What is Baha'i?

Founder: Baha'u'llah 

• Baha'u'llah had been a follower of Babism, a sect of Shi'a Muslims who anticipated the appearance of a future religious leader who would revolutionize the Islamic world. After Bab's execution, Baha'u'llah became an important leader among the remaining Babis and eventually claimed that he had received a revelation that he was the promised future leader. His following became known as Baha'i.

Date Founded: c. 1860 A.D.

Location Founded: Iraq

Core Tenets:

While Baha'i professes a belief in a monotheistic god, it also promotes the idea that god is utterly transcendent and therefore unknowable. A series of "Manifestations of God" then have appeared throughout human history to promote the divine purpose. These manifestations include Abraham, Moses, Zoroaster, Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad, the Bab, and Baha'u'llah. Baha'i also professes the belief that future manifestations may appear to promote the divine message.

Baha'i promotes the unity of all religions as well as the ultimate goal that all of humanity will one day have one government, one language, and world peace. 

The present-day authority over the Baha'i faith is the Universal House of Justice. This nine-member council governs over the Baha'i national assembly as well as promotes the Baha'i message of world peace.