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The Baha'i faith, which is practiced by approximately 6 million

people around the world, has no ceremonies, no sacraments, and no clergy. Largest religion without rites The Baha'i faith (Baha'i means "The People of Light") evolved from Islam toward the end of the 19th century, as the fulfillment of the prophecy of Mirza Ali Muhammad of Shiraz, or the Bab. In 1850, following the martyrdom of the Bab, the founder of the religion - Husayn Ali of Nur, called Baha'u'llah - became the principal Babi leader and was imprisoned and exiled for his teachings. His followers are called Baha'is, and they believe that he was one of a line of divine manifestations including the Buddha, Jesus Christ, and Muhammad. The Baha'i religious headquarters are in Haifa, Israel. The site includes a shrine of the Bab and an administrative center. The faith is established in more than 235 countries and territories. ©Copyright 2001, Guiness World Records



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