History in Fiji
The Baha’i Faith has now been established in Fiji for 100 years. Baha’i communities across the country inspired by the teachings of Baha’u’llah are working with their fellow citizens for the betterment of their communities.
1917 – 1926
The Fiji Islands are first mentioned in the Tablets of the Divine Plan, revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Baha, between 1916 – 1917.
Ms. Nora Lee, the first Baha’i to arrive in Fiji, travelled by boat from her Vanua (home) in New Zealand and arrived in Labasa, Fiji’s north island in 1924. Nora Lee fulfilled the wish of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to share the divine teachings in Fiji, and a small Bahá’i group was formed in Labasa. In 1926 the “Bahá’ís of Labasa” sent a “circular letter” to the Bahá’i World Centre in Haifa marking the first connection of the Pacific Islands with the heart of the Faith in the Holy Land.
1950 – 1958
Among the first to become Bahá’ís in Suva, were Nur and Violet Ali, soon the number of Baha’is grew and the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Suva was established in 1950. This was the first Baha’i administrative structure in Fiji and the Pacific Islands.
Irene Jackson (pictured here) arrived in Fiji in 1954 and supported the Local Spiritual Assembly of Suva. She was directly guided by the Guardian of the Baha’i Faith, Shoghi Effendi from the Holy Land.
1959 – 1970
By the 1950s the Baha’i Faith had reached many of the Pacific Islands. In 1959 the Regional Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the South Pacific was established with jurisdiction over 10 pacific island groups. The main office was in Fiji and Irene Jackson was elected as its Secretary.
When Fiji as a nation obtained its independence in 1970, the first National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the Fiji Islands was elected. The Baha’i Faith was registered as a Charitable Trust in the 1970’s before the Baha’i Faith obtained recognition as an independent religious Faith in Fiji, in 2015.
1971
Oceania Baha’i Conference, held in Suva.
1972
Baha’i community welcomes visit to Fiji by Hand of the Cause of God, John Robarts. Over the years, six additional honored guests visited Fiji, including Hands of the Cause of God, Ms. Martha Root, Mr. Rahmatu’llah Muhajir, Mr. Collis Featherstone, Mr. Enoch Olinga, Mr. Abdu’l-Qasim Faizi and Mrs. Ruhiyyih Khanum.
Early 1980s
The Baha’i National Office is opened first in Pender Street Suva, then relocated to Macgregor Road Suva (pictured here).
1984
Amatu’l-Baha Ruhiyyih Khanum visits Fiji for two weeks from the Holy Land, on her way to dedicate the House of Worship in Samoa.
1987
The Baha’i National Office relocates to 414 Waimanu Road Suva, where it continues to operate until this day.
