Being a Bahá’í means foremost that we recognize Bahá’u’lláh was a divinely inspired messenger of God, that His message for mankind is the current one for the day, and that His message carried with it the purpose of revitalizing the spiritual condition of both the individual and society. In the opening verses of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, Bahá’u’lláh describes this responsibility on every soul:
| The first duty prescribed by God for His servants is the recognition of Him Who is the Dayspring of His Revelation and the Fountain of His laws, Who representeth the Godhead in both the Kingdom of His Cause and the world of creation. |
Being a Bahá’í means recognizing that we are essentially spiritual beings and that after death our life will continue and our soul will carry on progressing towards God for eternity. The growth of our soul, like that of our physical body depends on several factors maintained consistently throughout ones life. While a healthy physical body depends on the intake of nutrients, of food and water and exercise, the health of the soul benefits from close association with those who demonstrate love for God in their lives, of prayer and meditation, and following the teachings and laws of God. These are the spiritual foods that give us strength and enable us to draw closer to God. Lastly in the same way that exercise taxes the physical body, so will following the teachings of God require us to exert our utmost effort. Hard work, sacrifice and struggle will be needed at times, to live the life God has laid out for us. And the benefits of such a life is closeness to, and growth towards God. Bahá’u’lláh asks: "Know ye from what heights your Lord, the All-Glorious is calling?"1
| They whom God hath endued with insight will readily recognize that the precepts laid down by God constitute the highest means for the maintenance of order in the world and the security of its peoples. |
Bahá’í desire and work towards the peace, security and well-being of our fellow brothers and sisters. We believe the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, when voluntarily accepted and acted upon by the individual, are the best way to bring this about. As a Bahá’í our hearts are filled with love for God, and love for each other, a love that we hope to share with those whom we come into contact with.
| O Son of Spirit! My first counsel is this: Possess a pure, kindly and radiant heart, that thine may be a sovereignty ancient, imperishable and everlasting. -Bahá’u’lláh, the Hidden Words |
If you understand and recognize the station of Bahá’u’lláh and endeavor to follow His laws and teachings in your life then you are a Bahá’í.
External links[edit]
- Meet Bahá’ís, contact page provided by the United States community
- Community locator, contact page on bahai.org with links to national communities
