Minority Ethnic Communities in Northern Ireland
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PEOPLE OF BAHA'I ORIGIN
BACKGROUND
Although the Baha'i faith originated in Iran in the mid-nineteenth century, it is now a worldwide religion and people of the Baha'i faith come from many diverse nationalities, cultures and backgrounds. There is a small Baha'i community of approximately three hundred people living in Northern Ireland.
RELIGION
The Baha'i faith is the newest world religion and it is the religion of the followers of Baha'u'llah. Although it began in a Muslim country - Iran, the Baha'i faith is very distinct from Islam.
Baha'is believe in world unity for everyone. Daily prayer is obligatory and Baha'i Houses of Worship are centres for prayers.
RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS AND HOLIDAYS
The Baha'i calendar is based on the solar year and the Baha'i era commences with the year of Declaration of the Bab in 1844. There are nineteen months in the Baha'i calendar each lasting nineteen days.
There are nine Holy Days on which all work is suspended. Children do not go to school on these special days. Celebrations depend upon the individual or family culture and background. The dates on which the Holy Days fall are given below.
New Year's Day: March 21
The Ridvan Festival Three days of celebration: April 21, April 29 and May 2 to remember the Declaration by Baha'u'llah of His purpose.
Declaration of Bab: May 23
The Ascension of Baha'u'llah: May 29
The Martyrdom of Bab: July 9
The Birth of Bab: October 20
The Birth of Baha'u'llah: November 12
DIET
There is no special diet associated with the Baha'i faith and no religious dietary restrictions. Individuals will follow a diet which reflects personal preference and country of origin.
Between 2 and 20 March each year, every Baha'i between the ages of fifteen and seventy who are in good health, do not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. Those who are either travelling, expectant or are nursing mothers are exempt.
Baha'is are encouraged to read from the Baha'i writings at the beginning and end of each day and to meditate on what has been read.
LIFESTYLE, CUSTOMS AND SIGNIFICANT RELIGIOUS PRACTICES
Lifestyle
The family is very important to Baha'is and social activities tend to evolve around the family, for example, weekend and summer schools, travel teaching and youth activities.
Death
Cremation is prohibited and the deceased may not be buried more than one hour's journey from the place of death.
CONTENTS
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