These days, the world is troubled by heartbreaking reports of the treatment of women in many places, stories of girls denied education, women deprived of opportunities, and individuals facing restrictions on their freedom and participation… More
Where Does Bahá’í Money Come From?
Many people wonder how the Bahá’í Faith pays for its temples, community centers, educational programs, and other activities. The answer is quite simple: Bahá’í institutions are funded almost entirely through voluntary donations from Bahá’ís themselves.
Unlike some religious groups, the Bahá’í Faith does not require members to pay tithes or fixed dues. Giving is considered a personal and spiritual act, and each person decides privately how much, if anything, they wish to contribute. Donations are made according to an individual’s means, and there is no pressure to give a certain amount.
One unique aspect of the Bahá’í system is that only Bahá’ís can contribute to official Bahá’í funds. The Faith generally does not accept donations from non-Bahá’ís for its regular religious activities. This principle helps ensure that the community’s work is supported by those who identify with its beliefs and goals.
The money collected is used in many ways. It helps maintain Bahá’í Houses of Worship, local and national administrative offices, and community facilities. Funds also support children’s classes, youth programs, educational initiatives, and various social and humanitarian projects. On a global level, donations help support the work of the Bahá’í World Centre in Haifa and assist communities in countries that have fewer financial resources.
Large projects, such as the construction of Bahá’í temples, are usually financed through contributions gathered from Bahá’ís around the world over many years. Rather than relying on governments, businesses, or wealthy sponsors, these projects are typically the result of many individuals making voluntary contributions.
In short, Bahá’í money comes mainly from the generosity of its members. Through voluntary giving, Bahá’ís support the religious, educational, and humanitarian work of their global community.
The Watchman and the Lover: A Story from the Seven Valleys
Painting by Riza-yi ‘Abbasi
dated 1039 AH/1630 CE
In the Valley of Knowledge from The Seven Valleys of Bahá’u’lláh, the seeker of love begins to understand that he cannot judge what is truly good or bad for him. What appears as fear may be mercy, and what seems like loss may be the hidden path to union.
Majnún, driven by longing for Laylī, once ran through the streets in restless love. A watchman followed closely behind him. In his confusion and exhaustion, he cried out in fear:
“Surely this watchman is ‘Izrá’íl, my angel of death, following so fast upon me,”
He ran on, unable to distinguish between danger and guidance. Overcome by longing, he climbed a high wall and fell into a garden.
There, everything changed. He saw Laylī softly present, searching for something she had lost. In that moment, fear dissolved into joy, and he realized that what he had thought was death was actually a path leading him to life and nearness to his Beloved.
In awakening, he understood that the watchman was not ‘Izrá’íl (the angel of death), but a means of divine guidance: What seemed like ending was in fact beginning.
He then prayed in gratitude:
“O God! Bestow honour upon the watchman, and riches and long life. For the watchman was Gabriel, guiding this poor one; or he was Isráfíl, bringing life to this wretched one!”
In this valley, the seeker learns a simple but profound truth: he does not know what is truly harm or help. Only love reveals meaning, and only trust opens the heart to the wisdom behind all things.
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Source:
Thames Valley Bahá’í Community 