Recently, scientists have been tracking a mysterious interstellar object entering our solar system. Videos like this one show how astronomers around the world are observing its path and wondering about its origin, its speed, and what it might reveal about the universe we live in.

Moments like these remind us of how vast and alive the cosmos truly is, sparking in us a natural curiosity to learn, discover, and question what lies beyond Earth.

I am a man of science, and the Bahá’í Faith has always intrigued me with its progressive, forward-looking teachings. It is a faith that does not shy away from science but embraces it, encouraging its followers to explore, question, and discover. In a world where telescopes track interstellar visitors and scientists scan the skies for signs of life and mystery, it is remarkable that the Bahá’í Faith has long spoken of a living universe, urging us to seek knowledge with humility, wonder, and curiosity.

But one teaching, in particular, has always stood out to me—one that, in my view, makes the Bahá’í Faith feel ahead of its time: the understanding that life exists beyond us.

In a world fascinated by UFO sightings and the possibility of extraterrestrial life—whether these sightings are real or not—it is remarkable that Bahá’u’lláh, the Founder of the Bahá’í Faith, and His son ‘Abdu’l-Bahá spoke openly about the existence of life beyond this planet. Long before the modern obsession with aliens and life on other worlds, these two figures were already teaching that the universe is vast, purposeful, and full of life.

Bahá’u’lláh’s Hints at Other Worlds

Bahá’u’lláh did not directly say “there are people on other planets,” but He often spoke of the “worlds of God” in ways that suggest the universe is much larger and richer than we can imagine. In Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, He states:

“If thou ponderest in thine heart, thou wilt surely find that there is none other God but Him, and wilt recognize in the worlds of God that which none hath yet recognized.”

This phrase, “worlds of God,” hints at layers of realities and worlds yet to be discovered beyond our limited earthly view.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Clear Affirmation

While Bahá’u’lláh hinted, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá spoke clearly and directly on this topic. In a talk in Paris, He stated:

“…it cannot be supposed that these infinite worlds, the stars and spheres, are empty and void of inhabitants; on the contrary, they are inhabited, and they are even more perfectly inhabited than this earth.”
(Paris Talks, p. 94)

This is a profound statement: the stars and planets we see are not empty; they are part of a living, dynamic universe filled with creation and purpose.

In another writing, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stated:

“Verily I say, the creation of God embraceth worlds besides this world, and creatures besides these creatures.”

These affirmations align with the Bahá’í belief that God’s creation is purposeful, diverse, and alive throughout the cosmos.

Science and Spirituality in Harmony

The question of life beyond Earth is not just about scientific curiosity for Bahá’ís; it is a spiritual invitation to reflect on the greatness of God’s creation. The Bahá’í Faith encourages its followers to seek out knowledge, to study science, and to explore the mysteries of the universe while maintaining a humble and open heart.

As we send telescopes deeper into the cosmos and launch missions to other planets, it is worth remembering that Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá pointed us toward a vision of the universe that is teeming with life and full of divine mystery.

A Call to Curiosity and Wonder

Whether we discover microbial life on Mars or signals from a distant civilization, the Bahá’í teachings remind us that we are part of a vast, interconnected creation. Our responsibility is not just to seek out this life but to approach it with **humility, reverence, and

respect** for the Creator’s design.

As we look to the stars, let us carry the spirit of exploration with spiritual curiosity. The universe is alive, and we are invited to discover it, not only with our instruments but with open hearts and minds ready to learn.

The teachings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá make the Bahá’í Faith one of the few religions that openly embrace the idea of life beyond Earth, harmonizing spirituality and science in a way that feels both timeless and urgently relevant today.

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Sources:

Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh (Bahai.works):
https://bahai.works/Gleanings_from_the_Writings_of_Bah%C3%A1%E2%80%99u%E2%80%99ll%C3%A1h

Paris Talks by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (Bahai.org):
https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/paris-talks/

Bahá’í Cosmology (Wikipedia):
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bah%C3%A1%CA%BC%C3%AD_cosmology

Vanuatu (Wikipedia):
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanuatu

Religion in Vanuatu (Wikipedia):
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Vanuatu

Vanuatu (Bahaipedia):
https://bahaipedia.org/Vanuatu

First Bahá’í House of Worship in the Pacific Opens (Bahá’í World News):
https://news.bahai.org/story/1550/

Bahá’í Houses of Worship (Wikipedia):
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bah%C3%A1%CA%BC%C3%AD_House_of_Worship

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Disclaimer: This blog is for educational and informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, the interpretations and views expressed here are personal reflections and should not be taken as official positions of the Bahá’í Faith or any related institutions. Historical photographs and animations shared are for cultural appreciation and learning, with copyright belonging to their respective owners. If you are the copyright holder and wish for material to be removed or credited differently, please contact us directly.