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Baháʼí Faith history

The Baháʼí Faith: A Global Tapestry of Unity and Diversity

The Baháʼí Faith, a religion that emerged in the 19th century, espouses the essential worth of all religions and the unity of all people. Founded by Baháʼu’lláh in Qajar Iran, it has since spread to nearly every corner of the globe, facing ongoing persecution in its country of origin. Today, the Baháʼí Faith claims over 8.5 million adherents worldwide, known as Baháʼís. This religion is recognized for its progressive teachings, which include the condemnation of racism and sexism, and the promotion of scientific thought.

As we explore the countries with the largest Baháʼí populations, we witness a faith that transcends borders, uniting diverse cultures and languages in a common belief system. Here are the top 10 countries with the largest Baháʼí populations, reflecting the most recent data:

The Lotus Temple, the first Baháʼí House of Worship of India, built in 1986. It attracts an estimated 4.5 million visitors a year.
  1. India: With approximately 1,897,651 members, India is home to the world’s largest Baháʼí population, representing about 40% of the global Baháʼí community.
  2. United States: The estimated Baháʼí population stands at 512,864, making it the second-largest Baháʼí community globally.
  3. Kenya: This East African nation has a Baháʼí population of 422,782, reflecting the faith’s significant growth in the region.
  4. Viet Nam: The Baháʼí community here numbers around 388,802.
  5. Democratic Republic of the Congo: With 282,916 Baháʼís, this country showcases the faith’s reach in Central Africa.
  6. Philippines: This Southeast Asian country has a Baháʼí population of 275,069.
  7. Zambia: Home to 241,112 Baháʼís, Zambia’s community is a testament to the faith’s expansion in southern Africa.
  8. South Africa: The Baháʼí population here is estimated at 238,532.
  9. Iran: Despite intense persecution, Iran has a Baháʼí population of 233,900, rooted in the faith’s historical origins.
  10. Bolivia: Rounding out the top 10, Bolivia has a Baháʼí population of 232,800.
The ringstone symbol, representing humanity’s connection to God.

The Baháʼí Faith’s history is marked by both triumph and tribulation, with its followers demonstrating resilience and dedication to the principles of unity and peace. As the second-most geographically widespread religion after Christianity, the Baháʼí Faith continues to grow, fostering communities that contribute to the betterment of society through service and interfaith dialogue.

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