The Bahá’í Faith is an independent world religion that emphasises universal peace, the elimination of prejudice, and the unity of all people.

The Founder of the Bahá’í Faith, Bahá’u’lláh, teaches that all religions come from one God, humanity is one family and God periodically reveals His will through divine messengers, whose teachings guide and educate us and help humanity to advance. These Messengers have included Abraham, Krishna, Zoroaster, Moses, Buddha, Jesus and Muhammed and their religions are, like chapters of a book, part of one religion from God.

Today there are Bahá’ís living in every corner of the earth, all working towards finding ways for humanity to live in unity.

Bahá’ís Believe

• All humanity is one family
• Women and men are equal
• All prejudice – racial, religious, national or economic – is destructive and must be overcome
• Science and religion are in harmony
• Our economic and social problems are linked to spiritual problems
• There is one God
• All the world religions come from God
• Peace is a vital need of our time

A New Vision for Humanity’s Future

One of the most distinctive aspects of the worldwide Bahá’í community is the way in which its members face the future. Bahá’ís have a hopeful yet practical approach to changing the world.  They strive to -

• Work with likeminded individuals and organisations to build a new and peaceful world civilization based on principles of justice, equality and prosperity for all. Bahá’ís believe that humanity is on the verge of an evolutionary leap that will carry humankind to a future where “world peace is not only possible but inevitable.”

• Foster an understanding that each one of us is both a trust of the whole and also bears some responsibility for the welfare of all – no matter where we live. With this in mind social and economic development efforts are undertaken by Bahá’ís everywhere – not just those who live in wealthy countries. From a Bahá’í point of view everyone can contribute to, as well as benefit from, the transformation of society.

• Attempt at all times to find a balance between the material and the spiritual.  At the heart of the Bahá’í approach to social and economic issues is the recognition of a deep and inseparable connection between the practical and spiritual aspects of daily life. Material advancement is not enough in itself but should be seen as a way to assist moral, spiritual, and social progress.

• Support efforts in the field of social and economic development at the grassroots.  Most Bahá’í inspired activities in this area take the form of grassroots initiatives carried out by small groups of individuals in their own towns and villages. The distinguishing features of the Bahá’í approach to development are the principles and processes used by Bahá’í communities around the world rather than the number or size of projects. In a very real sense, social and economic development activities are an expression of faith in action.

Include everyone – Bahá’ís are dedicated to the principle of the oneness of humanity therefore all community building and development initiatives are designed to benefit all the members of a community and not just Bahá’ís. Bahá’ís work in close partnership with non-Bahá’í individuals and organisations to try to bring about social and economic progress and community development.

• Develop a process that, in villages and cities around the world, strives to build patterns of living that integrate the spiritual and practical. This social and economic development aims to create communities where spiritual values such as justice, trustworthiness, and generosity will enhance material well-being.

(Photographs – (i) Friends attending Irish Bahá’í Summer School, photograph (c) Earl Redman; ii) Irish President Mary McAleese addresses a gathering at the National Bahá’í Centre, April, 2010; iii)The Bahá’ís started some of the first girls’ schools in Iran. Shown here are a group of pre-school girls at the Tarbiyat School for Girls in Tehran, circa 1930)