Within the family, it is emphasized that the rights of everyone—husband, wife, or child—should be respected. In a religion dedicated to unity, the family is considered an essential unit. If only one partner in a marriage is a Bahá’í, they may need to forego attending Bahá’í meetings for the sake of family unity. However, a non-Bahá’í partner does not have the right to insist that the Bahá’í partner leave their faith, as religious belief is viewed as a matter between the individual and God.
Being an active member of the Bahá’í community is regarded as a vital aspect of being a Bahá’í. Bahá’u’lláh encouraged all Bahá’ís to attend the local Feast every Bahá’í month. This gathering includes communal prayers, discussions on local matters, and social time, all of which are crucial for fostering community unity.
The family ideally rests on a secure marriage, which is described as “a fortress for well-being.” Within this framework, children should be taught morals and a spiritual perspective. The Bahá’í family is encouraged to adopt a global outlook as advised by Bahá’u’lláh: “Let your vision be world-embracing, rather than confined to your own self.”
For general moral development, Bahá’ís offer children’s classes that are open to all, promoting positive social behavior. Children from Bahá’í families are considered Bahá’ís and enjoy the associated rights. However, from the age of maturity, set by Bahá’u’lláh at 15, the individual has the right to choose their religion independently, with parents unable to impose their faith. This upholds the principle of “the individual investigation of truth.”
Children have a duty towards their parents. Bahá’u’lláh wrote, “Should anyone give you a choice between the opportunity to render a service to Me and a service to them, choose ye to serve them, and let such a service be a path leading you to Me.”
A Bahá’í has obligations both to the Bahá’í community and to the broader community at local, national, and global levels. The central gathering of the local Bahá’í community is the Nineteen-Day Feast, which all should attend if possible. This gathering consists of three parts: prayers and readings, open consultation on community issues, and a social component to strengthen communal bonds.
Bahá’ís also have a duty to the wider community. Bahá’u’lláh wrote, “Be urgently concerned with the exigencies of the age in which you live.” The Bahá’í scriptures emphasize the essential oneness of humanity and the need to abolish prejudice. The diversity of race and culture is seen as enriching, much like the variety of colors and forms in a garden enhances its beauty. The vision, therefore, is of humanity as one extended family.
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