What
are the main laws or beliefs relating to food?
The Bahá’í teachings
permit the eating of all foods. There is nothing
in the Bahá’í teachings about
whether people should eat their food cooked or
raw, nor is it forbidden to eat meat. The only
dietary law concerns the prohibition of alcohol,
which is forbidden except for medicinal purposes.
Bahá’ís
believe that living a simple life, abstaining
from the use of alcohol and mind-altering drugs
is beneficial to spiritual development, greatly
reduces illness and has a good effect on character
and conduct. There is no reason why Bahá’ís
may not serve alcoholic refreshment to their guests.
Such a decision would be left up to the individual.
Is
there a link with vegetarianism?
It is mentioned that if a person can
live on a purely vegetarian diet, it would be
beneficial. Vegetarian food has been recommended
by `Abdu'l-Bahá, the son of the Faith’s
Prophet-Founder - Bahá’u’lláh,
as being the most natural food for humankind.
At present, however, Bahá’ís
are free to be vegetarian or non-vegetarian.
In
general, will people of this faith eat in a food
outlet that serves food or drink that does not
conform to their beliefs?
A Bahá'í would be happy to eat in
any restaurant that serves food and drink. A Bahá'í
would prefer not to be served an alcoholic drink
or any dish which contains alcohol within it.
When
and why do people of this faith feast and fast?
The Bahá’í fast takes place
during Ala (the 19th month of the Baha'í
year) from March 2-20. During this time, Bahá’ís
abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset.
This is done too focus on love of God and spiritual
matters.
Links
to websites with further information:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/Bahá’í
/
http://www.bahai.org
http://www.bahaiworldnews.com
http://www.onecountry.org
If you have any question
about the dietary practises or beliefs in this
faith, you may contact:
Bahá'í
Office of Public Information
27 Rutland Gate,
London,
SW7 1PD
opi@bahai.org.uk
Written
by Robert Weinberg
Robert Weinberg is a member of the Bahá'í
Faith, from Jewish origins. Since 2002, he has
been an elected member of the UK Bahá'í
national governing council. He was a founding
member of the European Bahá'í Youth
Council in 1991. He is the author of four books,
including a biography of Ethel Jenner Rosenberg
- the first British Bahá'í - and
Sacred Earth, an illustrated anthology of writings
from the world's great religions on the spiritual
significance of the natural world.
Note:
Some people who are Bahá’í
s may not observe the dietary laws stated above.
Please do not take this as an authoritative list.
This page is meant as a guide only and are the
beliefs of the writer.
Disclaimer
of Liability
Disclaimer
of Endorsement
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