There has never been a futurist, a forecaster, or a prophet whose vision has so accurately foreseen the critical features of the landscape before humanity.

    One of the extraordinary features of the writings of Bahá'u'lláh is the degree to which they accurately forecast the cutting edge issues that humanity has increasingly faced.
     Throughout His writings, Bahá'u'lláh called for a complete restructuring of the global social order. His vision of renewal touches on all aspects of life, from personal morality to economics and governance; from community development to religious practice.
     The central theme of Bahá'u'lláh's writings is that humanity is one single race and the day has come for its unification into one global society. Through an irresistible historical process, the traditional barriers of race, class, creed, faith and nation will break down. These forces will, Bahá'u'lláh said, give birth in time to a new universal civilization. The crises now afflicting the planet face all its peoples with the need to accept their oneness and work towards the creation of a unified global society.
     Bahá'u'lláh outlined certain fundamental principles upon which this new world civilization should be founded. These include the elimination of all forms of prejudice; full equality between the sexes; recognition of the essential oneness of the world's great religions; the elimination of extremes of poverty and wealth; universal education; a high standard of personal conduct; the harmony of science and religion; a sustainable balance between nature and technology; and the establishment of a world federal system, based on collective security and the oneness of humanity.
     Covering questions pertaining to the role of women, race relations, economic justice, environmental degradation, and world order, these principles illustrate the concerns that have fueled the century's most dynamic movements. And, accordingly, they have come to head the social and political agenda of humanity.
     There has never been a futurist, a forecaster, or a prophet whose vision has so accurately foreseen the critical features of the social landscape. Far from fading, a century after He lived, the issues Bahá'u'lláh focused on have come to dominate the collective life of humanity.
 
 

    The Bahá'í Faith's progressive approach to human society originates with Bahá'u'lláh's emphasis on unity. Indeed, if one were to characterize His teachings in a single word, that word would be unity.
     Throughout His writings, Bahá'u'lláh emphasized the importance--and the reality--of unity and oneness. First, God is one. All of the world's great religions are also one. They represent humanity's responses to the revelations of the word and will of God for humanity by successive Messengers from the one God. These understandings lie at the heart of the concept of unity in Bahá'u'lláh's teachings.
     From this fundamental concept of Divine and religious unity, other principles emerge. Bahá'u'lláh teaches that all humans, as creations of the one God, are also one people. Distinctions of race, nation, class or ethnic origin are ephemeral when understood in this context. Likewise, any notions of individual, tribal, provincial or national superiority are discarded in the Bahá'í Faith. Speaking through Bahá'u'lláh, the voice of God proclaims: "Know ye not why We created you all from the same dust? That no one should exalt himself over the other. Ponder at all times in your hearts how ye were created. Since We have created you all from one same substance it is incumbent on you to be even as one soul, to walk with the same feet, eat with the same mouth and dwell in the same land, that from your inmost being, by your deeds and actions, the signs of oneness and the essence of detachment may be made manifest."
 
 

    The idea that all humanity is one race forms the foundation for the other principles of social justice in the Bahá'í Faith. Bahá'u'lláh condemned racial and ethnic prejudice, urging: "Close your eyes to racial differences, and welcome all with the light of oneness."

     Bahá'u'lláh also unequivocally proclaimed the equality of the sexes--at a time when the women's movement was only beginning its fight for suffrage in the West and such ideas were unheard of in the Middle East--thus becoming the first Founder of a world religion to explicitly uphold strict equality for women and men.
     Indeed, girls should receive priority in education--if by some circumstance a family (or a society) cannot afford to educate its children equally. "Until the reality of equality between men and women is fully established and attained, the highest social development of mankind is not possible," the Bahá'í scriptures state.

    This challenge to full equality does not ignore natural differences between the sexes. Bahá'u'lláh emphasized the importance of motherhood, fatherhood and family life.
     Bahá'u'lláh's call for economic justice also reflects His central theme of human oneness. He wrote extensively about the necessity of promoting economic justice and proposed specific remedies to help control the extreme inequalities of wealth in human society. The redistribution of wealth through a tax on income, for example, and the concept of profit-sharing are both promoted in His teachings.
     Education is given a special emphasis as humanity is considered capable of tremendous progress and advancement. "Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value," wrote Bahá'u'lláh. "Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom."
     Education, accordingly, should be universal and should incorporate positive spiritual values and moral attitudes. Bahá'ís envision a future in which even "basic education" goes beyond rote learning and the teaching of simple skills. Students must be given the tools to analyze social conditions and requirements themselves, to take part in community planning and action, and to investigate truth on their own. The oneness of humanity is an essential element of every Bahá'í curriculum.
 
 

    The theme of unity also emerges in Bahá'u'lláh's teachings on science. His writings portray science and religion as different yet harmonious approaches to the comprehension of reality. These two paths are essentially compatible and mutually reinforcing.
     Scientific method is humanity's tool for understanding the physical side of the universe. It can describe the composition of an atomic nucleus or the molecular structure of DNA. It is the key to new technologies. Science cannot, however, guide us in the use of such knowledge. The revelation of God offers to humanity a basis for values and purpose. It provides answers to those questions of morals, human purpose, and our relationship to God that science cannot approach.
     The independent investigation of reality, whether scientific or religious, is strongly encouraged in Bahá'u'lláh's writings. Individuals should strive, He said, to free themselves from prejudices, preconceptions and reliance on tradition or traditional authorities. Consultation is a critical tool for discovering truth. Bahá'u'lláh also called for the adoption of a universal auxiliary language as a means to promote unity. "The day is approaching when all the peoples of the world will have adopted one universal language and one common script," He wrote. "When this is achieved, to whatsoever city a man may journey, it shall be as if he were entering his own home." The term "auxiliary" is important: Bahá'u'lláh's injuction is not a mandate for cultural uniformity. Indeed, the Bahá'í teachings both value and promote cultural diversity.
     When first outlined by Bahá'u'lláh more than 100 years ago, these principles were as radical as any social program ever drafted. The fact that they have not only borne the passage of time, but, indeed, become ever more widely proclaimed and recognized is a testimony to the vision that produced them.
     Bahá'u'lláh's moral code for the individual, and His pattern for marriage and family life [see page 30], are wholly consonant with the genuine needs of modern society. As with the social principles, the laws of Bahá'u'lláh on individual morality and family structure are aimed at the promotion of unity and well-being for society at large. "They whom God hath endued with insight will readily recognize that the precepts laid down by God constitute the highest means for the maintenance of order in the world and the security of its peoples," Bahá'u'lláh wrote.

    This insight--that the standards for social justice and individual conduct outlined by Bahá'u'lláh offer an integrated and distinctive approach to the apparently intractable problems faced by humanity today--underlies the essential optimism of the worldwide Bahá'í community. Whether considering the threat of environmental degradation, the cancer of racism, or the erosion of the family, Bahá'ís believe firmly that answers are available in the writings of Bahá'u'lláh. Their commitment is to share these insights with the world.

    Baha'is understand that the family is the basic unit of society. Unless this all-important building block is healthy and unified, society itself cannot be healthy and unified. Monogamous marriage stands at the foundation of family life.
     Bahá'u'lláh said marriage is "a fortress for well-being and salvation." The Bahá'í writings further state that married couples should strive to become "loving companions and comrades and at one with each other for time and eternity..."
     Bahá'ís view preparation for marriage as an essential element in ensuring a happy marriage. The process of preparation includes a requirement for parental approval of the choice of a spouse. This does not mean that Bahá'í marriages are arranged. Individuals propose marriage to the persons of their own choice. However, once the choice is made, the parents have both the right and the obligation to weigh carefully whether to give consent to, and thus guide, their offspring in one of life's most important decisions.
     Bahá'ís believe that this requirement helps to preserve unity within the marriage--and within the extended family. As did previous Messengers of God, Bahá'u'lláh asks His followers to honor their parents. Obtaining parental permission for marriage reaffirms the importance of the bond between child and parent. It also helps to create a supportive network of parents in the often difficult first years of a marriage.

     Once parental permission is obtained, the marriage takes place, requiring only the simplest of ceremonies. In the presence of two witnesses designated by the local Bahá'í governing council, the couple recites the following verse: "We will all, verily, abide by the will of God." For Bahá'ís, that simple commitment to live by God's will implies all of the commitments associated with marriage, including the promises to love, honor, and cherish; to care for each other regardless of material health or wealth; and to share with and serve each other.
     Beyond these simple requirements, Bahá'ís are free to design their own marriage celebration. Depending on personal tastes, family resources, and cultural traditions, Bahá'í ceremonies run the gamut from small to large, including all manner of music, dance, dress, food and festivity.
     As in most religions, the marriage vow is considered sacred in the Bahá'í Faith. The partners are expected to be absolutely faithful to each other.
     The Faith's emphasis on the equality of women and men, however, and its promotion of consultation as a tool for problem-solving mean that the roles of husband and wife within a Bahá'í marriage are not the traditional ones. Women are free to pursue careers that interest them; men are expected to share in household duties and child-rearing.
     So-called "interracial marriage" is also encouraged in the Bahá'í teachings, which stress the essential oneness of the human race.

    If a Bahá'í marriage fails, divorce is permitted, although it is strongly discouraged. If Bahá'ís choose to seek a divorce, they must spend at least one year living apart and attempting to reconcile. If a divorce is still desired after that year, it is then granted, dependent on the requirements of civil law. This "year of patience," as it is known to Bahá'ís, is supervised by the local Spiritual Assembly, the local Bahá'í governing council.
     The key purpose of Bahá'í marriage -- beyond physical, intellectual and spiritual companionship -- is children. Bahá'ís view child-rearing not only as a source of great joy and reward, but as a sacred obligation.
     While stating firmly that women must enjoy full equality with men, Bahá'u'lláh's teachings also recognize explicitly the innate differences between the feminine and masculine natures--both physical and emotional. Bahá'ís understand, accordingly, that mothers have a special role to play in the early education of children--especially during the first few years of life when the basic values and character of every individual is formed.
     Since Bahá'ís believe that the soul appears at the moment of conception, the parents pray for the well-being of the unborn child while it is still in the womb. Education in general, and Bahá'í education in particular are of paramount importance in Bahá'í families. From their earliest years, the children are encouraged to develop the habits of prayer and meditation, and to acquire knowledge, both intellectual and spiritual.

    For the first time in history, the Founder of a major world religion has explicitly stated that women and men are equal. The Bahá'í writings also state that:
     Girls should be given preference over boys when educational opportunities and resources are limited.
     In Bahá'í marriage, neither the husband nor the wife has a dominant voice.
     Any apparent inequality between the capacities of women and men is due solely to the lack of educational opportunities so far open to women.
     Around the world, women compose a high percentage of the elected national leadership in Bahá'í governing bodies (National Spiritual Assemblies).

    Among the principles emphasized by Bahá'u'lláh are:

• the oneness of humanity
• the equality of women and men
• the elimination of prejudice
• the elimination of extremes of wealth and poverty
• the independent investigation of truth
• universal education
• religious tolerance
• the harmony of science and religion
• a world commonwealth of nations
• a universal auxiliary language

• killing
• stealing
• lying
• adultery and promiscuity
• gambling
• alcoholic drinks
• drug abuse
• gossip and backbiting

• honesty
• trustworthiness
• chastity
• service to others
• purity of motive
• generosity
• deeds over words
• unity
• work as a form of worship

Be generous in prosperity, and thankful in adversity. Be worthy of the trust of thy neighbor, and look upon him with a bright and friendly face. Be a treasure to the poor, an admonisher to the rich, an answerer of the cry of the needy, a preserver of the sanctity of thy pledge. Be fair in thy judgment, and guarded in thy speech. Be unjust to no man, and show all meekness to all men. Be as a lamp unto them that walk in darkness, a joy to the sorrowfull, a sea for the thirsty, a haven for the distressed, an upholder and defender of the victim of oppression. Let integrity and uprightness distinguish all thine acts. Be a home for the stanger, a balm to the suffering, a tower of strength for the fugitive. Be eyes to the blind, and a guiding light unto the feet of the erring. Be an ornament to the countenance of truth, a crown in the brow of fidelity, a pillar of the temple of righteousness, a breath of life to the body of mankind, an ensign of the host of justice, a luminary above the horizon of virtue, a dew to the soil of  the human heart, an ark on the ocean of knowledge, a sun in the heaven of bounty, a gem on the diadem of wisdom, a shining light in the firmament of thy generation, a fruit upon the tree of humanity. -- Bahá'u'lláh

    Baha'u'llah's teachings on individual morality start with the notion that there is only one God. Although religious teachings in relation to society at large must change to fit the needs of the times, there are certain fundamental moral and ethical teachings that are common to all faiths. Bahá'ís understand that these teachings are fundamental to the happiness and well-being of the human species and they do not change.
     The moral code of the Ten Commandments, with its condemnation of murder, adultery, theft, lies, covetousness and disrespect for parents, can be found in all religions. Likewise, those commandments that define the individual's relationship with God have steadily emerged in the succession of Divine revelations. Bahá'u'lláh reaffirmed these laws and elaborated them. He not only condemned murder and Iying but particularly censured backbiting. Gambling, assault, and trespassing are interdicted. So are alcoholic drinks and narcotic drugs--unless prescribed by a physician.
     Honesty and trustworthiness are extolled in Bahá'u'lláh's writings. "Trustworthiness is the greatest portal leading unto the tranquillity and security of the people," Bahá'u'lláh wrote. "In truth the stability of every affair hath depended and doth depend on it."
     Although the world's ever-shifting moral climate has led some modernists to reject or modify elements of God's historic moral code, Bahá'ís believe that an unbiased survey of contemporary conditions leads inescapably to the conclusion that society will only suffer if human morality is not revitalized. Worldwide corruption in business and government, the epidemic of sexually transmitted diseases, and the dissolution of family life provide concrete examples of the need to return to a high standard of individual conduct.
 

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