6 Daily Obligations of a Baha'i
Bahá’u’lláh has stated quite clearly in His Writings the essential requisites for our spiritual growth, and these are stressed again and again by ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá in His talks and Tablets. One can summarize them briefly in this way:
The recital each day of one of the Obligatory Prayers with pure-hearted devotion.
The regular reading of the Sacred Scriptures, specifically at least each morning and evening, with reverence, attention and thought.
Prayerful meditation on the Teachings, so that we may understand them more deeply, fulfill them more faithfully, and convey them more accurately to others.
Striving every day to bring our behavior more into accordance with the high standards that are set forth in the Teachings.
Teaching the Cause of God.
Selfless service in the work of the Cause and in the carrying on of our trade or profession.
In His talks ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá describes prayer as “conversation with God,” and concerning meditation He says that
“while you meditate you are speaking with your own spirit. In that state of mind you put certain questions to your spirit and the spirit answers: the light breaks forth and the reality is revealed.”
Bahá’u’lláh has specified no procedures to be followed in meditation, and individual believers are free to do as they wish in this area.
“A man may be a Bahá’í in name only. If he is a Bahá’í in reality, his deeds and actions will be decisive proofs of it. What are the requirements? Love for mankind, sincerity toward all, reflecting the oneness of the world of humanity, philanthropy, becoming enkindled with the fire of the love of God, attainment to the knowledge of God and that which is conducive to human welfare.” - ‘Abdu'l-Bahá, Promulgation of Universal Peace
