The Bahá’í Faith

The Official Website of the Worldwide Bahá’í Community

What Bahá’ís Believe

Devotion

Introduction

Acts of devotion are inherent to religious life. Through them, individuals and communities continually reinforce the unique bond that exists between God and humanity. This bond vitalizes the relationships that sustain society—between individuals and among the various elements of the community and its institutions.

Prayer is essential for our spiritual sustenance and growth. Through it we may praise God and express our love for Him, as well as beseech Him for assistance. The capacity to meditate is a distinguishing feature of the human being. Indeed, the Bahá’í writings suggest that human progress would be impossible without reflection and contemplation. Fasting and pilgrimage are two other acts of devotion that have played an important part in religious life over the course of human history. Work may be also seen as an act of worship when it is performed in a spirit of service.

Gather ye together with the utmost joy and fellowship and recite the verses revealed by the merciful Lord. By so doing the doors to true knowledge will be opened to your inner beings, and ye will then feel your souls endowed with steadfastness and your hearts filled with radiant joy.
Bahá’u’lláh

Exploring this topic

This collection of pages explores the Bahá’í teachings on prayer, meditation and fasting.