Baha'i Trivia Quiz

Answer: Islam

Babism itself developed from the Twelver Shi'a sect of Islam, which held that the twelfth of a succession of great imams had disappeared but did not die, and would return to usher in an era of peace and prosperity.

Answer: 1819 - 1850

The Bab (the word means 'gateway'), born Ali Muhammad and a direct descendant of the prophet Muhammad, prophesied in 1844 that a great new religion would emerge within the next twenty years. A fearful Persian government had him executed for his teachings in 1850.

Answer: Baha'u'llah

Baha'u'llah (the word means 'God's glory') (1817 - 1892), born Husayn Ali, announced in 1863 that he was the founder of the religion that the Bab had foretold. He suffered persecution and exile, dying a prisoner in Palestine, but his writings became the basis of Baha'i teachings.

Answer: The Most Holy Book

The Kitab al-Aqdas, also translated as The Book of Laws, gives instructions for life according to the tenets of Baha'i.

Answer: Haifa

At the time this quiz was compiled, Ramallah was under Palestinian rule, not Israeli.

Answer: God is unknowable.

The Baha'i also teach that proof of God's existence and continued involvement in the world can be found in the world's creation and the existence of the prophets. (Among the prophets recognized by the Baha'i are Abraham, Moses, Zoroaster, Buddha, Jesus, and Muhammad, after whom came Baha'u'llah.)

Answer: False

According to Baha'i teaching, the divisions of the human race are only artificial. Mankind is one, and all human religions teach the same truth. The Baha'i reject all forms of prejudice and emphasize such ethical goals as education, gender equality, and peace. Said Baha'u'llah: 'The Earth is but one country and mankind its citizens.'

Answer: Ayyam-i-Ha

There are four Days of Ha (or Intercalary Days) in ordinary years, but five every leap year. These are the excess days that don't fall into any of the 19-day Baha'i months. They are used to prepare spiritually for the Baha'i fast, which takes place in the month of March (Ala) and ends at Naw-Ruz, the New Year.

Answer: Through personal reflection and development.

The Baha'i faith emphasizes personal decision-making as the most important part of personal belief.

Answer: Wilmette, Illinois

One of only eight in the world, the Wilmette House of Worship was completed in 1953. Like the others, its nine sides and single dome represent the unity of the human race. Also like the others, it's an extraordinarily beautiful {building;} if you're ever in the Chicago area, I recommend a side-trip. Baha'i Houses of Worship are open to people of all faiths, and welcome the curious.