What does it mean to be a Bahá’í?

Who we are

There are many more wonderful Teachings of the Faith, and many more aspects of the life of a Bahá’í. Each of us studies and learns more about our beloved Faith and about ourselves throughout our lives, and strives to make, through our sacrificial efforts, the future of prosperity and harmony promised to humankind a reality. Speaking of the “patient lives of active service” through which the “elect of God” have “brought light into the world,” ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said:

   

“Therefore strive that your actions day by day may be beautiful prayers. Turn towards God, and seek always to do that which is right and noble. Enrich the poor, raise the fallen, comfort the sorrowful, bring healing to the sick, reassure the fearful, rescue the oppressed, bring hope to the hopeless, shelter the destitute!

This is the work of a true Bahá'í, and this is what is expected of him. If we strive to do all this, then are we true Bahá'ís, but if we neglect it, we are not followers of the Light, and we have no right to the name.

God, who sees all hearts, knows how far our lives are the fulfilment of our words.

With this high ideal in mind, Bahá’ís all over the world endeavor to build the bonds of unity that will advance both the spiritual and material progress of humanity and revive the hopes of a world engulfed in dire crisis and upheaval.”