The first Baha’i people to live in what is now Bangladesh came in 1844. They were fleeing persecution in Persia, now called Iran. There are few if any Baha’i in Iran today; most now live in South Asian countries like India and Nepal.
Baha’i people are often wealthy businessmen in South Asian countries. They believe that men and women are equal, and they oppose all forms of ethnic prejudice. Perhaps for this reason, Bahais are known for their efforts to make educational opportunities available to all, even the very poor.
Three principles are said to form basic Baha'i doctrine: the unity of God, that there is only one God who is the source of all creation; the unity of religion, that all major religions have the same spiritual source and come from the same God; and the unity of humanity, that all humans have been created equal. People are to learn to know and love God through such methods as prayer, reflection and being of service to humanity.
Originally it was a reform movement within Shia Islam. Their founder, Bahallujah, ran into trouble with Persia's Muslim rulers because he placed many other great religious leaders, whom he called ascended masters, on the same level as Mohammed. Bahallujah taught that the ascended masters include Moses, Buddha and Jesus, because all of them had risen from the dead. Such beliefs got him executed as a heretic.
These peaceful people need friends, especially in countries where they are being persecuted. Christ followers can embrace them and regularly pray for their spiritual and physical needs.
Pray that the spiritual veil is lifted from the eyes of these kind, gracious people.
Pray that they will see that their actions, however good, are not enough to reach God.
Pray that thousands of Bahai find eternal life through Christ.
Scripture Prayers for the Baha'i in Nepal.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
