Presented by Zia H Shah MD

Abstract

The Bahá’í Faith is a modern independent world religion originating in mid-19th-century Persia (Iran). It was founded by Bahá’u’lláh (1817–1892), who is regarded by Bahá’ís as the latest in a line of divine messengers, and heralded by the Báb (1819–1850), a prophetic figure executed for heresy in Islamic Iran. This essay provides a scholarly overview of the Bahá’í Faith’s origins and core narrative, outlines its fundamental beliefs and social teachings (such as the oneness of humanity, progressive divine revelation, equality of women and men, the harmony of science and religion, the vision of global governance, and principles of social justice), and surveys its current global demographics and administrative structure. It further examines the Bahá’í self-conception as a continuation of Islam’s prophetic tradition and analyzes why mainstream Sunni and Shi’a Muslim authorities reject the Bahá’í Faith as a legitimate successor to Islam on theological and doctrinal grounds. Finally, a thematic epilogue discusses the contemporary relevance of Bahá’í teachings, the role of Bahá’ís in interfaith dialogue and international forums, and the global challenges faced by the Bahá’í community today (including persecution and issues of legal recognition). Through an academic lens, the essay highlights the Bahá’í Faith’s unique combination of spiritual principles and social ideals, its relationship with the Islamic milieu from which it emerged, and its ongoing efforts to contribute to an increasingly interconnected world.

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