bahá’í dining etiquette

prohibited food & drink

• alcohol

  Alcohol is forbidden both as a drink and for use in cooking.

food laws and beliefs

Bahá’í teachings permit eating all foods.

• There is nothing in the Bahá’í teachings about whether people should eat their food cooked or raw, nor is it forbidden to eat meat.

The only dietary law concerns the prohibition of alcohol, which is forbidden except for medicinal purposes.

Bahá’ís believe that living a simple life, abstaining from the use of alcohol and mind-altering drugs is beneficial to spiritual development, greatly reduces illness and has a good effect on character and conduct. There is no reason why Bahá’ís may not serve alcoholic refreshment to their guests. Such a decision would be left up to the individual.

vegetarianism

Vegetarian food has been recommended by `Abdu'l-Bahá, the son of the Faith’s Prophet-Founder - Bahá’u’lláh, as being the most natural food for humankind. Bahá’ís are free, however, to be vegetarian or non-vegetarian.

feasts and fasting

The Bahá’í fast takes place during Ala (the 19th month of the Baha'í year) from March 2-20. During this time, Bahá’ís abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. This is done too focus on love of God and spiritual matters.

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