“So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole Earth”
A Faith Centered Community Where All Are Welcome
The Bahá’í Faith is an independent world religion with its own sacred scriptures, laws, and spiritual practices. For over 125 years, our Oak Park congregation has been a place of worship and spiritual community, where believers gather to pray, study the writings of Bahá’u’lláh, and put our faith into action.
As Bahá’ís, we believe that worship extends beyond prayer into daily life, into how we serve our neighbors, work for justice, and contribute to the betterment of society. You may have seen us at our center on 124 Madison Street, volunteering at local events, or hosting conversations on race, unity, and spiritual transformation.
Our doors are open to all who seek spiritual truth, whether you’re exploring the Bahá’í Faith, looking for a spiritual community, wish to join us in worship and service, or want to learn about our religious teachings and practices.
““Be as a lamp unto those who walk in darkness, a joy for the sorrowful, a sea for the thirsty.”
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Baha’i Faith Community Center, Oak Park IL
WHO WE ARE
Baha’is recognize that our commitment to serve humanity is a collective effort that encompasses various actions and attitudinal shifts. By engaging with the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, individuals can refine their inner lives, contributing to the greater good while fostering a spirit of humility and understanding within the community.
This community is characterized by a commitment to learning and action, emphasizing the importance of collaboration over competition. Each member is encouraged to contribute to an atmosphere of respect and shared purpose, moving away from any notions of superiority or exclusivity.
Hope for the future of humanity is at the heart of Baha’i principles. This hope drives us to take purposeful actions that promote unity and alleviate suffering. We celebrate not only our own efforts but also the initiatives of all those across the world striving for the betterment of society. By working together, we can create a more compassionate and unified world, reflecting the core values that Bahá’u’lláh instilled in us.
WHAT BAHÁ’ÍS BELIEVE
Bahá'u'lláh is the founder of the Bahá'í Faith, a religion that emerged in the 19th century in Persia (modern-day Iran). Born in 1817, he is regarded by Bahá'ís as the Manifestation of God, which includes figures such as Moses, Jesus, Muhammad, and the Bab, who preceded him.
Bahá'u'lláh's teachings emphasize the unity of all people and religions, advocating for principles such as equality, justice, and world peace. He articulated the belief that humanity is one family and that the time has come for the establishment of a global society based on harmony and cooperation among diverse cultures and faiths. His writings form the foundation of Bahá'í belief, guiding followers in their spiritual lives and humanitarian efforts. Despite facing persecution during his life, Bahá'u'lláh’s influence has grown, fostering a worldwide community dedicated to his vision of a united humanity.
Unity of Humanity: The belief that all people are part of one human family, emphasizing the importance of eliminating prejudices and fostering understanding among diverse cultures and backgrounds.
Elimination of Extremes of Wealth and Poverty: The principle that advocates for the reduction of economic disparities, encouraging the establishment of systems that ensure equitable distribution of resources.
Independent Investigation of Truth: The encouragement for individuals to seek knowledge and truth for themselves, free from blind allegiance, which fosters personal growth and informed decision-making.
Gender Equality: The recognition of the equal rights of men and women, promoting their collaboration as essential for the progress of society.
Harmony of Science and Religion: The belief that science and religion should be seen as complementary rather than conflicting, working together to deepen our understanding of the world and our place within it.
Universal Education: The commitment to ensuring that education is accessible to all, which is seen as vital for both personal development and societal progress.
Consultation: The practice of collective decision-making through consultation, which emphasizes respectful dialogue and the sharing of diverse viewpoints to reach consensus.
Spiritual Development: The focus on nurturing spiritual qualities such as love, compassion, and justice, which contribute to individual character and the betterment of society.
Each of these principles serves as a foundation for the efforts toward establishing lasting peace and harmony within the global community.