Bahá’u’lláh said, “The tabernacle of unity hath been raised; regard ye not one another as strangers. Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch.”

The principle of the oneness of humankind is the pivot around which all the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh revolve. Bahá’u’lláh taught that humanity, after a long and turbulent adolescence, is at last reaching a stage of maturity in which unity in a global and just society finally can be established. To this end, the Bahá’í Faith prescribes laws of personal morality and behavior, as well as social laws and principles, to establish the oneness of humanity.

Bahá’ís believe:

• the purpose of life is to know and worship God, to acquire virtues, to promote the oneness of humankind and to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization
• all humanity was created by one God and is part of one human race
• work performed in the spirit of service is a form of worship

Bahá’ís practice:

• independent investigation of truth
• daily prayer and communion with God
• a life dedicated to the service of humanity
• fellowship with the followers of all religions
• high moral principles, including trustworthiness, chastity and honesty
• avoidance of materialism, partisan politics, backbiting, alcohol, drugs and gambling

Social principles include:

• the abolition of extremes of poverty and wealth
• the establishment of a world commonwealth of nations
• recognition of the common origin and fundamental unity of purpose of all religions
• the harmony of science and religion as two complementary systems of knowledge and practice
• the adoption of a world auxiliary language, as well as a universal script, currency, and system of weights and measures
• equality of women and men
• the elimination of prejudice
• a spiritual solution to the economic problem