How to become a Baha'i

How To Become a Baha'i

The process of becoming a Baha'i is a spiritual one. Once the spark of faith is kindled in the heart of the seeker, basic knowledge about the Central Figures of the Faith and their teachings becomes necessary.

Baha'u'llah states that: "The first duty prescribed by God for His servants is the recognition of Him Who is the Day Spring of His Revelation and the fountain of His laws... It behooveth every one who reacheth this most sublime station, this summit of transcendant glory, to observe every ordinance of Him Who is the Desire of the world. These twin duties are inseperable. Neither is acceptable without the other."

The Baha'i Faith has no priests or clergy. It also has no rituals or sacraments. The actual process of becoming a Baha'i is very simple. Procedures for joining the Baha'i Faith vary from country to country. If you live in the United States and want to become a Baha'i, there is a 'Declaration Card' available from the Baha'i National Center which should be signed and returned. To obtain a 'Declaration Card' click on the red letters below to send your request via e-mail to and they will be happy to send you one.

MIS@USBNC.ORG
The Declaration Card asks for your name, address, birth date and phone number, and above the signature is this paragraph: "In signing this card, I declare my belief in Baha'u'llah, the Promised One of God. I also recognize the Bab, His Forerunner, and 'Abdu'l-Baha, the Center of His Covenant. I request enrollment in the Baha'i Community with the understanding that Baha'u'llah has established sacred principles, laws, and institutions which I must obey."

To receive free literature and to find out how to contact Baha'is in your area you may also want to call the USA National Baha'i '800' phone number. To call this number dial 1-800-22UNITE. Give it a try.

In countries other than the United States you may need to contact the Local or the National Spiritual Assembly to ascertain the correct procedure for joining the Baha'i Faith.

Joel Smith is a member of the Baha'i Faith living in Carbondale, Southern Illinois in the United States. The opinions expressed in this article constitute his own personal understanding and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Baha'i Faith or it's teachings.