The Bahá’í Faith was first established in Botswana in 1955. Since that time, increasing numbers of people throughout the country have been finding inspiration and guidance in the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. Here, members of the Bahá’í community are working together with their neighbors and friends to promote and contribute to the well-being and progress of society. In urban centres and rural villages, in homes and schools, citizens of all backgrounds, classes and ages are participating in a dynamic pattern of life, taking part in activities which are, at once, spiritual, social and educational.
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The Centenary of the Passing of Abdu'l-Baha
"So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth.​"  ​– Bahá’u’lláh ​
Many community building activities that address society’s needs in both their spiritual and material dimensions are underway in Botswana. Among the principles that inspire them are the oneness of humanity, the need for universal education and the elimination of all forms of prejudice. In Botswana, the Bahá’ís and their growing numbers of friends offer opportunities to study and reflect upon spiritual topics, arrange meetings for communal worship, and provide classes for children and youth, emphasizing moral education.
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Eight members of the first Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Botswana, 1970.
"This is the changeless Faith of God, eternal in the past, eternal in the future. Let him that seeketh, attain it; and as to him that hath refused to seek it - verily, God is Self-Sufficient, above any need of His creatures."  ~ Bahá’u’lláh
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The entrance to the tomb of Bahá’u’lláh. The inscription, an invocation in Arabic meaning “O Glory of Glories,” is a reference to Bahá’u’lláh.

Who is Bahá’u’lláh?

Throughout history, God has revealed Himself to humanity through a series of divine Messengers, each of whom has founded a great religion. The Messengers have included Abraham, Krishna, Zoroaster, Moses, Buddha, Jesus, and Muhammad. The latest of these Messengers is Bahá’u’lláh, who brings new spiritual and social teachings for our modern age. He taught that there is only one God, that all of the world’s religions are from God, and that now is the time for humanity to recognize its oneness and unite.

To learn more about the life of Bahá'u'lláh, click below for a photographic narrative.