Aletta Shikololo

WINDHOEK- Members of the Bahá’i are in awe as they will be celebrating the birth and the 200th
anniversary of the Báb (a key figure in the Bahai faith) on October 29 and 30 at the Bahá’ I centre in Windhoek.

The event which is celebrated worldwide by the Bahá’Is, originated in the mid-nineteenth century and it is the world’s youngest independent religion.

The Báb, meaning “the Gate” in Arabic, lived in Iran and was sent to herald the coming of Baha’i prophet, Bahá’u’lláh who is believed to be a disciple of Bab.

Under the theme ‘The oneness of God, the oneness of religion and the oneness of humanity’ Millions of Bahá’ís around the world labour to promote its central principles.

In an interview with Entertainment Now! The member of the office of external affairs, Sophie Teki said overtime, a growing number of Namibians have embraced the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh and have been joined by Bahá’ís from around the world, uniting in a spiritual enterprise of promoting the development of
the community at large through devotional gatherings, classes for the spiritual education of children, groups for the moral and social empowerment of junior youth. Groups study Faith’s Holy Writings to find practical application of spiritual teachings in daily life.

“Motivated by a genuine love for Bahá’u´lláh, the Prophet Founder of the Faith, and inspired by His life, Bahá’ís all over the world over dedicate themselves in service to the constructive spiritual and material development of individuals, communities and institutions,” Teki further explained.

According to Teki, the pivotal purpose of the Bahá’í Faith is to unite the peoples of the world in one universal Cause, one common faith.

Even though the Bahá’í faith has grown over years within 175 years of existence, 20 000 followers are reported to be dead due to belief discrimination while thousands have been sent to prisons for many years specifically in Iran where their rights are systematically violated and the religion is officially not acknowledged.

The Bahá’í Faith was introduced to Namibia in the early 1950s and following independence, the Namibian Bahá’í community has continued to grow and now there are communities or groups in Windhoek, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Omaruru, Otjiwarongo, Tsumeb, Grootfontein, Oshakati, Ongwediva, Rundu, Shighuru, Katima Mulilo and others.

Bahá’ís believe the central teachings of their Faith are not ends in themselves. Rather, its principles are the foundation upon which are unified, just, peaceful and prosperous world that can and will be built: the elimination of all forms of prejudice, the equality of women and men, regard for the earth and sustainable stewardship of natural resources, universal education, and the harmony of science and religion.
According to Teki, this year’s celebration will be more special as they would celebrate the two-
the hundredth anniversary of the birth of their Faith’s Herald.

The celebration will officially start tomorrow at the centre as they will have potluck dinner and also screen a 45 minutes film Dawn of the Light that showcases how different people from around the world
connected with Baha’i teachings and will end next week Wednesday with the observation of the birth of Bahá’u’lláh.