Editing Baháʼí Faith (section)

== Social practices ==
{{See also|Baháʼí laws}}

=== Exhortations ===
The following are a few examples from Baháʼu'lláh's teachings on personal conduct that are required or encouraged of his followers:
* Baháʼís over the age of 15 should individually recite an [[Obligatory Baháʼí prayers|obligatory prayer]] each day, using fixed words and form.{{sfn|Schaefer|2002|p=334}}
* In addition to the daily obligatory prayer, Baháʼís should offer daily devotional prayer and should meditate and study sacred scripture.{{sfn|Smith|2008|pp=161–162}}
* Adult Baháʼís should observe a [[Nineteen-Day Fast]] each year during daylight hours in March, with certain exemptions.{{sfn|Schaefer|2002|pp=339–340}}<!-- for details of daylight, existence of exemptions, need another cite-->
* There are specific requirements for Baháʼí burial that include a specified prayer to be read at the interment. Embalming or cremating the body is strongly discouraged.{{sfn|Iranica-Burial|2020}}
* Baháʼís should make a 19% voluntary payment on any wealth in excess of what is necessary to live comfortably, after the remittance of any outstanding debt. The payments go to the [[Universal House of Justice]].{{sfn|Schaefer|2002|pp=339–340}}

=== Prohibitions ===
[[File:Bahá'í gardens by David Shankbone.jpg|alt=Elaborate gardens with several gates and a walkway leading to a domed building in the distance|thumb|The [[Terraces (Baháʼí)|Baháʼí gardens]] in [[Haifa|Haifa, Israel]]]]
The following are a few acts of personal conduct that are prohibited or discouraged by Baháʼu'lláh's teachings:
* [[Backbiting]] and gossiping are prohibited and denounced.{{sfn|Schaefer|2002|pp=330–332}}
* Drinking and selling [[alcohol (drug)|alcohol]] are forbidden.{{sfn|Schaefer|2002|p=323}}
* [[Sexual intercourse]] is permitted only between a husband and a wife, and as a result, premarital, extramarital, and homosexual intercourse are all forbidden.{{sfn|Schaefer|2002|p=326}} ''(See also [[Homosexuality and the Baháʼí Faith]])''
* Participation in [[Partisan (political)|partisan]] politics is forbidden.{{sfn|McMullen|2015|pp=69, 136, 149, 253–254, 269}}
* Begging is forbidden as a profession.{{sfn|Smith|2008|pp=154–155}}

The observance of personal laws, such as prayer or fasting, is the sole responsibility of the individual.{{sfn|Schaefer|2002|p=339}} There are, however, occasions when a Baháʼí might be administratively expelled from the community for a public disregard of the laws, or gross immorality. Such expulsions are administered by the National Spiritual Assembly and do not involve shunning.{{sfn|Schaefer|2002|p=348–349}}

While some of the laws in the ''Kitáb-i-Aqdas'' are applicable at the present time, other laws are dependent upon the existence of a predominantly Baháʼí society, such as the punishments for arson and murder.{{sfn|Schaefer|2002|pp=321–323}} The laws, when not in direct conflict with the civil laws of the country of residence, are binding on every Baháʼí.{{sfn|Smith|2008|p=158}}{{sfn|Schaefer|2002|pp=312,315}}

=== Marriage ===
{{Main|Baháʼí marriage}}
The purpose of marriage in the Baháʼí Faith is mainly to foster spiritual harmony, fellowship and unity between a man and a woman and to provide a stable and loving environment for the rearing of children.{{sfn|Smith|2008|pp=164–165}} The Baháʼí teachings on marriage call it a ''fortress for well-being and salvation'' and place marriage and the family as the foundation of the structure of [[society|human society]].{{sfn|Smith|2008|p=164}} Baháʼu'lláh highly praised marriage, discouraged divorce, and required [[chastity]] outside of marriage; Baháʼu'lláh taught that a husband and wife should strive to improve the spiritual life of each other.{{sfn|Momen|2022}} [[Interracial marriage]] is also highly praised throughout Baháʼí scripture.{{sfn|Smith|2008|p=164}}

Baháʼís intending to marry are asked to obtain a thorough understanding of the other's character before deciding to marry.{{sfn|Smith|2008|p=164}} Although parents should not [[Arranged marriage|choose partners for their children]], once two individuals decide to marry, they must receive the consent of all living biological parents, whether they are Baháʼí or not. The Baháʼí marriage ceremony is simple; the only compulsory part of the wedding is the reading of the wedding vows prescribed by Baháʼu'lláh which both the groom and the bride read, in the presence of two witnesses.{{sfn|Smith|2008|p=164}} The vows are "We will all, verily, abide by the Will of God."{{sfn|Smith|2008|p=164}}

Transgender people can gain recognition of their gender in the Baháʼí Faith if they have medically transitioned and undergone [[sex reassignment surgery]] (SRS). After SRS, they are considered transitioned and may have a Baháʼí marriage.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 December 2002 |title=Transsexuality |url=http://bahai-library.com/uhj_transsexuality |publisher=[[Universal House of Justice]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Parashar |first=Singh M. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VEnrDwAAQBAJ&dq='bahai+faith%22+transgender&pg=PT210 |title=Why Homosexuality Was Not Opposed by Narendra Modi ? |date=2020-04-17 |publisher=Xlibris Corporation |isbn=978-1-984594-67-9 |language=en}}</ref>

=== Work ===
Baháʼu'lláh prohibited a [[Mendicancy|mendicant]] and [[Asceticism|ascetic]] lifestyle.{{sfn|Smith|2008|pp=154–155}} [[Monasticism]] is forbidden, and Baháʼís are taught to practice spirituality while engaging in useful work.{{sfn|Daume|Watson|1992}} The importance of self-exertion and service to humanity in one's spiritual life is emphasised further in Baháʼu'lláh's writings, where he states that work done in the spirit of service to humanity enjoys a rank equal to that of prayer and worship in the sight of God.{{sfn|Daume|Watson|1992}}

=== Places of worship ===
{{Main|Baháʼí House of Worship}}
[[File:House of Worship Germany 2007.jpg|thumb|upright=1.15 |alt=A white domed building with palm trees in front of it|Baháʼí House of Worship, [[Langenhain]], Germany]]
Bahá'í devotional meetings in most communities currently take place in people's homes or [[Haziratu'l-Quds|Bahá'í centres]], but in some communities Bahá'í Houses of Worship (also known as Bahá'í temples) have been built.{{sfn|Afnan|2022}} Bahá'í Houses of Worship are places where both Baháʼís and non-Baháʼís can express devotion to God.{{sfn|Warburg|2006|p=492}} They are also known by the name ''Mashriqu'l-Adhkár'' ([[Arabic]] for "Dawning-place of the remembrance of God").{{sfn|Hassall|2012}} Only the holy scriptures of the Bahá'í Faith and other religions can be read or chanted inside, and while readings and prayers that have been set to music may be sung by choirs, no musical instruments may be played inside.{{sfn|Iranica-Bahai-temples|1988}} Furthermore, no [[sermon]]s may be delivered, and no ritualistic ceremonies practiced.{{sfn|Iranica-Bahai-temples|1988}} All Bahá'í Houses of Worship have a nine-sided shape ([[nonagon]]) as well as nine pathways leading outward and nine gardens surrounding them.{{sfn|Iranica-Mašreq al-Aḏkār|2010}} There are currently eight "continental" Bahá'í Houses of Worship and some local Bahá'í Houses of Worship completed or under construction.{{sfn|Smith|2022a}} The Bahá'í writings also envision Bahá'í Houses of Worship being surrounded by institutions for humanitarian, scientific, and educational pursuits,{{sfn|Hassall|2012}} though none has yet been built up to such an extent.{{sfn|Warburg|2006|p=486}}

=== Calendar ===
{{Main|Baháʼí calendar}}
The Baháʼí calendar is based upon the calendar established by the [[Báb]]. The year consists of 19 months, each having 19 days, with four or five [[Ayyám-i-Há|intercalary days]], to make a full [[Tropical year|solar year]].{{sfn|Hutter|2005|pp=737–740}} The Baháʼí New Year corresponds to the traditional Iranian New Year, called [[Baháʼí Naw-Rúz|Naw Rúz]], and occurs on the [[Vernal equinox (Northern Hemisphere)|vernal equinox]], near 21 March, at the end of the month of fasting. Once every Baháʼí month there is a gathering of the Baháʼí community called a [[Nineteen Day Feast]] with three parts: first, a devotional part for prayer and reading from Baháʼí scripture; second, an administrative part for consultation and community matters; and third, a social part for the community to interact freely.{{sfn|Afnan|2022}}

Each of the 19 months is given a name which is an attribute of God; some examples include Baháʼ (Splendour), ʻIlm (Knowledge), and Jamál (Beauty).{{sfn|Smith|2008|pp=188–190}} The Baháʼí week is familiar in that it consists of seven days, with each day of the week also named after an attribute of God. Baháʼís observe 11 [[Ascension of Baháʼu'lláh|Holy Days]] throughout the year, with work suspended on 9 of these. These days commemorate important anniversaries in the history of the religion.{{sfn|Smith|2008|p=188}}

=== Symbols ===
{{Main|Baháʼí symbols}}
[[File:051907 Wilmette IMG 1404 The Greatest Name.jpg|alt=Arabic script inscribed on a metal plate|thumb|230px|right|The calligraphy of the [[Baháʼí symbols#The Greatest Name|Greatest Name]] on a metal plate at the top of the interior of the [[Baháʼí House of Worship (Wilmette, Illinois)|Baháʼí House of Worship]] in [[Wilmette, Illinois]]]]

The symbols of the religion are derived from the Arabic word Baháʼ ({{lang|ar|بهاء}} "splendor" or "glory"), with a [[Abjad numerals|numerical value]] of nine. This numerical connection to the name of Baháʼu'lláh, as well as nine being the highest single-digit, symbolizing completeness, are why the most common symbol of the religion is a [[nine-pointed star]], and Baháʼí temples are nine-sided.{{sfn|Smith|2000|pp=167–168}}{{sfn|Hartz|2009|p=14}} The nine-pointed star is commonly set on Baháʼí gravestones.{{sfn|Warburg|2001|p=39}}

The ringstone symbol and calligraphy of the Greatest Name are also often encountered. The ringstone symbol consists of two five-pointed stars interspersed with a stylized Baháʼ whose shape is meant to recall God, the Manifestation of God, and the world of man;{{sfn|Warburg|2001|p=39}} the Greatest Name is a [[Arabic calligraphy|calligraphic]] rendering of the phrase Yá Baháʼu'l-Abhá ({{lang|ar|يا بهاء الأبهى}} "O Glory of the Most Glorious!") and is commonly found in Baháʼí temples and homes.{{sfn|Warburg|2001|p=39}}

=== Socio-economic development ===
{{Main|Socioeconomic development and the Baháʼí Faith}}
[[File:Tarbiyat School, Tehran, ca 1911.jpg|alt=A black-and-white photograph of several dozen girls seated in front of a school building|thumb|upright=1.15|Students of ''School for Girls'', [[Tehran]], 13 August 1933. This photograph may be of the students of ''Tarbiyat School for Girls'' which was established by the Baháʼí Community of Tehran in 1911; the school was closed by government decree in 1934.{{sfn|Baháʼí International Community|2005}}]]

Since its inception the Baháʼí Faith has had involvement in [[socio-economic development]] beginning by giving greater freedom to women,{{sfn|Momen|1994b|ps=: Section 9: Social and economic development}}{{better source needed|date=July 2022}} promulgating the promotion of female education as a priority concern,{{sfn|Kingdon|1997}}{{better source needed|date=July 2022}} and that involvement was given practical expression by creating schools, agricultural co-ops, and clinics.{{sfn|Momen|1994b|ps=: Section 9: Social and economic development}}{{better source needed|date=July 2022}}

The religion entered a new phase of activity when a message from the Universal House of Justice dated 20 October 1983 was released. Baháʼís were urged to seek out ways, compatible with the Baháʼí teachings, in which they could become involved in the social and economic development of the communities in which they lived. Worldwide in 1979 there were 129 officially recognized Baháʼí socio-economic development projects. By 1987, the number of officially recognized development projects had increased to 1,482.{{sfn|Smith|Momen|1989}}

Current initiatives of social action include activities in areas like health, sanitation, education, gender equality, arts and media, agriculture, and the environment.{{sfn|Baháʼí Office of Social and Economic Development|2018}}{{better source needed|date=July 2022}} Educational projects include schools, which range from village tutorial schools to large secondary schools, and some universities.{{sfn|Momen|2007}} By 2017, the Baháʼí Office of Social and Economic Development estimated that there were 40,000 small-scale projects, 1,400 sustained projects, and 135 Baháʼí-inspired organizations.{{sfn|Baháʼí Office of Social and Economic Development|2018}}

=== United Nations ===
Baháʼu'lláh wrote of the need for [[world government]] in this age of humanity's collective life. Because of this emphasis the international Baháʼí community has chosen to support efforts of improving [[international relations]] through organizations such as the [[League of Nations]] and the [[United Nations]], with some reservations about the present structure and constitution of the UN.{{sfn|Momen|2007}} The [[Baháʼí International Community]] is an agency under the direction of the Universal House of Justice in Haifa, and has consultative status with the following organizations:{{sfn|McMullen|2000|p=39}}{{sfn|Baháʼí International Community|2000}}
* [[UNICEF|United Nations Children's Fund]] (UNICEF)
* [[United Nations Development Fund for Women]] (UNIFEM)
* [[United Nations Economic and Social Council]] (ECOSOC)
* [[United Nations Environment Programme]] (UNEP)
* [[World Health Organization]] (WHO)

The Baháʼí International Community has offices at the United Nations in New York and [[Geneva]] and representations to United Nations regional commissions and other offices in [[Addis Ababa]], [[Bangkok]], [[Nairobi]], Rome, [[Santiago]], and [[Vienna]].{{sfn|Baháʼí International Community|2000}} In recent years, an Office of the Environment and an Office for the Advancement of Women were established as part of its United Nations Office. The Baháʼí Faith has also undertaken joint development programs with various other United Nations agencies. In the 2000 [[Millennium Development Goals|Millennium Forum]] of the United Nations a Baháʼí was invited as one of the only non-governmental speakers during the summit.{{sfn|Baháʼí World News Service|2000}}{{better source needed|date=July 2022}}