Bahá’í life in North Alabama
The Bahá’í Faith is a world religion founded by Bahá’u’lláh in nineteenth-century Persia. Its central teaching is the oneness of humanity, and its followers believe that the great religions are chapters of one unfolding revelation. In North Alabama, Bahá’í communities are small and friendly, and they welcome neighbors of every background.
Beliefs and principles
Bahá’ís teach the oneness of God, the oneness of religion and the oneness of humanity. They affirm the equality of women and men, the elimination of all forms of prejudice, the harmony of science and religion, and universal education. Bahá’ís have no clergy. Local communities are guided by elected councils called Spiritual Assemblies.
Community life
Community life includes devotional gatherings that open with prayers and readings from many faiths, children's classes, youth programs and study circles, often held in homes and community centers rather than in dedicated buildings.
Every nineteen days the community gathers for a Feast that combines worship, consultation and fellowship. There are only a few Bahá’í Houses of Worship in the world, each open to people of all faiths.
Holy days
Naw-Rúz, the Bahá’í new year, is celebrated in March after a nineteen-day fast. Rídván in April commemorates the declaration of Bahá’u’lláh, and the birthdays of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh are celebrated in the autumn.
Visiting
Devotional gatherings and many events are open to everyone, and there is no collection of money from visitors. Contact a local community to learn where gatherings are held.