lying Killing Stealing Gambling Drug Abuse Consumption of alcohol Gossip and backbiting Adultery and promiscuity

10. Clergy The Bahai’s do not have an official clergy. It’s affairs are administered by freely elected governing councils that operate at the local, national and international levels.

11. Rituals/Ceremonies Bahai’s believe that work though the spirit of service is worship. Thus, together with active service, fasting, meditation, and obedience to spiritual and moral laws they will develop and grow closer to God.

12. Holy Days Bahai’s observe 11 Holy days each year, including days associated with the eves of Baha’u’llah & the Bab, their messenger, as well as every year on March 21. Rivdan- a 12 day period in April/May that commemorates the declaration of Bahu’u’llah’s mission that began the Bahai Faith.

13. Continued… All Holy days are commemorated with community gatherings for prayer, reflection and fellowship. There is no work on Holy days.

14. Still Growing..? The Bahai Faith is today among the fastest growing of the world’s religions. Consisting of over five million followers, who reside in virtually every nation on earth. It is the second- most widespread faith, surpassing every religion but Christianity. Bahai’s reside in more than 124,000 localities around the world, an expansion that they believe reflects their dedication to the ideal of world citizenship.