Baha’l

Question 1

About how many Bahá’ís are there in the world?

Answer 1

Estimated to be several million.

Exact numbers can vary by source and are often approximations.

Question 2

What is a common symbol for the Bahá’í Faith?

Answer 2

The nine-pointed star.

The number nine holds significance in the Bahá’í Faith.

Question 3

How is the number ‘nine’ significant to Bahá’ís?

Answer 3

It symbolizes completeness and unity.

Nine is also the highest single-digit number.

Question 4

What does ‘bahá’ mean?

Answer 4

Glory or Splendor.

It is a central concept in the Bahá’í Faith.

Question 5

What do Shi’a Twelvers believe about the Twelfth legitimate successor to Muhammad?

Answer 5

They believe he is in occultation and will return.

This belief is foundational to Twelver Shi’ism.

Question 6

What, in 1844, did Ali Muhammad claim for himself?

Answer 6

He claimed to be the Bab, or Gate, to a new religious era.

This marked the beginning of the Bábí movement.

Question 7

To what did Ali Muhammad change his name, what does it mean, and what were his followers called?

Answer 7

He changed his name to the Bab, meaning ‘Gate’, and his followers were called Babis.

The Báb was a key figure in the precursor to the Bahá’í Faith.

Question 8

How would you describe the reaction of governmental and religious authorities towards Bab-ud-Din and his followers?

Answer 8

They were hostile and persecutory.

This hostility led to significant oppression of the Bábís.

Question 9

What was unusual about Bab-ud-Din’s execution?

Answer 9

He was executed in a public spectacle, which was rare.

This act was intended to dissuade others from following him.

Question 10

What and where is the second holiest shrine in the Bahá’í Faith?

Answer 10

The Shrine of the Bab, located on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel.

It is an important pilgrimage site for Bahá’ís.

Question 11

What did the Bab proclaim prior to his execution?

Answer 11

He proclaimed the coming of a new messenger from God.

This was a significant announcement for the Bábí community.

Question 12

What was Husayn Ali’s relationship to the Babis?

Answer 12

He was a prominent leader among them, later known as Bahá’u’lláh.

His leadership was pivotal in the development of the Bahá’í Faith.

Question 13

What did Husayn Ali experience in the prison at Tehran, in ‘the Black Pit’?

Answer 13

He endured harsh conditions and isolation.

This experience shaped his future teachings.

Question 14

Where did Husayn Ali live in exile after his release from ‘the Black Pit,’ and what became his status among the Babis?

Answer 14

He lived in Baghdad and became the central figure among the Babis.

His teachings began to diverge from those of the Bab.

Question 15

Before being forced to move from Baghdad to Constantinople, what, in the Garden of Ridvan, did Husayn Ali reveal to the Babis?

Answer 15

He revealed his claim to be the fulfillment of the Bab’s prophecy.

This event is celebrated by Bahá’ís as the Festival of Ridvan.

Question 16

What title did Husayn Ali assume, what does that title mean, and what name was given to his followers?

Answer 16

He assumed the title Bahá’u’lláh, meaning ‘Glory of God’, and his followers were called Bahá’ís.

This marked the formation of the Bahá’í Faith.

Question 17

What happened when Bahá’u’lláh’s leadership was challenged by Yaḥyá Núrí?

Answer 17

A schism occurred, leading to conflict within the community.

This division had lasting effects on the Bahá’í Faith.

Question 18

What does the five-point star of Bahá’í represent?

Answer 18

It symbolizes the five major religions of the world.

Each point represents a different faith.

Question 19

To what city were the Bahá’ís finally moved?

Answer 19

They were moved to Haifa, Israel.

This city is now the spiritual center of the Bahá’í Faith.

Question 20

What is the holiest shrine of the Bahá’í Faith?

Answer 20

The Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh in Bahji, Israel.

It is the burial place of Bahá’u’lláh.

Question 21

Who, as Bahá’u’lláh’s son, assumed leadership of the Bahá’ís?

Answer 21

`Abdu’l-Bahá.

He played a crucial role in spreading the teachings of the Bahá’í Faith.

Question 22

How was `Abdu’l-Bahá able to spread the Bahá’í Faith?

Answer 22

Through travels and public speaking.

He engaged with various communities and leaders.

Question 23

Who, Abdu’l-Bahá’s grandson, assumed leadership of the Bahá’ís after Abdu’l-Bahá’s death?

Answer 23

Shoghí Effendí Rabbání.

He is known for establishing the administrative order of the Faith.

Question 24

What institution was established to lead the Bahá’ís after Shoghi Effendi’s death?

Answer 24

The Universal House of Justice.

It is the governing body of the Bahá’í community.

Question 25

How are the nine members of the Universal House of Justice chosen?

Answer 25

They are elected by the Bahá’í community. ## Footnote This democratic process reflects Bahá’í principles.

Question 26

What status does the Universal House of Justice have for Bahá’ís?

Answer 26

It is considered infallible in its decisions. ## Footnote This belief underscores the authority of the institution.

Question 27

What central Bahá’í belief conflicted with an important Islamic belief?

Answer 27

The concept of progressive revelation. ## Footnote This idea suggests that religion evolves over time.

Question 28

What appears to be the goal of the Iranian government as far as the Bahá’í Faith is concerned?

Answer 28

To suppress and eliminate the Bahá’í community. ## Footnote The Bahá’ís face persecution in Iran.

Question 29

What is the primary authority for Bahá’í beliefs and practices?

Answer 29

The writings of Bahá’u’lláh. ## Footnote His texts are considered the foundation of Bahá’í teachings.

Question 30

Aside from Bahá’u’lláh’s writings, whose other writings are recognized as sacred scripture?

Answer 30

The writings of the Bab. ## Footnote These texts are foundational to the Bahá’í Faith.

Question 31

Whose other writings are recognized as authoritative thought not scriptural?

Answer 31

`Abdu’l-Bahá's writings. ## Footnote He provided interpretations and guidance for the community.

Question 32

Why, in the Bahá’í view, is there only one religion?

Answer 32

All religions come from the same divine source. ## Footnote This belief promotes unity among different faiths.

Question 33

What does progressive revelation mean for the Bahá’í Faith?

Answer 33

God reveals his will progressively through various messengers. ## Footnote Each messenger is seen as relevant to their time.

Question 34

What do heaven and hell mean for Bahá’ís?

Answer 34

They are states of being, not physical places. ## Footnote This interpretation emphasizes spiritual growth.

Question 35

Why, for the Bahá’ís, must science and religion be in harmony?

Answer 35

Both are seen as means to understand truth. ## Footnote This principle encourages the pursuit of knowledge.

Question 36

What do all humans have in common?

Answer 36

They are all part of one human family. ## Footnote This belief is central to the oneness of humanity.

Question 37

To what does the ideal of 'spiritual unity' refer?

Answer 37

The goal of achieving harmony among all people. ## Footnote This reflects Bahá’í principles of unity and peace.

Question 38

What, according to the Bahá’í Faith, will be the culmination of human evolution on earth?

Answer 38

The establishment of a global society based on justice and unity. ## Footnote This vision is part of the Bahá’í teachings on social progress.

Question 39

If a religion is not 'a cause of love and unity,' according to `Abdu’l-Bahá, what is it?

Answer 39

It is not a true religion. ## Footnote This statement emphasizes the importance of unity in faith.

Question 40

How, according to `Abdu’l-Bahá, is humanity like a bird?

Answer 40

Humanity has two wings: one of men and one of women. ## Footnote This metaphor highlights the importance of gender equality.

Question 41

Why do Bahá’ís promote a universal language?

Answer 41

To facilitate communication and understanding among all people. ## Footnote This reflects the Bahá’í commitment to unity.

Question 42

Why is partisanship forbidden in Bahá’í?

Answer 42

It leads to division and conflict. ## Footnote Bahá’ís are encouraged to promote unity instead.

Question 43

Why, according to the Bahá’í Faith, should one work?

Answer 43

To serve humanity and worship God. ## Footnote Work is seen as a form of service.

Question 44

To what does 'Huqúqu'lláh' refer?

Answer 44

The right of God, a form of financial contribution to the Faith. ## Footnote It supports the activities of the Bahá’í community.

Question 45

How many holy days, during which work is suspended, are in the Bahá’í calendar?

Answer 45

Nine holy days. ## Footnote These days commemorate significant events in the Bahá’í Faith.

Question 46

What is the Bahá’í opinion on polygamy and homosexual marriage?

Answer 46

Both are prohibited. ## Footnote The Bahá’í Faith promotes monogamous marriage.

Question 47

How many prescribed prayers do Bahá’ís recite each day?

Answer 47

Three prescribed prayers. ## Footnote Bahá’ís can choose from different prayers for daily use.

Question 48

Why do Bahá’ís use prayers composed by Bahá’u’lláh and `Abdu’l-Bahá?

Answer 48

These prayers are considered divinely inspired. ## Footnote They are integral to Bahá’í worship.

Question 49

Where do Bahá’ís face when they pray?

Answer 49

Towards the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh. ## Footnote This direction is significant for prayer.

Question 50

Where are Bahá’í worship services typically held?

Answer 50

In homes or community centers. ## Footnote Formal Bahá’í Houses of Worship are also used.

Question 51

What is the focus of a Bahá’í worship service?

Answer 51

Prayer, meditation, and community fellowship. ## Footnote Services emphasize spiritual connection.

Question 52

What, ideally, is a Mashriqu’l-Adhkár?

Answer 52

A Bahá’í House of Worship. ## Footnote It serves as a center for worship and community activities.

Question 53

How many Houses of Worship does the Bahá’í Faith currently maintain?

Answer 53

There are seven continental Houses of Worship. ## Footnote Each serves a different region of the world.

Question 54

How many sides does a Bahá’í temple have?

Answer 54

Nine sides. ## Footnote This design reflects the significance of the number nine.

Question 55

What does the Festival of Ridvan commemorate?

Answer 55

The declaration of Bahá’u’lláh as a prophet. ## Footnote It is a major celebration in the Bahá’í calendar.

Question 56

How many months are in the Bahá’í calendar, and how many days are in each month?

Answer 56

Nineteen months with nineteen days each. ## Footnote This unique calendar structure is central to Bahá’í timekeeping.

Question 57

When do Bahá’ís fast?

Answer 57

During the month of `Ala. ## Footnote This fasting period lasts from sunrise to sunset.

Question 58

What is the major site of pilgrimage for Bahá’ís?

Answer 58

The Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh in Bahji. ## Footnote Pilgrimage is an important aspect of Bahá’í practice.