Charleston Bahá'í Community

About the Bahá'í Faith

A religion for our time, addressing humanity's spiritual and social challenges.

The Bahá'í Faith emerged in 19th-century Persia with a message of unity, justice, and peace for all humanity.

Today, millions of Bahá'ís in over 200 countries and territories work to build communities founded on these timeless principles.

The Lotus Temple · Bahá'í House of Worship, New Delhi

What Bahá'ís Believe

Basic Teachings

Principles drawn from the Bahá'í writings that guide individual and community life.

Progressive Revelation

God sends messengers throughout history.

Independent Investigation of Truth

Each person must seek truth for themselves.

Elimination of Prejudice

All forms of bias must be overcome.

Equality of Women and Men

True equality in all aspects of life.

Harmony of Science and Religion

Both are needed for human progress.

Universal Education

Education is a fundamental right.

World Peace

The eventual unification of humanity.

Economic Justice

Elimination of extreme wealth and poverty.

A Brief History

Bahá'í History

The Báb · 1819–1850 The Forerunner — herald who announced the coming of a new Messenger of God.

Bahá'u'lláh · 1817–1892 The Founder — whose revelation gives the Faith its name and its teachings.

'Abdu'l-Bahá · 1844–1921 The Perfect Exemplar — son of Bahá'u'lláh and the model for living the teachings.

Growth of the Faith Worldwide From its origins in Persia to communities in over 200 countries and territories.

Arrival in West Virginia & Charleston A local community carrying these principles forward here at home.

In Their Own Words

Sacred Texts and Prayers

The Bahá'í Faith is founded on the revealed writings of Bahá'u'lláh, the Báb, and 'Abdu'l-Bahá — guidance for both individual spiritual development and the creation of a unified global civilization.

From Bahá'u'lláh

The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.

Let your vision be world-embracing, rather than confined to your own self.

The best beloved of all things in My sight is Justice; turn not away therefrom if thou desirest Me, and neglect it not that I may confide in thee.

From 'Abdu'l-Bahá

The diversity in the human family should be the cause of love and harmony, as it is in music where many different notes blend together in the making of a perfect chord.

All the holy manifestations of God have been the promoters of the oneness of mankind, and the cause of love and fellowship amongst the children of men.

Daily Prayers

Short Obligatory Prayer

I bear witness, O my God, that Thou hast created me to know Thee and to worship Thee. I testify, at this moment, to my powerlessness and to Thy might, to my poverty and to Thy wealth. There is none other God but Thee, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting.

Prayer for Assistance

O God, my God! Aid Thou Thy trusted servants to have loving and tender hearts. Help them to spread, amongst all the nations of the earth, the light of guidance that cometh from the Company on High.

Stay Connected With Our Community

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Get in Touch

PHONE: 304-501-5742

ADDRESS: 166 Sunset Drive, Charleston West Virginia 25301