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the Bahá'í Faith · TRADITIONAL RITUAL PRAYERS · PERSONALIZE & PRINT A4

Baha'i Household Prayers: Revealed Tablets for Family Unity, Home Protection, Healing and the Progress of Departed Souls

Allah-u-Abha · Oneness of God, Religion & Humanity · Facing the Qiblih (Bahji) · Writings of the Bab, Baha'u'llah & 'Abdu'l-Baha · A4 Scroll

Three complete household prayer scrolls collated from the revealed writings of the Bab, Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l-Baha: the Morning and Evening Prayer for Family Unity, Love and Service; the Prayer for Home Protection, Healing and Overcoming Trials; and the Filial Prayer for Parents and the Advancement of Departed Souls in the Abha Kingdom.

Occasion
Daily (Morning, Noon & Evening), Nineteen Day Feast, Naw-Ruz & Ridvan
Recite the Short Obligatory Prayer between noon and sunset facing the Qiblih (Bahji), and gather for morning and evening family devotionals
Auspicious timing
Dawn, Noon-to-Sunset (Short Obligatory Prayer) & Evening Gathering
As ordained in the Kitab-i-Aqdas: read the Sacred Writings every morning and evening, and perform ablutions before Obligatory Prayer
Altar setting
Radiant, Spotless Household Devotional Space Oriented Toward the Qiblih (Bahji)
The Baha'i Faith has no clergy or idol altars; homes display the Greatest Name calligraphy (Ya Baha'u'l-Abha), fresh roses and gentle candles
Variants & A4 scroll
3 variants · A4 Scroll
Daily Family Unity Prayer, Home Protection & Healing, Parents & Departed Souls

IPersonalize Your Scroll, Select Ritual Date and Read Prayer

Tradition-Specific Sub-page of the Bahá'í Faith (1 ritual prayer in this tradition)
the Bahá'í Faith Pillar & Prayers ›
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1. Select Solar Date (Auto-converts to Lunar Date, Sexagenary Cycle & Auspicious Hours)

Pick the actual solar date on which your household performs the rite

2. Officiant and Household Details (Live Scroll Personalization)

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Enter solar birth year to auto-calculate Sexagenary stem-branch and lunar age

3. Choose Prayer Variant, Enter Altar Mode or Print A4 Scroll

Recited during daily household devotionals at dawn, noon and evening: uniting Baha'u'llah's Short Obligatory Prayer (recited standing facing the Qiblih after washing hands and face), the morning prayer of illumination, and 'Abdu'l-Baha's prayers for family harmony and service to humanity.

HALL OF MYRIAD PATHS · TRADITIONAL RITUAL SCROLL

Baha'i Household Prayers: Revealed Tablets for Family Unity, Home Protection, Healing and the Progress of Departed Souls

1. Morning and Evening Household Prayer for Family Unity, Loving Consultation and Divine Grace

Allah-u-Abha! Ya Baha'u'l-Abha! (God is the All-Glorious! O Thou the Glory of the Most Glorious!)

Short Obligatory Prayer (Revealed by Baha'u'llah, recited standing facing the Qiblih at Bahji between noon and sunset): I bear witness, O my God, that Thou hast created me to know Thee and to worship Thee. I testify, at this moment, to my powerlessness and to Thy might, to my poverty and to Thy wealth. There is none other God but Thee, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting!

Today is ……………………, in the ………… Year.

Gathered in the serene devotional space of our home, ………… ………………………………, of the ………… family, residing at: ………….

O my God, my Master, the Goal of my desire! (Revealed by Baha'u'llah): I have awakened this morning under the shelter of Thy protection, and he who seeketh that shelter hath found the Impregnable Sanctuary of Thy guarding care and the Stronghold of Thy defense. Illumine the inner being of …………, O my Lord, with the splendors of the Dayspring of Thy Revelation, even as Thou hast illumined our outer being with the morning light of Thy favor.

O Lord of …………! Bind together the hearts of all members of the ………… household at ………… in radiant unity and fellowship: assist spouses, parents and children to listen to one another through loving consultation (Mashvarat), to speak with gentleness and courtesy, and to perform our daily work and professions in the spirit of selfless service to humanity, which Thou hast accounted as worship of Thyself.

O Thou kind Lord! (Revealed by 'Abdu'l-Baha): Thou hast summoned all humankind toward the horizon of Oneness. Make this humble home of ………… a garden of love, truthfulness, justice and hospitality, wherein every guest who enters may inhale the fragrance of heavenly peace.

May the Greatest Name Allah-u-Abha shine forever upon the home of …………!

IICeremonial Offerings and Preparation Checklist

In the Baha'i Faith, Baha'u'llah set aside professional clergy, idol altars, superstitious charms and burnt votive offerings so that humanity may commune directly with God through a pure heart and the revealed Word. At the same time, Baha'i teachings place great emphasis on spotless cleanliness and refinement (Latafat), natural light, fresh roses, rosewater and warm hospitality whenever a household gathers for daily prayer, a Devotional Gathering, or the Nineteen Day Feast.

Prepared 0 of 9 items

Group 1: Pure Water for Ablutions, Greatest Name Calligraphy & Baha'i Prayer Book

Group 2: Fresh Roses, Gentle Candles & Natural Rose Attar

Group 3: Fragrant Tea, Fresh Fruit & Pastries for the Fellowship Portion

Offering Photograph Credits (Wikimedia Commons · Open Licenses): 1. Pure clean water (and pure rosewater, Gulab) for washing the hands and face before prayer: Phuong Huy (CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source) · 2. Framed Calligraphy of the Greatest Name (Ya Baha'u'l-Abha) and Baha'i Prayer Books: Phuong Huy (Public domain · Source) · 3. Spotless white table linen and a 95-bead prayer strand: Mattes (Public domain · Source) · 4. Vase of fresh red or pink roses, lotus blossoms or seasonal flowers: Frank Gualtieri (Public domain · Source) · 5. Pair of white or warm beeswax candles lit during evening devotional gatherings: Aliva Sahoo (CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source) · 6. Pure Attar of Rose or gentle natural botanical fragrance: Trantuanviet (CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source) · 7. Warm tea (jasmine, Persian black tea or lotus tea) and pure spring water: Phuong Huy (Public domain · Source) · 8. Platter of fresh seasonal fruits for family and neighborhood fellowship: Rachel41Ng (CC0 · Source) · 9. Light pastries, pistachios, almonds and dates for Naw-Ruz, Ridvan or the Nineteen Day Feast: Phuong Huy (Public domain · Source)

IIIInteractive 3D Altar, Layout Diagram and Ritual Protocol

Drag to rotate 360° · Click numbered pins 1 to 7 or cards below to inspect each offering
Rendering crimson-and-gold 3D ritual altar…
A Baha'i home has no altar or statues, but maintains a bright, welcoming living room for daily prayer and neighborhood devotionals. The spiritual point of orientation is the Qiblih (the Shrine of Baha'u'llah at Bahji, near Akka in northern Israel; from Vietnam, the Baha'i Qiblih points West-Northwest at approximately 298 to 302 degrees). Believers turn toward the Qiblih when reciting their daily Obligatory Prayer and the 95 repetitions of Allah-u-Abha.
1
Qiblih Axis Oriented Toward the Shrine of Baha'u'llah at Bahji, Akka (West-Northwest ~300° from Vietnam)The spiritual focal point toward which Baha'is worldwide turn when reciting their daily Obligatory Prayer.
2
Framed Calligraphy of the Greatest Name (Ya Baha'u'l-Abha) & the Nine-Pointed StarDisplayed on the principal wall of the room; the nine-pointed star represents the numerical value of Baha (9) and the unity of world religions.
3
Central Table Draped in White Holding Baha'i Prayer Books, Hidden Words & Kitab-i-AqdasHolds sacred writings so that every family member and guest can take turns reading prayers aloud.
4
Vase of Fresh Roses and Pair of Lit CandlesPlaced at the center of the table to create a serene, uplifting atmosphere for morning and evening devotionals.
5
Pure Rosewater Vial (Gulab) and 95-Bead Prayer StrandKept on a neat tray; rosewater is traditionally offered to anoint the hands of guests entering a devotional gathering.
6
Circle of Equal Seating for Devotional Readings and Family Consultation (Mashvarat)With no pulpit or clergy chair, parents, elders, children and guests sit in a circle of equality.
7
Hospitality Tray of Fragrant Tea, Fresh Fruit and Non-Alcoholic RefreshmentsPrepared on a side table for warm fellowship after the conclusion of prayers.

Real-world reference photographs of traditional altars and offering trays

Open-license documentary photographs via Wikimedia Commons (click any photo for source file)
Traditional Vietnamese household altar with bronze trio. Balanced Vietnamese domestic altar displaying a bronze incense urn and candlesticks at the rear, a blue-and-white ceramic incense bowl centered on a wooden stand, red gladiolus vases and fresh fruit.
Traditional Vietnamese household altar with bronze trio. Balanced Vietnamese domestic altar displaying a bronze incense urn and candlesticks at the rear, a blue-and-white ceramic incense bowl centered on a wooden stand, red gladiolus vases and fresh fruit.
Photograph: Phuong Huy · License: Public domain · Source: Wikimedia Commons
Pure vegetarian offering tray for Full Moon and New Moon rites. Modest household vegetarian offering featuring mung-bean sticky rice, leaf-wrapped cakes, plant-based savory dishes, dragon fruit and ripe bananas, a lit oil lamp and fresh flowers.
Pure vegetarian offering tray for Full Moon and New Moon rites. Modest household vegetarian offering featuring mung-bean sticky rice, leaf-wrapped cakes, plant-based savory dishes, dragon fruit and ripe bananas, a lit oil lamp and fresh flowers.
Photograph: Phuong Huy · License: Public domain · Source: Wikimedia Commons

Step-by-step ceremonial sequence before the altar

With no professional clergy or elaborate ritualism, Baha'i domestic worship unites two practices: (1) individual daily Obligatory Prayer and 95 repetitions of Allah-u-Abha facing the Qiblih, and (2) collective Family Devotional Gatherings. The seven steps below harmonize both dimensions.

  1. Step 1
    Maintain a spotless home and perform ablutions (washing the hands and face)

    Tidy the living room, arrange fresh flowers, and wash both hands and the face with pure water in quiet mindfulness.

  2. Step 2
    Face the Qiblih (Bahji), sit in stillness and recite 95 times Allah-u-Abha

    Turn toward the Qiblih (approx. 300 degrees West-Northwest from Vietnam), sit with composure, and recite the Greatest Name 'Allah-u-Abha' (God is the All-Glorious) ninety-five times once each day.

  3. Step 3
    Stand facing the Qiblih to recite the Short Obligatory Prayer (Between noon and sunset)

    Choose one of the three daily Obligatory Prayers; the concise Short Obligatory Prayer is recited standing in humility facing Bahji at any time between noon and sunset.

  4. Step 4
    Gather as a family each morning and evening to read Devotional Prayers (Variants 1, 2 or 3)

    At dawn and eventide, parents, children and elders sit together, open with gentle music or chanted verses, and take turns reading Variant 1, Variant 2 or Variant 3 with sincerity.

  5. Step 5
    Reflect upon the Hidden Words to translate prayer into daily ethical action

    Pause in quiet meditation over a passage from Baha'u'llah's 'Hidden Words', reflecting on how to practice truthfulness, trustworthiness and service throughout the day.

  6. Step 6
    Practice loving Family Consultation (Mashvarat) on household decisions

    Discuss family plans, children's education, finances or elder care through Baha'i Consultation: listening respectfully to every voice, including youth and children, in a spirit of detachment and unity.

  7. Step 7
    Share fragrant tea and fruit, and open the home to neighbors of all faiths

    Conclude with warm fellowship over tea and fruit, and regularly invite neighbors of all religious backgrounds to join household devotional gatherings.

IVThe Three Core Onenesses and the Spiritual Nature of Prayer in the Baha'i Faith

Founded in the mid-nineteenth century through the twin revelations of the Bab (1819 to 1850) and Baha'u'llah (1817 to 1892) and guided by 'Abdu'l-Baha (1844 to 1921), the Baha'i Faith unites believers in over two hundred countries and territories, including an active Baha'i community across Vietnam since the 1950s. Baha'i family life is inspired by Baha'u'llah's central proclamation: The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.

According to the tradition

Baha'i theology rests upon Three Foundational Principles of Oneness: (1) The Oneness of God (a single unknowable Creator who is the source of all creation); (2) The Oneness of Religion (all the great Founders of world religions, including Abraham, Krishna, Moses, Zoroaster, the Buddha, Jesus Christ, Muhammad, the Bab and Baha'u'llah, are Manifestations of God sent in progressive ages to educate humanity); and (3) The Oneness of Humanity (all races, nations, men and women are equal leaves and fruits of one human tree).

In the Baha'i Writings, prayer is described as conversation with God and the spiritual nourishment of the human soul. Furthermore, in the Kitab-i-Aqdas, Baha'u'llah elevated honest work and service to the station of worship: Work, arts, sciences and professions performed in the spirit of service to humanity are accepted by God as an act of worship.

VDistinguishing Between Daily Obligatory Prayer (Salat) and General Devotional Prayers (Munajat)

The Baha'i Writings distinguish clearly between two complementary categories of prayer in the home: Daily Obligatory Prayers (Salat), which are a private covenantal duty between the individual and God, and General Devotional Prayers (Munajat), which are shared freely in family gatherings, healing, home blessings and memorials.

Comparison between Individual Obligatory Prayers and Household Devotional Prayers in the Baha'i Faith.
Liturgical AspectObligatory Prayers (Salat)Household Devotional Prayers (Munajat)
Available ChoicesBelievers (aged 15 to 70) freely choose one of three prayers each day: the Short (once between noon and sunset), the Medium (morning, noon and evening), or the Long (once in 24 hours).Hundreds of revealed tablets by the Bab, Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l-Baha for morning, evening, family unity, children, healing, protection, parents and the departed.
Mode of RecitationAlways performed individually in private (never in congregational lines); requires washing hands and face (Ablutions) and facing the Qiblih (Bahji).Recited together with family, children and neighbors; requires no ritual ablutions or fixed direction, and may be read seated around the living room.
95 Repetitions of Allah-u-AbhaOnce daily, after ablutions and facing the Qiblih, the believer sits quietly and recites Allah-u-Abha 95 times.Gatherings often open or close with the greeting Allah-u-Abha and musical settings of the Sacred Writings.
Language of PrayerTranslated from the original Arabic and Persian into over 800 languages; recited in one's own native language or any language one prefers.Read or sung in any language that speaks directly to the hearts of those gathered.

VIThe Baha'i Home Sanctuary: The Greatest Name, Family Consultation and the Nineteen Day Feast

According to the tradition

Because the Baha'i Faith has no clergy, alongside the nine-sided Baha'i House of Worship (Mashriqu'l-Adhkar, the Dawning-Place of the Praise of God), the family home itself is the primary center of spiritual and community life. When moving into a new home, a Baha'i family cleans the residence thoroughly, hangs the calligraphy of the Greatest Name (Ya Baha'u'l-Abha) in a place of honor, and invites relatives and neighbors of all faiths for a Devotional Gathering using Variant 2.

1. Spotless Cleanliness & Refinement (Latafat)

In the Kitab-i-Aqdas, Baha'u'llah counsels believers to maintain the highest standard of cleanliness, grace and courtesy in their homes, using pure rosewater and keeping household speech free of backbiting or harshness.

2. Equality of Women and Men & Universal Education

A Baha'i family upholds the equality of women and men as the two wings of one bird, and prioritizes the moral and scientific education of both daughters and sons from early childhood.

3. Loving Family Consultation (Mashvarat)

Rather than authoritarian dominance or argument, household decisions are made through consultation: opening with a prayer for unity (Variant 1), listening to every family member with candor and courtesy, and uniting behind the shared decision.

4. The Nineteen Day Feast & Neighborhood Devotionals

On the first day of each 19-day month of the Badi' calendar, homes open to host the Nineteen Day Feast, consisting of three parts: Devotional prayers, Administrative consultation, and warm Fellowship.

VIIFilial Reverence for Parents and the Eternal Progress of the Soul in the Abha Kingdom

According to the historical record

In the Kitab-i-Aqdas, Baha'u'llah places reverence for parents immediately after devotion to God: Beware lest ye commit that which would sadden the hearts of your fathers and mothers. Follow ye the path of truth which indeed is a straight path... God hath associated the good pleasure of parents with His own good pleasure.

According to the tradition

The Baha'i Vision of Life After Death and Praying for Ancestors: Baha'i teachings compare physical death to a child emerging from the womb into the vast world, or a bird released from a cage to soar into the infinite sky of the Abha Kingdom. The rational soul is immortal and continues its spiritual evolution throughout the worlds of God.

'Abdu'l-Baha explains that departed parents and ancestors advance in the spiritual world through three powerful means: (1) The boundless grace and mercy of God; (2) The sincere prayers offered for them by their children and loved ones on earth (Variant 3); and (3) Charitable deeds and humanitarian service performed in their name. On ancestral anniversaries, Baha'i families gather in dignity, arrange fresh flowers, read prayers for the advancement of their forebears' souls, and contribute to charity in their memory.

VIIIFive Essential Guidelines for Baha'i Household Prayer and Interfaith Etiquette

A common misunderstanding

Five core principles to keep in mind when practicing or attending Baha'i household prayers:

First, preserve dignified simplicity without clergy or superstitious rituals. Baha'i devotionals involve no priesthood, no incense-burning to spirits, no paper-money burning and no fortune-telling. Out of deep reverence, portraits of the Bab and Baha'u'llah (preserved at the Baha'i World Centre on Mount Carmel) are never hung in private homes; instead, families display the calligraphy of the Greatest Name (Ya Baha'u'l-Abha) or a photograph of 'Abdu'l-Baha.

Second, note that the congregational Prayer for the Dead is reserved exclusively for funerals. Baha'u'llah's formal Prayer for the Dead (with its six Allah-u-Abha verses) is the only congregational obligatory prayer in the Baha'i Faith and is recited at the burial service. For annual memorials and daily remembrance of ancestors at home, families read the general prayers for the departed in Variant 3.

Third, keep all household celebrations and hospitality 100% free of alcohol. Baha'i law strictly prohibits alcoholic beverages and non-medical intoxicants; hospitality is expressed through fragrant teas, juices, fruit and wholesome cuisine.

Fourth, consort with followers of all religions in utmost fellowship and respect. Baha'u'llah exhorts believers to associate with people of all faiths in joy and harmony, honoring cultural traditions of filial gratitude without contention.

Fifth, read prayers with melodious joy rather than exhausting length. Baha'u'llah counsels believers to recite the verses in such a measure that hearts are gladdened and uplifted, for a single short prayer offered with a radiant heart carries immense spiritual power.

?Quick Questions

What do the expressions 'Allah-u-Abha' and 'Ya Baha'u'l-Abha' mean in a Baha'i home?

In Arabic, Baha means Glory, Splendor or Light (revered as the Greatest Name of God). Allah-u-Abha means God is the All-Glorious: it serves both as the warm greeting among Baha'is worldwide and as the sacred invocation recited 95 times daily. Ya Baha'u'l-Abha means O Thou the Glory of the Most Glorious!, the calligraphic emblem hung in Baha'i homes.

Where is the Baha'i Qiblih located, and when do believers turn toward it?

Ordained by Baha'u'llah in the Kitab-i-Aqdas, the Qiblih (Point of Adoration) for the Baha'i world is the Shrine of Baha'u'llah at Bahji, near Akka in northern Israel (from Vietnam, pointing West-Northwest at approximately 300 degrees). Believers face the Qiblih when reciting their private daily Obligatory Prayer and the 95 repetitions of Allah-u-Abha; during general family devotionals, participants may sit facing any comfortable direction.

Why do Baha'i homes display the Greatest Name calligraphy or a photo of 'Abdu'l-Baha, but never a portrait of Baha'u'llah?

In Baha'i theology, the Bab and Baha'u'llah are Manifestations of God. Out of supreme reverence and to prevent any tendency toward venerating physical images, portraits of the Bab and Baha'u'llah are kept solely in the International Archives on Mount Carmel and viewed only during pilgrimage. In their homes, families display the calligraphy of Ya Baha'u'l-Abha and photographs of 'Abdu'l-Baha, the Perfect Exemplar of Baha'u'llah's teachings.

How do Baha'i families honor departed parents and ancestors on memorial days?

The Baha'i Faith places filial devotion immediately after devotion to God and teaches that the souls of departed ancestors continue to live and progress eternally in the Abha Kingdom. On memorial anniversaries, families gather with fresh flowers and a dignified meal (without burning votive paper or serving alcohol), recall the virtues of their forebears, recite Prayers for Parents and the Departed (Variant 3), and perform charitable acts in their honor.

How does a Baha'i family bless a new house or apartment?

When moving into a new residence, a Baha'i family cleans the home until it is spotless, hangs the framed calligraphy of Ya Baha'u'l-Abha in the living room, sets out fresh roses, and invites relatives and neighbors of all faiths for a warm Devotional Gathering. Together they read Variant 2 (Prayers for Protection and Blessing of the Home by the Bab and Baha'u'llah), followed by tea and fellowship.

Are guests of other faiths welcome to join a Baha'i household devotional gathering?

Yes, always and wholeheartedly. Baha'i Devotional Gatherings are open to everyone, and guests of Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish, Sikh or ancestral traditions are warmly invited to bring prayers or scriptures from their own heritage to share in the circle of unity.

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Compiled, textually collated and diagrammed by Master Ưng Khiêm and UK MASTER ACADEMY. Last updated: 31 October 2026. Sources: Collated from the Kitab-i-Aqdas (Baha'u'llah), Prayers and Meditations by Baha'u'llah, and the authorized Baha'i Prayers compilations (writings of the Bab, Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l-Baha) published by the Baha'i Publishing Trust.