Baha'i Marriage and Baha'i Family Life

Baha'is believe marriage is a divine institution ordained by God and the foundation of a unified society. The key purpose of this union between a man and a woman -- beyond physical, spiritual and intellectual companionship -- is to procreate and rear children.

Baha'u'llah called marriage "a fortress for well-being and salvation." Abdu'l-Baha said: "In a true Baha'i marriage the two parties must become fully united both spiritually and physically, so that they may attain eternal union throughout all the worlds of God, and improve the spiritual life of each other."

Abdu'l-Baha said married couples should strive to become "loving companions and comrades and at one with each other for time and eternity."

Before entering into marriage, which He called "union and cordial affection between the two parties," Abdu'l-Baha cautioned couples to "exercise the utmost care and become acquainted with each other's character."
Once they have selected a partner, Baha'is are required to obtain their parents' approval of the marriage. Baha'is believe parents have both the right and the obligation to carefully decide whether to give consent to, and thus guide, their offspring in one of life's most important decisions.

This requirement helps preserve unity within the marriage and the extended family. It also serves to honor one's parents and reaffirms the importance of the bond between child and parent.

Vows and ceremony

Baha'i wedding ceremonies are simple. In the presence of two witnesses designated by the local Baha'i governing council, the couple recites the following verse: "We will all, verily, abide by the will of God."

Thus, the vow makes the marriage a contract of three parties - the husband, the wife and God. For Baha'is, the commitment to live by God's will encompasses the commitments associated with marriage, such as the promise to love, honor, cherish and care for each other regardless of material health or wealth.

Beyond the brief Baha'i marriage vow, Baha'is are free to design their own marriage celebration. Depending on personal tastes, family resources and cultural traditions, Baha'i ceremonies can include all manner of music, dance, dress, food and festivity.
Baha'is are expected to uphold a high standard of personal conduct, which includes abstaining from sexual relations outside of marriage.

Baha'i marriages are founded on the equality of women and men, and in working out problems through prayer and a frank and loving form of discussion. So-called "interracial marriage" is encouraged in the Baha'i teachings, which stress the oneness of the human race.