Celebrations for 205th anniversary of the birth of Bahá’u’lláh
“I have never aspired after worldly leadership. My sole purpose hath been to hand down unto men that which I was bidden to deliver by God…”, asserts Bahá’u’lláh.
The Bahá’ís of Tshwane join Baha’i communities all around the world to celebrate 205th anniversary of the birth of Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the their Faith, on 27 October.
Bahá’u’lláh is regarded by Bahá’ís as the Manifestation of God and the Divine Educator who has come to inaugurate a new age of peace and justice for humanity.
Bahá’u’lláh – meaning the “Glory of God” – was born in 1817. In 1863, Bahá’u’lláh announced that He was the bearer of a new revelation from God that would bring unity to the peoples of the world. As in the case of the other Messengers of God, Bahá’u’lláh was the direct recipient of Revelation from God. For forty years, thousands of verses, letters and books flowed from His pen. These form the Sacred Scriptures of the Bahá’í Faith. From His words, the worldwide Bahá’í community draws its inspiration, discovers its moral bearing, and derives creative energy.
Bahá’u’lláh’s Writings offer spiritual guidance, as well as directives for personal and social conduct, and addresses the problems confronting humanity today. “I have never aspired after worldly leadership. My sole purpose hath been to hand down unto men that which I was bidden to deliver by God…”, asserts Bahá’u’lláh.
Bahá’u’lláh confirms that there is only one God. Although people may pray to God in different languages and call Him by different names, nevertheless they have in mind the same Almighty Creator. The central theme of His 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.
As Bahá’u’lláh wrote: “the well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established”, and “The fundamental purpose animating the Faith of God and His Religion is to safeguard the interests and promote the unity of the human race, and to foster the spirit of love and fellowship amongst men”. While reaffirming the core ethical principles common to all religions, Bahá’u’lláh also revealed new laws and teachings to lay the foundation of a global civilization.
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.
While sharing a common goal of serving humanity, Bahá’ís try to refine their inner-lives in accordance with the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. The community to which they belong 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.
For feedback please contact: tshwane@bahai.org.za; or call 083 794 0819
Websites: www.bahai.org, www.bahai.org.za
