Question: What is the distinctiveness of the Baha’i Faith? what is its special contribution to world religion?
‘Abdu’l-Baha: “The proclamation of the unity of mankind, and consequently, peace between all nations and also the renovation of the teachings of the prophets whom God has sent to the world, and its presentation in a form suitable to our time.
When Baha'u'llah appeared in the East proclaiming the unity of mankind all the powers of Persia were directed against Him but in spite of all opposition He spread His message. For fifty years He endured, often in chains, the greatest suffering; four times He was exiled from country to country but His voice could not be silenced, His influence could not be stopped. As a result of His life and teaching the different sects of Persia are becoming one family of God; the Muslims, Christians, Jews, Zoroastrians who have accepted Baha’u’llah are now in the greatest unity and harmony… They have learned to love one another, and are becoming one.
The cause of unity is the cause of life itself, it is divine; that which leads to division or hatred is satanic. Religion should make for unity. The prophets did not come to bring about distrust and separation. Ignorance is the cause of division and hatred. Religion is like medicine; it is meant to cure, but in the hands of unskilled or bad physicians what should effect a cure may create disease, what should give life may cause death. Therefore we must strive with all our strength, with all our heart, to promote only that which leads to unity and life.”
- 'Abdu'l-Baha (Adapted from an interview of ‘Abdu’l-Baha by Rev. R. J. Campbell, M.A., London, England, 1911; originally published in ‘The Christian Commonwealth’, London, Eng., issue of Sept. 13, 1911; Star of the West, vol. 2, no. 11, 27 September 1911)