The Bahá'í Faith

The Bahá'í Faith is a global religion that emphasizes unity, peace, and the oneness of humanity. Founded by Bahá'u'lláh in the 19th century, the faith promotes the harmony of science and religion, gender equality, and universal education. Central to Bahá'í practice are its unique spiritual teachings and observances, many of which are tied to its sacred calendar.

With an estimated 5 to 8 million adherents worldwide, the Bahá'í Faith is one of the most widespread religions, with followers in nearly every country. While the largest Bahá'í populations are found in India, the United States, Iran, and various African and Latin American nations, the faith has no clergy, and its communities are governed by elected local and national councils known as Spiritual Assemblies. Despite persecution in some countries, Bahá'ís continue to engage in social and humanitarian initiatives, emphasizing global cooperation and unity.

The ringstone symbol, representing humanity's connection to God

The Origins of the Bahá'í Faith

The Bahá'í Faith traces its origins to mid-19th century Persia (modern-day Iran), where a young merchant known as the Báb (meaning "the Gate") proclaimed a new divine revelation in 1844. The Báb's teachings prepared the way for the coming of Bahá'u'lláh, whom Bahá'ís regard as the Promised One of all major world religions. Bahá'u'lláh declared His mission in 1863, teaching the essential unity of all faiths and calling for the establishment of a just and peaceful global civilization.

Persecuted for their beliefs, Bahá'u'lláh and His followers faced exile and imprisonment. Despite this, His teachings spread throughout the world, and today, the Bahá'í Faith is practiced by millions in nearly every country. Bahá'í communities work towards social progress, education, and interfaith dialogue, reflecting the core principles of their faith.

Bahá'u'lláh - Mírzá Ḥusayn-`Alí_Núrí

Holy Sites of the Bahá'í Faith

The Bahá'í Faith has several sacred sites that hold deep spiritual significance for its followers. These sites, primarily located in the Middle East, serve as places of pilgrimage and worship.

• The Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh (Acre, Israel): This is the most sacred site in the Bahá'í Faith, as it is the final resting place of Bahá'u'lláh. Bahá'ís turn toward this shrine during their daily prayers.

• The Shrine of the Báb (Haifa, Israel): This beautiful golden-domed structure on Mount Carmel is the resting place of the Báb. It is a focal point of the Bahá'í World Centre and a site of pilgrimage.
  

  
  

  

  The Bahai Gardens and Shrine in Haifa Israel

  
  

• The Bahá'í Gardens (Haifa and Acre, Israel): Surrounding the shrines, these meticulously maintained gardens symbolize peace and harmony.

• The House of the Báb (Shiraz, Iran): Although it was destroyed due to religious persecution, this site is historically significant as the place where the Báb declared His mission in 1844.

• The Ridván Garden (Acre, Israel): This is where Bahá'u'lláh spent time after His release from imprisonment and where He made key proclamations about His divine mission. The Holy Bahá’í Gardens will be closed to the public on Thursday, 20 March 2025, due to a Bahá’í Holy Day
  

Bahá'í Holidays in March

March is a particularly significant month for Bahá'ís worldwide, as it includes two major observances: the Bahá'í Fast and Naw-Rúz, the Bahá'í New Year.

The Bahá'í Fast (March 2–20)

From March 2 to March 20, Bahá'ís over the age of 15 observe the annual Fast, a period of physical and spiritual purification. During this time, they refrain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset, using the daylight hours for prayer, reflection, and drawing closer to God. The Fast is seen as a time of renewal, aligning with the arrival of spring, and serves as a preparation for the coming new year.

Exemptions from fasting exist for those who are ill, elderly, pregnant, nursing, or traveling, as well as for young children. The Fast is a deeply personal practice that enhances spiritual discipline and gratitude.

Naw-Rúz (March 20 or 21 - This year it will be on the 20th)

Following the conclusion of the Fast, Bahá'ís joyfully celebrate Naw-Rúz, the Bahá'í New Year, which coincides with the spring equinox. Naw-Rúz is a festival of renewal, symbolizing new beginnings and spiritual rejuvenation. The day is often marked with community gatherings, prayers, music, feasts, and expressions of joy.

Naw-Rúz also has roots in ancient Persian traditions and is recognized as an important cultural event in Iran and other countries. For Bahá'ís, however, the holiday takes on a deeply spiritual significance as the first day of the new year in their calendar.

The Bahá'í Calendar: A Brief Overview

The Bahá'í calendar, also called the Badí' Calendar, was established by the Báb, the forerunner of Bahá'u'lláh. It consists of 19 months, each with 19 days, totaling 361 days, with additional "Intercalary Days" (Ayyám-i-Há) to align with the solar year. Naw-Rúz marks the beginning of each new Bahá'í year.

March is a time of reflection, renewal, and celebration for Bahá'ís around the world. Whether through fasting or welcoming the new year with loved ones, these observances reinforce spiritual principles and a commitment to personal and collective growth. Naw-Rúz, in particular, reminds us of the beauty of new beginnings and the interconnectedness of all humanity.

As we move forward into a new Bahá'í year, the values of unity, peace, and love continue to inspire Bahá'ís in their everyday lives and interactions with the world around them.