The Baha'i community devotes time to faith

Now the only ones devoting extra time to their faith this month. Members of one of the world's youngest religions began their annual fast just last week. Michelle bearden introduces us to their beliefs in tonight's yeah.

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Right the first time now members of the Baha'i community gathered for prayer and it. Me. -- and so. Then they break the fast that began at sunrise for nineteen days highs ages fifteen to seventy. Abstain from eating and drinking during the daytime hours Patricia irons says it can be challenged but the benefits make it all worthwhile.

But the times. Region rejuvenate spiritually. To recuperate. To kind of rebuild -- analyze you know refresher and I.

Irons as a convert to the Baha'i religion. They believe their founders a messenger from god who came here to break down barriers of race gender creed in class.

I like it aspects of the fact that the whole purpose of that they just to unify humanity. And that's just really appealed to me as a human being Harrison make their home in this country are free to openly express their faith. That's not the case for their fellow believers in Iraq the homeland of this religion over there practicing your -- can get you arrested.

Camera -- her honey was born in Iran. He came to the US for his education. -- never to return home.

Levi's that are in the -- are deprived of any social and right. Label -- job than it -- go to universities and are able to go to schools.

Human rights groups are protesting the arrest of these seven the high leaders. Whose child and Durand was held behind closed doors. -- no evidence was ever made public they now are serving ten years in prison for only give his teaching others. How to -- how to -- Half a world away they -- and persecution and prejudice. News channel and Michelle --

And there are some five million people worldwide who follow the Baha'i faith including about a thousand in the Bay Area they needed homes and centers located in Tampa Clearwater saint Pete. And west Pasco County. On March 21 they will celebrate their new year with food dance music and prayers. For more information go to TBO dotcom and search keyword behind.