Symbols of the Baha'i Faith
Tuesday January 13, 2009
Developing in 19th century Iran, the Baha'i Faith shares many characteristics with Islam, which has been the dominant religion there for centuries. Geometric shapes and calligraphy form the symbols commonly associated with the Baha'i Faith, just as it does in wider Islamic culture (many Muslims find it disrespectful to depict any naturally occurring creation in their artwork, as it is a poor imitation of Allah's original work).
Comments
In addition to these calligraphic symbols, Baha’is will almost always have a photograph of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in their homes, Baha’i Centres, etc. (’Abdu’l-Bahá was the eldest Son and successor of Bahá’u'lláh, Founder of the Baha’i Faith.)
The Baha’i Faith has no objection to representation of natural forms in art (provided this is done with dignity).
It is worth clarifying that, although the Baha’i Faith originated in an Islamic country and context, it is an independent religion with adherents in almost every country and territory of the world. It has its own scriptures, its own community governance and a developing culture. It is not, as might be understood from this entry, a subdivision of Islam.
I did not know about the images of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. My apologies for any misrepresentation. I did not intend any of those implications, but I see your point how a reader might get that from what I wrote.
I certainly didn’t mean to suggest it as a subdivision of Islam: merely that Islam is its strongest influence, just as Christianity and Judaism inflenced Islam, Judaism influenced Christianity, and ancient pagan mythology influenced Judaism.
I see this symbol explained at http://www.bahai.com/Bahaullah/symbol.htm I have also been told that one side of the line represents the reality of some aspect of truth in heaven and the other side represents its reflection in the material world.