Baha'i Faith

The Bahá'í Faith Overview

August 20, 2005 · updated February 15, 2022

“The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens. ”

Bahá'u'lláh
Baha'i House of Worship at Dusk, Wilmette, Illinois
The Baha'i Temple of Wilmette, Illinois, illuminated at dusk. MichaelDPhotos
Fast Facts on Baha'i Faith
Adherents 5-7 million
Beliefs One God, who has revealed himself progressively through major world religions.
Practices Daily prayer, avoidance of intoxicants, scripture reading, hard work, education, work for social justice and equality.
Texts Writings of Bahá'u'lláh and other Bahá'í leaders.

Founded by Mirza Husayn-Ali (Baha'u'llah) in Iran in 1852, the Baha'i Faith centers on a belief in one God and a goal of world peace and unity. Bahais acknowledge the prophets of major world religions as true messengers from God; Baha'u'llah is considered one of these prophets. Bahais are located worldwide but especially in Southeast Asia.

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