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Baha'i symbols
Nine-pointed star

A simple nine-pointed star is generally used by Baha’is as a symbol of their Faith. The number nine has special significance in the Baha’i Revelation.

The word “Baha” (Arabic for “Glory”) corresponds to the number nine in the Arabic system of numerology, known as the Abjad system. Nine years after the announcement of the Bab in Shiraz, Baha’u’llah received the intimation of His mission in the dungeon in Tehran.

Nine, as the highest single-digit number, symbolizes comprehensiveness and culmination. As the Baha’i Faith claims to be the fulfillment of the expectations of all prior religions, this symbol, as used, for example, in nine-sided Baha’i Houses of Worship, reflects that sense of fulfillment and culmination.

The Ringstone Symbol

The purpose of the symbol that appears on Baha’i ringstones and other Baha’i identity jewelry serves as a visual reminder of God’s purpose for man, and for Baha’is in particular. The top horizontal bar represents the world of God, the Creator. The middle bar symbolizes the world of His Manifestations, unadorned. The bottom bar represents the world of man.

The vertical line joins the three horizantal bars together in the same way that the Divine Messengers of God form the link between the world of God and the world of man. The twin five-pointed stars on either side of the design represent the Bab and Baha’u'llah, the twin Messengers of God for this age. The ringstone symbol was designed by Abdu’l-Baha.

The Greatest Name

Particularly cherished by Baha’is are calligraphic forms of the word Baha known as the Greatest Name, a reference to Baha’u’llah. In this category is the middle symbol above, which is engraved on personal rings and on buildings to establish their Baha’i identity.

Another calligraphic form of the Greatest Name, at the right above, is an invocation in Arabic, “Ya Baha’u’l-Abha,” which means, “O Glory of the All Glorious.” It is displayed in Baha’i homes and places of Baha’i activity.