Why Bahá’í Faith is Considered an Abrahamic Religion

Bahá’í Faith is often regarded as an Abrahamic religion due to its deep connection to the lineage and teachings of the Abrahamic traditions. This article explores the origins, teachings, and scriptures that substantiate this classification, making a compelling case for its inclusion in the Abrahamic family of religions.

The Bahá’í Scriptures and Its Abrahamic Lineage

A careful examination of the Bahá’í Writings, as compiled in the Baha’i Reference Library, reveals that the religion is indeed rooted in the traditions of Abraham, seeking to fulfill expectations first described in the Hebrew Bible, Christian Bible, and Qur'an. There have been no credible claims that challenge the Abrahamic nature of the Bahá’í Faith. Those who deny its Abrahamic connection often do so by rejecting the legitimacy of the Bab and Baha’u’llah as divine messengers, similar to the criticisms levelled against early Christian and Jewish scholars who denied the legitimacy of Jesus and Muhammad.

Baha’u’llah further elaborates on this in the Kitab-i-Iqan, or Book of Certitude, a profound scripture revealed on two days in 1861. This text addresses and clarifies misconceptions about the religious figures and movements that have shaped the world's major faith traditions.

The Location and Converts of the Bahá’í Faith

The Bahá’í Faith is centered in and around Haifa and Akka (Acre), Israel, where Baha’u’llah was exiled and imprisoned. Despite being a small religious group, the Baha’i Faith has gained many converts, including scholars and religious leaders, who find the Bab and Baha’u’llah's teachings a valuable addition to their understanding of the Bible and Qur'an. These converts include devout Jews, Christians, and Muslims who see the Bahá’í Faith as a continuation of the Abrahamic tradition.

The Teachings of the Bab and Baha’u’llah in the Bahá’í Faith

The Bab (1844-1850) was the founder of the Bahá’í Faith and a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad through Imam Husayn. The Bab's Revelation provided extensive commentaries on the Qur'an and some Biblical traditions, and he anticipated the coming of another promised Messenger, the 'Him Whom God Shall Manifest.', who would fulfill prophecies and expectations. This Dream of the Promised One serves as a foundation for the Bahá’í teachings.

Baha’u’llah (1850-1892) also traced his lineage back to ancient Persian kings and Jewish royalty via Abraham. His teachings, as outlined in the Kitab-i-Iqan, explain many symbols, metaphors, and passages in the Bible and Qur'an. Baha’u’llah is referred to as the Lord of Hosts and the Glory of God, and he is seen as fulfilling the prophecies of the return of Jesus ("in the Glory of the Father") and the fulfillment of the Abrahamic promises.

Theological and Scholarly Perspectives on the Bahá’í Faith

Both the Bab and Baha’u’llah's teachings emphasize the fulfillment of divine promises and expectations in the Abrahamic traditions. This focus on continuity and fulfillment is a key element that links the Bahá’í Faith to the Abrahamic family of religions. Historical and theological scholarship supports the classification of the Bahá’í Faith as an Abrahamic religion, further validating its standing as part of a larger religious tradition.

Whatever the personal beliefs of individual scholars and religious leaders, the Bahá’í writings and teachings provide a compelling narrative that seamlessly aligns the Bahá’í Faith with the Abrahamic lineage of religions. By addressing the needs and expectations of the Abrahamic traditions, the Bahá’í Faith offers a new interpretation and understanding of these ancient religious texts.