Who Was Baháʼu’lláh

Introduction to the Bahai Faith by Rainn Wilson
Bahaiteachings.org

Bahá’u’lláh is regarded as the most recent Manifestation of God, a divine educator who founded the Bahá’í Faith. His life and teachings are seen as the fulfillment of prophecies found in many of the world’s religious traditions, and He is considered the bearer of a message intended to unify humanity and usher in an era of peace and justice. Here is an explanation of who Bahá’u’lláh is:

Bahá’u’lláh: The Manifestation of God

Title and Name: Bahá’u’lláh, meaning “The Glory of God” in Arabic, is the title assumed by Mírzá Ḥusayn-‘Alí Núrí, born in 1817 in Tehran, Persia (now Iran).

Divine Mission: Bahá’u’lláh is believed to be the latest in a line of Manifestations of God, which includes figures such as Abraham, Moses, Buddha, Krishna, Zoroaster, Jesus Christ, and Muhammad. These Manifestations are seen as divine educators sent by God at different times in history to guide humanity according to its needs and capacities.

Revelation: Bahá’u’lláh proclaimed that His teachings were a direct revelation from God, intended to address the spiritual and social needs of the modern age. His writings encompass a wide range of topics, including the nature of God, the purpose of life, the principles of social justice, and the establishment of global unity.

Key Events in Bahá’u’lláh’s Life

Early Life: Born into a noble family, Bahá’u’lláh showed a profound spiritual inclination from an early age. He devoted His life to helping others and was known for His generosity and compassion.
Declaration: In 1863, while exiled in Baghdad, Bahá’u’lláh publicly declared His mission as the Promised One foretold by the Báb (the forerunner of the Bahá’í Faith). This event, known as the Declaration of Bahá’u’lláh, marks the formal beginning of His ministry.
Exile and Imprisonment: Bahá’u’lláh faced intense persecution from religious and political authorities. He was exiled multiple times, eventually being sent to the prison city of ‘Akká in the Ottoman Empire (present-day Israel). Despite these hardships, He continued to write extensively and guide His followers.
Writings: Bahá’u’lláh’s extensive writings form the core of Bahá’í scripture. These include the Kitáb-i-Aqdas (the Most Holy Book), which outlines the laws and principles of the Bahá’í Faith, and the Kitáb-i-Íqán (the Book of Certitude), which explains fundamental theological concepts.

In honour of the bi-centennial year of the Birth of Baha’u’llah, the National Spiritual Assembly of the United Kingdom has commissioned a short film on the Personage of Baha’u’llah and His Teachings, that is to be used in schools across the country.

Legacy

Bahá’u’lláh passed away in 1892 in ‘Akká. His resting place in Bahjí is considered the holiest site for Bahá’ís, a place of pilgrimage and reverence. The community He established continues to grow worldwide, striving to put His teachings into practice and contribute to the betterment of society.

From a Bahá’í perspective, Bahá’u’lláh’s life and mission represent the dawning of a new era in human history, one characterized by the potential for unprecedented spiritual and social transformation.

Baha’u’llah and The Baha’i Faith Pt.1

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