Drawn from the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, a number of social principles guide the thought and action of the Bahá’í community:
- The oneness of humankind — all people are members of one family; divisions of race, class, nation or creed have no place.
- The equality of women and men — the two wings of humanity; society cannot soar unless both are equally developed.
- The elimination of all forms of prejudice
- The harmony of science and religion — truth is one; true science and true religion cannot be in conflict.
- The independent investigation of truth — each person is responsible for seeking truth with their own mind and conscience.
- Universal education — with special importance given to the education of girls.
- The elimination of the extremes of wealth and poverty
- Justice and universal peace
- A universal auxiliary language — a common language for all, alongside one’s mother tongue.
Bahá’ís strive to put these principles into practice not merely as ideals, but through a process of learning in everyday life and together with the wider society.
Updated 12 October 2026