Gravel crunches underfoot. The air is thick with anticipation as we gather before the Baha’i Faith. Have you ever wondered how a faith born in 19th-century Iran found a home and community right here in Tampa?
The Baha’i Faith emerged in the mid-1800s. Its founder Mírzá Ḥosayn ‘Alí Núrí is known as Bahá’u’lláh. This Arabic name means Glory of God. The Baha’i Faith began as an Islamic movement in Iran. Bahá’u’lláh publicly declared it in Iraq. The Baha’i Faith’s central tenet is the belief that Bahá’u’lláh and his forerunner the Báb were manifestations of God.
The Báb means Gateway. The Baha’i Faith emphasizes the essential unity of all religions. It also promotes the unity of humanity. Baha’is believe that all founders of major world religions were divine teachers. These figures were agents in a progressive divine plan for humanity’s education. Baha’is see the world’s religions as teaching an identical truth despite apparent differences. Bahá’u’lláh sought to overcome religious disunity. He wanted to establish a universal faith. Baha’is champion the oneness of humanity. They dedicate themselves to abolishing prejudice. The Baha’i Faith lacks a priesthood. It also does not have ritual forms in its worship.
The Baha’i Faith grew from the Bábí faith founded in 1844. Mírzá ‘Alí Moḥammad of Shíráz in Iran founded the Bábí faith. He proclaimed a spiritual doctrine. This doctrine emphasized the coming of a new prophet. This prophet would overturn old beliefs and customs. He would usher in a new era.
Mirzá Ḥosayn ‘Alí Núrí joined the Bábís and assumed the name Bahá’u’lláh. He was arrested in 1852. While in jail in Tehran he realized he was the prophet foretold by the Báb. Released in 1853 Bahá’u’lláh was exiled to Baghdad. There he revived the Bábí community. Before moving to Constantinople in 1863 Bahá’u’lláh declared that he was the messenger of God. Most Bábís accepted this claim. They became known as Baha’is.
Before his death in 1892 Bahá’u’lláh appointed his son ‘Abd al-Bahá as his successor. ‘Abd al-Bahá spread the faith to North America and Europe. He appointed his grandson Shoghi Effendi Rabbání as his successor. The Baha’i Faith expanded rapidly after the 1960s. By the early 21st century it had many national and local spiritual assemblies.
Here in Tampa the Baha’i community actively engages in discussions about community issues. A junior youth group tackled the topic of school safety. A facilitator guided them to explore solutions to gun violence. These junior youths come from diverse backgrounds. They maintained open minds. They focused on understanding the whole situation better. They sought to create a safer environment for everyone.
The Baha’i Faith Worship and Community Center of Greater Tampa is on Nundy Road. It stands next to a nondenominational church. Inside this center there are no deities. There is no steeple or stained-glass windows. Baha’is believe in bringing everybody together including all prophets. Their faith preaches acceptance and harmony. They embrace a global vision. This promotes unity in one universal faith establishing peace.
The writings of Baha’u’llah encourage a global vision of religion. They inspire followers to unite. As you leave this place consider the unifying principles of the Baha’i Faith. Think about how these principles promote harmony in our diverse world.