Collage of Bahá’í Houses of Worship around the world in daylight.

Prayer, reflection and service

House of Worship

Open to all

A spiritual centre for the whole of humanity

Worship is inseparable from service to humanity.

A Bahá’í House of Worship, also known as a Bahá’í temple or Mashriqu'l-Adhkár (meaning “Dawning-place of the Mention of God”), is a place of worship in the Bahá’í Faith. These temples are open to all people, regardless of background or religion, and are dedicated to the unity of God, religion, and humanity. Each structure is uniquely designed, often incorporating nine sides and entrances, symbolizing inclusiveness and the openness of the Faith. While used for prayer and meditation, Bahá’í Houses of Worship do not have sermons, rituals, or clergy. They are often surrounded by gardens and envisioned as the spiritual center of a larger complex that may include schools, hospitals, and other service-oriented institutions, reflecting the Bahá’í principle of worship linked with service to humanity.

The Houses of Worship around the world are open throughout the week to both Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís for prayer and reflection, weekly devotional services are occasionally held. Scriptural texts from all religions may be recited inside, but sermons, ritualistic ceremonies, and readings from non-scriptural texts are not allowed.

The House of Worship

A place without barriers

01

Open to every person

People of every religion and background are welcome to enter for prayer, meditation, and reflection.

02

Many paths, one sanctuary

Scriptural texts from the world’s religions may be shared within a space free from sermons, ritual, or clergy.

03

Devotion expressed in service

The temple is envisioned at the heart of institutions dedicated to education, health, and service to society.