Baha’is are urged to “Consort with the followers of all religions in a spirit of friendliness and fellowship.” One way they do this is through the commemoration of World Religion Day -- Sunday, January 17.


World Religion DayWorld Religion Day was initiated in 1950 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States. The Assembly's purpose was to call attention to the harmony of spiritual principles and the oneness of the world's religions and to emphasize that religion is the motivating force for world unity.

As stated in Baha'i scripture: "religion should be the cause of love and agreement, a bond to unify all mankind for it is a message of peace and goodwill to man from God," and "Religion is the greatest of all means for the establishment of order in the world and for the peaceful contentment of all that dwell therein." (See The Promise of World Peace)

It is observed the third Sunday in January by Baha'is in the United States and increasingly by people around the globe, with interfaith discussions, conferences and other events that foster understanding and communication among the followers of all religions.

Following is a portion of a Baha’i prayer that is frequently read on World Religion Day:

O Thou kind Lord! Unite all. Let the religions agree and make the nations one, so that they may see each other as one family and the whole earth as one home. May they all live together in perfect harmony.

God! Raise aloft the banner of the oneness of mankind.

O God! Establish the Most Great Peace.

Cement Thou, O God, the hearts together.

O Thou kind Father, God! Gladden our hearts through the fragrance of Thy love. Brighten our eyes through the Light of Thy Guidance. Delight our ears with the melody of Thy Word, and shelter us all in the Stronghold of Thy Providence.

Thou art the Mighty and Powerful, Thou art the Forgiving and Thou art the One Who overlooketh the shortcomings of all mankind.
-Abdu’l-Baha