 Bahá 'í notions of progressive religious revelation result in their accepting the validity of the well known religions of the world , whose founders and central figures are seen as Manifestations of God . Religious history is interpreted as a series of dispensations , where each manifestation brings a somewhat broader and more advanced revelation that is rendered as a text of scripture and passed on through history with greater or lesser reliability but at least true in substance , suited for the time and place in which it was expressed . Specific religious social teachings ( for example , the direction of prayer , or dietary restrictions ) may be revoked by a subsequent manifestation so that a more appropriate requirement for the time and place may be established . Conversely , certain general principles ( for example , neighbourliness , or charity ) are seen to be universal and consistent . In Bahá 'í belief , this process of progressive revelation will not end ; however , it is believed to be cyclical . Bahá 'ís do not expect a new manifestation of God to appear within 1000 years of Bahá 'u'lláh 's revelation . 
