Baha'i's believe in the oneness of humanity, that all men and women are brothers and sisters to each other regardless of race, creed, color, sex, culture, or any other difference the eyes of humanity can discern. All are equal in the sight of God, and all should be treated equally amongst the human family. The Baha'i Writings frequently use the analogy of a garden when discussing this subject. For example, when planting a garden would one choose flowers of all the same type and color? Surely not! A garden such as this would lack the variety, diversity, and interesting character that makes the flower garden most enjoyable to our physical senses.
So it is with mankind. Each and every one of us is unique, a one-of-a-kind creation never to be repeated in all the worlds of God. Each of us has the power to be a radiant spirit and a beacon of light to our fellow man. This is a truth which every Manifestation of God has taught. It is especially pertinent today because the world is too small a place for disunity to be permitted. Every nation is now interdependent on every other nation. You can see in the action of world commerce how events half a world away have a profound effect on people and nations who may think they have nothing to do with those events. The disunity of humankind has caused events in this century that horrify every person of faith and thought. Surely these events are sufficient evidence of the need for unity among the peoples and nations of this planet.
Where else can such unity come from but God? Who else has the power to make it happen? This is the mission of the Baha'i Faith. It's purpose is to unify mankind, establish world peace, and guide mankind into its maturity.
"A fundamental teaching of Baha'u'llah is the oneness of the world of humanity. Addressing mankind He says, "Ye are all leaves on one tree and the fruits of one branch." By this it is meant that the world of humanity is like a tree, the nations or peoples are the different limbs or branches of that tree and the individual human creatures are as the fruits and blossoms thereof." 1
"Although in former centuries and times this subject received some measure of mention and consideration, it has now become the paramount issue and question in the religious and political conditions of the world. History shows that through-out the past there have been continual warfare and strife among the various nations, peoples and sects, but now, in this century of illumination, hearts are inclined toward agreement and fellowship, and minds are thoughtful upon the question of the unification of mankind." 2
"What incalculable benefits and blessings would descend upon the great human family if unity and brotherhood were established! In this century when the beneficent results of unity and the ill effects of discord are so clearly apparent, the means for the attainment and accomplishment of human fellowship have appeared in the world." 3
(1) 'Abdu'l Baha, Promulgation of Universal Peace, Baha'i Publishing Trust, Wilmette, IL, 1982, p 454
(2) ibid., pp 228-229
(3) ibid., p 230This page last updated: Saturday, March 08, 2003