Medieval Bahai Faith
The development of the Bahai Faith during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, marked by the ministry of Abdu'l-Baha, international expansion, and the establishment of Bahai institutions and communities worldwide.
Early Ministry (1892–1908)
Abdu'l-Baha's leadership under Ottoman restrictions
International Travels (1908–1913)
Freedom from imprisonment and global teaching missions
Later Ministry (1913–1921)
Return to Haifa and establishment of Bahai institutions
Succession and Authority
Upon Baha'u'llah's passing in 1892, his eldest son Abdu'l-Baha (1844–1921) assumed leadership of the Bahai community as the Center of the Covenant and the authorized interpreter of Baha'u'llah's writings.
- • Designation as Center of the Covenant
- • Authority to interpret Bahai teachings
- • Leadership of the Bahai community
- • Continuation of Baha'u'llah's mission
Early Challenges
Abdu'l-Baha faced opposition from his half-brother Mirza Muhammad-Ali and continued Ottoman restrictions, but maintained the unity and integrity of the Bahai community.
- • Opposition from Covenant-breakers
- • Ottoman surveillance and restrictions
- • Protection of Bahai unity
- • Steadfast leadership under pressure
Teaching Missions
Following the Young Turk Revolution of 1908, Abdu'l-Baha gained freedom from imprisonment and undertook extensive travels to spread the Bahai Faith internationally.
- • Travels to Egypt (1910)
- • European tours (1911, 1913)
- • North American visits (1912)
- • Establishment of Bahai communities
Early Communities
Bahai communities were established in North America, Europe, and other regions, with local spiritual assemblies and institutions developing.
- • North American Bahai community
- • European Bahai groups
- • Local spiritual assemblies
- • Translation of Bahai texts
Covenant
The Bahai Covenant established the authority of Abdu'l-Baha and subsequent leaders, ensuring unity and preventing schism.
- • Baha'u'llah's appointment of Abdu'l-Baha
- • Protection against division
- • Authority of interpretation
- • Continuity of leadership
Administrative Order
Abdu'l-Baha began establishing the Bahai administrative system, including local spiritual assemblies and consultative bodies.
- • Local spiritual assemblies
- • Consultative decision-making
- • Democratic principles
- • Unity in diversity
Social Principles
Abdu'l-Baha emphasized practical application of Bahai principles in addressing social issues and promoting human welfare.
- • Service to humanity
- • Social justice and equality
- • Education and literacy
- • Economic cooperation
Interfaith Dialogue
Abdu'l-Baha promoted dialogue and cooperation among religions, emphasizing the fundamental unity of all faiths.
- • Unity of religions
- • Interfaith cooperation
- • Respect for all faiths
- • Common spiritual principles
Ottoman Empire
The Bahai Faith developed within the context of the declining Ottoman Empire, facing both restrictions and opportunities for expansion.
- • Ottoman surveillance and restrictions
- • Young Turk Revolution (1908)
- • Religious tolerance and persecution
- • Political instability and change
Global Changes
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw significant social, political, and technological changes that influenced the Bahai Faith's development.
- • Industrialization and urbanization
- • Colonialism and imperialism
- • Social reform movements
- • International communication
Religious Environment
The Bahai Faith emerged during a period of religious reform, secularization, and interfaith dialogue.
Religious Reform
Movements for religious renewal and modernization
Interfaith Dialogue
Growing cooperation between different faiths
Secularization
Separation of religion from state and society
Abdu'l-Baha (1844–1921)
Baha'u'llah's eldest son and successor, who led the Bahai community and spread the Faith internationally through extensive travels and writings.
Shoghi Effendi (1897–1957)
Abdu'l-Baha's grandson and successor, who would later lead the Bahai community and establish its administrative order.
Thornton Chase (1847–1912)
The first American Bahai and a prominent early believer who helped establish the Bahai community in North America.
May Maxwell (1870–1940)
A prominent early Bahai teacher and mother of Amatu'l-Baha Ruhiyyih Khanum, who played a key role in Bahai expansion.
Mirza Muhammad-Ali (1853–1937)
Abdu'l-Baha's half-brother who opposed his leadership and was declared a Covenant-breaker for his attempts to divide the community.
Ibrahim Kheiralla (1849–1929)
An early Bahai teacher in North America who later broke the Covenant and formed his own group, causing temporary division.
Primary Sources
- • Some Answered Questions – Abdu'l-Baha's explanations
- • The Secret of Divine Civilization – Social reform
- • Memorials of the Faithful – Biographical sketches
- • Tablets of the Divine Plan – Teaching instructions
Modern Scholarship
- • Abdu'l-Baha: The Center of the Covenant by H.M. Balyuzi
- • The Bahai Faith: A Short Introduction by Moojan Momen
- • God Passes By by Shoghi Effendi
- • The Covenant of Baha'u'llah by Adib Taherzadeh