Baha'i

Definition: The Baha'i faith is a monotheistic religions originating in Persia and the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century. The messianic figure, the Bab, was executed in Iran in 1850 after spreading teachings that came into conflict with Islam. The remains of the Bab are entombed in a shrine in Haifa, Israel, where Baha'i followers make pilgrimages. There are an estimated 5 million to 6 million followers worldwide. The largest Baha'i community today is in India, followed by Iran, where followers are persecuted.