Love is the Light that Guideth in Darkness
The Baha'i Faith is a global religion founded by Bahá'u'lláh—the “Glory of God”, who is revered as the universal Manifestation of God, in Persia 1863. There are over 9 million Baha'is from different backgrounds and nationalities around the world. The teachings of the Bahá’í Faith inspire individuals and communities as they work to improve their own lives and contribute to the advancement of civilization. Bahá’í beliefs address such essential themes as the oneness of God and religion, the oneness of humanity and freedom from prejudice. Baha’is believe in the progressive revelation of religious truth, development of spiritual qualities, the fundamental equality of the sexes, and the harmony between religion and science.
Baha'is are drawn to the Faith because it promotes the idea that we all belong to one human race and that all religions come from the same source and have the same goal. The Baha'i Community of Oak Park is one of the oldest Baha'i communities in the United States. Baha'is have been living in Oak Park since 1898 and were actively involved in the expanding Baha'i Community in the Chicago Area. We invite people of any faith to join our community as we strive to promote unity among all people.
““YE ARE THE FRUITS OF ONE TREE, AND THE LEAVES OF ONE BRANCH. DEAL YE ONE WITH ANOTHER WITH THE UTMOST LOVE AND HARMONY,
FRIENDLINESS AND FELLOWSHIP.”
”
Baha’i Faith Community Center, Oak Park IL
WHO WE ARE
Baha’is share a common goal of serving humanity and refining our inner-lives in accordance with the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. The community to which we belong is one of learning and action, free from any sense of superiority or claim to exclusive understanding of truth. We are a community that strives to cultivate hope for the future of humanity, to foster purposeful effort, and to celebrate the endeavours of all those in the world who work to promote unity and alleviate human suffering.
WHAT BAHÁ’ÍS BELIEVE
The teachings of Baha'u'llah cover a wide range of topics including the meaning of Revelation, the value of human beings, the development of spiritual qualities, and our relationship with the environment. The Bahá'í writings also explain the importance of world peace, which is considered the ultimate goal for everyone. The Baha’i faith adheres to social principles that are linked to achieving peace for all mankind. Some of these principles include:
• THE ONENESS OF MANKIND.
• UNIVERSAL PEACE UPHELD BY A WORLD GOVERNMENT.
• INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION OF TRUTH.
• THE COMMON FOUNDATION OF ALL RELIGIONS.
• THE ESSENTIAL HARMONY OF SCIENCE AND RELIGION.
• EQUALITY OF MEN AND WOMEN.
• ELIMINATION OF PREJUDICE OF ALL KINDS.
• UNIVERSAL COMPULSORY EDUCATION.
• A SPIRITUAL SOLUTION TO THE ECONOMIC PROBLEM.
• A UNIVERSAL AUXILIARY LANGUAGE.