The Baha'i Faith
The Baha'i faith began in Persia on 23rd May 1844 when a person known as the Bab proclaimed that he was a messenger from God and the herald of 'the Promised One', a messenger greater than himself. In 1863 a person known as Baha'u'llah claimed to be the one whose coming the Bab foretold and announced that he had come to help bring about a new age of global civilisation which would be characterised by unity and peace. The Baha'i faith proclaims the oneness of God, religion and humankind. Baha'is believe that God reveals His purpose progressively through prophets such as the founders of all the major world religions.Baha'i custom and practise is founded on scriptures written by Baha'u'llah. The focus of the Baha'i community is the Nineteen Day Feast when local Baha'is meet to worship, discuss and have fellowship. Baha'is may worship at their local centre, individual homes or one of the temples that are on every continent. Other obligations include daily prayer and the yearly nineteen day fast when no food is consumed from sunrise to sunset.
Festivals and holy days are based on the birthdays of important figures of the Baha'i faith or significant events in the history of the faith, such as the birthday of Baha'u'llah on the 12th November.
Baha'is do not have food laws but are advised to eat moderately and keep a balanced, healthy diet. They do not drink alcohol and drug taking is not allowed unless prescribed by a doctor.