Jane McDay
I am constantly surprised at the frequency with which I encounter people who have never heard of the Baha’i Faith. This in spite of regular news clips about the persecutions of the Baha’is in Iran by the Iranian government and the seven members of the faith held in Evin prison since March of 2008 because of their beliefs.
Is it that people are adhering to the old adage, "don’t talk about religion or politics," or could it be that folks fear that asking a simple question may ensnare them in a conversion attempt? Since Nov. 12 is the birthday of Baha’u’llah, I want to take this opportunity to explain a little about the Baha’i Faith merely for the information of those who know nothing about it.
To begin with, what is a Baha’i? A Baha’i believes in God and is a follower of Baha’u’llah (pronounced ‘Baha-oo-La’). Baha’u’llah, whose name means "Glory of God," is the prophet-founder of the Baha’i Faith.
In addition, a Baha’i recognizes and accepts the station of Baha’u’llah as the Promised One of all religions as well as the founder of the Baha’i Faith. This acceptance comes after personal investigation and conviction. A Baha’i is submissive to the teachings of Baha’u’llah and obedient to the divine institutions established by Baha’u’llah to administer the affairs of his faith.
A Baha’i
Also, a Baha’i strives to remove from his life all forms of prejudice -- racial, religious, or social. A Baha’i adheres to principles of moral rectitude. A Baha’i regards men and women as having equal status. A Baha’i acknowledges the basic harmony of religion and science. A Baha’i engages in the attainment and promotion of knowledge, in acquiring a means of livelihood, and in serving humanity. A Baha’i works toward world peace by encouraging the establishment of religious unity and world government. A Baha’i is obedient to recognized governments and does not become involved in political affairs.
One of Baha’u’llah’s first principles is personal and independent investigation of truth -- that is, no one should accept another’s opinion or interpretation of the Word of God without investigating for him or herself whether the subject contains the spark of truth Baha’u’llah teaches that religion is progressive, each successive revelation of the major prophets building on the teachings of the past to bring mankind ever closer to the ultimate goal of unification of the planet and the establishment of world peace. The spiritual teachings of each of these religions include a variation of what many of us know as "The Golden Rule," basically, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
In addition to their spiritual teachings, each of the religions has taught social principles and laws pertinent to the times and civilizations in which they were revealed. The extreme differences so apparent among the religions today are the result of interpretations and dogmas attached to the original teachings by subsequent leaders of the religions, causing the establishment of many subdivisions, or sects, each with its own set of rituals and rules. The essential teachings of Baha’u’llah for this time are that there is only one God, known by many different names, there is one race, the human race, and that the earth is but one country and mankind its citizens. It is the bringing of these truths to fruition that is the goal of the Baha’i Faith.
Baha’u’llah has provided a blueprint in his many writings for a world commonwealth which the Baha’is across the world are implementing in the conduct of their own religious and social affairs. From the time Baha’u’llah revealed his message, he was taken prisoner by the governmental and religious leaders in Iran and kept in prisons, dungeons, and banishments across Iran, Iraq, and finally to the prison city of Akka in the Ottoman Empire for the rest of His life. He suffered terribly there, and referred to Akka as "The Most Great Prison."
Nevertheless,through Baha’u’llah’s words and his writings his following grew. In one of his tablets he wrote: "Remember my days during thy days and my distress and banishment in this remote prison. And be thou so steadfast in my love that thy heart shall not waver, even if the swords of the enemies rain blows upon thee and all the heavens and the earth arise against thee."
This is the faith and the fortitude being shown by the Baha’i prisoners in Evin prison in Iran today. Baha’u’llah also wrote about his sufferings: "The Ancient Beauty hath consented to be bound with chains that mankind may be released from its bondage, and hath accepted to be made a prisoner within this most mighty stronghold that the whole world may attain unto true liberty.
"He hath drained to its dregs the cup of sorrow that all the peoples of the earth may attain unto abiding joy, and be filled with gladness. This is of the mercy of your Lord, the Compassionate, the Most Merciful. We have accepted to be abased, O believers in the unity of God, that ye might prosper and flourish. He who hath come to build anew the whole world, behold how they that have joined partners with God have forced him to dwell within the most desolate of cities."
Baha’u’llah died in 1892. His shrine, which we consider the holiest spot on earth, is located near the city of Akka.
Jane McDay is a member of the Bennington Baha’i Community.
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