Local Baha’i community
KAY SCHROVEN
“The soul survives the death of the body.”
This is the belief of many religions, including the Baha’i. “Man- the true man- is soul, not body…The soul it is which makes the human creature a celestial entity!” – Baha’i Faith
History
While the Baha’is are one of the fastest growing (by % across the 20th century) religions in the world with an estimated 5-8 million followers, Emily Wright, a local, long time member is one of few Baha’i chaplains in the U.S. She is a native of Michigan and long time resident of Minneapolis. When asked why she turned from her traditional Christian background to Baha’i she states, “I had questions about many things related to religion, including, “What about the soul? But got few responses or answers. The Baha’i were open, listened and were patient with me. This is what drew me to them. I was 18 at the time.”
Baha’i Temple on Chicago Ave.
James Samimi-Farr, a native of Quebec was born into the Baha’i faith. One of his parents was Baha’i and the other Catholic. “It wasn’t a conflict because the Baha’i are accepting of other religions. We have porous boundaries. We view religions as the unfolding story of God. Baha’i fit for me so I’ve stayed with it.”
Baha’i means Glory or Splendor and refers to the followers of Baha’u llah (Glory of God.) Baha’i describes both the faith itself and its followers. This monotheistic religion was founded in the 19th century as a development of Babism (founded in 1844) emphasizing the oneness of humankind. Bab means “gate.” Babism was a significant departure from Islam. The Bab (as he’s known), was Mirza Ali Muhammad, a 30 year old merchant in Tabriz, Iran, the forerunner to Baha’u’llah, the founder of the Baha’I Faith. There was strong opposition to Babism from Muslin clergy and government. The Bab was arrested, incarcerated and executed in 1850, charged with apostasy (abandoning a cause, separating, desertion from a system such as a religion.) By declaring himself a prophet (or “Gate”) a new divine messenger, he challenged the authority of the existing Islamic clergy and their interpretations of the scripture. His death by a shooting squad was ordered by the Prime Minister of the Persian Empire. His followers were also persecuted. The Bahai’s consider the Bab a martyr, a manifestation of God, a prophet like Jesus, Abraham, Moses, Krishna, Buddha and Muhammad, who all brought important messages.
The Baha’i faith was formed and founded by the Persian, Baha’ullah (1817-1892) and following his death continued through his son Abdul Baha (1844-1921) and grandson Shoghi Effendi (1897-1957.) The son brought the faith to North America, Europe and other continents. There was rapid expansion in the 1960’s. By 2024 there were 14 Baha’i houses of worship in Australia,
Sept. 1912 in Loring Park with Abdu’l Baha, son of the Baha’i prophet, Baha’ullah, who was imprisoned until his 60’s. Upon release he visited England, France, Belgium, Germany and the U.S.
Cambodia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Germany, India, Kenya, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, the U.S., Uganda and Vanuatu (in the S. Pacific Ocean.) There are an estimated 177,000 Baha’i followers nationally, with about 2,000 in MN (Twin Cities, Duluth and Eagan) and approximately 200 in Minneapolis. It’s difficult to collect exact data because Baha’i are often misclassified in census reports as Muslim or Hindu.
The only requirement to become Baha’i is to accept the teachings of Bahaullah and profess faith. There are no initiation rituals, sacraments, hierarchy or clergy. There is no proselytizing. The Baha’i are governed by what is known as an Administrative Order. The administrators are elected and serve for a defined period of time locally, nationally and internationally. They address issues such as guidelines for prayer, fasting, etc.
While the local Bahai’s have owned their building at (3644 Chicago Ave. S., Minneapolis) for about 25 years, gatherings often take place in followers’ homes. They meet on Sundays at 10 a,m, on Chicago Ave. (ALL are welcome) and hold on-line devotions on Tuesday evenings. These Devotions or Spiritual Assemblies are often hosted by a follower who chooses how they will conduct the devotion; it could be prayer, readings, meditation or singing. The Baha’i encourage independent investigation and believe that individuals must make their own decisions re beliefs and faith. The Baha’i are encouraged to study and learn from the wisdom of others, to find purpose, and adhere to the “guardrails” of the Baha’i faith.
What do Bahai believe and focus on?
Justice, Equality (of sexes, races, religions, etc.), One Human Family, the Search for Truth and that all religions come from God. They are devoted to educating their children via virtue based programs because children are the “future protagonists of constructive change.” The center on Chicago Ave. is a stately structure with pillars at the front and a series of rooms for meeting, praying, eating and a wonderful, large children’s room with plenty of toys, books and a long, narrow stage.
Baha’i are often active in their neighborhoods toward community building with both Baha’i and non-Baha’i. While they are not partisan, they can vote but mainly get involved with issues, not political parties or personalities.
The Baha’i teach respect and dignity. They reject discrimination and social intolerance and believe that it is their duty to inspire individuals and communities to improve individual lives and advance civilization. They believe in harmony of religion and science. They give of their time, energy, knowledge and financial resources, with a belief that “Serving God and humanity are needed to develop the qualities needed in the afterlife.”
The Minneapolis Baha’i Center on Chicago Ave. is very near George Floyd Sq. When asked if the location had an impact on the Baha’i, James replied, “Yes, it was and is an opportunity to practice our beliefs and contribute to the neighborhood. Prejudice is a spiritual issue, requiring a spiritual solution.”
Baha’i Center of Minneapolis www.minneapolisbahai.org 3644 Chicago Ave., Mpls.
612-823-3494
Sunday, 10 a.m. gathering –
All are welcome. For further info: Bahai.org/BIC.org
