Sacred writings
The writings of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh constitute the sacred scripture of the Bahá’í Faith. The writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi are its authoritative interpretation. The guidance of the Universal House of Justice directs the worldwide Bahá’í community.
Administration without clergy
The Bahá’í Faith has no clergy. Community affairs are administered by elected councils — Local Spiritual Assemblies at the local level and a National Spiritual Assembly at the national level. Elections involve no nominations or campaigning; each elector votes by secret ballot, in a prayerful atmosphere, for those they judge best qualified to serve.
Consultation
In making decisions Bahá’ís follow a method called “consultation” — the search for truth through frank, courteous and unified discussion.
For complete and authoritative texts of the Bahá’í writings, see the Bahá’í Reference Library: bahai.org/library
Updated 12 October 2026