Members of faith communities may choose to interpret and practice the teachings of their faith in many different ways. Those reading the next section should not be surprised if they know of individuals who choose not to follow the ways described below. In all cases, it should be recognised that some people who identify as Bahá'í may place different significance on the importance of these practices. This element of choice is important and should be treated with respect.

Overview of the faith

The Bahai faith is one of the youngest of the world's major religions. It was founded by Bahá'u'lláh in Iran in 1863. Iran was then, as it is today, mainly a Muslim country, and the faith was proclaimed by a young Iranian, who called himself The Báb. He said that a messenger would soon arrive from God, who would be the latest in a line of prophets including Moses, Muhammad and Jesus Christ.

• Bahá'u'lláh, which means the Glory of God in Arabic, was born Mirza Husayn Ali in 1817
• Bahá'ís believe that Bahá'u'lláh is the most recent Manifestation of God
• Bahá'u'lláh himself stated that he is not God's final messenger
• The Bahai faith accepts all religions as having true and valid origins
• The idea of progressive revelation is of central significance for the Bahai faith
• Bahá'u'lláh taught that God intervenes throughout human history at different times to reveal more of himself through his messengers (called Divine Messengers, or Manifestations of God)
• The central idea of the faith is that of unity. They believe that people should work together for the common benefit of humanity.

The followers of Bahá'u'lláh were descended from the Bábis - believers in the Báb who foretold the mission of Bahá'u'lláh. There are 6 million Bahá'ís in the world, in 235 countries and around 6,000 live in Britain.

Baha’is may say one of three obligatory prayers over the course of the day. The prayers need to be recited in a quiet place where the Bahai may wish to face the Qiblih. The Qiblih is the Shrine of the Baha’u’llah in Israel which lie to the south east of the UK. Two of the prayers may require some movement and prostrations (lying on the ground).

Key dates

Naw Ruz (the Baha’i New Year)
March

Ridvan
April/May

Declaration of the Bab
May

Ascension of the Baha’u’ullah
May

Martyrdom of the Bab
July

Birth of the Bab
October

Birth of the Baha’u’ullah
November

Food/catering

Many Baha’is may choose not to drink alcohol as a matter of principle.

Local Contact Information

Fidelma Meehan

Bahá'í Projects Office
Health Hydro
Milton Road
Swindon
SN1 5JA

Telephone: 01793 465715 / 537454

E-mail: projects@swindon-bahais.org

Web address:www.swindon-bahais.org or www.syep.org.uk