Abstract

The concepts, laws, and guidance relating to marriage and family life as described in the Bahá’í texts are set out briefly. The concepts include the nature of the human being, unity, the ever-advancing nature of civilisation, the equality of women and men, and the abandonment of prejudice. The section on marriage looks at the nature of Bahá’í marriage, love and the purpose of marriage, and the marriage laws (e.g. consent of marriage partners and their parents to the marriage, the dowry paid by the husband to the wife, the brevity of the engagement period, and the Bahá’í wedding ceremony). Other topics covered include, sex, morals and values, service, consultation, resolving difficulties, spousal abuse, violence, and divorce. The section on family life describes parenting, the education of children, the home as a centre for the diffusion of divine light, hospitality, and the importance of homemaking. A further section considers the related topics of sexuality and gender identity, LGBT+, and a final section looks at balanced living.