Bahá’u’lláh (1817-1892) is regarded by the Bahá’ís as the most recent in the line of Messengers of God. He authored the equivalent of more than a hundred volumes of Writings, which form as Sacred Scriptures of the Bahá’í Faith.
Bahá’u’lláh, from an early age, showed extraordinary qualities and became renowned for his knowledge and for insight into the difficult passages of Holy Scriptures, although he had not attended any school. It was not his knowledge alone which attracted the people to him. His loving nature and modesty won the hearts of all who knew him. As he grew up, he became known as the defender of the oppressed and the refuge of the poor. Though he was brought up in riches and comfort, he showed no attachment to the material things around him and gave of his wealth freely to the needy.
In 1863 Bahá’u’lláh announced that he was the bearer of a new revelation from God that would bring unity to the peoples of the world. In His writings, Bahá’u’lláh outlined a framework for the reconstruction of human society at all levels. His writings cover a vast range of subjects from social issues such as the oneness of humanity, racial integration, the equality of men and women, and the need for provision of education to everyone – to those questions that affect the innermost life of the human soul.
In his Writings, Bahá’u’lláh confirms that there is only one God. While reaffirming the core ethical principles common to all major world religions, Bahá’u’lláh also revealed new laws and teachings to lay the foundation of a global civilization.
The central theme of Baha’u’llah’s Writings is the principle of the oneness of humanity, as one finds in his Writings statements such as these: “The tabernacle of unity hath been raised; regard ye not one another as strangers.” “Consort with the followers of all religions in a spirit of friendliness and fellowship.” “Close your eyes to racial differences, and welcome all with the light of oneness.”
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. An important concept in the Bahá’í teachings is that refinement of one’s inner character and service to humanity should go hand in hand.
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 strives to cultivate hope for the future of humanity, to foster purposeful effort, and to celebrate the endeavours of all those in the world who work to promote unity and alleviate human suffering.
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