Islam and Bahai are both practiced religions today, with some similarities but many unique differences. Understanding how Islam separates itself from Bahai helps to see how each one affects the other.
Islam
Islam is a monotheistic religion represented in the Qur’an, which is believed to be the verbatim word of God. The term Islam means “submission to God,” and a “person who submits” is a Muslim. Muslims believe that there is no God other than Allah and that Allah sent his messenger Mohammad to preach the message of Islam. Muslims have five pillars of faith that are obligatory to their religion: the obligatory ritual prayer five times a day, reciting the shahada, fasting during Ramadan, alms giving, and pilgrimage to Mecca.
Bahai
The Bahai faith is a newer world religion that originated from Shiite Islam. Though it started from Islam, it has established itself as unique and independent from its parent religion. The Bahai religion has gained worldwide recognition, and its doctrinal uniqueness has attracted many. Bahais believe that the last manifestation of God was Baha’u’llah. The doctrines of the Bahai faith include, among others, that God is “unknowable” but reveals himself through manifestation, the adoration of One God, and the reconciliation of all religions and unity between science and religion.
Key Takeaways
- The primary difference between Islam and Bahai lies in their belief in God and the manifestations of God. Islam’s last manifestation of Allah was Mohammad, while Bahai’s last manifestation of God was Baha’u’llah.
- Islam is a monotheistic religion that believes in one God, Allah. Bahai is also a monotheistic religion but reconciles all other religions in one.
- Islam’s doctrines include the five pillars of faith, while Bahai doctrines focus on the adoration of one God, reconciliation of all religions, unification of science and religion, and the belief that God is “unknowable” and manifests himself through avatars across eras.
