| communities appeared throughout the country. Notable expansion occurred in 1912 when 'Abdu'l Baha, who had been released from imprisonment, spent eight months traveling across the United States proclaiming the Baha'i Faith. Today the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the Unitedt States has its headquarters in Wilmette, Illinois. BASIC BELIEFS: The Baha'i Faith is centered on three principles: the oneness of God, the oneness of religion, and the oneness of mankind. Some social teachings emphasized by Baha'u'llah are: the independent investigation of truth; the essential harmony of science and religion; the equality of men and women; the elimination of prejudices of all kinds; universal compulsory education; a spiritual solution to the economic problems of the world; a universal auxiliary language; and universal peace upheld by a world government. The Baha'i teachings state that each Prophet or Manifestation of God is the focal point of spiritual light and life for mankind in the age in which He appears. Baha'u'llah proclaimed himself to be the focal center of spiritual guidance for mankind at this stage in human history. Baha'is believe that previous Prophets like Krishna, Abraham, Moses, Zoroaster, Buddha, Jesus Christ, and Muhammad were Messengers of God for Their ages. They also believe that Baha'u'llah is not the last of these Messengers of God but will be followed by others in the distant future. The Writings of the Bab, Baha'u'llah, and 'Abdu'l Baha are regarded as Baha'i sacred scripture. Baha'u'llah wrote the equivalent of 100 volumes consisting of prayers, meditations, exhortations, treatises and epistles. His major works include: the Kitab i Aqdas ("The Most Holy Book"), the repository of his laws; the Kitab i Iqan ("The Book of Certitude"), an exposition of essential teachings on the nature of God and religion; The Hidden Words, a collection of brief utterances for the edification of men's souls and the rectification of their conduct; The Seven Valleys, a mystic treatise that "describes the seven stages which the soul of the seeker must needs traverse ere it can attain the object of its existence"; and Epistle to the Son of the Wolf" His last major work in which He summarizes His Revelation. Selected Writings have been compiled in Gleanings from the Writings of Baha 'u'llah. Some of the principal works of Abdu'l Baha include: The Secret of Divine Civilization, Tablets of the Divine Plan, his Will and Testament, and innumerable letters. Many of his important talks have been compiled into such volumes as Some Answered Questions, Paris Talks, and Promulgation of Universal Peace. The works of the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, are regarded as authoritative interpretations of the Baha'i writings. Statements of the Universal House of Justice are regarded as unerring guidance on those matters not expressly covered in the sacred texts. PRACTICES AND BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS: The Baha'i Faith exhorts Baha'is to abide by the highest moral and ethical standards. It prescribes monogamy and upholds the importance of chastity. It admonishes individuals and groups to be free from prejudice and to refrain from activities that lead to disunity, including participation in partisan politics. Baha'is are forbidden to proselytize. Baha'is are counseled to demonstrate the principles of their Faith in their daily lives and to explain the message of Baha'u'llah to others who have shown interest. Baha'is conduct group activities such as study classes, discussions, seminars and summer schools to foster knowledge of the teachings. Some local Baha'i communities make proclamation efforts through the media. Inquirers of the Baha'i Faith are encouraged to investigate the Baha'i teachings for themselves. Baha'is use a calendar established by the Bab and confirmed by Baha'u'llah. The year is divided into 19 months of 19 days each, with the addition of four intercalary days (five in leap years). The Baha'i year begins with spring equinox, March 21, which is a holy day. Other holy days on which work should be suspended are the days commemorating the declaration of Baha'u'llah's mission (April 21, April 29 and May 2), the declaration of the mission of the Bab (May 23), the passing of Baha'u'llah (May 29), Martyrdom of the Bab (July 9), birth of the Bab (October 20), and the birth of Baha'u'llah (November 12). Baha'is observe a period of fasting in which they abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset during the last month of their calendar (March 2 to March 20). ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE: The Baha'i Administrative Order, whose structure is delineated in the Baha'i writings, safeguards the Baha'i Faith against division. The Administrative Order consists of appointed and elected institutions on the local, national and international levels. The appointed institutions consist of individuals who advise the elected institutions. The latter are elected through a process that precludes nominating, electioneering and campaigning for office. Votes are cast by secret ballot. A local spiritual assembly which is elected in every locality where nine or more adult Baha'is reside and is responsible for the affairs of the local Baha'i community. The National Spiritual Assembly is elected each year at a national convention by delegates who were chosen by the Baha'i electorate at regional conventions. An international convention, comprised of all the National Spiritual Assemblies, is held every five years to elect the Universal House of Justice. ROLE OF MINISTERS: There are no clergy in the Baha'i Faith. Local spiritual assemblies and groups (and in their absence individual Baha'is) plan and conduct worship services. WORSHIP: Individual Baha'is, children as well as adults, plan and conduct their worship services. Worship is not required, but Baha'is are encouraged to pray as a group as well as individually since this strengthens them as a group and lends force to their prayer. The first day of each of the nineteen months of nineteen days that make up the Baha'i Calendar is the regular time for a Baha'i community to gather for the purpose of worship, conducting community business, and socializing; this gathering is called a nineteen day Feast. No special items are required for Baha'i worship, although Baha'is will use Baha'i prayer books and other Baha'i books containing sacred texts for their prayers and meditations. Baha'is have no churches. The Baha'i Houses of Worship are not churches; they symbolize the basic idea of unity that underlies the Baha'i Faith. It is not necessary to be in any special place for worship. DIETARY LAWS OR RESTRICTIONS: Baha'is are prohibited from using alcoholic beverages, narcotics, and other habit forming drugs, unless prescribed by a physician. FUNERAL AND BURIAL REQUIREMENTS: Regarding Baha'i burial, interment must take place within an hour's travel time from the place of death. The body should not be embalmed if permitted under local laws and requirements. A specific prayer for the dead is recited. If there is a Baha'i community locally, it may be contacted to provide service or guidance. Autopsy is generally permitted as long as due respect is given to the body. Cremation is forbidden. MEDICAL TREATMENT: No restrictions. OTHER: Baha'i teachings require that Baha'is obey the laws of the government under which they live, including any obligation of military service. However, Baha'is are also required to apply for noncombatant service on the basis of religious training and belief when the opportunity to do so is legally provided by their government. Baha'is are encouraged to associate with the followers of other religions in fellowship and unity. The local and the national Baha'i communities, and individual Baha'is, may collaborate with the followers of other religions on areas of common interest and may associate with them in social, cultural, humanitarian, charitable, and educational organizations whose aims and purposes are in accord with Baha'i principles. For more information one should contact the Baha'i Office of Public Information, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (telephone: 708/869 9039), or the Baha'i Office of External Affairs,1606 New Hampshire Avenue N.W., Washington, DC 20009 (telephone: 202/269 8830). GENERAL SOURCE BOOKS: Baha'i Scripture: Baha'u'llah. Epistle to the Son of the Wolf. Wilmette, IL: Baha'i Publishing Trust, 1941, 1976. 196pp. __________, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha 'u' llah. Wilmette, IL: Baha'i Publishing Trust, 1939, 1976. 365pp. __________, The Hidden Words of Baha'u'llah. Wilmette, IL: Baha'i Publishing Trust, 1932, 1979. 52pp. ___________, Kitab i Iqan (Book of Certitude). Wilmette,IL: Baha'i Publishing Trust, 1931, 1974. 274pp. ___________, Prayers and Meditations. Wilmette, IL: Baha'i Publishing Trust, 1938, 1962. 347pp. ___________, Abdu'l Baha. Foundations of World Unity. Wilmette, IL: Baha'i Publishing Trust, 1945, 1979. 112pp. The Secret of Divine Civilization. Wilmette,IL: Baha'i Publishing Trust, 1918, 1870. 126pp. Some Answered Questions. Wilmette, IL: Baha'i Publishing Trust, 1918, 1981. 324pp. Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l Baha. Huffy: Baha'i World Centre, 1978. 325pp. Works by Shoghi Effendi: The Advent of Divine Justice. Wilmette, IL: Baha'i Publishing Trust, 1939. 78pp. God Passes By. Wilmette, IL; Baha'i Publishing Trust, 1944, 1970. 434pp. The World Order of Baha 'u'llah. Wilmette, IL: Baha'i Publishing Trust, 1938. 206pp. Works About the Baha'i Faith: Hatcher, William S. and J. Douglas Martin. The Baha'i Faith: The Emerging World Religion. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1984, 226pp. Esslemont J.E. Baha'u'llah and the New Era Wilmette, IL: Baha'i Publishing Trust, 1928, 1966. 349pp. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Ronald B. Precht, Director U.S. Baha'i Office of Public Information Baha'i National Center Wilmette, IL 60091 (708) 869 9039 |
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| Black Rose Spiritual Center, Inc : Belief Systems |
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| Baha'i Faith |
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| ADDRESS: 536 Sheridan Road Wilmette, IL 60091 OTHER NAMES BY WHICH KNOWN: National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States. LEADERSHIP: In the Baha'i writings there are clear provisions for an elected body that governs the affairs of the Baha'i world community. This nine member council, called the Universal House of Justice and located in Huffy, Israel, was first elected in 1963. As head of the Faith it ensures the unity and progress of the Baha'i Cause. It legislates on all matters not expressly covered in the writings of Baha'u'llah or Abdu'l Baha. It oversees the work of 148 (as of April 1988) National Spiritual Assemblies and directs the work of the Baha'i International Community, which holds consultative status as a non governmental organization with the United Nations Economic and Social Council. NATIONAL LEADERSHIP: The National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, like the National Assemblies of other nations, is elected annually by means of delegates. MEMBERSHIP: Not reported. HISTORICAL ORIGIN: The Baha'i Faith was founded in Persia (Iran) by Mirza Husayn 'Ali, known as Baha'u'llah (pronounced BAH HA OH LAH), the "Glory of God." The Baha'i Faith is linked with the Babi Faith, founded in 1844 by Mirza 'Ali Muhammad, known as the Bab (pronounced Bahb) or "Gate. " The Bab announced that He was the herald of a Messenger or Prophet of God, who would usher in an age of peace for all mankind. In 1863, Baha'u'llah declared that He was the Prophet of Whom the Bab had spoken. Baha'u'llah was exiled from Iran to various places within he Ottoman Empire, and in 1868 was sent as a prisoner to the fortress city of Akka in Palestine. He passed away in 1892. In His will, He appointed His eldest son, 'Abdu'l Baha, to lead the Baha'i community and to interpret the Baha'i writings. 'Abdu'l Baha in turn appointed His grandson, Shoghi Effendi, as his successor, who served as Guardian of the Baha'i teachings from 1921 to 1957. The first public mention of the Baha'i Faith in the U.S. was at the Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893. The first Baha'i group was formed in Chicago the following year, and shortly afterward numerous |
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