Sarah Bennett
The Baháʼí Faith is a religion founded in the 19th century that teaches the essential worth of all religions and the unity of all people. Established by Baháʼu'lláh, it initially developed in Iran and parts of the Middle East, where it has faced ongoing persecution since its inception. The Baháʼí Faith has 5–8 million adherents (known as Baháʼís) spread throughout most of the world's countries and territories. Baháʼís cannot claim religious exemption for government vaccine mandates. Baháʼu'lláh stated in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas: Resort ye, in times of sickness, to competent physicians; We have not set aside the use of material means, rather have We confirmed it through this Pen, which God hath made to be the Dawning-place of His shining and glorious Cause. This suggests that Baháʼís should follow the counsel of medical and scientific experts on the advisability and efficacy of vaccinations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of adherents | 5–8 million |
| Regions with the largest proportions of adherents | Sub-Saharan Africa (29.9%), South Asia (26.8%), Southeast Asia (12.7%), and Latin America (12.2%) |
| Regions with the smallest proportions of adherents | Europe (2.0%), Australasia (1.6%), and Northeast Asia (0.9%) |
| Religious exemption for governmental vaccine mandates | Not allowed |
| Religious text on the subject of vaccination | Baháʼu'lláh stated in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas: "Resort ye, in times of sickness, to competent physicians; We have not set aside the use of material means, rather have We confirmed it through this Pen, which God hath made to be the Dawning-place of His shining and glorious Cause." |
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What You'll Learn
Bahá'ís cannot claim religious exemption for vaccines
Baháʼís cannot claim religious exemption for vaccines. The Baháʼí Faith is a religion founded in the 19th century that teaches the essential worth of all religions and the unity of all people. The Baháʼís have no religious texts that explicitly mention vaccines, but the religion does emphasize the importance of seeking medical advice and following the guidance of competent physicians.
In a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer in 1943, it was stated that the Baháʼí Teachings do not specifically address vaccinations, and therefore, no religious advice can be given on this subject. The letter also acknowledged that medical science would continue to progress and improve over time. This sentiment was echoed in another letter from 1957, which advised Baháʼís to consult with good physicians when ill and implied that refusing prescribed medications, such as vaccines, would not align with Baháʼí principles.
The Kitáb-i-Aqdas, a sacred text of the Baháʼí Faith, reinforces the importance of seeking medical advice: "Resort ye, in times of sickness, to competent physicians; We have not set aside the use of material means, rather have We confirmed it through this Pen, which God hath made to be the Dawning-place of His shining and glorious Cause." Additionally, Baháʼís are encouraged to follow the counsel of medical and scientific experts, especially during the coronavirus pandemic, considering their social responsibilities and the common good.
Shoghi Effendi, the leader of the Baháʼí Faith after the death of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá, consistently advised Baháʼís to refer to scientists for answers to scientific issues. This approach aligns with the Baháʼí principle of loyalty and obedience to the government, which further emphasizes the importance of adhering to public health guidelines, including vaccination recommendations.
In summary, while Baháʼís may have individual opinions about vaccines, they cannot claim religious exemption. The Baháʼí Faith encourages its adherents to seek medical advice, follow scientific expertise, and prioritize the well-being of their communities. These principles guide Baháʼís to make informed decisions regarding their health and the health of those around them.
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Bahá'ís should consider social responsibilities and the common good
The Baháʼí Faith is a religion founded in the 19th century that teaches the essential worth of all religions and the unity of all people. Established by Baháʼu'lláh, it initially developed in Iran and parts of the Middle East, where it has faced ongoing persecution since its inception. Baháʼís cannot claim religious exemption for government vaccine mandates.
Bahá'ís should consider their social responsibilities and the common good. In a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer in 1943, it is stated that:
> There is nothing in the Bahá’í Teachings regarding vaccinations but only general indications about health; therefore, the Guardian cannot advise you on this subject. Regarding your question about vaccination: These are technical matters which have not been specifically mentioned in the teachings, and consequently, the Guardian cannot make any statement about them. No doubt medical science will progress tremendously as time goes by, and the treatment of disease [will] become more perfect.
In the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, Bahá’u’lláh stated:
> Resort ye, in times of sickness, to competent physicians; We have not set aside the use of material means, rather have We confirmed it through this Pen, which God hath made to be the Dawning-place of His shining and glorious Cause.
In relation to the coronavirus pandemic, Bahá'ís should follow the counsel of medical and other scientific experts on the advisability and efficacy of the various vaccination options that are becoming available and the wisdom of particular public health measures. They should not be concerned merely with their own personal choices and well-being, but in reaching their decisions, they should also consider their social responsibilities and the common good. Ultimately, the decision as to whether to have one's child vaccinated or not must rest with the parents in consultation with the doctor on whom they rely.
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Bahá'u'lláh encourages seeking competent physicians
Baháʼu'lláh, the founder of the Baháʼí Faith, encourages his followers to seek competent physicians in times of sickness. In the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, Baháʼu'lláh states, "Resort ye, in times of sickness, to competent physicians; We have not set aside the use of material means, rather have We confirmed it through this Pen, which God hath made to be the Dawning-place of His shining and glorious Cause."
This statement by Baháʼu'lláh provides guidance to Baháʼís on medical matters, including the use of vaccines. While the Baháʼí Writings do not specifically mention vaccination, the above quote indicates that Baháʼís should seek medical advice and follow the recommendations of competent physicians.
In a letter written on behalf of the Guardian of the Baháʼí Faith in 1943, it is acknowledged that the Baháʼí Teachings do not directly address vaccinations but encourage Baháʼís to consider their social responsibilities and the common good. The letter states, "Regarding your question about vaccination: These are technical matters which have not been specifically mentioned in the teachings, and consequently, the Guardian cannot make any statement about them. No doubt medical science will progress tremendously as time goes by, and the treatment of disease will become more perfect."
Baháʼís are advised to follow the counsel of medical and scientific experts, especially during the coronavirus pandemic. A statement by the Universal House of Justice on February 11, 2021, emphasizes, "In relation to the coronavirus pandemic, the friends should follow the counsel of medical and other scientific experts on the advisability and efficacy of the various vaccination options that are becoming available and the wisdom of particular public health measures."
Additionally, in a letter dated February 15, 1957, on behalf of the Guardian of the Baháʼí Faith, it is clarified that Baháʼís cannot refuse medications prescribed by competent physicians. The letter states, "One thing is clear—that Baháʼu'lláh has said we should consult a good physician if we are ill; and as good physicians nowadays prescribe mostly drugs, it would not seem that a Baháʼí could refuse to take them." However, Baháʼís have the freedom to choose the kind of physician they consider competent, and parents make the ultimate decision regarding their children's vaccination status in consultation with their trusted doctor.
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Bahá'ís should follow the counsel of medical and scientific experts
Baháʼu'lláh, the founder of the Baháʼí Faith, stated in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas:
> Resort ye, in times of sickness, to competent physicians; We have not set aside the use of material means, rather have We confirmed it through this Pen, which God hath made to be the Dawning-place of His shining and glorious Cause.
This statement encourages Baháʼís to seek medical attention when they are unwell and to utilise "material means", such as drugs and vaccines, to treat illnesses. Shoghi Effendi, the leader of the Baháʼí Faith after the death of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá, further emphasised this principle by consistently advising Baháʼís to refer to scientists on scientific matters.
In a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer in 1943, it was acknowledged that vaccination is a technical matter not specifically mentioned in the Baháʼí teachings. However, it was recognised that medical science would continue to progress and improve disease treatment over time. The letter stated:
> There is nothing in the Bahá’í Teachings regarding vaccinations but only general indications about health; therefore, the Guardian cannot advise you on this subject.
In relation to the coronavirus pandemic, Baháʼís are encouraged to follow the counsel of medical and scientific experts when considering the various vaccination options available. This decision should not be based solely on personal choices and well-being but should also take into account social responsibilities and the common good. Baháʼís cannot claim religious exemption for governmental vaccine mandates. Ultimately, the decision to vaccinate rests with the individual or the parents, in consultation with a trusted physician.
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Bahá'ís are free to use their own judgement
Baháʼu'lláh, the founder of the Baháʼí Faith, stated in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas:
> Resort ye, in times of sickness, to competent physicians; We have not set aside the use of material means, rather have We confirmed it through this Pen, which God hath made to be the Dawning-place of His shining and glorious Cause.
In a letter dated February 15, 1957, the Guardian of the Baháʼí Faith wrote:
> One thing is clear — that Bahá’u’lláh has said we should consult a good physician if we are ill; and as good physicians nowadays prescribe mostly drugs, it would not seem that a Bahá’í could refuse to take them. However, they are free to use their own judgement as to what kind of a physician they consider a good physician, and ultimately the decision as to whether to have one’s child vaccinated or not must rest with the parents in consultation with the doctor on whom they rely.
In a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer on December 24, 1943, it was stated:
> There is nothing in the Bahá’í Teachings regarding vaccinations but only general indications about health; therefore, the Guardian cannot advise you on this subject. Regarding your question about vaccination: These are technical matters which have not been specifically mentioned in the teachings, and consequently the Guardian cannot make any statement about them. No doubt medical science will progress tremendously as time goes by, and the treatment of disease [will] become more perfect.
In relation to the coronavirus pandemic, Baháʼís are advised to follow the counsel of medical and other scientific experts on the advisability and efficacy of the various vaccination options that are becoming available and the wisdom of particular public health measures. They should not be concerned merely with their own personal choices and well-being, but in reaching their decisions, they should also consider their social responsibilities and the common good.
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Frequently asked questions
The Baháʼí religion does not have an issue with vaccines. Baháʼís are advised to consult competent physicians in times of sickness. Baháʼís are also advised to consider their social responsibilities and the common good when making decisions about their health.
Baháʼí teachings do not specifically mention vaccination. Baháʼís are advised to consult competent physicians and follow the counsel of medical and scientific experts when making decisions about their health.
No, Baháʼís cannot claim religious exemption from governmental vaccine mandates. Baháʼís are advised to follow the counsel of medical and scientific experts and consider their social responsibilities and the common good when making decisions about their health.
Baháʼís are advised to follow the counsel of medical and scientific experts on the advisability and efficacy of the coronavirus vaccine and other public health measures. Baháʼís are also encouraged to consider their social responsibilities and the common good when making decisions about their health.
