For Baha'is, today is the Birthday of Baha'u'llah, the prophet and founder of the Baha'i Faith and celebrates the rebirth of the world through the love of God. In many ways, it's similar to the Christian celebration of Christmas.
Baha'u'llah was born on Nov. 12, 1817 in Tehran, Iran (Persia). He taught that manifestations of God (such as Abraham, Moses, Buddha, Krishna, Jesus, Muhammad, etc.) have appeared throughout history to help us better know and worship the one God and bring human relationships and societies to a greater, more loving existence.
There are no prescribed rituals for celebrating the Birthday of Baha'u'llah, but its usually marked by abstaining from work (if possible) and having community gatherings where prayers, devotional readings, music, and food are shared. It's a time for rejoicing and affirming the unity of community (something that we in Unity Christianity can note as significance and share with our Baha'i brothers and sisters).
From sunset Nov. 11 to sunset Nov. 12 today, we can each pause and, in ways appropriate to our own religious tradition or spiritual path, send thoughts and actions of love and goodwill toward our Baha'i brothers and sisters as they celebrate the Birth of Baha'u'llah, their prophet and founder.
Peace and blessings!
Jesse,
ReplyDeleteI am a friend of the Baha'i faith, as I have met many others of this faith & spent time with them studying the teachings. Was/is there very much mention of this religion in your master's or doctorate courses? I find that most people have never heard of this faith.
Just curious,
Jamilah
arabicmickey@hotmail.com