As the Bahá’í prepare for electing their delegates for the 118th Bahá’í National Convention, to be held next spring, I am reminded of a conversation that took place last year at the University of Maryland. It was there that journalist and bestselling author Amanda Ripley spoke as part of the Bahá’í Chair for World Peace’s…
The Persian city of Shíráz is in the evening on May 22, 1844, the 4th of Jamádí al-Awwal, 1260 A.H. The air is peaceful in the evening as dusk descends upon the winding streets and casts its long evening shadows, just another night for most people. However, that is all about to change when two…
This article is part of our ongoing series reflecting on the key themes highlighted in the 2025 National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States broadcast. In the previous installment, we explored the broadcast’s message of the pressing issues facing American society today and the vital call for justice. Another article focused on the call to…
In a time when more and more Americans are turning away from traditional religious institutions, they are not necessarily turning away from faith. In fact, a recent New York Times article (April 20, 2025) revealed that 92% of Americans still hold spiritual beliefs of some kind, even as religious affiliation declines. From belief in God…
In a world where misconceptions about religious communities often spread unchecked, it’s important to set the record straight. A recent article from BahaiTeachings.org tackles a common misunderstanding: the idea that the Baha’i Faith is a cult. The article, “The Baha’i Faith: The Exact Opposite of a Cult,” delves into the principles and teachings of the…
“In the annals of history, few figures shine as brightly and courageously as Táhirih (1817–1852), the Persian poet, scholar, and revolutionary who became a symbol of women’s emancipation in the 19th century. Born in Qazvin, Iran, she challenged traditions and advocated for gender equality. Her fearless actions and eloquent words inspired generations.” Early Life and…
Four gatherings. Three days. One September weekend. Fifty-eight young people from western Washington came together with shared curiosity anchored in a quest to learn about the nuances of Bahá’í elections—what sets them apart from other electoral processes and, significantly, why they hold importance for youth. Helen Javid, of Seattle, serves the Bahá’í Faith as an…
Meditation, a practice found in numerous spiritual traditions, is a cornerstone of personal and societal transformation. Its power to unlock human potential and advance humanity can be eloquently understood through the writings of the Baha’i Faith. Three profound quotes from these writings offer a framework to build a robust argument for the transformative power of…
Peace. A word whispered in times of conflict, a yearning etched on the human heart. But what does true peace entail? The Baha’i Faith, a religion emphasizing unity and social progress, offers a thought-provoking perspective: “True peace and tranquillity will only be realized when every soul will have become the well-wisher of all mankind,” wrote…
