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Bahá

The Bahá'í Faith, commonly called Bahá'í, is a monotheistic world religion founded in the 19th century by Bahá'u'lláh in Persia (present-day Iran). It grew from the Bábí movement and teaches the unity of humanity and the belief that religious truth is revealed progressively through independent investigation of reality.

Central figures are the Báb, who announced a new era in 1844, and Bahá'u'lláh, who announced his

Practices and institutions: Bahá'ís do not have clergy and are governed by elected bodies at local and

Daily practice includes personal prayer and meditation; adult believers observe a 19-day fast before the Bahá'í

The Bahá'í Faith has a worldwide presence, with communities in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe, counted

mission
in
1863.
Bahá'í
scripture
emphasizes
the
oneness
of
God,
the
unity
of
humankind,
and
principles
for
personal
and
social
transformation.
Key
beliefs
include
the
gradual
fulfillment
of
religious
truth
through
successive
messengers
and
the
unity
of
all
religions.
Core
social
principles
include
the
elimination
of
prejudice,
gender
equality,
universal
education,
the
harmony
of
science
and
religion,
and
the
establishment
of
world
peace.
national
levels,
with
the
Universal
House
of
Justice
as
the
global
governing
institution,
established
in
1963
and
seated
in
Haifa,
Israel.
Local
administrative
bodies
are
called
Local
Spiritual
Assemblies;
national
ones
National
Spiritual
Assemblies.
The
faith
emphasizes
developing
communities
through
consultation,
service,
and
the
building
of
Bahá'í
houses
of
worship
(Mashriqu'l-Adhkar)
and
communal
devotional
gatherings.
New
Year,
and
the
year
is
punctuated
by
several
holy
days
and
the
Nineteen
Day
Feast,
a
monthly
gathering
for
worship,
groups,
and
consultation.
in
the
low
millions.
Education,
social
development,
and
interfaith
engagement
are
central
to
its
activity.