The Bahá’í Faith is a monotheistic religion founded in late 19th century Persia (now Iran), emphasizing the spiritual unity of all humankind. There are an estimated six million Bahá’ís around the world in more than 200 countries and territories.

Bahá’ís believe in “progressive revelation;” that God has sent a series of divine messengers (called Manifestations of God) to humanity, each of whom established a religion that was suited to the needs of the time and the capacity of the people. These messengers include Abraham, Moses, Buddha, Krishna, Zoroaster, Jesus Christ, Muhammad and most recently the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh.

While there is no clergy in the Bahá’í Faith, believers elect nine-person Spiritual Assemblies at the local, regional and national levels. The United States National Bahá’í Center is located in Wilmette, Illinois. The Bahá’í World Center is located in Haifa, Israel.

The Bahá’í Faith has been listed in The Britannica Book of the Year (1992–present) as the second most widespread of the world’s independent religions, in terms of the number of countries represented. The Faith has been ranked by FP magazine as the world’s second fastest growing religion.

The Baha’i teachings prescribe daily prayer and intimate communion with God as the foundation for a life devoted to spiritual advancement and service to humanity.

“Intone, O My servant, the verses of God that have been received by thee as intoned by them who have drawn nigh unto Him, that the sweetness of thy melody may kindle thine own soul and attract the hearts of all men.” — Bahá’u’lláh