One People

“Ye are all the fruits of one tree and the leaves of one branch.”  (Gleanings, p. 218)

Baha’is believe that people are like the flowers of one garden. Like the flower garden, the garden of humanity contains great variety. Our many different colors, shapes, sizes, cultures, and languages add interest to and enhance the beauty of our world.

Equality of Men and Women

“Not until the world of women becomes equal to the world of men in the acquisition of virtues and perfections, can success and prosperity be attained as they ought to be.” (Baha’i World Faith, p. 288)

“The happiness of mankind will be realized when women and men coordinate and advance equally, for each is the complement and helpmeet of the other.” (Baha’i World Faith, p.241)

Baha’u’llah also teaches the importance of the equality of men and women. Baha’is believe that the world of humanity has two wings – one is women and the other men. Not until both wings are equally developed can the bird fly.

Distribution of Wealth

Huge differences in the distribution of wealth among peoples and nations are a continuing source of division in today’s world. Baha’is may accumulate wealth by ethical means that do not violate the principles of the Baha’i Faith. Baha’u’llah’s economic teachings embrace a strong work ethic, innovative inheritance laws, community storehouses, and other measures designed to reduce extremes of wealth and poverty while still allowing for incentives to produce and create wealth. Baha’is believe this problem will only increase until mankind realizes that the solution to its economic problems is spiritual in nature, rather than material.

Education For All

“. . .education is the indispensable foundation of all human excellence. . .” (Selections from the Writings of Abdu’l-Baha, p. 129).

” . . . education improves the morals of mankind, confers the advantages of civilization and elevates man from lowest degrees to the station of sublimity.” (Baha’i World Faith,.p. 249)

In the Baha’i teachings, education for all is essential and obligatory. Therefore, teaching is considered to be one of the most valued professions. Baha’u’llah said that a universal curriculum should be established and a common basis of ethics should be taught.