Baha’i Religion founded by Bahá’u’lláh (1817– 92). Baha’i literally means ‘follower of the Bahá’u’lláh’ (Glory of God). The religion advocates unity, and that the world’s religions are successive stages in the revelation of God’s will and purpose for humanity. The faith is based on fundamental principles which include: acceptance of the unity of humanity, and being of service to mankind; recognition of the divine origin and the essential oneness of all the world’s great religions; gender equality; elimination of extremes of wealth and poverty, and seeking spiritual solutions to economic problems; compulsory universal education; recognition that true religion works in harmony with science; and maintenance of a sustainable balance between nature and technology.

The Baha’i faith was introduced into Singapore in 1950 by Dr K.M. Fozdar (1898– 1958) and his wife, Shirin Fozdar (1905– 92). The Fozdars, who were born into the Baha’i faith, had been active in community and humanitarian work in India, working particularly with the Harijans (untouchables). In 1950, they volunteered to move to Singapore to establish the Baha’i faith. Dr Fozdar, who was then a medical officer in the state railways, resigned from his post, and the couple left India for Singapore. The first local Spiritual Assembly in Southeast Asia was formed in Singapore in 1952. Today, the Baha’i community comprises over 2,000 members in five local spiritual assemblies. Baha’i marriage is recognized by Singapore law, with the Registrar of Marriages appointing solemnizers. Since 1957, the Baha’is have had an exclusive cemetery site in Choa Chu Kang.