THE BAHÁ'Í FAITH

Has no secret mystic doctrines;
Has no priesthood or clergy;
Accepts no contributions from non-members;
Shuns partisan political involvement;
Requires obedience to governments and laws;
Is an independent, worldwide religion.

O ye children of men!

The fundamental purpose animating the Faith of God and His Religion is to safeguard the interests and promote the unity of the human race, and to foster the spirit of love and fellowship amongst men. Suffer it not to become a source of dissension and discord, of hate and enmity. This is the straight Path, the fixed and immovable foundation. Whatsover is raised on this foundation, the changes and chances of the world can never impair its strength, nor will the revolution of countless centuries undermine its structure. Baha'u'llah

The basis of the Bahá'í Faith

is that God is one; humanity is one family; the foundation of all religions is one; that evolution exists in religion as it does in the progress of mankind. The Divine Messengers sent successively by God about every 1,000 years complement each other. They are one in Spirit; each Messenger teaches a different phase of God's one evolving religion, in accordance with the needs of the epoch in which He appears. God's teaching for our modern times is the achievement of a united world, and the elevation of the spiritual and moral civilization of mankind; this goal is the keynote of the teachings of Baha'u'llah.

The common basis of all religions is found in their spiritual teachings, eternal in their aspect.

HINDUISM:

"The true role is to guard the possessions of others as you do your own."

JUDAISM:

"Whatsoever you do not wish your neighbor to do to you, do not unto him."

ZOROASTRIANISM:

"Do as you would be done by."

BUDDHISM:

"One should seek for others the happiness one desires for oneself."

CHRISTIANITY:

"All things whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so to them."

ISLAM:

"Let none of you treat your brother in a way he himself would dislike to be treated."

BAHÁ'Í:

"Blessed is he who prefers his brother before himself."

The Day of Peace and Unity

"This is the Day in which God's most exalted 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." Baha'u'llah

O Son of Being!
Thy Paradise is My love; thy heavenly home, reunion with Me. Enter therein and tarry not. This is that which hath been destined for thee in Our kingdom above and Our exalted dominion. Baha'u'llah

O Befriended Stranger!
The candle of thine heart is lighted by the hand of My power, quench it not with the contrary winds of self and passion. The healer of all thine ills is remembrance of Me, forget it not. Make My love thy treasure and cherish it even as thy very sight and life. Baha'u'llah

O Ye Rich Ones on Earth!
The poor in your midst are My trust; guard ye My trust, and be not intent only on your own ease. Baha'u'llah

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