What is the Bahai Faith and Why Was It Founded?
The Bahai Faith is one of the world’s newest and fastest-growing religions. It emerged in the mid-19th century in Persia (modern-day Iran). This faith emphasizes the oneness of humanity, the unity of all religions, and the promotion of world peace. The central message of the bahai Faith is that all human beings are part of one family, and now is the time to work together to build a peaceful and just global society.
Origin of the Bahá’í Faith
The Bahá’í Faith was founded by Bahá’u’lláh, who was born in 1817 in Persia. In 1863, he declared his mission and announced that he was the latest Messenger of God, just as figures like Krishna, Buddha, Jesus Christ, and Prophet Muhammad were in earlier times.
Another key figure in its early development was The Báb, who came before Bahá’u’lláh and foretold his arrival. The Báb is regarded as the forerunner of the Bahá’í Faith, who prepared people for the coming of Bahá’u’lláh and a new spiritual era.
Why the Bahá’í Faith Was Founded
The Bahá’í Faith arose during a period when the world was experiencing intense religious conflicts, social divisions, and growing injustice. Bahá’u’lláh observed that religions, which were meant to unite people, had often become sources of separation and conflict.
He believed that:
Humanity needed a new message to unite all people.
The true purpose of religion is to teach love, justice, and brotherhood.
Lasting peace can only come when people see all religions and races as equal.
Thus, the Bahá’í Faith was created to bring humanity together as one global family and to eliminate hatred, prejudice, war, and inequality.
Core Teachings of the Bahá’í Faith
The Bahá’í Faith is built on universal and progressive principles:
All human beings are equal — there should be no discrimination based on race, religion, gender, or color.
All religions come from the same God and aim to guide humanity.
Women and men should have equal rights and opportunities.
Every child has the right to quality education.
Science and religion must work together for the progress of humanity.
Wars and violence should be abolished, and a global system of governance should be established.
Present Status
Today, the Bahá’í Faith has spread to more than 200 countries around the world. In India, the Lotus Temple in New Delhi is a world-famous Bahá’í House of Worship, open to people of all faiths and backgrounds.
In short, the Bahá’í Faith teaches that humanity is one and that our ultimate goal must be to build a peaceful, equal, and loving world together. This was the central reason it was founded — to unite humanity, not divide it.
~Religion World Bureau
