Tshwane Bahá’ís, and thousands of other Baha’i communities around the world, are celebrating the 206th anniversary of the birth of Bahá’u’lláh on 17th October.
Bahá’u’lláh (1817-1892) is regarded by the Bahá’ís as a divine Educator and the most recent in the line of Messengers of God. Bahá’u’lláh – meaning the “Glory of God” – announced in 1863, that He was the bearer of a new revelation from God that would bring unity to the peoples of the world.
Bahá’u’lláh authored the equivalent of more than a hundred volumes of Writings, which form the Sacred Scriptures of the Bahá’í Faith. In His writings, He outlined a framework for the reconstruction of human society at all levels. His writings cover a vast range of subjects from social issues such as the oneness of humanity, racial integration, the equality of men and women, and the need for provision of education to everyone – to those questions that affect the innermost life of the human soul. From his words, the worldwide Bahá’í community draws its inspiration, discovers its moral bearing, and derives creative energy.
In his Writings, Bahá’u’lláh confirms that there is only one God. While reaffirming the core ethical principles common to all major world religions, Bahá’u’lláh also revealed new laws and teachings to lay the foundation of a global civilization. “There can be no doubt whatever”, Bahá’u’lláh asserts, “that the peoples of the world, of whatever race or religion, derive their inspiration from one heavenly Source, and are the subjects of one God.”
The central theme of Bahá’u’lláh’s message is that humanity is one, that the diversity of ethnic backgrounds adds to the beauty and perfection of the whole, and that the day has come for the unification of humanity into one global society.
Bahá’u’lláh states: “The tabernacle of unity hath been raised; regard ye not one another as strangers”, “Consort with the followers of all religions in a spirit of friendliness and fellowship”, “Close your eyes to racial differences, and welcome all with the light of oneness” and “the well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established”,
Bahá’ís are urged to have a high sense of moral rectitude in their activities, purity, chastity and integrity in their individual lives, and complete freedom from prejudice in their dealings. An important concept in the Bahá’í teachings is that refinement of one’s inner character and service to humanity should go hand in hand.
The Bahá’í community is one of learning and action, free from any sense of superiority or claim to exclusive understanding of truth. It is a community that strives to cultivate hope for the future of humanity, to foster purposeful effort, and to celebrate the endeavours of all those in the world who work to promote unity and alleviate human suffering.
There is no priesthood or professional clergy in Bahá’í Faith. Bahá’í communities are administered and guided by elected institutions which operate at local, national, and international levels.
For feedback please contact: tshwane@bahai.org.za; or call 083 794 0819
Websites: www.bahai.org, www.bahai.org.za
