Celebrating 203rd anniversary of the birth of Bahá’u’lláh

Tshwane Bahá’ís join the Bahá’í communities all around the world to celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Baha’u’llah, the founder of their faith, on 19 October. This is a festival to celebrate the transformative impact of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings on the lives of families, neighbourhoods and communities around the world. Bahá’u’lláh outlined a framework for the development of a global civilisation which takes into account both the spiritual and material dimensions of human life. His writings offer spiritual guidance as well as directives for personal and social conduct and addressing the problems confronting humanity today. The central theme of Bahá’u’lláh’s message is that humanity is one, that the diversity of ethnic backgrounds adds to the beauty and perfection of the whole, and that the day has come for the unification of humanity into one global society. It is the Bahá’í’s belief that with unity, a unity that welcomes and honours the full diversity of mankind, the problems which face humanity today, can be solved. In this regard Bahá’u’lláh writes: “The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established” and “So powerful is the light of unity,” is his further testimony. “That it can illuminate the whole earth.” Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings also include the elimination of all forms of prejudice; recognition of the essential oneness of the world’s great religions; gender equality; the elimination of extremes of poverty and wealth; universal education; the harmony between science and religion; and the establishment of a world federal system, based on the oneness of humanity and collective security. Bahá’ís are urged to have a high sense of moral rectitude in their activities, purity, chastity and integrity in their individual lives, and complete freedom from prejudice in their dealings. The Bahá’í community is one of learning and action, free from any sense of superiority or claim to exclusive understanding of truth. It is a community that endeavours to cultivate hope for the future of humanity and it welcomes everyone to join hands with them in building better communities and creating a peaceful civilisation.