Core Teachings

Baha'u'llah revealed over one hundred volumes of sacred scripture covering a vast range of topics, however in the video below is a brief introduction to three of Baha'u'llah's Teachings: Independent Investigation of Truth, Abolition of Prejudice, and the Unity of Mankind. Several more of the basic Teachings of Baha'u'llah are in the text below.

An unseen Providence has allowed for the existence of a physical sun, to nourish and give life to the physical body of man, this same Providence has allowed for the existence of a Spiritual Sun – to nourish and give life to the soul and conscience of man. In one age that life-giving Source of new knowledge, inspiration, and love was Buddha, in another age, that Source of Spiritual Light was Moses, in yet another age Christ, and in this age that Divine Light is Baha’u’llah.

Independent Investigation of Truth

And among the teaching of Bahá’u’lláh is the duty of independently searching after truth, unfettered by superstition or tradition; that is to say – No man should follow blindly his ancestors and forefathers. rather, each must see with his own eyes, hear with his own ears and strive to investigate the truth of things in order that he may find the truth, for blind imitation of the past will stunt the mind. But once every soul independently investigates truth, society will be freed from the darkness of continually repeating the past.

So long as blind imitations of the past remain – differences will continue to exist and the oneness of the world of humanity is impossible. If the nations of the world investigate reality free from prejudice they will agree and become united, for although truth has many aspects, it is one, and all impartial investigators of truth will eventually be led to the same truth and become united as a matter of course.

Abolition of Prejudice

And among the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh is that prejudices, whether they are religious, racial, patriotic or political are destructive to the foundations of human development. Prejudices of any kind are the destroyers of human happiness and welfare. For thousands of years the world of humanity has been agitated and disturbed by prejudices of various kinds, and as long as they prevail, warfare, animosity and hatred will continue. Therefore if we seek to establish peace we must cast aside this obstacle.

In the Words of Baha’u’llah:

"O CHILDREN OF MEN! Know ye not why We created you all from the same dust? That no one should exalt himself over the other. Ponder at all times in your hearts how ye were created. Since We have created you all from one same substance it is incumbent on you to be even as one soul…"

Unity of Mankind

And among the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh is the unity of mankind. All are members of the same human family.

In the words of Baha’u’llah:

"It is not for him to pride himself who loveth his own country, but rather for him who loveth the whole world. The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens”

"Consort with the followers of all religions, in a spirit of friendliness and fellowship”

And in the words of Abdul-Baha His eldest son:

"The diversity in the human family should be the cause of love and harmony, as it is in music where many different notes blend together in the making of a perfect chord...when you meet those whose opinions differ from your own, do not turn away your face from them. All are seeking truth, and there are many roads leading thereto. Truth has many aspects, but it remains always and forever one. Do not allow difference of opinion, or diversity of thought to separate you from your fellow-men, or to be the cause of dispute, hatred and strife in your hearts. Rather, search diligently for the truth and make all men your friends”

This international brotherhood and solidarity envisioned by Baha’u’llah represents the consummation of human evolution — an evolution that has had its earliest beginnings in the birth of family life, its subsequent development in the achievement of tribal solidarity, leading in turn to the constitution of the city-state, and expanding later into the institution of independent and sovereign nations.

The principle of the Oneness of Mankind, as proclaimed by Bahá’u’lláh, carries with it no more and no less than a solemn assertion that attainment to this final stage in this stupendous evolution is not only necessary but inevitable, that its realization is fast approaching, and that nothing short of a power that is born of God can succeed in establishing it.

Unity of Religion

And among the teachings of His Holiness Bahá'u'lláh is the unity of religion, that the foundations of all religions is one.

The Creator has provided for the material life of mankind in the form of a physical sun, similarly he has provided for the spiritual life of mankind in the form of a Spiritual sun – those Divine Teachers such as Abraham, Krishna, Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad, and Baha’u’llah who pour out the light of knowledge, inspiration and love into the world and are the cause of the Spiritual life of mankind.

The physical sun has numerous rising and setting places: at one time it rises from the sign of Cancer, in another time from the sign of Libra or Aquarius, and so on. Although the sun rises and sets in different locations, and in different seasons shines with varying intensities, if we are admirers of light and heat, we do not distinguish between the sun of yesterday and the sun of today, because we can see the same life giving light and heat in both of them, but if instead we are admirers of the non-essentials, such as the place where the sun last rose, or the name of the day when it appeared, then we will be deprived of enjoying the benefits of the Sun when it rises tomorrow.

The same applies with the Spiritual Suns who appear from different places, and in different times. If we claim to be lovers of the Divine Light brought by one religion, we must love all of them because they bring the same light. In the words of Abdu’l-Baha, we must be:

“…like the butterfly who is the lover of the light from whatever lamp it may shine”

Mankind’s attachment to Light, rather than the lamp, is a great factor in the unification of the world. The Divine Educators bring always the same light into the world. As Divine Educators such as Krishna, Buddha and Moses brought their Message in accordance with the infancy of the human race, similarly Bahá'u'lláh brings the same spiritual Message and same light to mankind, albeit with laws and principles which are specifically suited to the needs, and capacity of humanity today, and with an intensity suited to humanity in its current stage of evolution.

The different religious systems which have appeared throughout history were specifically suited to the requirements of the peoples, and times in which they appeared. It is for this reason that they differ, however their underlying purposes and their Spiritual teachings are identical. They are rays of one Light. Referring to the worlds Faiths, Baha’u’llah said:

"These principles and laws, these firmly-established and mighty systems, have proceeded from one Source and are the rays of one Light. That they differ one from another is to be attributed to the varying requirements of the ages in which they were promulgated.

Agreement of Religion and Science

And among the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh is the agreement of religion and science. God has endowed man with intelligence and reason whereby he is required to determine the truth of questions and propositions. Unquestionably there must be agreement between true religion and science, as they are both gifts from the same God.

Should a man try to fly with the wing of religion alone he would quickly fall into the quagmire of superstition and fanaticism, whilst on the other hand, with the wing of science alone he would also make no progress, but fall into the despairing slough of materialism.

Religion must agree with science, so that science shall sustain religion and religion explain science. The two must be brought together, indissolubly, in reality. When a religious opinion is opposed to science and reason it becomes evident that it has declined into mere superstition and that the essentials of that Faith have been forgotten. Furthermore many religious concepts are explained in the form of analogies and metaphors, and strangely many have taken these metaphors and analogies literally even though it is widely known that their literal interpretations are contrary to reason. Down to the present day it has been customary for man to accept blindly what was presented to him as religion, even though it were not in agreement with human reason, and for this reason many have come to the incorrect conclusion that religion is contrary to science.

Bahá'u'lláh declared that true religion is in complete harmony with true science and reason. If a religious belief or doctrine is at variance with reason, then it must have proceeded from the limited mind of man and not from God; therefore, it is unworthy of belief and not deserving of attention; the heart finds no rest in it, and real faith in it is impossible. How can man believe that which he knows to be opposed to reason? Is this possible? Can the heart accept that which reason denies? … Bahá'u'lláh has removed this form of dissension and conflict from among mankind and reconciled science with religion by revealing the pure teachings of the divine reality. This accomplishment is specialized to Him in this Day. The parables and metaphors of Divine concepts within past religions are no longer mysteries, and all can enjoy the benefits of Divine guidance and spirituality, while also being perfectly reconciled with human progresses in science.

One Universal Language

And among the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh is the necessity of one universal language that may be spread among the people. This teaching was revealed from the pen of His Holiness Bahá'u'lláh in order that this universal language may eliminate misunderstandings from among mankind.

A universal language shall be adopted and be taught by all the schools and institutions of the world in addition to their mother tongue. An international committee appointed by national bodies of learning, represented by all tribes and nations shall either create or select a suitable language to be used as a medium of international communication. All must acquire it. This is one of the great factors in the unification of mankind.

"The day is approaching when all the peoples of the world will have adopted one universal language and one common script. When this is achieved, to whatsoever city a man may journey, it shall be as if he were entering his own home." - Baha'u'llah

The Equality of Women and Men

And among the teachings of His Holiness Bahá'u'lláh is the equality of women and men. The world of humanity has two wings -- one is women and the other men. Not until both wings are equally developed can the bird fly. Should one wing remain weak, flight is impossible. Not until the world of women becomes equal to the world of men in the acquisition of virtues and perfections, can success and prosperity be attained as they ought to be. The happiness of mankind will be realized when women and men coordinate and advance equally, for each is the complement and help mate of the other. In fact the training and culture of daughters is even more necessary than that of sons, for they will one day come to the station of motherhood and will mould the lives of children. The first trainer of the child is the mother and an untrained and uneducated daughter, on becoming a mother, will be the prime factor in the deprivation, ignorance, negligence and the lack of training of many children. Regarding the equality of man and woman, Baha’u’llah’s eldest son, AbdulBaha had once said:

"The world in the past has been ruled by force, and man has dominated over woman by reason of his more forceful and aggressive qualities both of body and mind. But the balance is already shifting; force is losing its dominance, and mental alertness, intuition, and the spiritual qualities of love and service, in which woman is strong, are gaining ascendancy. Hence the new age will be. . . an age in which the masculine and feminine elements of civilization will be more evenly balanced." - Abdu'l-Baha

Formation of an International Tribunal

And among the teachings of Baha’u’llah is that a Supreme International Tribunal must be established. To bring about universal peace, a Supreme Tribunal must be established by general election, representative of all governments and peoples; questions both national and international must be referred thereto, and all must carry out the decrees of this Tribunal reached through consultation and by majority vote. Should any government or people disobey, the rest of the nations of the world will rise up against it, because all the governments and nations of the world would be the supporters of this Supreme Tribunal.

"The Great Being, wishing to reveal the prerequisites of the peace and tranquillity of the world and the advancement of its peoples, hath written: The time must come when the imperative necessity for the holding of a vast, an all-embracing assemblage of men will be universally realized. The rulers and kings of the earth must needs attend it, and, participating in its deliberations, must consider such ways and means as will lay the foundations of the world's Great Peace amongst men. Such a peace demandeth that the Great Powers should resolve, for the sake of the tranquillity of the peoples of the earth, to be fully reconciled among themselves. Should any king take up arms against another, all should unitedly arise and prevent him. If this be done, the nations of the world will no longer require any armaments, except for the purpose of preserving the security of their realms and of maintaining internal order within their territories. This will ensure the peace and composure of every people, government and nation.” - Baha'u'llah

One's Faith must lead to Unity

And among the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh is that religion must be the source of fellowship, the cause of unity and the nearness of God to man. If it rouses hatred and strife it is evident that absence of religion is preferable and an irreligious man better than one who professes it. According to the divine will and intention religion should be the cause of love and agreement, a bond to unify all mankind for it is a message of peace and good-will to man from God.

Bahá'u'lláh taught that religion must be conducive to love and unity. If it proves to be the source of hatred and enmity, its absence is preferable; for the will and law of God is love, and love is the bond between human hearts. Religion is the light of the world. If it is made the cause of darkness through human misunderstanding and ignorance, it would be better to do without it.

Exaltation of Work to rank of Worship

And among the teachings of His Holiness Bahá'u'lláh is the exaltation of work, performed in the spirit of service, to the rank of worship. Work, especially when performed in the spirit of service, and to the best of one’s ability, is according to Bahá'u'lláh a form of worship. It has not only a practical purpose, but has a value in itself, because it draws us nearer to God, and enables us to better grasp His purpose for us in this world.

"When anyone occupieth himself in a craft or trade, such occupation itself is regarded in the estimation of God as an act of worship; and this is naught but a token of His infinite and all-pervasive bounty." - Baha'u'llah

Material and Spiritual Civilization

And among the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh is that although material civilization is one of the means for the progress of the world of mankind, yet until it becomes combined with Divine civilization, the desired result, which is the felicity of mankind, will not be attained.

"Consider! These battleships that reduce a city to ruins within the space of an hour are the result of material civilization; likewise the Krupp guns, the Mauser rifles, dynamite, submarines, torpedo boats, armed aircraft and bombing aeroplanes -- all these weapons of war are the malignant fruits of material civilization. Had material civilization been combined with Divine civilization, these fiery weapons would never have been invented. Nay, rather, human energy would have been wholly devoted to useful inventions and would have been concentrated on praiseworthy discoveries." - Abdu'l-Baha

Material civilization is like a lamp-glass. Divine civilization is the light itself and the glass without the light is dark. Material civilization is like the body and spiritual civilization is like the soul. Body without soul cannot live. The world of mankind is in need of the breaths of the Holy Spirit. Without the spirit the world of mankind is lifeless , and without this light the world of mankind is in utter darkness. For the world of nature is an animal world. Until man is born again from the world of nature, that is to say, becomes detached from the world of nature, he is essentially an animal, and it is the application of the teachings of God which converts these animal traits into noble human traits. Bahá'u'lláh taught that hearts must receive the Bounty of the Holy Spirit, so that Spiritual civilization may be established. For material civilization alone is not adequate for the needs of mankind and cannot be the cause of its enduring happiness..