Bahá'í Teachings
What Bahá'ís believe
The Bahá'í Faith began in the 1800s with the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh. Today Bahá'ís live in nearly every country and come from every walk of life.
This page is only a short introduction. At the center of the teachings are three simple ideas, often called the three onenesses.
Three onenesses
One God, one unfolding religion, one human family
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The oneness of God
There is one God, the Creator of all, known by different names in different traditions.
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The oneness of religion
The world's great religions come from the same source. Each has guided humanity at a different stage, like chapters in one unfolding story.
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The oneness of humanity
All people belong to one human family. Our differences of race, nation and culture are a source of beauty, not a reason for division.
Core principles
Putting oneness into practice
From these ideas come principles that Bahá'ís try to live by, in their own lives and in the life of their communities.
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Equality of women and men
Women and men are equal, and society moves forward only when both take a full part in it.
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An end to prejudice
Prejudice of every kind, whether of race, religion, class or nationality, has to be overcome.
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Science and religion in harmony
Reason and faith are two ways of understanding the same reality, and each needs the other.
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Seeking truth for yourself
Each person has the right and the responsibility to look into what is true, with an open mind.
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Education for everyone
Every child deserves an education that develops both mind and character.
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Service to others
Faith shows itself in action: in kindness, in honest work and in serving the community around us.
Learn more
Where to read further
These two official sites go much deeper into the history, writings and community life of the Bahá'í Faith.