Compulsory Education
Education is a fundamental right. Parents and society share the duty to ensure all children — regardless of gender or background — receive a full and meaningful education.
The Bahá'í Faith places education among the highest of human obligations. Bahá'u'lláh declared that both boys and girls must receive a thorough education — a principle that was radical in the nineteenth century and remains unrealised in many parts of the world today.
'Abdu'l-Bahá emphasised that the education of daughters is even more important than that of sons, because women as mothers are the primary educators of the next generation. A mother who is educated and cultivated in wisdom will raise children who contribute positively to the progress of society. This principle directly challenges the practice of withdrawing girls from school early in favour of marriage or domestic work.
The Bahá'í concept of education extends beyond the classroom. It encompasses the education of character — the cultivation of virtues like honesty, justice, compassion, and courage — which the Faith regards as equally important as intellectual development.
Bahá'í-inspired educational initiatives — from village schools in the developing world to the Ruhi Institute curriculum — seek to put this comprehensive vision into practice, building communities' capacity to serve their own development while remaining connected to the larger civilisation of which they are part.
Keep exploring
Core Principles of the Faith
Progressive Revelation
God sends Messengers throughout history — Abraham, Moses, Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad, and Bahá'u'lláh — each bringing teachings suited to the age and capacity of humanity at that time.
Explore this principle →Oneness of Humanity
The human race is one. The rich diversity of cultures, races, and nations is a source of beauty. Prejudice in any form must be abandoned as a relic of an immature age.
Explore this principle →Equality of Women and Men
Women and men are equal before God. Until women participate fully in all domains of society, the world will not attain the peace and prosperity it seeks.
Explore this principle →Harmony of Science and Religion
Truth is one. Any religious teaching that contradicts science is superstition. Any science without moral foundation is a danger to humanity. Both must be pursued together.
Explore this principle →World Order and Peace
Humanity is evolving toward a global civilisation. Just institutions — democratic, transparent, guided by collective decision-making — must be established at every level of society.
Explore this principle →Economic Justice
The extremes of poverty and wealth are unjust. Economic systems must be reformed to provide for all, while rewarding initiative and discouraging exploitation.
Explore this principle →Universal Auxiliary Language
The adoption of a universal auxiliary language would eliminate one of the great barriers to human communication and the unity of the world's peoples.
Explore this principle →Elimination of Prejudice
Racial, religious, class, and national prejudice must be overcome. Independent investigation of truth — not blind imitation — is the path forward.
Explore this principle →