Latest news with #Bahá'íFaith
IOL News
6 days ago
- General
- IOL News
A Bahá'í Perspective on Women's Month: Building balanced and harmonious societies
National Women's Day on 9 August is an opportune time to reflect on how to create a culture in which all members of society – whether women or men – can advance together to build better societies. Observing the human rights of both men and women, and according them equal opportunities, will bring about a more balanced world, one in which the more masculine qualities of physical strength and courage will be balanced by intuition, love and service: qualities in which women are strong. The Bahá'í Writings state, "The happiness of mankind will be realized when women and men coordinate and advance equally, for each is the complement and helpmeet of the other', and that 'The world of humanity is possessed of two wings: the male and the female. So long as these two wings are not equivalent in strength, the bird will not fly. Until womankind reaches the same degree as man, until she enjoys the same arena of activity, extraordinary attainment for humanity will not be realized; humanity cannot wing its way to heights of real attainment'. The equality of men and women does not imply sameness or identity of function, but there is no superiority associated with functional differences. The Universal House of Justice, the international governing council of the Bahá'í Faith, states that 'Equality between men and women does not – indeed physiologically it cannot – mean identity of function. In some things women excel men, in others men are better than women, while in very many things the difference in sex is of no effect at all'.
IOL News
18-06-2025
- General
- IOL News
Youth are hope for a brighter future
As we continue observing National Youth Month, it is opportune to reflect on the role of youth in building a better and brighter future. While youth are our hope for tomorrow, their contribution is not only for the future. It is within their power to contribute significantly to the transformation of society today. The period of youth is a time for preparation. It is the time for personal change, the time during which youth begin to consciously explore and apply their knowledge, values and beliefs about individual and collective life. We need to have confidence that our children and youth have great potential and capacities and to help them to develop and enhance these capacities. Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith, compares human beings to a mine containing many hidden jewels, waiting to be discovered. He says: 'Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom'. It is therefore important to converse with our youth, listen to their opinions and try to find out how we can help them enhance their potential capacities. They should be guided to analyse the constructive and destructive forces operating in society and recognise the influence these forces have on their thoughts and actions. In order to develop their latent capabilities and for them to contribute to the betterment of society, it is necessary for our youth to acquire a balanced education. An adequate education involves moral empowerment as well as intellectual development. It involves acquiring spiritual qualities and useful qualifications, developing a high-minded outlook and upright character. Combining spiritual and intellectual education will help our youth to develop ability and interest to work for the common good. According to the Bahá'í Writings: 'Service to humanity is service to God'. Educating our youth in the principle of service to humanity will arouse and maintain motivation. When this is coupled with the acquisition of practical skills and appropriate technologies, will open many possibilities for development and advancement in our societies. A guidance leading our youth to combine science and religion, belief and reason, will help free our children and youth from fanaticism and superstition. Placing emphasis on learning to think, rather than following adults out of fear, to reflect and reason, rather than to imitate, will motivate them to apply moral laws and guidance with understanding and conviction. We need a new direction in education that emphasises the role of youth as global citizens and prepares young people to act in the long-term interests of humanity as a whole. Such an education would instil in them the awareness of the fundamental oneness of the human family and to work for peace. 'Everywhere the signs multiply that the earth's peoples yearn for an end to conflict and to the suffering and ruin from which no land is any longer immune. These rising impulses for change must be seized upon and channelled into overcoming the remaining barriers that block realisation of the age-old dream of global peace', says the Bahá'í International Community in one of its statements. A great responsibility to contribute to the betterment of society rests on the current generation of youth. They are our hope for a brighter future and a peaceful world. By adhering to high moral standards, by showing integrity and uprightness in their interactions with others, by valuing differences in the human family, and by their commitment to serve humanity, they can become effective actors in building a better and brighter global society. For feedback please contact: [email protected] or (011) 801 3100 Websites:
Al Arabiya
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Arabiya
‘You' star Penn Badgley says he keeps Quran on bedside
Netflix's 'You' superstar Penn Badgley has shared that he keeps a copy of the Quran next to his bed, inspiring many fans through his curiosity and open-mindedness about Islam. 'Honestly, on my nightstand I have the Quran, which sometimes I meditate on a passage from,' he said in a recent interview with USA Today. Fans were quick to react to Badgley's revelation. 'Love him for acknowledging it and the power of the Quran,' wrote one Instagram user who identified by the name @ Another user who went by the name Maysa highlighted the star's faith known as the Baháʼí Faith, adding that 'it (Quran) is going to be a completely different read for him.' The You star is a publicly known follower of the Baháʼí Faith, and has spoken about his beliefs and practices, including his morning routine which includes a special prayer. The Baháʼí Faith emphasizes the unity of all religions and the progressive nature of religious revelation. Hollywood celebrities have in the past shared their experience reading the Islamic holy book. In March last year, Will Smith described the Quran as 'crystal clear,' adding that the 'spirit of it was beautiful and clear.'
Scoop
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Police Acknowledge Race Unity Speech Awards Winner
Press Release – New Zealand Police The winner of the 2025 Race Unity Speech Awards is Jordyn Joy Pillay, from Ormiston Senior College, Auckland. Jordyn's speech highlighted that diversity must be more than a moment – it must be a movement. 'I am the ocean I cannot be read I am calm and soothing and so accepting. Come to me …I'll bring you peace. I see no difference. I'm home to fins and feathers, skin and scales …home to many, I freely give. I welcome you warmly. Abide in me.' The awards were held at the Ngā Kete Wānanga Marae, Manukau Institute of Technology Ōtara Campus over the weekend and featured students from several schools across New Zealand. This year's theme – 'Te Moana Nui o te Kanorau – The Great Ocean of Diversity' – highlights our need for the natural harmony that we see in the outdoors to be replicated in our society. The metaphor also talks to our strength being in our differences. Police Commissioner Richard Chambers is delighted to be the first Commissioner to attend the awards. 'Supporting initiatives like this represents our commitment to building trust and confidence with the diverse communities we serve,' Commissioner Chambers says. Police Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers, the chief judge of the awards, stressed the importance of providing a platform for rangatahi to discuss and share their thoughts on important societal issues. 'I am astonished by the quality of the speeches from our young people over the weekend,' she says. 'As Police, we are proud to be supporting a platform for our young people to voice their aspirations and solutions.' Superintendent Rakesh Naidoo MNZM – National Partnerships Manager Ethnic, acknowledged the history of the award the partnership. 'As Iwi and Community Partnerships, we are honoured to have been supporters of these awards for nearly two decades. These awards offer us a meaningful platform to be highly visible amongst our youth and positively engage with them on issues that are important to them and their communities. Each year, we are inspired by the voices of our young people – who are leading us now and into the future,' he says. About the Awards The Race Unity Speech Awards were established by the New Zealand Bahá'í Community in memory of race relations advocate and Bahá'í Faith member Hedi Moani. Organised by the New Zealand Bahá'í Community, a religious community dedicated to promoting the oneness of humanity at various levels, the Speech Awards is supported by the New Zealand Police, the Human Rights Commission, Foundation North, Manukau Institute of Technology, Ministry for Ethnic Communities, Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori, Speech New Zealand, Hedi Moani Charitable Trust, and Studio Marque.
