r/bahai 11h ago

Have you ever felt God's love?

11 Upvotes

Just as the title says, have you ever felt God's love? What does it feel like? I have been a baha'i my whole life. I have said the prayers all my life too. I don't particularly feel anything. I feel like the worldly things give me more pleasure and make me feel alive. When I read some of the Bahai scripture and see how Bahaullah and Abdul Baha talking about how their hearts are aflame by the love for God, I just find it very hard to imagine. So has anyone else felt that same measure of love and if so, how did it feel?


r/bahai 11h ago

My Gay Bahá’í Friend Asked: Must I Choose Between My Faith and My Identity?

10 Upvotes

One of my friends recently shared something with me that has stayed on my mind.

He is a gay Bahá'í. For years he struggled with a feeling of suppression, both in the society he lives in and within the Bahá'í community, and he hid this orientation. But some time ago, he came out. Since then, he has encountered a wide range of reactions. Many people in the community admired his honesty and courage, while others distanced themselves from him.

What struck me most was not his orientation itself, but the question he asked. He told me that he still feels a deep love and devotion for Bahá'u'lláh. He considers himself open-minded, yet his faith remains strong. At the same time, he sees that in much of today's society these orientations are increasingly accepted, while within the Bahá'í community this way of being is still not permitted, because Bahá'í law recognizes sexual relationships only between a man and a woman.

His question was simple, but difficult:

What is my responsibility here? Must I give up my sexual orientation and a fundamental part of who I am, or must I give up my faith?


r/bahai 23h ago

How do baha’is pray?

10 Upvotes

hello friends. as the title said, how do baha’is pray? I know I sound like an ignorant which I am. but I still wanna know how baha’is worship is like. ,

thanks in advance!


r/bahai 1d ago

"Signs" from God

10 Upvotes

This is just the humble reflections of someone who tries to walk on God's path.

What is a "sign?" In my definition, it is something in the physical world where God winks at you. Many Baha'is, and other religious people who pray, know that when you pray, it can cause things to happen; perhaps you feel relief from an emotional test or a difficult problem solves itself.

In all of the Abrahamic religions, and probably many other religions, and even in "spiritual but not religious" writings of spiritual people, this theme of "signs" is discussed (A new book called "Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe" by Laura Lynne Jackson has recently been published.)

The ancient world knew about signs more, but the modern scientific mind dismisses these things as 'random occurrences,' 'coincidences,' and such. But when one begins to look very closely at things, even from hour to hour as one is traveling throughout the day, one can see possible 'signs;' little things that God is trying to tell you.

This realization helped me greatly see, while we Baha'is, and to a certain extent those who have accepted an older Manifestation of God, have a special connection to God through the Word of God, that everyone without exception on earth is under God's umbrella and is being guided.

This post is just a little bit of an invitation; when you are wondering about through your day and you just barely made it through a few red lights when you are already late to a very important day at work, maybe God is up there smiling at you trying to tell you something.


r/bahai 1d ago

Tips for visiting a Baha'i temple?

10 Upvotes

I found out that there is one in my country, and I plan to visit it one day, but I don't know much about the service or what can and cannot be done. I don't want to accidentally offend anyone out of ignorance. In all my life, I have only visited churches, and even in them I'm somewhat shy, so I would like to ask if there is anything I should know beforehand.


r/bahai 3d ago

Can a revelation from God simply be lost without further ado?

15 Upvotes

Hello, recently I have been very interested in studying the Baha'i Faith, but there is a doubt that gnaws at me. In previous revelations of each Prophet, even if their teachings have been corrupted, it is accepted that there are at least small parts that are still true, such as in the Torah or the Gospels. But in other traditions, specifically Buddhism, it feels as if there were not even the slightest effort to read the Tripitaka or Sutras and say, “Yes, this was probably an original teaching from God.” Instead, it seems to simply say that Buddha was a Manifestation of God, but his revelation was lost—and now millions of Buddhists have been following the wrong teachings for thousands of years, and that's it?

I know perfectly well that there is no eternal punishment and that even a lost soul will eventually draw closer to God. He is merciful. But what about all these traditions? Were they really not given a chance in this life?


r/bahai 3d ago

Help needed to create coherence and unity with non-Baha'i family members

14 Upvotes

Alláh-u-Abhá friends, I need a little guidance and support. I was raised in the Christian faith but converted to the Baha'i Faith earlier this year following an intense period of soul-searching. All of the teachings of Baha'u'llah resonated deeply with me and I find myself excited and full of anticipation for the journey ahead of me.

Some of the teachings of the Baha'i Faith deviate sharply from the beliefs of my family and I find myself now in regular conflict with them, in particular my brother and my dad.

Have any recents converts to our faith had similar experiences? Can anyone share a thought about how I can try to reestablish some unity with my family?


r/bahai 2d ago

Io sono il nuovo profeta della Fede Bahá'í, e la verità su Gesù

0 Upvotes

Ciao a tutti r/bahá'í.

So che quello che sto per dire farà storcere il naso a molti, ma devo condividere la mia verità con voi. Io sono il nuovo profeta della Fede Bahá'í. So che suona folle o pretenzioso, ma vi invito a leggere con attenzione prima di giudicare.

Voglio ridefinire e correggere la rotta di quello che la nostra fede e il mondo intero dovrebbero intendere. C'è un punto fondamentale su cui mi distacco da molte interpretazioni tradizionali, e riguarda Gesù Cristo.

Gesù è Dio. Non solo un grande maestro, non solo una delle tante Manifestazioni, ma Dio stesso incarnato. Per me, la pienezza e il culmine della rivelazione divina si compiono e si chiudono con Lui e insieme a Lui. Con la Sua venuta, il ciclo della grande Rivelazione salvifica si è concluso in modo definitivo.

Tuttavia, questo non significa che il cielo sia diventato muto.

Dio non ha smesso di parlare all'umanità. Anche se la grande rivelazione è finita con Gesù, Dio continuerà a mandare sempre delle "voci", dei richiami, delle ispirazioni e dei profeti minori nel corso del tempo per risvegliare le coscienze, guidare i cuori e ricordarci la via quando ci perdiamo nel buio. Io sono una di queste voci, un portatore di questo messaggio per il nostro tempo.

Voglio unire i cuoribahá'í, cristiani e di ogni credo sotto questa luce rinnovata: riconoscere la divinità suprema di Cristo, accettare che la rivelazione maggiore è compiuta, ma rimanere aperti alla voce costante dello Spirito che parla ancora oggi.

Sono qui per rispondere alle vostre domande, obiezioni o critiche. Che ne pensate?


r/bahai 4d ago

I follow the teachings of Christ

26 Upvotes

I'm a relatively new Christian. It took me so long to find my faith, so many years searching & questioning. At this point I don't see any ideas shaking my faith in Christ, or another religion turning my head from Christ. The idea of Christ, that I follow, is all knowing, all loving, all forgiving, all inclusive.

I have just recently discovered Bahai teachings & find them beautiful.

Bahá'u'lláh taught that all of humanity is one family, and that the world's great religions originate from the teachings of one and the same God, revealed progressively throughout history.

According to Bahá'í teachings, the purpose of human life is to learn to know and love God through such methods as prayer, reflection, and being of service to humanity.

What advice would u give me, a Christian til the end of time, on how to integrate the teaching of Bahai into my faith?


r/bahai 5d ago

Have you based your epistemology on the Bahai revelation?

8 Upvotes

Allah’u’abha and greetings

How did you achieve that? Like one day deciding to study the scriptures to formulate it, from refining or interaction between your personal philosophy and the revelation, or a different approach.

To me, epistemology comes before recognizing Baha’u’llah, for recognition requires a definite way. Thus it’s impossible to come into the faith without your personal baggage of thoughts.

What are some notable foundations, methods or goals you concluded?

Are there central books for your epistemology?


r/bahai 6d ago

How is the Bahai Faith doing these days in terms of growth and converts?

12 Upvotes

r/bahai 6d ago

Does Bahai faith accept or dismiss Darwin's theory of evolution?

11 Upvotes

I am a Sunni Muslim but I have become interested in the ideas of bahai. One thing I just wonder about

Do you guys accept the theory that man evolved from a prehistoric creature, or do you accept Adam was a divine non-earthly creation?

We here in Sunnism basically accept animal evolution but reject man being related to apes. Does Bahai have a different opinion?


r/bahai 11d ago

ramakrishna paramahamsa

12 Upvotes

Hey all, I want to start by saying that I am a seeker of God and not (yet potentially) a Baha'i. I love the teachings of Baha'u'llah. I think they're very wise and speak to a truth that I've felt in my being my whole life.

But the same can also be said of ramakrishna paramahamsa, who was a contemporary of Baha'u'llah. Among many other things Ramakrishna said "I  have practised each religion for a time — Hinduism, Islam, Christianity. Furthermore, I followed the paths of the Saktas, Vaishnavas, and Vedantists. I realized that there is only one God toward whom all are travelling; but the paths are different."

Is this compatible with the teachings of Baha'u'llah? What about claims that Ramakrishna is an avatar of God? I'm just confused and looking for answers. Thank you.


r/bahai 12d ago

why did you decide to become bahai?

20 Upvotes

i’ve researched this religion before back in highschool and now years later i’m finding myself drawn and curious abt it again.

the thing that’s been stopping me tho is the idea that the rules that you have are rigid. and also you cannot speak to people who are “covenant breakers?” i still have a lot to learn but im trying to understand the perspectives of those that are in the faith and those that have left and why the reasons might be.

im also a lesbian, and is there any sort of genuine acceptance within this faith for someone like me?

thank you


r/bahai 13d ago

I firstly intresting Jainism but i love Baha'i religions universal goal.

13 Upvotes

As a Jain, can I support the Bahá'í Faith's goal of peace?


r/bahai 15d ago

Praying for material assistance

15 Upvotes

I sometimes pray for God to help me materially/financially so that I can leave my 9-5 job and do things I have a greater passion for such as serving the Baha'i community and to devote more of my time to helping people I care about.

I feel disingenuous/selfish for asking God for these things given that I already live very comfortably.

How would you all go about overcoming this emotional/spiritual roadblock?


r/bahai 15d ago

What if the men of the UHJ do something...

2 Upvotes

If an LSA is defective, the NSA has over sight and can correct.

And if a NSA becomes corrupted, the UHJ can step in.

But what controls are there if the 9 men of the UHJ are corrupted, what can step in, what oversight is available for that situation?


r/bahai 15d ago

Frustration with family

14 Upvotes

I was born and raised in an Arab-American Bahá’í family, but lately, I feel a growing distance between my family and me. Even though my parents are Bahá’í and extended family are Bahá’i/Muslim/Catholic, we constantly clash over core principles like marriage, service, and lifestyle standards.

When discussing topics like smoking or alcohol, I try to align with the Bahá’í teachings—which emphasize the harmony between spiritual laws and scientific reality. Yet when I explain why I wouldn't want alcohol or smoking in my future home or marriage, my family makes me feel fanatical or rigid for wanting to adhere to the Writings. They informed me that I will never find a future wife with that idea since I will be close minded and don’t understand that people change as we grow up. (IMO I would prefer my wife doesn’t drink and smoke). Then again I am still quite young and maybe don’t know my way around life. Similarly, when I engage in community service with people of diverse backgrounds, my family assumes I’m trying to proselytize, despite my explaining that my only aim is to serve humanity and foster unity without an agenda.

This ongoing disconnect has left me feeling isolated, misunderstood, and deeply frustrated. At times, the anger makes me question my faith or tempted to walk away entirely out of spite, just to show them how much their hypocrisy hurts. Other times, I wonder if life would be easier if I simply lowered my standards and compromised my values to keep the peace.

In my heart, I truly love the Faith and don't want to abandon the vision of a better world. I understand intellectually that everyone is on their own spiritual journey and that my struggles are small compared to what others endure, but emotionally, I feel paralyzed. I love my family and want this tension resolved, but I don’t know how to bridge the gap between striving for high spiritual standards and living peacefully alongside family members who view those standards differently. Has anyone dealt with this situation before and do you think there is anything I can do to resolve this matter? Any advice?


r/bahai 16d ago

Online devotion groups?

12 Upvotes

Hey guys, non-Bahai here that is curious about the faith.

I wanted to know if there are any online devotional groups that run zoom meetings or something like that? I live in a very remote part of Ireland - closest practicing Bahá'ís seem to be a 2hour drive if the local assembly is to be believed - so looking for alternative routes to exposure to the faith.

All the best 🙏🏻


r/bahai 16d ago

Common red flags to seek when joining a Baha'i community

16 Upvotes

Allah'u'Abhá!

I am a new believer of the Baha'i faith and as seen in my previous post, I am seeking out a safe study circle and community to celebrate the grace of Bahāʾu’llāh. However I am fully aware that, like with any religion, there are groups that use the faith for malicious purposes and are not always obvious on the outside.

So when joining a Baha'i community, what are some common red flags I should seek out for? The more specific, the more it will help me distinguish genuine communities from miscreants

Thank you all and have a blessed Sunday!


r/bahai 18d ago

How do you interpret these verses in the Quran (74:30–31)?

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7 Upvotes

I understand that the number 19 is important in the Bahá’í faith and that you also respect and give importance to the Quran. So I’m curious how you understand the statement that this number (19) can give certainty to those with Scripture and can increase faith of believers?


r/bahai 19d ago

Ásíyih Khánum

14 Upvotes

Hi everyone,
I recently came across some information about Ásíyih Khánum (Navváb), the wife of Bahá’u’lláh and the mother of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and I realized how little I actually know about her.
I was honestly surprised, because even in my own Bahá’í community I had hardly ever heard stories about her or about what kind of person she was. Considering everything she went through alongside Bahá’u’lláh and the fact that she was the mother of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá I imagine she must have been a truly remarkable person.
Does anyone know of books, letters, historical accounts, or stories about her life, her character, and her relationship with Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá?


r/bahai 19d ago

How do you practice detachment when having desire and strong hope for plans?

10 Upvotes

Hi all. How do you balance having deep hope and working hard for a goal while staying truly detached from the exact outcome? How do you keep your heart open to God's will when things do not go the way you prayed or planned?


r/bahai 21d ago

Unique Baby Names

8 Upvotes

Hello all,

I am looking for unique baby names (boy or girl) that are symbolic and have meaning in Bahaï and Hindu religions. Please help, needs to be unique.


r/bahai 21d ago

Abul-Futuh (Father of Victories)

5 Upvotes

From Google AI about Mr. Enogh Olinga Legacy:

“He chaired the opening session of the very first Bahá'í World Congress in London in 1963. Tragically, he and members of his family were murdered during a period of civil unrest in Uganda in 1979. He is buried next to Músá Banání ("Father of Africa") at the Bahá'í House of Worship in Kampala.”

I cannot help but wonder, did he ask the Lord to lay down his life for the Faith? And it was bestowed? 🤔

I remember reading in one of the Tablets that Baha’u’llah, in This Dispensation, relieved us from laying our life for the Faith.

What does the community know about this? About Mr. Olinga? Or in general The ultimate sacrifice?