Tenets of the Faith

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“This is the Day in which God’s most excellent favours have been poured out upon men, the Day in which His most mighty grace hath been infused into all created things. It is incumbent upon all the peoples of the world to reconcile their differences, and, with perfect unity and peace, abide beneath the shadow of the Tree of His care and loving-kindness. . . .
“Beseech ye the one true God to grant that all men may be graciously assisted to fulfill that which is acceptable in Our sight. Soon will the present-day order be rolled up, and a new one spread out in its stead. Verily, thy Lord speaketh the truth, and is the Knower of things unseen.”
Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 6

“It is incumbent upon the ministers of the House of justice to promote the Lesser Peace so that the people of the earth may be relieved from the burden of exorbitant expenditures. This matter is imperative and absolutely essential, inasmuch as hostilities and conflict lie at the root of affliction and calamity.”
Bahá’u’lláh, Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 89

The Lesser Peace will be the time during which there will be no more wars, yet still there will be injustice in the world.   Acts of violence will exist, political oppression and racial discord will still haunt us. Combat actions will be labelled “police actions”, “peace keeping missions”, or “limited strikes”. All-out war will no longer occur. The coming time of the Greater Peace, when even the violence of the Lesser Peace will be left behind, is one of the things that all Bahá’í’s pray and strive for.

“His third teaching is that religion is a mighty stronghold, but that it must engender love, not malevolence and hate. Should it lead to malice, spite, and hate, it is of no value at all. For religion is a remedy, and if the remedy bring on disease, then put it aside. Again, as to religious, racial, national and political bias: all these prejudices strike at the very root of human life; one and all they beget bloodshed, and the ruination of the world. So long as these prejudices survive, there will be continuous and fearsome wars.
“To remedy this condition there must be universal peace. To bring this about, a Supreme Tribunal must be established, representative of all governments and peoples; questions both national and international must be referred thereto, and all must carry out the decrees of this Tribunal. Should any government or people disobey, let the whole world arise against that government or people.”
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 260-261

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“The third Tajalli is concerning arts, crafts and sciences. Knowledge is as wings to man’s life, and a ladder f or his ascent. Its acquisition is incumbent upon everyone. The knowledge of such sciences, however, should be acqui red as can profit the peoples of the earth, and not those which begin with words and end with words. Great indeed is the claim of scientists and craftsmen on the peoples of the world. Unto this beareth witness the Mother Book on the day of His return. . . .”
This is the Day in which God’s most excellent favours have been poured out upon men, the Day in which His most mighty grace hath been infused into all created things. It is incumbent upon all the peoples of the world to reconcile their differences, and, with perfect unity and peace, abide beneath the shadow of the Tree of His care and loving-kindness. . . .
“Beseech ye the one true God to grant that all men may be graciously assisted to fulfill that which is acceptable in Our sight. Soon will the present-day order be rolled up, and a new one spread out in its stead. Verily, thy Lord speaketh the truth, and is the Knower of things unseen.”
Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 6

“It is incumbent upon the ministers of the House of justice to promote the Lesser Peace so that the people of the earth may be relieved from the burden of exorbitant expenditures. This matter is imperative and absolutely essential, inasmuch as hostilities and conflict lie at the root of affliction and calamity.”
Bahá’u’lláh, Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 89

Bahá’u’lláh, Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 51-52

“. . . Had material civilization been combined with Divine civilization, these fiery weapons would never have been invented. Nay, rather, human energy would have been concentrated on praiseworthy discoveries. Material civilization is like a lamp-glass. Divine civilization is the lamp itself and the glass without the light is dark. Material civilization is like the body. No matter how infinitely graceful, elegant and beautiful it may be, it is dead. Divine civilization is like the spirit, otherwise it becomes a corpse.”
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 317

“The Papal See has constantly opposed knowledge; even in Europe it is admitted that religion is the opponent of science, and that science is the destroyer of the foundations of religion. While the religion of God is the promoter of truth, the founder of science and knowledge, it is full of goodwill for learned men; it is the civilizer of mankind, the discoverer of the secrets of nature and the enlightener of the horizons of the world. Consequently, how can it be said to oppose knowledge? God forbid! Nay, for God, knowledge i s the most glorious gift of man and the most noble of human perfections. . . .”
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Some Answered Questions, p. 156

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“The aim of this Wronged One in sustaining woes and tribulations, in revealing the Holy Verses and in demonstrat ing proofs hath been naught but to quench the flame of hate and enmity, that the horizon of the hearts of men may be illuminated with the light of concord and attain real p eace and tranquillity. . . .”
Bahá’u’lláh, Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 219

“. . . All mankind are creatures and servants of the one God. The surface of earth is one home; humanity is one family and household. Distinctions and boundaries are artificial, human. Why should there be discord and strife am ong men? All must become united and coordinated in service to the world of humanity.”
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 107-108

“Bahá’u’lláh also taught that prejudices – whether religions, racial, patriotic or political – are destructive to the foundations of human development. Prejudices of any kind are the destroyers of human happiness a nd welfare. Until they are dispelled, the advancement of the world of humanity is not possible; yet racial, religious and national biases are observed everywhere. For thousands of years the world of humanity has been agitated and disturbed by prejudices. As long as it prevails, warfare, animosity and hatred will continue. Therefore, if we seek to establish peace, we must cast aside this obstacle; for otherwise, agreement and composure are not to be attained.”
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 181

“Intense is the hatred, in America, between black and white, but my hope is that the power of the Kingdom will b ind these two in friendship, and serve them as a healing balm.     “Let them look not upon a man’s color but upon his heart. If the heart be filled with l ight, that man is nigh unto the threshold of his Lord; but if not, that man is careless of his Lord, be he white or be he black.”
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 120

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“O Son of Spirit! The best beloved of all things in my sight is justice; turn not away therefrom if thou desire st Me, and neglect it not that I may confide in thee. By its aid thou shalt see with thine own eyes and not through the eyes of others, and shalt know of thine own knowledge and not through the knowledge of thy neighbour. Ponder thi s in thy heart; how it behoveth thee to be. Verily justice is My gift to thee and the sign of My loving-kindness. S et it then before thine eyes.”
Bahá’u’lláh, The Hidden Words and Selected Holy Writings, p. 10

“Be fair to yourselves and to others, that the evidences of justice may be revealed, through your deeds, among O ur faithful servants. Beware lest ye encroach upon the substance of your neighbor. Prove yourselves worthy of his t rust and confidence in you, and withhold not from the poor the gifts which the grace of God hath bestowed upon you. . . .”
Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 278

“And among the teaching of Bahá’u’lláh are justice and right. Until these are realized on the pla ne of existence, all things shall be in disorder and remain imperfect. . . .”
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 318

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“. . . We school you with the rod of wisdom and laws, like unto the father who educateth his son, and this for n aught but the protection of your own selves and the elevation of your stations. By My life, were ye to discover what We have desired for you in revealing Our holy laws, ye would offer up your very souls for this sacred, this mighty, and most exalted Faith.”
Bahá’u’lláh, Kitáb-I-Aqdas, K45

“. . . Schools must first train the children in the principles of religion, so that the Promise and the Threat r ecorded in the Books of God may prevent them from the things forbidden and adorn them with the mantle of the commandm ents; but this in such a measure that it may not injure the children by resulting in ignorant fanaticism and bigotry. ”
Bahá’u’lláh, Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 68

“Divine education is that of the Kingdom of God: it consists in acquiring divine perfections, and this is true education; for in this state man becomes the focus of divine blessings, the manifestation of the words, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, and after Our likeness.’ This is the goal of the world of humanity.”
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Some Answered Questions, p. 8

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“The truth is that all mankind are the creatures and servants of one God, and in His estimate all are human. Ma n is a generic term applying to all humanity. The biblical statement “Let us make man in our image, after our l ikeness” does not mean that woman was not created. The image and likeness of God apply to her as well. In Pers ian and Arabic there are two distinct words translated into English as man: one meaning man and woman collectively, the other distinguishing man as male from woman the female. The first word and its pronoun are generic, collective; the other is restricted to the male. This is the same in Hebrew.”
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 76

“Know thou, O handmaid, that in the sight of Bahá, women are accounted the same as men, and God hath crea ted all humankind in His own image, and after His own likeness. That is, men and women alike are the revealers of His names and attributes, and from the spiritual viewpoint there is no difference between them. Whosoever draweth nearer to God, that one is the most favored, whether man or woman. How many a handmaid, ardent and devoted, hath, within the sheltering shade of Bahá, proved superior to the men, and surpassed the famous of the earth.”
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 85

“And among the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh is the equality of women and men. The world of humanity has two wings – one is women and the other men. Not until both wings are equally developed can the bird fly. Should one wing remain weak, flight is impossible. Not until the world of women becomes equal to the world of men in the ac quisition of virtues and perfections, can success and prosperity be attained as they ought to be.”
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 315-316

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“Unto every father hath been enjoined the instruction of his son and daughter in the art of reading and writing and in all that hath been laid down in the Holy Tablet. He that putteth away that which is commanded unto him, the Trustees are then to take from him that which is required for their instruction if he be wealthy and, if not, the matter devolveth upon the House of Justice. Verily have We made it a shelter for the poor and needy. He that bringeth up his son or the son of another, it is as though he hath brought up a son of Mine; upon him rest My glory, My loving- kindness, My mercy, that have compassed the world.”
Bahá’u’lláh, Kitáb-I-Aqdas, K45

“The primary, the most urgent requirement is the promotion of education. It is inconceivable that any nation should achieve prosperity and success unless this paramount, this fundamental concern is carried forward. The principal reason for the decline and fall of peoples is ignorance. Today the mass of the people are uninformed even as to or dinary affairs, how much less do they grasp the core of the important problems and complex needs of the time.”   ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Secret of Divine Civilization, p. 109

“Were there no educator, all souls would remain savage, and were it not for the teacher, the children would be ignorant creatures.
“It is for this reason that, in this new cycle, education and training are recorded in the Book of God as obligatory and not voluntary. That is, it is enjoined upon the father and mother, as a duty, to strive with all effort to train the daughter and the son, to nurse them from the breast of knowledge and to rear them in the bosom of sciences and arts. Should they neglect this matter, they shall be held responsible and worthy of reproach in the presence of the stern Lord.”
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 128-127

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“The . . . teaching of Bahá’u’lláh is the readjustment and equalization of the economic standards of mankind. This deals with the question of human livelihood. It is evident that under present systems and conditions of government the poor are subject to the greatest need and distress while others more fortunate live in luxury an d plenty far beyond their actual necessities. This inequality of portion and privilege is one of the deep and vital problems of human society. That there is need of an equalization and apportionment by which all may possess the comforts and privileges of life is evident. The remedy must be legislative readjustment of conditions. The rich too must be merciful to the poor, contributing from willing hearts to their needs without being forced or compelled to do so. The composure of the world will be assured by the establishment of this principle in the religious life of mankind.”
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 107

“It is, then, clear and evident that the repartition of excessive fortunes among a small number of individuals, while the masses are in need, is an iniquity and an injustice. In the same way, absolute equality would be an obstacle to life, to welfare, to order and to the peace of humanity. In such a question moderation is preferable. It lies in the capitalists’ being moderate in the acquisition of their profits, and in their having a consideration for the welfare of the poor and needy – that is to say, that the workmen and artisans receive a fixed and established daily wage – and have a share in the general profits of the factory.”
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Some Answered Questions, p. 275

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Bahá’ís believe in contributing to the funds of their local spiritual assemblies as well as to the national and world funds.

“To offer contributions towards this end [in support of the activities of the Spiritual Assembly] is one of the pressing requirements of the Cause of God, is deemed highly essential, and is of fundamental importance. Next to the payment of the Huq\xfaq, it is the obligation of every Bahá’í.”
Shoghi Effendi, Letter to the Bahá’ís of the East, 27 February 1927

“… There is no objection to the … Spiritual Assembly keeping a record of the names of contributors, and sums received; but no pressure must ever be brought on the Bahá’ís to contribute, it must be voluntary, and should be considered confidential, unless the friends themselves wish to mention it openly.” [Note: In many countries (including the United States) contributions are completely confidential, the members not wishing to openly discuss how much was given by whom.]
Shoghi Effendi, Letter to an individual believer, 26 October 1945

“… Each and every believer, undaunted by the uncertainties, the perils of the financial stringency afflicting the nation, must arise and ensure, to the full measure of his or her capacity, that continuous and abundant flow of funds into the national Treasury, on which the successful prosecution of the Plan must chiefly depend.”
Shoghi Effendi, Letter to the National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S., 30 January 1938

Contributions to the Bahá’í funds are only accepted from Bahá’ís.   Contributions from non-Bahá’í sources are not accepted.   Bahá’ís believe that the causes of the Bahá’í Faith must be furthered through their own efforts.

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“O ye that are lying as dead on the couch of heedlessness!
“. . . Notwithstanding, ye walk on My earth complacent and self-satisfied, heedless that My earth is weary of you and everything within it shunneth you. Were ye but to open your eyes, ye would, in truth, prefer a myriad griefs unto this joy, and would count death itself better than this life.”
Bahá’u’lláh, Hidden Words, From the Persian #20

“Every man of discernment, while walking upon the earth, feeleth indeed abashed, inasmuch as he is fully aware that the thing which is the source of his prosperity, his wealth, his might, his exaltation, his advancement and power is, as ordained by God, the very earth which is trodden beneath the feet of all men. . . .”
Bahá’u’lláh, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 44

“Briefly, it is not only their fellow human beings that the beloved of God must treat with mercy and compassion, rather must they show forth the utmost loving-kindness to every living creature. For in all physical respects, and where the animal spirit is concerned, the selfsame feelings are shared by animal and man. Man hath not grasped this truth, however, and he believeth that physical sensations are confined to human beings, wherefore is he unjust to the animals, and cruel.”
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 167

“. . . the best way in which you can help to save the wildlife and natural condition of the world is to exert every effort to bring the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to the attention of your fellowmen and to win their allegiance to His Cause.
“As the hearts of men are changed, and they begin to work in unity in the light of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings, they can begin to implement many practical improvements to the condition of the world. This is already beginning in the efforts at social and economic development in those areas where large Bahá’í communities have been founded. Of course, you can also assist those with whom you come into contact who have an interest in improving the environment, but the fundamental solution is the one that Bahá’u’lláh has brought.”
The Universal House of Justice, Department of the Secretariat, from a letter dated 14 June 1984 to an individual believer