The Baha’i Faith
The Baha’i faith is a modern religion that preaches a faith that emphasizes the spiritual unity of all mankind. The founder of the religion was the teacher and philosopher Bahaullah (1817-1892) who was born in Persia (modern Iran). His message to his followers was that they should know and learn to love God through prayers, spiritual reflection and service to humanity.
According to the Baha’i faith, throughout human history, the message of God has been brought to humanity through a series of divine messengers. Each messenger has then established a religion, so in fact in their essence all religions are the same. Bahaullah said that these divine messengers include historical preachers like the Buddha, Jesus Christ, the Prophet Muhammad and even Moses and Lord Krishna and the most recent in this line of divine messengers being Bahaullah himself.Bahaullah spoke of the unity of god; the unity of religion and the unity of humanity. He wanted his followers to endeavour for the equality of men and women; the elimination of all forms of prejudice; harmony of religion and science and world peace. Like the Zoroastrians, the Baha’i community has also face persecution in Iran and members have settled in India where they have built the exquisite Lotus Temple in Delhi that has become a landmark of the city.
Baha’i sacred site are connected to the life of Bahaulla and most of them are located in Iraq, Iran and Israel. In India the Baha’i House of Worship, popularly called the Lotus Temple was built in the 20th century and is visited by thousands of visitors every day. Designed by the architect Fariborz Sahba it was inaugurated in 1986 and has become a landmark of the city of Delhi.
The temple is inspired by the lotus flower and created with twenty seven free standing marble clad petals. This exquisite and serene temple is set within beautiful landscaped gardens and offers an experience of peace and tranquillity. The temple welcomes people of all faiths and proclaims that humanity is one single race and aims to unite global society.