Bahai Library Online

Some introductory materials on the Baha'i Faith. For official websites, see www.bahai.org or bahai.com.

Introductory materials

  1. Duane Troxel. 15 Bahá'í Word Search Puzzles (2022). Word-search puzzles with Bahá'í themes. Solutions provided at end.
  2. Duane Troxel. 25 Bahá'í Crossword Puzzles (2021). Crossword puzzles with Bahá'í themes. Solutions provided after each puzzle.
  3. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Abdu'l-Baha in Britain: Warwick Leaflets (2011). Short overview of Abdu'l-Bahá's travels to Britain.
  4. About the Bahá'í Faith (-). Starting places for studying the Bahá'í Faith: introductory books, articles, and magazines etc.
  5. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Administration, Bahá'í: Warwick Leaflets (1993). Introduction to the Bahá'í administration.
  6. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. After Communism: What Next?: Warwick Leaflets (1990). Leaflet proposing the Bahá'í Faith as a solution to the hole left in European society by the downfall of communism.
  7. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Animals, Treatment of: Warwick Leaflets (1991). Kindness toward animals is a core Bahá'í teaching about the station and capacity of animals, who have senses and feelings but not spiritual susceptibilities. Our responsibility toward animals means a decrease in their use as food in the future.
  8. Christopher Buck. Bahá'í: History, Beliefs, Practices, Theological Exchanges, and Current Issues (2014). Brief overviews of Bahá'í history and thought.
  9. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Bahá'í Centenary, The: 100 years of the Bahá'í Faith in Britain, A Brief History: Warwick Leaflets (1998). Short history of the Bahá'ís of the United Kingdom.
  10. Peter Smith, Moojan Momen. Bahá'í Faith 1957-1988, The: A Survey of Contemporary Developments (1989). A general account of developments in the Bahá'í Faith during these three decades.
  11. Bahá'í Faith and Islam (2013). Overview of connections and contrasts between the Bahá'í Faith and its parent religion.
  12. Robert Stockman. Bahá'í Faith, The (2002).
  13. Paula R. Hartz. Bahá'í Faith, The (2002/2009). Overview of Bahá'í history, teachings, and scripture, with many photographs and illustrations; part of a "World Religions" series aimed at high school students. (Offsite.)
  14. Bahá'í International Community. Bahá'í Faith, The: An Introduction (1998). An overview of the Bahá'í Faith, in words and pictures.
  15. Udo Schaefer. Gerald C. Keil, trans. Bahá'í Faith, The: Sect or Religion? (1988). Lengthy study defining the distinguishing features of the Bahá'í Faith as contrasted with other contemporary religious movements.
  16. William S. Hatcher, Douglas Martin. Baha'i Faith, The: The Emerging Global Religion (1985/2011). Overview of Bahá'í history and teachings, designed as an introductory textbook. Available in English or in Persian.
  17. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Bahá'í Faith, The: How It Began: Warwick Leaflets (1990/2012). A very short introduction to Bahá'í history.
  18. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Bahá'í Faith, What Is It?: Warwick Leaflets (1990/2017). Basic Bahá'í teachings, beliefs and principles.
  19. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Bahá'í Fast, The: Warwick Leaflets (2012). A summary of the laws and principles of the Fast.
  20. Marzieh Gail. Bahá'í Glossary: Persian and Arabic words appearing in the Bahá'í Writings (1957). The first published glossary of Bahá'í terms and names.
  21. Neil McMillan, Brian Didier. Susan Gammage, ed. Baha'i Glossary, A (2016). A glossary of Bahá'í principles and concepts, as derived from hundreds of messages of the Universal House of Justice.
  22. Moojan Momen, Peter Smith. Bahá'í History (1993). A general survey of the history of the Bahá'í Faith, including a brief overview of main events in Bábí and Bahá'í history. Next, a series of themes that have developed throughout Bahá'í history is examined.
  23. Peter Smith. Bahá'í Studies videos (2013). Twelve introductory videos about Bahá'í history, practice, and teachings.
  24. Peter Smith. Baha'i Studies Youtube Playlist (2020). Link to Smith's videos on Bábí and Bahá'í history: Emergence of the Bábí movement; Bábí conflict and collapse; development of a new religion; Bahá'u'lláh; Bahá'í beliefs and practice; geo-cultural breakthroughs; expansion of the Bahá'í Faith.
  25. Lerone Bennett Jr.. Bahá'í: A Way of Life for Millions (1965). Article reprinted from 1965 Ebony Magazine article and made into pamphlet for mass distribution.
  26. Bahá'í International Community. Bahá'ís, The: Contributing to an Emerging Global Civilization (2017). A popular magazine-format introduction to the Faith produced by the Office of Public Information of the Bahá’í International Community.
  27. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Bahá'u'lláh: Warwick Leaflets (1990). A very brief introduction to the Person of Bahá'u'lláh and some of His teachings.
  28. John E. Esslemont. Baha'u'llah and the New Era (1980). The classic introductory text on the Bahá'í Faith focusing on Bahá'í teachings and the lives of the Bab, Bahá'u'lláh, and Abdu'l-Bahá.
  29. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Baha'u'llah, the Messenger of God: Warwick Leaflets (1990). Short biography of Bahá'u'lláh with scriptural excerpts.
  30. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Baha'u'llah, The Promised One: Warwick Leaflets (1990).
  31. Darius Shahrokh, Grace Shahrokh. Basics of the Bahá'í Faith (1994). Comprehensive summary of Bahai history and teachings, distributed by Images International as a 35-page booklet. Transcript available in both English and Persian.
  32. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Becoming a Bahá'í - What Do I Need to Know?: Warwick Leaflets (2012). An aid to inviting people to enrol, explaining very simply what they need to know before joining the Bahá'í community.
  33. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Being A Bahá'í: Warwick Leaflets (1990). Short introduction to Bahá'í religious obligations.
  34. Bahá'í World Centre, comp. Brief Course on the Bahá'í Faith, A (1993). Basic themes and beliefs of the Bahá'í Faith, explained succinctly, with glossary and study questions.
  35. Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Boise, Idaho, comp. Brief History of the Bahá'í Faith (1996-11-25). Chronology of major events in Bahá'í history from 1844 to 1996.
  36. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Buddhism and the Bahá'í Faith: Warwick Leaflets (2002). An overview of similar Bahá'í and Buddhist teachings.
  37. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Christ, Return of: Warwick Leaflets (1994/2012). Some Christian prophecies and their fulfillment in the Bahá'í Faith.
  38. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Christianity and the Bahá'í Faith: Warwick Leaflets (2005).
  39. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Christmas and Bahá'ís: Warwick Leaflets (2002).
  40. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Climate Change: Warwick Leaflets (2020).
  41. Compare: Bahá'í Faith, Islam, Christianity, Judaism (2009-08-09). Comparison charts of statistics, basic beliefs, origins, and history.
  42. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Consultation: Warwick Leaflets (1990/2010).
  43. William Sears, ed. Convincing Answers to Your Questions about ... (1962). Introductory pamphlet about the Bahá'í Faith, including brief solutions to some of "the problems afflicting mankind in what is regarded as the most turbulent period in history."
  44. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Counsellors, Board Members, and Assistants: Warwick Leaflets (2002). An explanation of the ‘Appointed Arm’ of the Faith.
  45. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Cyflwyno'r Ffydd: Warwick Leaflets (1993). Welsh introduction to the Bahá'í Faith.
  46. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Daily Devotions: Warwick Leaflets (1993/2001). A summary of Bahá'í laws on daily obligatory prayer, reading the Writings, and meditation.
  47. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Dear Parent ... a Message to a non-Bahá'í Parent: Warwick Leaflets (2000). A letter written to the parents of British Bahá'í converts to dispel anxiety and misinformation.
  48. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Economics, A Bahá'í Approach: Warwick Leaflets (1994-04-27).
  49. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Education, Bahá'í: Warwick Leaflets (1994/2019).
  50. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Environment, Caring for: Warwick Leaflets (2008).
  51. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Family Life: Warwick Leaflets (1992).
  52. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Fasting and the Bahá'í Fast: Warwick Leaflets (1993/2001).
  53. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Food and Farming: Warwick Leaflets (2001).
  54. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Freedom of Speech: Warwick Leaflets (1997).
  55. Glosario Basico de Terminos Bahá'ís (2004). Spanish glossary of 404 terms used in the Bahá'í writings, community and administration, as well as words related to the history of other religions, and the history of Persia, Turkey and the Holy Land. Followed by glossary from the Iqan.
  56. Glossary and Index of Terms (2004). Comprehensive glossary of Islam. (Extracted from the final volume, #13. Encyclopedia index not included.)
  57. Mike Thomas, comp. Glossary of Arabic and Persian Transcription (2016/2024). Comprehensive list of names and terms encountered in Bahá'í history, with transcription (accents, underlines and underdots), locations, word meanings, history and definitions. Updated monthly.
  58. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. God's Promise to Humanity: Warwick Leaflets (1993).
  59. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. God, Nature of: Warwick Leaflets (1994). The nature of God in the Bahá'í Faith.
  60. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Good and Evil: Warwick Leaflets (1996).
  61. Darius Shahrokh. Guide to Pronunciation, A (1992). Pronunciation of Persian and Arabic words, clearly explained and enunciated for a non–Persian-speaking audience.
  62. Marzieh Gail. Roger Coe, ed. Guide to Transliteration and Pronunciation of the Persian Alphabet: together with the Numerical Value of the letters (Abjad Reckoning) (1957). Persian letter, key, transliteration, pronunciation, and Abjad value.
  63. Harvard Pluralism Project: Baha'i (2023). Six overview essays on Bahá'í history, beliefs, and practices. (Offsite)
  64. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Health and Healing: Warwick Leaflets (1989/1996).
  65. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Hinduism and the Bahá'í Faith: Warwick Leaflets (2000).
  66. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Importance of Religion, The: Warwick Leaflets (2015).
  67. Bahá'í Internet Agency. Internet Guidance (2004-2009). Links to a variety of guidelines for online media: responding to opposition online; how to do podcasting and blogging; netiquette; SEO and hosting websites; using social networking sites; compilation on Internet communications; PowerPoint presentations.
  68. Introduction to the Bahá'í Tradition (1997/2009). Brief overview of The Bab and Bahá'u'lláh; worldwide expansion; affirming oneness; feast and fireside; human equality; and becoming a Bahá'í.
  69. Seena Fazel. Is the Bahá'í Faith a World Religion? (1994). Examination of the terms "world religion" and "new religious movement" to demonstrate that the Bahá'í Faith is best categorized as a "world religion."
  70. Abir Majid. Islam and the Bahá'í Faith (2004). Comprehensive overview of the relationship between the Bahá'í Faith and Islam, and background on Islam for Bahá'ís. Includes outline of Bahá'í principles and history, "An Introduction to the Bahá'í Faith."
  71. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Islam and the Bahá'í Faith: Warwick Leaflets (2002).
  72. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Judaism and the Bahá'í Faith: Warwick Leaflets (2004).
  73. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Law and Order: Warwick Leaflets (1995).
  74. Light of Baha'u'llah, The: An Introduction to the Baha'i Faith (1974). General introductory book: Bahá'í history, life of Bahá'u'lláh, spiritual teachings, social teachings, Bahá'í laws, administration, community life, and progressive revelation.
  75. Denis MacEoin. Making the Invisible Visible: Introductory Books on the Bahá'í Faith (2012-08). Overview of contemporary issues in Bahá'í scholarship from an outsider's perspective, including definition of "New Religious Movement," links to Islam, and the succession of authority in light of the truncated guardianship and the lack of schisms.
  76. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Marriage, Bahá'í: Warwick Leaflets (1992). Bahá'u'lláh said everyone should marry. Marriage unites the physical and spiritual in a "fortress for well-being" and provides for the nurturing of children. People should choose partners carefully. Discusses the ceremony, solving problems and divorce.
  77. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Monarchy, The Future of: Warwick Leaflets (2002).
  78. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. New Age, The: Warwick Leaflets (1992).
  79. Hushmand Fatheazam. New Garden, The: An Introduction to the Bahá'í Faith (2002). A widely-shared introductory text summarizing Bahá'í history and teachings.
  80. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. New Millennium, The: A Bahá'í View: Warwick Leaflets (1999).
  81. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. New World Order, The: Warwick Leaflets (1995).
  82. Jackie Mehrabi. Nine Holy Days (1975). Booklet geared to children and junior youth, giving an overview of all principal Bahá'í holidays, and bios of the Figures they commemorate.
  83. Boris Handal. Numeracy for the Junior Youth: Addition and Subtraction (2021). Learning materials developed for use in rural schools in India, intertwining numeracy skills with spiritual concepts for the Junior Youth age range. Reflections and quotations from the Bahá'í writings are included.
  84. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. One Human Race: Warwick Leaflets (1993). Brief introduction of ideas related to the Bahá'í concept of the oneness of mankind.
  85. Oriental Words in Bahá'í Literature, Transliteration, and Pronunciation (1986). Guide to spelling and pronunciation of Arabic and Persian words encountered in Bahá'í history and writings.
  86. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Pastoral Care of Bahá'í Children: Warwick Leaflets (1995).
  87. John Walbridge. Personal Names and Titles in Islamic and Baha'i Usage (2002).
  88. Duane Troxel. Powerpoints for Deepening (2004-2014). 26 presentations in Powerpoint format, on a variety of topics covering Bahá'í history, Central Figures, teachings, and relationship with Islam.
  89. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Prayer and Meditation: Warwick Leaflets (1990/2009).
  90. George Townshend. Promise of All Ages, The (1934). Overview of Bahá'í teachings: a "sketch of the religious teaching of Bahá’u’lláh on the subject of the unity of mankind and the establishment in this century of a universal and permanent peace."
  91. Gloria A. Faizi. Promise of Lord Krishna, The (1975). Bahá'í fulfillment of Krishna's prophecy of return: "Whenever there is decay of righteousness and exaltation of unrighteousness, then I Myself come forth."
  92. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Queen Victoria and the Bahá'í Faith: Warwick Leaflets (1999).
  93. Ahang Rabbani. Religion of Islam (2007). Overview of Islam: law and doctrine, The Qur'an, Hadith, the Five Pillars, Quranic interpretation.
  94. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Religions Are One: Warwick Leaflets (1993).
  95. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Science and Religion: Warwick Leaflets (1995-10).
  96. Moojan Momen. Short Introduction to the Bahá'í Faith, A (1997-04-24). An introduction to the teachings, beliefs, practices, and history of the Bahá'í Faith.
  97. Peter Smith. Short Introduction to the Bahá'í Faith, A (2013). Summary prepared for the Virginia Commonwealth University website on religious movements. Includes short history, doctrines and beliefs, Bahá'í practices, issues and challenges, and references.
  98. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Sikhism and the Bahá'í Faith: Warwick Leaflets (1998). Introductory leaflet describing similarities and differences between Bahá'í and Sikh teachings.
  99. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Soul, Life of the: Warwick Leaflets (1990).
  100. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Space: The Final Frontier?: Warwick Leaflets (1997). Bahá'í perspective on extraterrestrial life, technological progress, and spiritual development
  101. Farnaz Ma'sumian. Story of the Prophets (2013). Biographies of nine Manifestations, from Abraham to Bahá'u'lláh. Designed for junior youth by a retired professor of world religions, it provides a compact source of information on the founders of the world's major religions in readable language.
  102. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Suffering, The Meaning of: Warwick Leaflets (1990).
  103. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Sustainable Development, A Bahá'í View: Warwick Leaflets (1995).
  104. Boris Handal. Teaching Bahá'í History in Schools: A Resource Material (2010). A self-contained lesson addressing the history and growth of the Faith and the lives of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh, designed for primary-school students in the broader community; contains learning objectives, learning activities, and audio-visual resources.
  105. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Terrorism, Freedom from: Warwick Leaflets (1996).
  106. Adam Thorne. "This Glorious Harvest of Victory: The 1963 World Congress (2012-11). Brief history about the first international Bahá'í congress, including recollections of some participants.
  107. Duane Troxel. Videos for Deepening (2004-2014). Four videos: The Life of the Báb, The Life of the Guardian, The Return of Christ, and What Do Bahá'ís Believe.
  108. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Warwick Leaflets (1989-2020). A series of brochures for seekers and new Bahá'ís explaining basic Bahá'í teachings.
  109. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Way to World Peace, The: Warwick Leaflets (2015).
  110. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Why Are We Here: Meaning of Life: Warwick Leaflets (2003).
  111. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Women, The Status of: Warwick Leaflets (1995). Overview of the status of women in education, marriage, and the future.
  112. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. Words of Inspiration: Warwick Leaflets (1992).
  113. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. World Citizenship: Warwick Leaflets (1996).
  114. Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. World Peace: Warwick Leaflets (1990/2009).
  115. Phil Christensen. World Wide Web, The: An Owner's Manual for Bahá'í Youth (2005-03-14). Guide to the Internet for Bahá'í Youth. Sites to visit, sites to avoid, and other information. [Old, not updated]
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