HISTORY Bah' history follows a sequence of leaders, beginning with the Bb's May 23, 1844 declaration in Shiraz,

Iran, and ultimately resting on an administrative order established by the central figures of the religion. The tradition was mostly isolated to the Persian and Ottoman empires until after the death of Bah'u'llh in 1892, at which time he had followers in 13 countries of Asia and Africa.[43] Under the leadership of his son, `Abdu'l-Bah, the religion gained a footing in Europe and America, and was consolidated in Iran, where it still suffers intense persecution.[44] After the death of `Abdu'l-Bah in 1921, the leadership of the Bah' community entered a new phase, evolving from a single individual to an administrative order with both elected bodies and appointed individuals.[45] The Bab: Siyyid 'Ali-Muhammad Shirz (1819-1850 CE) was a merchant in Shiraz in the south of Iran. He assumed the title Bab ("the Gate"). In 1844-MAY-23, in Iran, he announced the "Declaration of the Bab." He explained that the purpose of His mission, and those of his eighteen disciples whom he called the "Letters of the Living," was to herald the arrival of "One greater than Himself", who would fulfill the prophetic expectations of all the great religions. His followers became known as Babis. It is commonly believed that 20,000 were martyred for their beliefs. However, Dr. Denis MacEoin Author of "The Sources for Early Babi Doctrine and History" researched Arabic, Persian and European-language archives and has estimated that there were about 3,000 to 4,000 martyrs -- but perhaps a lot fewer. The movement caused much religious ferment. This led to his execution in 1850 by order of the Shah's chief minister and at the instigation of Muslim clerics, who saw his movement as a threat to orthodox Islam.

Baha'u'llah: One of the Bab's followers, Mirza Husayn-'Ali-i-Nuri (1817-1892), was the son of a prominent Iranian nobleman and a prominent follower of the Bab. The Bab had given him several indications of his future role. In 1854, he was exiled and spent time in what is now Iraq, where he wrote several books: the Seven Valleys, the Four Valleys, Hidden Words and the Book of Certitude. In 1863, he confided to some of his followers and to his eldest son that he was the Manifestation predicted by the Bab. This event is commemorated yearly during the holy days of Ridvn. On 1863-APR-21, while living in Edirne in what is now Turkey, he began proclaiming his station openly and publicly to the world at large. His assumed title, Baha'u'llah ("glory of God"), by which he is generally known, was the title that the Bab used to refer to Him. The last forty years of Baha'u'llah's life were spent in prison or in exile. The last 22 years were spent in or near Akka, then a prison city. The world headquarters of the Bah' Faith is located in the Holy Land today as a result. It was here that he wrote his main literary work, the "Most Holy Book." By 1877, he was given increasing liberty to work freely.

Baha'u'llah died on 1892-MAY-29 at the age of 74. He had spent most of his life either as a prisoner or in exile. He was buried in a house near Akka. "His shrine is regarded by Bah's as the holiest place on earth." 2

`Abdu'l-Bah: Baha'u'llah appointed his son 'Abdu'l-Baha (1844-1921) to be leader of the movement after his death. He was to be the sole interpreter of his father's writings. In the very late 19th century, under his leadership, the faith expanded beyond the Middle East and was introduced to Europe and North America. He set out on speaking tours, visiting France and the UK in 1911, and North America, the UK, France, Germany and Hungary during 1912-12. He lived in Haifa during World War I where he wrote his major book: "Tablets of the Divine Plan" which contained his thoughts on the worldwide expansion of the faith. Baha'is believe that his interpretations of Baha'u'llah's writings were based on his infallible understanding of the texts.

Shoghi Effendi: 'Abdu'l-Baha selected his eldest grandson, Shoghi Effendi (-1957) to be his successor as the Guardian of the Cause of God -- the leader of the Bah' community. He dedicated his effort to a major expansion of the faith into all areas of the world. He was instrumental in bringing women into various positions of power in the religion, and overcoming local prejudices against them. He died in London, England in 1957. He did not name a successor -- a person to infallibly interpret the writings of Baha'u'llah. Administrative duties were taken over by a committee who he had called "Hands of the Cause." They were giving them the authority to lead the Baha'i Faith.

The Universal House of Justice: In 1963, the Universal House of Justice (a.k.a. UHJ) was established in Haifi, Israel. According to the website of the Universal House of Justice: "The Universal House of Justice was revealed by Baha'u'llah, delineated by 'Abdu'l-Baha and constituted by Shoghi Effendi in a Four Stage Plan, to evolve in four phases from an embryonic state of an appointed body to an eventual efflorescence into a universally elected body from all the peoples and nations of the world." 6 The House is the highest authority in the Bah' faith. It has coordinated a series of multiyear plans to further expand and consolidate Bah' communities around the world. Shoghi Effendi did not delegate a successor -- one with an infallible understanding of Baha'u'llah's writings. The UHJ has "...no powers to interpret scripture." 3 Thus none of his

or his predecessors interpretations can be changed. This may well produce a serious problem in the future over the question of acceptance of homosexuals, including same-sex marriage. Shoghi Effendi interpreted a section of Baha'u'llah's writings as prohibiting all same-sex activity, including that between consenting gays or lesbians in committed relationships. There does not appear to be any way to overturn his ruling, even if the Bah' leadership were to decide that homosexuality is a morally neutral sexual orientation that is normal and natural for a minority of adults. The Baha'i religion is currently one of the least sexist religious groups in the world. Baha'is have promoted an end to bias and discrimination based on sex, race, religion, etc. However, women were initially excluded from the nine-member group. Shoghi Effendi apparently preferred that the initial choice of jurors be limited to men, because residual sexism within the religion -- particularly in the Middle and Far East -- threatened to create a schism if women were considered as full equals of men. "He left this battle for the future Universal House of Justice itself to fight." 4 The Universal House of Justice is approaching its fiftieth anniversary and remains an all-male organization. Belief Basic beliefs of the Bahai faith The beliefs of the Bahai faith are a mixture of many religions. Bahai was founded by Bahaullah (this is the religious title of Mrz Husayn-Al Nr) the prophet-founder. The name Bahaullah generally means the Splendor or Glory of God. The Bahai faith, which traces its beginnings to the mid nineteenth century, does not consider itself a new religion. Instead Bahais believe their faith is the culmination of all religions. The Bahais hold that religious truth is not absolute, but relative, and that these truths and dogmas continue to evolve towards an ultimate consummation of perfection. The belief is that this age will culminate in a final unity of all peoples and religions of the earth. The basic teaching of the Bahais is moralistic and benevolent. They espouse and embrace world peace with ultimately one world government and one auxiliary world language. The Bahais denounce all forms of prejudice, favor the abolition of all forms of slavery, and disdain extremes of either wealth or poverty. The Bahai faith supports and encourages equality of the sexes and monogamy. Missionary work and community work is promoted while education is key. They believe that true religion and science should harmonize. Beliefs of the Bahai faith Origins, healing, and sin

The Bahai hold a dual view of creation. On the one hand, they believe the universe is eternal, that it has always existed. On the other hand, they believe that the individual elements of the earth came into being at a specific moment in time and ultimately, these elements will cease to exist at some point in time. The Bahais belief concerning health and healing is also somewhat dualistic. The Bahai believe medical personnel praise God with their service to the sick. Thus, they applaud medicine. However, there is room for belief in divine healing through formalized healing prayers. They believe there is a direct correlation between emotional and spiritual condition and physical health. The Bahai promote following a good diet and eating in moderation. The Bahais do not believe in the Christian concept of original sin. Sin is simply defined as

disobedience to God and His laws, and is the result of the souls attachment to material and worldly things. The Bahais do not believe in revenge, but their teachings support the existence and maintenance of penal institutions and laws for the good of society. Violence is frowned upon.

Main Teachings of the Bahai Faith Three core assertions of the Bah' Faith, sometimes termed the "three onenesses", are central in the teachings of the religion. They are the Oneness of God, the Oneness of Religion and the Oneness of Humanity. They are also referred to as the unity of God, unity of religion, and unity of mankind. The Bah' writings state that there is a single, all powerful god, revealing his message through a series of divine messengers or educators, regarding them as one progressively revealed religion, to one single humanity, who all possess a rational soul and only differ according to colour and culture. This idea is fundamental not only to explaining Bah' beliefs, but explaining the attitude Bah's have towards other religions, which they regard as divinely inspired. The acceptance of every race and culture in the world has brought Bah' demographics diversity, becoming the second most widespread faith in the world, and translating its literature into over 800 languages.

Holidays of Bahai Faith

There are nine annual Bah' holy days plus an annual fast. With the exception of New Year, Bah' holidays commemorate major events in the lives of the founders of the Bah' Faith. On holy days, Bah's do not work and this is considered a sacrifice. Two further special days are celebrated, but they are not considered holy days in that work is not suspended. These are both associated with Abdu'l-Bah, Bah'u'llh's eldest son and appointed successor. They are not celebrated as holy days because he held himself to be nothing more than his Father's servant, and would never have agreed to anything that put him on an equal footing with Bah'u'llh. The Bah' holidays and special days are as follows: March 2-21 - Nineteen Day Fast March 21 - Bah' New Year April 21 - First Day of the Ridvn Festival April 29 - Ninth Day of the Ridvn Festival May 2 - Twelfth Day of the Ridvn Festival May 23 - Declaration of the Bb May 29 - Ascension of Bah'u'llh July 9 - Martyrdom of the Bb October 20 - Birth of the Bb November 12 - Birth of Bah'u'llh November 26 - Day of the Covenant (work not suspended) November 28 - Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Bah (work not suspended)

The Nineteen Day Fast (March 2-21) The Nineteen Day Fast was instituted by Bah'u'llh. He stated that if capable, Bah's between the ages of 15 and 70 should fast 19 days a year, going without food or drink from sunrise to sunset. The annual fast takes place during the Bah' month of Al (meaning Loftiness), which is from March 2 to 21 on the Gregorian calendar. The month of Al immediately precedes the Bah' new year. The period of fasting is therefore viewed as a time of spiritual preparation and regeneration for a new year's activities. The Nineteen Day Fast brings together the Bah's of local community for prayer, reading of scriptures, discussion of community activities, and enjoyment of one another's company. Shoghi Effendi explained the Nineteen Day Fast this way: It is essentially a period of meditation and prayer, of spiritual recuperation, during which the believer must strive to make the necessary readjustments in his inner life, and to refresh and reinvigorate the spiritual forces latent in his soul. Its significance and purpose are, therefore, fundamentally spiritual in character. Fasting is symbolic, and a reminder of abstinence from selfish and carnal desires. (Directives of the Guardian, 1973). Naw-Rz - Bah' New Year (March 21) Bah's celebrate New Year's Day on March 21, the vernal equinox. This date has been celebrated as the New Year in Persia for thousands of years. For Bah's, New Year is preceeded by the Nineteen Day Fast, a time of spiritual introspection. First Day of Ridvn - Declaration of Bah'u'llh (April 21) The Festival of Ridvn is a 12-day period commemorating Bah'u'llh's declaration of his mission on the eve of his departure from Baghdd for Constantinople in 1863. The first day commemorates his arrival in the Najbyyih Garden, where his declaration took place. Local and National Spiritual Assemblies are elected on this day. Commemorations of this day should be held at about 3:00pm. Work is suspended on this holiday. Ninth Day of Ridvn (April 29) This holiday commemorates the arrival of members of Bah'u'llh's family in the Najbyyih Garden. Work should be suspended on this holiday. Twelfth Day of Ridvn (May 2) This holiday commemorates the departure of Bah'u'llh for Constantinople and brings to a close the Festival of Ridvn. Work should be suspended on this holiday. Declaration of the Bb (May 23) The Bb declared his mission to Mull Husayn on this day in 1844, marking the inception of the Bah' era. Commemorations should be held at about two hours after sunset. Work should be suspended on this holiday. Ascension of Bah'u'llh (May 29) Bah'u'llh passed from this life on this date in 1892. Commemorations should be held at 3am. Work should be suspended on this holiday.

Martyrdom of the Bb (July 9) The Bb was executed by firing squad on this date in 1850. Commemorations should be held at noon. Work should be suspended on this holiday. Birth of the Bb (October 20) This holiday commemorates the birth of the Bb in 1819. Work should be suspended on this holiday. Birth of Bah'u'llh (November 12) This holiday commemorates the birth of Bah'u'llh in 1817. Work should be suspended on this holiday. Day of the Covenant (November 26) 'Abdu'l-Bah did not permit the celebration of his birthday, as it falls on May 23, the same day as the Declaration of the Bb. However, after receiving numerous requests, he designated this day for the Bah's to celebrate his life. Work is not suspended on this day. Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Bah (November 28) This day commemorates the passing of 'Abdu'l-Bah on this day in 1921. Commemorations should be held at 1am. Work is not suspended on this day.

Submitted by: Usman, Farwiza M. BSN- IE

Submitted to: Rev. Deacon Shirlee Casian Theology Teacher