The twelve day Festival of Ridván, celebrated April 21 to May 2, is considered the holiest for members of the Bahá’í Faith. During those dates in 1863, Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í Faith, left Baghdad and entered gardens now known as the Garden of Ridván, which means paradise in Arabic.
Gardens are a requirement for Bahá’í Houses of Worship. There are currently seven continental Bahá’í Houses of Worship in the world. Each has a unique style but they all have four basic requirements: they are circular shape, have nine sides, a dome, and are surrounded by nine gardens with walkways.
Enjoy These Photos Of The Beautiful Bahá’í Gardens
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The twelve day Festival of Ridván, celebrated April 21 to May 2, is considered the holiest for members of the Bahá’í Faith. During those dates in 1863, Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá’...
The twelve day Festival of Ridván, celebrated April 21 to May 2, is considered the holiest for members of the Bahá’í Faith. During those dates in 1863, Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá’...
By Amanda Greene Religion News Service LUMBERTON, N.C. (RNS) Andrew Bowen sat yoga-style in his armchair, absent-mindedly fingering a set of Muslim prayer beads in...
Click through the slideshow to see a pictorial religious calendar for 2012 with photographs of celebrations of the world's numerous beautiful and sacred holidays: We...
Like many religious groups, the Bahá'í International Community saw the need for a renewed call for openness and friendship with Muslims in the wake of...
One hundred years ago the "unsinkable" Titanic sank into the North Atlantic. The tragedy has made for some epic storytelling. One of the most extraordinary stories is that of a 68-year-old Persian who wasn't, it turns out, actually on the ill-fated vessel, but was supposed to be.
While we believe that both historically and in today's "wired" world it is futile to suppress the quest for knowledge, there are many in Iran whose lives are being threatened or damaged by that regime's attempt. They need our support.
Despite sincere efforts by some in Congress, that body as a whole has failed meaningfully to act on climate change. But the point was not so much to condemn the inaction but to urge Congress to work rapidly to raise its grade.
Actually, the architect went all over India observing Houses of Worship from the various religions there, and he came to the conclusion that the lotus blossom was the shape the temple should be in. It was quite a feat to build that in India in the 80s. They weren't exactly high-tech back then.
Wendy1844: Actually, the architect went all over India observing Houses of
You know our buddies in Iran would execute these people for eschewing Islam, (which they see and the ultimate faith, the pinnacle), in favor of a newer, subsequent faith?
MIKEinNYC: You know our buddies in Iran would execute these people
Well, the leadership is pretty convinced Bahá'ís are apostates even though most of them these days were raised in the Faith and never were Muslims. Still, one wonders how they can state categorically that God has finished sending Messengers with Muhammad as the last one. Since the Qur'an states otherwise, you'd think they'd have noticed.
“If He wishes He will take you and cause whatever He wants to succeed you, as He raised you from the offspring (posterity) of other people.” (Qur’an 6:133 Rodwell)
“O children of Adam! Whenever, as is sure to happen, there shall come to you Messengers from among yourselves, rehearsing my signs to you, whoso shall fear God and do good works, no fear shall be upon them neither shall they grieve.” (Qur’an 7:35 Momen)
Considering how the Bahá'ís in Iran have accepted their sentences without fear or grief, I'd say these prophecies have been fulfilled.
Wendy1844: Well, the leadership is pretty convinced Bahá'ís are apostates even
Still, one wonders how they can state categorically that God has finished sending Messengers with Muhammad as the last one. Since the Qur'an states otherwise.
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As you probably know, the Quran calls Muhammad the Seal of the Prophets and this term is interpreted to mean "last prophet". Furthermore if you look at the hadith, there are many different texts which in all sorts of different forms of expression assert that Muhammad was the last prophet.
Abdul-Halim_Vazquez: Still, one wonders how they can state categorically that God
Still, one wonders how they can state categorically that God has finished sending Messengers with Muhammad as the last one.
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In an interesting twist, the concept of Manifestation is actually originally a concept in Islamic theology. And it is related to a special type of person called the Insan al-Kamil. So the funny kind of twist is that Muslims can still acknowledge that there are new people who have the status of Insan al-Kamil/ Manifestation. But the Bahai texts say that after Bahaullah, it will be at least 1000 yeasr before the next Manifestation comes. Not to mention that the Bahai faith also says no more Guardians are coming.
In other words, you are right that Muslims say that Muhammad is the Seal of the Prophets but there are still ways in which Muslims are more open to future revelations or insights from saintly figures which the Bahais shut themselves off from.
Abdul-Halim_Vazquez: Still, one wonders how they can state categorically that God
The Temples are beautiful. Most of the Baha'i rank and file are truly beautiful Souls who deserved far better leadership. The lifetime incumbent class that currently owns the Baha'i Faith are not. The fortunes of the Baha'i Faith will revive when there are strict term limits and the rank and file start voting lifetime incumbent people out of power and into well deserved oblivion. When that starts to happen decade after decade and century after century the Baha'i Faith will start to be a tremendous force for good in the world. The rise of the Internet will eventually bring that about. Until then, people should plant their own gardens within their own Souls and build the Temples of their own lives as a rest and refuge for others on the journey of life. But in 800 years the Baha'i Faith just might start to function. Let's hope!
HamletsMill: The Temples are beautiful. Most of the Baha'i rank and
Actually, not. The top "leadership" as people think of it has been held by women in the Faith. Bahá'u'lláh's daughter acted as head of the Faith on several separate extended occasions, like 100 years ago when 'Abdu'l-Bahá, her brother, came to the United States, and also after he passed away leaving the Faith in the hands of his grandson, Shoghi Effendi. He was only 24 doing graduate work at Oxford and took quite a few months away so he could collect himself for this enormous task. As he said, "I fought with myself until I conquered myself." His great aunt was fully in charge of the Faith while he was away, acting in all capacities as its head.
A higher ranking position in the Faith than House member is that of Hand of the Cause of God, helpers chosen by Bahá'u'lláh and later Shoghi Effendi, who chose quite a few women, including his wife, who was one of the last to pass away in 2000.
The House often sends women to represent them in official capacities. They are responsible for promoting gender equality among the believers. I know it seems weird that women aren't serving on that one body, but I just consider it one sacrifice we don't have to make, and it's a big relief. It's not like anyone asks for the position.
Wendy1844: Actually, not. The top "leadership" as people think of it
Seems like you're comparing our leadership to leadership in other organizations. It's really quite different. People elected don't run for office. They can refuse for medical reasons but they can't stump. Term limits would interfere with the freedom of the voter. Since there's no discussion about names, nothing but prayer and silent consideration of qualifications among all members, incumbents have been voted out, especially locally and nationally. But it doesn't even matter who serves since there are 9 members anyway and everything is decided through consultation and consideration of Bahá'í writings. These people serve selflessly. Most would rather not even be on the councils since it's a sacrifice of time and energy. Members of the Universal House of Justice have to quit their jobs and move to Haifa, which really is quite a sacrifice. Most people aren't able to do that very easily. Charles Wolcott gave up a lucrative career writing music for movies. Dr. David Ruhe gave up his medical practice. And they don't dictate what the community is supposed to do but give us direction and goals. They can make laws concerning anything not already specified in the writings, but I've only seen them do that for a few issues like LSD, which they forbade. They manage the affairs at the World Center and coordinate world activities, but it's just not what you apparently think it is. You might look into it a little more closely for more information. It's all there if you're interested.
Wendy1844: Seems like you're comparing our leadership to leadership in other
I was very good friends with Dr. Ruhe and his wife Margaret. Both were tremendous human beings. God rest their exquisite and refined souls. By all accounts Charles Wolcott was too. I never met him but I did meet Bill Haley and all the Comets once! (In case you don't know, Charles Wolcott put "Rock Around the Clock" by Bill Haley and the Comets into the soundtrack of "Blackboard Jungle". The rest is history for Rock and Roll.).The Baha'i Faith was doing great up until around 1987 when independent investigation of truth was still permitted. I see you have defanned me. Best of luck to you!
HamletsMill: I was very good friends with Dr. Ruhe and his
The Shrine of Baha'u'llah (His burial place) is in Akko, and it is surrounded by beautiful gardens. Across the bay in Haifa are the most extensive Baha'i gardens in the world so far, surrounding the Shrine of the Bab, the forerunner of Baha'u'llah. The heart of the Haifa gardens is a series of terraces that rise from the base of Mount Carmel to the top. http://media.bahai.org/subjects/locations/holy_places_hai/terraces
simsum: The Shrine of Baha'u'llah (His burial place) is in Akko,
And I had the pleasure of donating money to feed children in Africa more than once. My second choice was contributing to the building of a temple in a Chicago suburb.
zippythedude: And I had the pleasure of donating money to feed
You must be quite elderly then. The Temple was finished in 1953. I never got a chance to donate to its construction and I'm 66. :) I have contributed to its renovation, however. And since only Bahá'ís may donate to Temple Funds, we consider it a gift to mankind that we can both literally and symbolically come together from all directions in unity and love. The world could use more of that, wouldn't you agree? I think that would go a long way towards eliminating the greed that keeps the poor on earth from benefiting from its bounties.
Wendy1844: You must be quite elderly then. The Temple was finished
1. Although the Bahai'i religion grew out of Islam, there are no Bahai'i temples anywhere in the "Muslim world" and the Bahai'i are brutally discriminated against in Iran and other Muslim countries. Many Bahai'i are on death row in Iran for practicing their religion.
2. The article says there are Bahai'i temples in Israel, India, Chile, the US, and Samoa. In all these countries, Bahai'i practice their religion openly and without discrimination. Apparently Jews, Christians and Hindus have no problem tolerating this tiny sect.
3. Yet on HuffPost, Muslims and multiculti fellow travelers spend their time telling us Islam is a Religion of Peace, that is more tolerant than Judaism, Christianity and Hinduism, etc. and they denounce Israel, India, and the West for bigotry, discrimination, global warming and sunspots.
How come they get worked up about Palestinians but can't care less about the Bahai'i?
Could it be that these nice multicultis are hypocrites?
FedUpIndian: I don't get this. 1. Although the Bahai'i religion grew
No, it's just that you're selective in your own outrage, and ignore places where Muslims, Christians, and Jews live alongside each other peacefully, and focus on places where they're in conflict, which results in your being part of the problem.
HoratioGalt: No, it's just that you're selective in your own outrage,
There are places where Muslims, Christians, Jews, Baha'is live alongside each other peacefully, but they don't include countries where Islam is the official religion.
TomMartin: There are places where Muslims, Christians, Jews, Baha'is live alongside
Muslims discriminating against Bahai's (or Ahmadis, or Christians, or gay people, or anyone else); Non-Muslims discriminating against Muslims (or anyone else); you name it.
You've probably seen people rail against Hindus, in Hindu-related threads -- I know you have (we've both participated in some of those threads -- and we respond the same way -- even though -- pertinent point -- I'm not Hindu, or otherwise religious).
When I stick up for mainstream Muslims whom I have not seen display intolerance, I'm simply doing that same thing.
I support tolerant/respectful attitudes; I do not support intolerant/disrespectful attitudes.
Not being religious, I have no "God in this race" -- I'm just pro-fact, and anti-prejudice.
Mainstream, tolerant Muslims don't deserve to be lumped in with their intolerant co-religionists any more than mainstream, tolerant Hindus, Jews or Christians deserve that (and ditto atheists, agnostics and anyone else).
Bigotry has been with us for all of human history; it's always in error, it's never useful -- and we have the global communication abilities and societal commitment to reason to get past it, if we're willing.
Doug_Sandlin: Not this one. Discrimination is unethical, period. Muslims discriminating against
Actually, not. The main purpose of life, according to our writings, is to know and worship God. Everything we do stems from that love of our Creator. The writings also tell us we need to acquire virtues or spiritual qualities that we take with us to the life beyond this one after we die. And our other purpose while we're here is to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization. But we pray every day and fast once a year. This is not humanism, it's carrying out a divine mandate that we love each other. After all, the Bible does say that God "has created every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth." It's time to get over our religious divisions and realize we're all in this together.
Wendy1844: Actually, not. The main purpose of life, according to our
You're welcome. I know she's Baha'i because we were on a panel together at the local University sharing our experience as members of minority religions in our community. Her closest Baha'i friend is over 150 miles away.
danny_saunders: You're welcome. I know she's Baha'i because we were on
I went to the dedication of the Indian Temple in New Dehli in 1986. It's quite a wonderful place! But it's completely open inside and shaped in a parabolic dome with no stage. The petals represent a lotus flower partially opening. You get daylight coming in through the windows giving it natural illumination with just a little bit of electrical lighting, and then at night they light it from the outside, and it's quite stunning. There may be slight similarities in the shape of the curves but all together it's not that similar.
Wendy1844: I went to the dedication of the Indian Temple in
They've also restored one of the gardens Bahá'u'lláh used to like to visit to be very similar to what it was like back then. I would love to go visit that place. It must be wonderful!
Wendy1844: They've also restored one of the gardens Bahá'u'lláh used to
To compare the Baha'is with the mega-churches shows a lack of understanding about their faith. The Houses of Worship are open to people of all faiths, and scriptures of any religion are allowed to be read at any of them. The predominant centers are small community buildings, and weekly meetings are held in the homes of members who host a group of local Baha'is. The focus truly is not on material things--these continental buildings are the work of many years of donations and volunteer work on the part of the members, and are symbolic in their locations.
Lixfer: To compare the Baha'is with the mega-churches shows a lack
They are not Christians and are not into playing. "My God is bigger than your God!" They work to bring grace and beauty into the world . . . not the glorification of suffering, and demands for submission! !
glitterpet: They are not Christians and are not into playing. "My
I hope you can visit it someday. It's an incredible building. I walked around it one time when I was there for the dedication in 1986, and as I looked up, it occurred to me that the building itself was praying, for peace and love. A couple of birds got into it and flew around and around the outer walls. No one objected, and they chirped cheerily. :) I have to say my visit to that Temple was one of my life's high points. May it be one of yours someday.
Wendy1844: I hope you can visit it someday. It's an incredible
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Posted: 04/20/2012 4:28 pm Updated: 04/20/2012 4:28 pm