Faiths, beliefs and religions

Baha'i Faith in Westminster

The Baha'i Faith has three underlying principles, that there is one God, that this God has been the inspiration for all the major religions that have appeared in history, and that mankind is one family.

This God has been known by many names in history, including Jehovah, Allah, Brahma, etc. Baha'is believe there is one reality behind these names and that Moses, Krishna, Zoroaster, Buddha, Jesus and Muhammad were all inspired by this one God. Baha'u'llah, the founding prophet of the Baha'i Faith, is recognised by the Baha'is as God's prophet for this day.

The idea of unity of humankind is also fundamental to Baha'i belief. However, the diversity of humanity in terms of race, ethnicity and religious belief is also something to be appreciated, just as the diversity of colour, fragrance and variety of flowers in a garden add to the beauty of that garden.

Baha'is believe in the independent investigation of truth, the equality of men and women, that science and religion should "go hand in hand" and the need for an international legislature to govern world affairs. Praying daily and reflecting on the scriptures are important to Baha'i spiritual life, as is service to others.