Thursday, December 18, 2008

What is the Baha'i Faith?

The Baha'i Faith is a world religion Which calls for a renewal of the common spiritual teachings found in all religions and sets forth a dynamic body of social teachings specifically designed to lead humanity into a new world civilization and an era of peace based upon the Faith's twin teachings of unity and justice.The word "Baha'i" is taken from the title given to a man known as Baha'u'llah (which means the Glory of God). Baha'u'llah, whose ministry lasted from 1853 to 1892, was a Manifestation of God - a messenger to humanity with a new revelation from God for this day.The Baha'i Faith, which originated in Persia, was relatively unknown in the west until the early part of this century. Since then it has spread around the world as people have embraced its strong spiritual ethic, progressive social teachings, enlightening answers to age-old religious questions, and its vision of a world united in peace.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008


The spiritual leader of the Baha'i Faith is known as the Guardian of the Faith.
1) He must be a male lineal descendant of Baha'u'llah and has sole authority to interpret Baha'i scriptures.
2)He also sits as chairman for life of the Universal House of Justice.
3)He has the right to define its proper sphere of legislative action and to require that body to reconsider any of its decisions. He is required to appoint a successor in his own lifetime.
4)The Guardian also appoints believers as Hands of the Cause to assist him in spiritual matters, particularly teaching and protection of the Faith.Thus, the Administrative Order reflects legislative and executive, elective and hereditary, material and spiritual principles.

The first Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, explained with regard to the Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice, respectively: "The first [the Guardianship] preserves the identity of His Faith and guards the integrity of His law. The second [the Universal House of Justice] enables it, even as a living organism, to expand and adapt itself to the needs and requirements of an ever changing society."(World Order of Baha'u'llah, p. 23)


If you would like to reach us for more information, or simply for discussion, we welcome you to contact us in the following ways: By email: info@tarbiyatcenter.orgBy mail:
Tarbiyat Baha'i CommunityP.O. Box 1424Las Vegas, NM 87701By phone: 505.425.3688

Q: Who was Abdu'l-Baha and what is his role in the Baha'i Faith?

A: Abdu'l Baha, the eldest surviving son of Baha'u'llah, was appointed by his Father as the "Center of His Covenant" and the authorized Interpreter of His Writings.. In this capacity, unique in the history of religion, Abdu'l-Baha left many writings explaining and elucidating the teachings of Baha'u'llah. Although recognized as the "Perfect Exemplar" of Baha'u'llah's teaching, Abdu'l-Baha was, nevertheless, essentially human and held a station radically different from that of Baha'u'llah.

Q: What is the difference between the Tarbiyat Baha'i Community and other Baha'i groups?

A: The only difference between the Tarbiyat Baha'i Community and the rest of the Baha'i world relates to the spiritual leadership of the Faith. The Tarbiyat Baha'i Community believes that the institution of the hereditary Guardianship, delineated by Abdu'l-Baha in his Last Will and Testament, is necessary to preserve the long-term integrity of the Faith. The Tarbiyat Baha'i Community believes that the Guardian must come from the bloodline of Baha'u'llah, and that a Guardian from the Holy Family will arise in due time. The largest Baha'i group, with American headquarters in Wilmette and international headquarters in Haifa, Israel, believes that the institution of the Guardianship terminated when the Faith's first Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, died without children and, apparently, without appointing a successor Guardian.