Baha’i's keeping idea of India intact

Krishnaraj Iyengar

Tranquility and stillness seem to sum up the essence of all faiths within the sprawling space of one of India’s most sought after spiritual landmarks. Members of diverse nationalities, communities and persuasions flock together, absorbing the message of oneness and peace.

On the outside, it is shaped like a giant lotus that has opened its petals not only to welcome humanity’s diversity, but to world leaders and eminent luminaries like former President, late Dr. Abdul Kalam. Delhi’s famous Baha’i House of Worshipor ‘Baha’i Lotus Temple’ draws in thousands every day, not just for its stunning architecture, but for the universality of its message.It is one of the world’s many Baha’i Houses of Worship which are unique representatives of the faith.

Integral to India’s multi-cultural mosaic are members of what is called The Baha’i Faith. Pronounced as ‘Bahaa-ee’ or ‘Bahai’, its known as the world’s youngest faith, tracing its roots back to 19th century Iranwith followers the world over, from nearly all races and regions of the globe.

The origins

Around the mid-1800s, Sayyed Ali Muhammad Shirazi, an Iranian merchant declared himself as the bearer of a divine message for humanity. He came to be called the ‘Bab’ or ‘gate’ in Arabic and began the historic ‘Babi Movement’ with several ardent followers. The Bab foretold the coming of ‘A Manifestation of God’ who would transform humanity, and that was none other than Hazrat Bahaullah, the prophet and founder of the Baha’i Faith.

Having faced extreme persecution and exile, Bahaullah (‘Glory of God’ in Arabic) was imprisoned in Iran’s infamous Siyah Chal or black dungeon where he received divine revelations. The Kitab-i-Aqdas (The Most Holy Book) and Kitab-i-Iqaan (The Book of Certitude) form the scriptural backbone of the faith.

Pivoted on the oneness of God and brotherhood of humanity, Bahaullah’s teachings have touched millions across the world. His famous Persian saying, “Ma hamehbaar e yekbaashim o baar eyekshaakhshaa” ( we humans are all fruits of one tree and leaves of one branch), summarises the essence of the faith which emphasises on the unity of mankind and that all humans, irrespective of colour, faith, race and nationality, are from one and the same source.

The Baha’is believe that all great prophets and seers were brought down to guide humanity through its different stages with one and the same divine message. Aqa M.F. Mahabat, a senior Iranian Baha’i explains that the faith teaches him to accept all humans.

Born in Mumbai and living in the multicultural Sydney, he believes that Bahaullah’s teachings are highly relevant in this era of war and strife. “The world is shrinking, thanks to the internet. We must begin embracing each other, try and work together and, in the process, enhance the lifestyle of everyone on earth, most importantly on a spiritual level. Once that’s done, material development will automatically come about,” he says.

The Indian connection

While many Indians revered The Bab, one of his earliest followers, Sa’id-i-Hindi is said to have visited India. Bahaullah’s teachings were first introduced to India in 1872 by Jamal Effendi, a Persian nobleman who travelled from Rampur and Lucknow in the north, to Chennai in the south, spreading the message.

Although India’s earliest followers of faith were Iranians, one can find Baha’is in nearly every region of the country including the big cities. “It is interesting to note that Chandigarh has a vibrant Baha’i community. Professor Anil Sarwal of Punjab University is a prominent Punjabi member of our faith,” shares Shatrughun Jiwnani, former director, Baha’i House of Worship, New Delhi.

It is estimated that today, India has nearly 2.2 million Baha’is. The faith is devoid of clergy or priests, religious attires or rigid rules. Photographs of Abdul Baha, Bahaullah’s legendary successor, of the resting place of The Bab in Haifa, Israel and often, sayings of Bahaullah in exquisite Persian calligraphy are symbols of the faith commonly found in Baha’i households along with prayer books in Hindi, English or other languages.

Having blended remarkably with Indian society, the Baha’is proudly consider themselves members of India’s multi-faith heritage, showing equal reverence to all religions and peoples.

Humanitarian initiatives

“As a community we believe in the moral upliftment of society and we encourage multiple community building activities like children’s education, youth empowerment, spiritual development and social action programs,” says Nargis Gaur, secretary of the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’i’s of Mumbai. Along with inculcating spiritual values in children’s education, they also offer service at orphanages.

During the Ayyam-i-Ha, a few days before the yearly Baha’i fast, members the world over are encouraged to carry out acts of kindness. For 2020, they aim to focus on the cancer-afflicted children at Mumbai’s Tata Memorial Hospital through the Jeevan Jyot Charitable Trust.