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launched a nine year plan in 1964, and a series of subsequent multi-year plans of varying length
and goals followed, guiding the direction of the international Bahá'í community. [44]
Current international plan
Since the late 1990s, the House of Justice has been directing communities to prepare for largescale
expansion, organizing localities into "clusters", creating new institutions such as Regional
Councils and strengthening the various "training institutes". The recently completed five-year plan
(2001–2006) focused on developing institutions and creating the means to "sustain large-scale
expansion and consolidation" (Riḍván 158). Since 2001, the Bahá'ís around the world have been
specifically encouraged to focus on children's classes, devotional gatherings, and a systematic
study of the religion, known as study circles. [45] A new focus was added in December 2005 with
the addition of "junior youth" classes to the core activities, focusing on education for those
between 11 and 14. [46]
The second five-year plan (2006–2011) was launched by the Universal House of Justice in April
of 2006; it calls upon the Bahá'ís of the world to establish advanced patterns of growth and
community development in over 1,500 "clusters" around the world. It also alludes to a possible
tier-election process for Local Spiritual Assemblies in localities with many Bahá'ís. The years
from 2001 until 2021 represent four successive five-year plans, culminating in the centennial
anniversary of the passing of `Abdu'l-Bahá. [46]
Study circles
Main article: Bahá'í study circle
Along with a focus on consolidation has come a systematic approach to education and community
development. [47] The "study circles" are intended to be sustainable and self-perpetuating on a large
scale. Participants complete a sequence of workbooks in small groups, facilitated by a tutor, and
upon completion of the sequence a participant can then go on to facilitate study circles for
others. [48]
The most popular study program is the Ruhi Institute, a study course originally designed for use in
Colombia, but which has received wide use. [49] The first book studies three themes: the Bahá'í
writings, prayer, and life and death. [50] Subsequent themes include the education of children, the
lives of the Báb and Bahá'u'lláh, service, and others. [48]
Social practices
Laws
Main article: Bahá'í laws
The laws of the Bahá'í Faith primarily come from the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, written by Bahá'u'lláh. The
following are a few examples of basic laws and religious observances,
• Bahá'ís over the age of 15 should recite an obligatory prayer each day. There are three such
prayers among which one can be chosen each day.
• Backbiting and gossip are prohibited and denounced.
• Adult Bahá'ís in good health observe a nineteen-day sunrise-to-sunset fast each year from
March 2 through March 20.
• Bahá'ís are forbidden to drink alcohol or to take drugs, unless prescribed by doctors.
• Sexual relationships are permitted only between a husband and wife, and thus premarital or
homosexual sex activity is forbidden.
• Gambling is forbidden.
While some of the laws from the Kitáb-i-Aqdas are applicable at the present time and may be
enforced to a degree by the administrative institutions, [51] Bahá'u'lláh has provided for the