Baháís

Bahá'í adherents are followers of the Bahá'í Faith, a monotheistic religion founded in 19th‑century Persia by Bahá'u'lláh. The faith teaches the essential worth of all religions and the unity of humankind, with the aim of establishing global peace through a universal spiritual and social framework.

Central beliefs include progressive revelation—the idea that religious truth is revealed by different prophets across history. Bahá'u'lláh is regarded as the latest Messenger of God, succeeding the Báb and figures such as Muhammad, Jesus, Krishna, and Buddha. Core principles include the oneness of humanity, the equality of men and women, the elimination of prejudice, the harmony of science and religion, the independent investigation of truth, and the establishment of a peaceful world order.

Organization and governance: The Bahá'í Faith has no clergy. Local and national spiritual assemblies coordinate community affairs, while the Universal House of Justice, based in Haifa, Israel, is the supreme governing body, elected without nominations or campaigning every five years by Bahá'ís in good standing.

Religious practice and life: Bahá'ís meet in places of worship known as Mashriqu'l-Adhkar, as well as in teaching centers and prayer rooms. They observe the Bahá'í calendar, which uses 19 months of 19 days each, with intercalary days to adjust the year, and a 19‑day fast at the end of the year. Daily obligatory prayers are assigned to believers who are able to recite them. Naw-Rúz, the new year at the vernal equinox, is a major holiday.

Global presence: Bahá'ís exist in most countries, with millions of adherents and active involvement in education, humanitarian work, and development projects. The Bahá'í World Centre operates in Haifa and Acre, and the community emphasizes service, consultation, and interfaith harmony.