Two hundred years ago in Persia (modern Iran) – at a time when that country was just beginning to engage with western ideas, was still steeped in superstition and hampered in its advancement by a powerful and deeply traditional clergy – a baby boy was born to a noble family from Teheran, the firstborn son of a much respected counsellor to the court, a man of integrity and virtue, whose advice was sought by the highest in the land.

This boy would grow to become an ardent advocate for peace, justice and change. His love of truth and the ideas advanced in his writings would see him imprisoned, tortured and banished. Despite intense persecution, his life and teachings would galvanise a growing community of disciples, setting in motion a dynamic of moral, spiritual and social progress that would spread far beyond the region to embrace the entire globe.

That movement is the Bahá’í Faith, and the words of its founder, Bahá’u’lláh, are revered today by millions of believers as nothing less than God’s message to humanity for this most critical and crucial period in our history. Never has the world been more in need of unity, peace, justice, equality and hope than now. Never was a message more relevant and timely.

The Bahá’í Community of Belgium invites you to celebrate with us the bicentenary of the birth of Bahá’u’lláh.