Baha’i Writings

The Baha’i Writings, the sacred scriptures of the Baha’i Faith, contain rich guidance for the spiritual life of the individual as well as the foundations for a peaceful and just global civilisation, worthy of the maturity of the human race.

Baha’u’llah’s revelation from God unfolds in His many divinely-inspired books, tablets, epistles and prayers.

One of the earliest and much-loved works is The Hidden Words, a collection of short verses which provide guidance for developing spiritual wellbeing. Among the best-known verses are:

“O Friend! In the garden of thy heart plant naught by the rose of love.”

“Say: O brethren! Let deeds, not words, be your adorning.”

“O My Servant! Free thyself from the fetters of this world, and loose thy soul from the prison of self. Seize thy chance, for it will come to thee no more.”

Baha’u’llah revealed many prayers, which can be used to develop one’s spiritual life.

As well as addressing His own followers, Baha’u’llah wrote a series of letters to the kings and rulers of His time. He urged them to set aside warfare and self-aggrandisement, to value their people as their greatest treasure, and to conclude a binding framework for a lasting worldwide peace. Some of these letters are contained in The Summons of the Lord of Hosts.

Read selected extracts from Baha’u’llah’s Writings or refer to the Baha’i reference library, which is the authoritative online source for the Baha’i Writings.