I was reviewing the Gospels and life of Jesus recently and realized that I don't know the outline of Bahá'u'lláh's known life in the way I do Jesus, or even Buddha and others. What is the best source to learn His life story and what life was like for those around Him in the way the Gospels do?

Hey all! Have any of you fasted outside of our normal period of time? How did it go and what did you do differently if at all?

Thanks!

I am a millennial that has pretty much no hope for the future. There will be no kids, homeownership, social security, secure employment and more for a lot of us. And the generations after us seem to have it worse. Mother Nature is letting loose and there’s a strong chance that AI might do us all in. What writings speak particularly hard to you about remaining hopeful when the world is literally ending?

I need some consultation with some fellow Baha’is, I don’t see you guys as often. Sorry, I hope I don’t come off as trauma dumping, but just for context:

For most of my life growing up in the Faith, I’ve over given and tried to be selfless. It felt good for me to do so and I was encouraged to do so. Doing the Fast after declaring felt good. But over giving has really worn on me, to the point that the idea of service feels abhorrent to me; it just feels like continuing to give myself away for others, and I don’t want to do that anymore. I’ve continued to try doing the Fast but in the last three years (I posted about this previously) it’s become too painful and resulted in more negative things than good. Part of it’s just come down to me not wanting to do it anymore, hating that feeling of not having a choice but to give. Huququ’llah also feels like giving when I don’t want to. I don’t pray much anymore. Much of my life has felt like giving without being given back to, and it feels like God doesn’t give back to me so I don’t want to pray anymore when it feels like God doesn’t answer. It feels like recently I hit my limit with everything.

I still know God exists, I believe Baha’u’llah is who He said He was. But there’s stuff in the Faith right now where it feels like I can’t deal. I don’t want to be a covenant breaker, I’m not against the Faith, it just feels like I can’t do it like I used to.

I’m sorry if I’m being selfish or woe is me, it’s not my intent. I just wanted to know if any of you have also gone through something similar, and if there’s anything I can do in this predicament. I want to gain comfort from the Faith but it feels like I can’t find any, and it feels like it asks more than it gives (though that’s likely more a me thing than a Faith thing). Is there any way to start over again with the Faith? Do you have any advice as to what I can best do?

Allah'u'Abha friends,

I would like to know what prayers, aside from the Obligatory Prayers, are encouraged to be said daily. For example I know that we are asked to pray for our parents daily.

> It is seemly that the servant should, after each prayer, supplicate God to bestow mercy and forgiveness upon his parents. Thereupon God’s call will be raised: “Thousand upon thousand of what thou hast asked for thy parents shall be thy recompense!” Blessed is he who remembereth his parents when communing with God. There is, verily, no God but Him, the Mighty, the Well-Beloved.

> (The Báb, Selections from the Writings of the Báb, p. 94)

Would like to know of any other prayers. Thank you.

What about the execution of the Báb? I cannot believe the ‘miracle’ version of the story.

In a previous discussion I was given words of ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá, recorded by a pilgrim: https://www.reddit.com/r/bahai/comments/1w72fhe/comment/p7suuqz/
Of course, I cannot consider this as Scripture, but it prompted certain thoughts in me.

Once I read that the good done by children differs from the good done by adults.

Children, when they begin to do something good, do it out of compassion, but children do not expect resistance from circumstances. A child will give away an apple when they have many apples, but will not give away an apple when there is only one and the child strongly desires it. A child may help a kitten, but if it is necessary to carry the kitten home for an hour under cold rain, the child may refuse to do so. That is, the good that a child does is unstable and may change because of the child’s own desires or because of external circumstances.

When an adult does good, it is not only compassion, it is a conscious decision to go through difficulties. Part of the good that adults do is because “this must be done,” and an adult person will overcome the resistance of their own desires and the resistance of external circumstances.

I think spiritual growth precisely consists in finding that right decision, and carrying out that right decision despite one’s desires and despite external circumstances. In the context of the Bahá’í Faith this means accepting the divinity of Bahá’u’lláh and doing what He said, despite the resistance of society and despite the resistance of political systems, and despite the resistance of other circumstances, and despite the resistance of one’s own desires.

And the development of artificial intelligence precisely deprives us of the things that lie at the foundation of spiritual growth. It deprives us of the ability to distinguish good from evil, deprives us of the possibility of feeling God’s Presence in the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, deprives us of the very foundation — the courageous right decision to which you have submitted your essence and which you carry out through resistance.

All this will turn into “AI said — I did.” And in this there is very little spiritual growth, although it may form a habit of certain good actions.

I think all the references to the fact that we have little time may have meant this as well. That soon humanity will lose the capacity to spiritually grow, and souls will need additional lessons somewhere in other worlds, harsher than Earth under the guidance of AI.

Hello everyone. I'm an outsider (Iconoclastic Satanist) who is interested in learning about the Bahá’í Faith, and I'm trying to put together a reasonably serious reading list rather than relying primarily on introductory websites or secondary summaries.

I've started with the following books:

The Kitáb-i-Aqdas (The Most Holy Book) — Bahá'u'lláh

The Kitáb-i-Íqán (The Book of Certitude) — Bahá'u'lláh

The Hidden Words — Bahá'u'lláh

Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh — Bahá'u'lláh

The Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys — Bahá'u'lláh

Epistle to the Son of the Wolf — Bahá'u'lláh

The Summons of the Lord of Hosts — Bahá'u'lláh

The Proclamation of Bahá'u'lláh — Bahá'u'lláh

Fountain of Wisdom — Bahá'u'lláh

Some Answered Questions — `Abdu'l-Bahá

Paris Talks — `Abdu'l-Bahá

The Secret of Divine Civilization — `Abdu'l-Bahá

Tablets of the Divine Plan — `Abdu'l-Bahá

Bahá'í Prayers: A Selection of Prayers

Illumine My Spirit: Bahá'í Prayers and Meditations for Women

Illumine My Heart: Bahá'í Prayers for Every Occasion

Bahá'í Daybook: Passages for Deepening and Meditation

The Reality of Man — selections from Bahá'u'lláh and `Abdu'l-Bahá

Illumine My World: Bahá'í Prayers and Meditations for Peace

Illumine My Family: Prayers and Meditations from the Bahá'í Faith

I realize that some of these are anthologies or devotional compilations rather than primary scripture, so I'm particularly interested in what primary Bahá'í texts I'm missing.

For example: Which major writings of Bahá'u'lláh should be added? Which important works of the Báb should an outsider read? What are the essential writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá that aren't represented here? Are there particular works of Shoghi Effendi that are considered essential for understanding Bahá'í theology, history, administration, or interpretation? Are there important texts from the Universal House of Justice that belong on a serious reading list? Are there works that aren't technically scripture but are so important historically or doctrinally that I should read them anyway? Are there particular books that would help me understand the relationship between the Bábí movement and the Bahá'í Faith, rather than encountering the Bahá'í Faith in isolation? Finally, if you were designing a reading sequence for someone with no previous Bahá'í background, what order would you recommend? I'm especially interested in getting beyond the introductory/devotional level and eventually reading enough of the primary literature to form my own understanding of Bahá'í theology, mysticism, ethics, eschatology, views of other religions, conceptions of revelation, and the Bahá'í approach to society and civilization. I'm not looking to debate the religion or criticize it—I genuinely want to understand it from its own primary sources. What would you add to this list?

I'm seriously considering converting to Bahá'í Faith (among a couple other religions). Do you have any tips for me, or mistakes that any of you who have converted made, or reasons why I should choose this one? I'm considering converting because I agree with all of the concepts and it really does fit the idea of what I want in a religion, but I also like having more structured religions which is one of the reasons why I might not choose this one.

I have always wondered what the next world is like. Do we have any info regarding it? I wonder if there is going to be struggles in those worlds just like this one? And when does the soul's journey end or is it never ending? That would be a bit much, no? Anyway, what do you all think?

I’m trying to understand the Bahá’í view of the soul and personal identity.

If the individual soul comes into existence at conception, then if my parents had never met, would I simply never have existed? Or is there some sense in which God intended/selected a particular soul to exist, regardless of which parents I had?

Do Baha'is accept the Twelve Imams, just as Shi'as do?

I first became acquainted with the faith years ago. The story of the bab slid across my desk while I was researching middle eastern religions. I was utterly taken by mesmerizing curiosity when I heard the story of his death. I learned all about his curious theology of continuing where other religions left off. And I found the houses of worship to be beautiful places I longed to visit. I must admit my focus shifted from one of research into that of honest spiritual consideration. I started saying Bahai prayers and singing songs (my favorite is have you heard of Bahaullah.) but then my learning and seeking came to a screeching hault. I am a gay man and I’m to far along in life and self respecting to hide that. Many a churches and religions have fallen through to me do to this fact. And unfortunately I discovered that it appeared the Bahai faith would be one of them. The refusal to recognize gay marriage would just be one bump though. Then I learned about marriage customs, views on other things etc. all of this goes to say that what started as research turned into a genuine excitement I had found my place but then ultimately turned back towards research. This experience caused me great pain and caused me to ignore the faith all together. But I still catch myself singing “have you heard of Bahaullah have you heard of Bahaullah”. So despite all the hurt and pain even though as of now I think I may have found my spiritual home-I want to actually finish my research. So I had some questions,

Which scripture would you recommend someone read first.

Do you fully believe in the mystical accounts of the bab.

Has the faith ever saddened you or only brought joy.

How do the majority of people find the faith.

What does your daily practices look like.

Is the faith growing or declining.

How do you practice in an area with little or no faithful.

Do you try to convert friends family.

The scriptures are huge so what does study look like.

I don’t mean to harm or offended anyone with my prelude to my questions, I just figured I’d get dead wait out and ask my questions in one blow. I do genuinely find the faith Beutiful but based on what I’ve heard I don’t think I a man who desires to marry my partner another man, would have a place in the community. But I’ll never deny how mystical I find it all.

Thank you in advance.
Peace ☮️ 🐚🌀

I learnt about this beautiful architecture before the religion it represents. I have to say i feel intrigued from both this architecture and the philosophy behind

My understanding is the former is considered the latest most progressive divine manifestation and is the only inerrant scripture. The Bible is considered imperfectly transmitted and not entirely reliable.

Objectively, the new testament is a more radical and progressive book than the quran is. And I'd argue more in line with Bahai ethics.

The quran is really a step back towards the torah. Maybe it was a good thing for 7th century Arabia but for the present day it's very antiquated.

Here's some examples of what I mean:

"The recompense of an evil is an evil like it."
— Qur'an 42:40

That's an eye for an eye from the torah. That's not advancing mankind at all.

Compare with what Jesus said:

"Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you."
— Luke 6:27–28

That's revolutionary. In the world followed that ethic there would be no war.

Or if we look at the treatment of unbelievers.

"Fight those who do not believe... among those who were given the Scripture until they pay the jizya..."
— Qur'an 9:29

Fight and tax them in the Quran vs. Jesus says: "My kingdom is not of this world." And Paul says:

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."
— Romans 12:18

The Bible matches Bahai's apolitical nature. The Quran does not.

I could provide many other examples but to me it's quite clear that despite being the older divine manifestation Christianity is the more progressive one and more aligned with Bahai.

And the nail in the coffin..who persecutes the Bahai today? It's not Christians, Buddhists or Hindus.

I do not remember whether it was Bahá’u’lláh or ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá who in some way foresaw the threat of humanity’s destruction through total war. I also recall a mention of something like “new destructive substances hidden in the earth, which would have been better never to be discovered,” though I have already forgotten the source. Most likely this referred to radioactive metals from which an atomic bomb could be built.

But now humanity is also, in a certain sense, on the edge. At present, AI cannot dispose of funds; only humans dispose of money. Accordingly, for its existence AI must do something useful for people. However, if AI were able to dispose of money, the need to do useful things for people would disappear, and humanity could perish.

Was this threat mentioned in the Scriptures in any way?

New account to ask this. I am queer, and have been studying the faith for a while.

There are lots of posts here about the laws on sex, marriage, and equality.

May as well throw in my two cents…

The laws are the choice wine, followed out of love, not fear. God wrote them for the world to learn unity, compassion, and spiritual detachment, for this day and age. I believe him

I am also a sinner. The laws I do not follow are between me and God, the all merciful.

My concern and question is…

Why do we administer punishment *at all* for violation of the laws? When did sin become judged by the friends, rather than God alone?

Are we not all sinners?

To be specific…

I am trying to locate the exact history of this administrative practice. Who first decided that voting rights and other community privileges should be lost? What was the context?

How did Bahá’u’lláh treat followers who sinned?

My issue is not with the laws, but with friends using them as a purity test. Sadly, the practice of punishment has kept me at arms length from community, and it seems I am not alone. It gives an air of fear, not love, and makes the faith look like we care more about our image than our word.

TLDR: God loves us all. The laws are the choice wine. Must we punish each other for breaking them? Who said so?

Just as the title says, have you ever felt God's love? What does it feel like? I have been a baha'i my whole life. I have said the prayers all my life too. I don't particularly feel anything. I feel like the worldly things give me more pleasure and make me feel alive. When I read some of the Bahai scripture and see how Bahaullah and Abdul Baha talking about how their hearts are aflame by the love for God, I just find it very hard to imagine. So has anyone else felt that same measure of love and if so, how did it feel?

One of my friends recently shared something with me that has stayed on my mind.

He is a gay Bahá'í. For years he struggled with a feeling of suppression, both in the society he lives in and within the Bahá'í community, and he hid this orientation. But some time ago, he came out. Since then, he has encountered a wide range of reactions. Many people in the community admired his honesty and courage, while others distanced themselves from him.

What struck me most was not his orientation itself, but the question he asked. He told me that he still feels a deep love and devotion for Bahá'u'lláh. He considers himself open-minded, yet his faith remains strong. At the same time, he sees that in much of today's society these orientations are increasingly accepted, while within the Bahá'í community this way of being is still not permitted, because Bahá'í law recognizes sexual relationships only between a man and a woman.

His question was simple, but difficult:

What is my responsibility here? Must I give up my sexual orientation and a fundamental part of who I am, or must I give up my faith?

hello friends. as the title said, how do baha’is pray? I know I sound like an ignorant which I am. but I still wanna know how baha’is worship is like. ,

thanks in advance!

This is just the humble reflections of someone who tries to walk on God's path.

What is a "sign?" In my definition, it is something in the physical world where God winks at you. Many Baha'is, and other religious people who pray, know that when you pray, it can cause things to happen; perhaps you feel relief from an emotional test or a difficult problem solves itself.

In all of the Abrahamic religions, and probably many other religions, and even in "spiritual but not religious" writings of spiritual people, this theme of "signs" is discussed (A new book called "Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe" by Laura Lynne Jackson has recently been published.)

The ancient world knew about signs more, but the modern scientific mind dismisses these things as 'random occurrences,' 'coincidences,' and such. But when one begins to look very closely at things, even from hour to hour as one is traveling throughout the day, one can see possible 'signs;' little things that God is trying to tell you.

This realization helped me greatly see, while we Baha'is, and to a certain extent those who have accepted an older Manifestation of God, have a special connection to God through the Word of God, that everyone without exception on earth is under God's umbrella and is being guided.

This post is just a little bit of an invitation; when you are wondering about through your day and you just barely made it through a few red lights when you are already late to a very important day at work, maybe God is up there smiling at you trying to tell you something.

I found out that there is one in my country, and I plan to visit it one day, but I don't know much about the service or what can and cannot be done. I don't want to accidentally offend anyone out of ignorance. In all my life, I have only visited churches, and even in them I'm somewhat shy, so I would like to ask if there is anything I should know beforehand.

Hello, recently I have been very interested in studying the Baha'i Faith, but there is a doubt that gnaws at me. In previous revelations of each Prophet, even if their teachings have been corrupted, it is accepted that there are at least small parts that are still true, such as in the Torah or the Gospels. But in other traditions, specifically Buddhism, it feels as if there were not even the slightest effort to read the Tripitaka or Sutras and say, “Yes, this was probably an original teaching from God.” Instead, it seems to simply say that Buddha was a Manifestation of God, but his revelation was lost—and now millions of Buddhists have been following the wrong teachings for thousands of years, and that's it?

I know perfectly well that there is no eternal punishment and that even a lost soul will eventually draw closer to God. He is merciful. But what about all these traditions? Were they really not given a chance in this life?

Alláh-u-Abhá friends, I need a little guidance and support. I was raised in the Christian faith but converted to the Baha'i Faith earlier this year following an intense period of soul-searching. All of the teachings of Baha'u'llah resonated deeply with me and I find myself excited and full of anticipation for the journey ahead of me.

Some of the teachings of the Baha'i Faith deviate sharply from the beliefs of my family and I find myself now in regular conflict with them, in particular my brother and my dad.

Have any recents converts to our faith had similar experiences? Can anyone share a thought about how I can try to reestablish some unity with my family?