Yeah, I've been noticing -- in life, generally -- that some individuals who identify with Islam are so scornful of Baha'is that they say things which many of us know that they themselves (probably) do not even believe -- the above statement being a good example. Some Muslims on this board also say preposterous anti-Baha'i things like the Baha'i Faith was "invented" by the British, or by Zionists, or by America, etc. Overused and worn-out accusations that they even use against each other. And for many of them, it is the first time even hearing about the Baha'i Faith -- yet somehow they automatically have a strong opinion about it.
Of course deep inside they do not believe this. That is, that they would not care if another religion persecuted them to the extent that they have persecuted other faiths. They speak out of ignorance. Until they taste it first hand themselves, these individuals will not get it and retract their statements. But common sense would usually seem to be enough for such individuals to realize through introspection, that their biases are counterproductive to their cause and mental well being. It will continue to be a thorn in the side of Islam.
And yes, these ideas that Bahai's are the invention of some British, American, Zionist agenda, are nothing but conspiracy theories. You will find, that in fact many Muslims, although adamantly deny it, are some of the biggest conspiracy theorists. It does not just apply to Bahaism, but to Christianity and Judaism as well. That everything is a conspiracy out to get and undermine Islam. Often there is no substance to these accusations. Of course no one is denying political agendas and power struggles which are a reality in this world, however to accuse a passive and peaceful group like the Bahai's of such things is paranoid and tyrannical behavior.
Quote:
Among anti-Baha'i Muslims, they classically use the excuse of "seal of the prophets" to feel good about persecuting Baha'is. Even after a Baha'i like me explains to them that Baha'is do not believe in a prophet after Islam, they ignore it for their own benefit. But for those who will listen: let the non-Muslims following this thread know this, so that they are not mislead by such accusations advanced by some Muslims:
1.) Islam anticipates the advent of a Mihdi, or Qa'im. Widely established fact in the Muslim community, case closed. No intelligent Muslim will deny this, or downplay its significance, because it's so well-established. The Bab claimed this station, that is, of being the Qa'im (http://info.bahai.org/the-bab.html).
2.) Shi'is anticipate a Qauum, Who appears after the Qa'im. Baha'u'llah (www.bahaullah.org) is considered the Qauum. Shi'is also anticipate the return of Imam Husayn. Both sects of Islam anticipate the return of Jesus, also. The Bab was the Forerunner of Baha'u'llah.
*** "Seal of the prophets" certainly does not mean that there will not appear any other Divine Figures after Islam, as any unbiased mind (Muslim or not) will testify. *** So the discerning observer readily sees how "Seal of the prophets" is acting as a veil (not completely dissimilar to the effect that the biblical verse "beware of false prophets" serves in a Christian context), and causes many Muslims to claim things which wholly contradict the teachings of their own religion. "A part of them heard the Word of God, and then, after they had understood it, distorted it, and knew that they did so" [Qur'an 2:75].
The above is indeed not a technicality; obviously in Islam the Qa'im and Qauum can't be prophets. So Muslim attacks on Baha'is, saying that Baha'is believe in a prophet after Islam (and therefore the Baha'i Faith is not possible in an Islamic context), are automatically invalidated.
Muslims will claim that Christians anticipated Mohammad, picking and choosing vague Biblical quotes. In fact the quotes which you give from the Koran are much more clear in the idea that texts may not be as authentic as the majority believe, and that because of this, there is always a need for progressive revelation for each era needs an update. I have no problem with this. I have no problem if Bahai's claim that their founder was a prophet either. The very fact that there is such division within the Islamic world, to many is a reflection of the fallacy that their texts could have been transmitted without any political agendas involved.
Quote:
*** We are talking about an Islamic context here. If I were teaching a Christian about the Baha'i Faith, if I wanted I could loosely call Baha'u'llah a "Prophet" (prophets in general laymen terms, of course) because any other fancy terminology might be confusing or not pertinent to the discussion; however, the preferred term for Baha'u'llah in the Baha'i Faith is that He is a Manifestation of God.
So to non-Muslims reading anti-Baha'i Muslim arguments on this thread, which state that the Baha'i Faith isn't possible after Islam -- don't believe it. Whether or not they agree that the Bab was the Qa'im, etc., is a different story, but in Islam the process described above is completely legitimate.
***
Again, this isn't to give anyone the notion that the Baha'i Faith is a religion that appeals only to those from a Muslim background (the Baha'i Faith is the second most geographically diffused religion statistically speaking, and one of the fastest growing religions currently). The Baha'i Faith indeed claims to fulfill the prophesies of all the world religions, and that is why many Christians, Hindus, and Buddhists, for example, have converted to the Faith. But not many people are interested in "prophesies"; they are instead attracted to the Baha'i Faith because of its teachings on world unity, and they see Baha'u'llah's Faith as an effective means of establishing world unity.
Probably if the Bahai faith had omitted any reference to Mohammad as a prophet, and excluded any Koranic ideologies, "perhaps", they would not have been persecuted to the degree that they have been. This is just an assumption though. Of course, any middle eastern religion which had sprung out claiming lineage to the Abrahamic line, even though excluding Mohammad, would be considered a threat to Islam, since Islam has laid claim to the whole Abrahamic lineage through their own "infallible" re-interpretation (white washing) of those traditions.
Good to hear from you again! Nice style of approaching these issues.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ~Serpent~
Of course deep inside they do not believe this. That is, that they would not care if another religion persecuted them to the extent that they have persecuted other faiths. They speak out of ignorance. Until they taste it first hand themselves, these individuals will not get it and retract their statements. But common sense would usually seem to be enough for such individuals to realize through introspection, that their biases are counterproductive to their cause and mental well being. It will continue to be a thorn in the side of Islam.
Exactly. I highly doubt that any Muslim -- no matter how extreme his views are -- will "not care" about being persecuted in the same manner as the Shi'is in Iran have persecuted the Baha'is, or even the Sunnis in Egypt (among others). In fact no one in this world would want to be persecuted like that. God forbid anyone should endure such vicious tests and trials on account of their faith.
Of course, we can keep in mind that the extreme views expressed by some on this forum are not held by every single Muslim; I know personally of Muslims who are not so indifferent toward the plight of the Iranian and Egyptian Baha'is, and some who are friendly toward Baha'is. I just wanted to get that in there because I don't want any Muslims -- who are not extremists -- following this thread to get the wrong impression.
(As a side note, it isn't just the Iranian government who wants to eradicate the Baha'is as you would guess; some Muslims citizens in Iran individually want the same, and some take on the individual initiative to post hateful graffiti on Baha'i houses, for example, or persecute them in other ways. Granted, as a whole I think tolerance of the Baha'i community has increased among Iranian citizens.)
Quote:
Originally Posted by ~Serpent~
And yes, these ideas that Bahai's are the invention of some British, American, Zionist agenda, are nothing but conspiracy theories. You will find, that in fact many Muslims, although adamantly deny it, are some of the biggest conspiracy theorists. It does not just apply to Bahaism, but to Christianity and Judaism as well. That everything is a conspiracy out to get and undermine Islam. Often there is no substance to these accusations. Of course no one is denying political agendas and power struggles which are a reality in this world, however to accuse a passive and peaceful group like the Bahai's of such things is paranoid and tyrannical behavior.
Very true. And the fact that the Baha'i headquarters are in Israel does not automatically mean Baha'is are "Zionists." Had Baha'u'llah not been banished by the Iranian and Ottoman governments from Iran to Baghdad, to Constantinople, to Adrianople, and finally to 'Akka, then the Baha'i headquarters may very well have been established in Iran -- the land where the Baha'i Faith was born. (When the Baha'i headquarters were established there, the territory of course wasn't called Israel, it was called Palestine.) Baha'u'llah was a Prisoner for most of His life, and had access to few of His followers -- let alone outsiders -- so it is hard to see how He could have had any such "connections" to other foreign powers. He was placed in the worst underground dungeons, with no light, foul conditions, etc., as were many of His followers. Not to mention that Baha'u'llah was disinterested in politics to begin with (His father was a high-ranking official of the Persian government, but Baha'u'llah gave that life up to soon become known as "The Father of the poor," as He bestowed much of His wealth on the poor and needy in Iran; and He and had no interest in materialism and the things of this world -- to say the least).
It basically comes down to, at this point any intelligent person will dismiss such accusations. The Iranian government is using such accusations right now as an excuse to kill the 7 Baha'i leaders who will soon be tried in a religious (Islamic) court.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ~Serpent~
Muslims will claim that Christians anticipated Mohammad, picking and choosing vague Biblical quotes. In fact the quotes which you give from the Koran are much more clear in the idea that texts may not be as authentic as the majority believe, and that because of this, there is always a need for progressive revelation for each era needs an update. I have no problem with this.
I have actually, on this very thread, been accused by some Muslims of "picking and choosing," although they never responded to the specific quotes I used by clearly showing how I misused them (indeed, it is easier and it takes less ingenuity to just reject everything right off the bat). I think from time immemorial, the previous religions have always accused the religions that came after them of giving interpretations to scripture to "suit their own purposes." With the advent of Christ, many of the Jewish divines of the time leveled the same accusations against the Christian community. Obviously the Christians had to interpret the Hebrew scriptures quite differently: Jesus was a poor carpenter's Son, an itinerant preacher, whereas the Jewish scriptures anticipated the Messiah as being this magnificent, kingly Figure with a crown, ruling with a sword, seated on King David's throne, mightily overthrowing the Romans. So Christ's coming did not "fit" the literal interpretation of Hebrew scripture. Either such scripture is to be interpreted metaphorically, or literally; and depending on the manner of interpretation one utilizes, a drastically different conclusion is obtained.
And later, the Christians accused the Muslims of picking and choosing, and now some Muslims accuse Baha'is of the same. As we can see, God has not given scripture an "obvious" meaning which everyone agrees on, because if He did then all the divines in Christ's day would have immediately accepted Him as their Messiah. And if every religion agreed on the meaning of their scriptures, undoubtedly all mankind would have remained one religion since the days of Adam. But that the religions fell at variance with one another, even amongst themselves (leading to many countless sects), attest to the fact that there are widely differing opinions regarding the meaning behind sacred verses -- which can be a barrier to arriving at their true meaning. However, the Manifestation of God -- and those whom He has appointed (vicegerents, apostles, Imams, etc.) -- know the proper meanings of verses, within the scope of infallibility. Thus if one believes in Christ, for example, one believes that His interpretation of the Hebrew scriptures is the valid interpretation.
The Baha'i approach is that, while not all Scripture contain metaphorical meanings, many important verses (especially as relate to prophesies) do. The Qur'an even says that the followers of the Book cannot comprehend all the meanings behind the verses. The One who can infallibly provide the meaning for Scripture is the Manifestation of God Himself (e.g., Abraham, Moses, Christ, etc.), as explained above. Of course, to a certain extent human beings who study scripture with an unbiased attitude will come to many correct conclusions regarding the meaning behind sacred verses.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ~Serpent~
I have no problem if Bahai's claim that their founder was a prophet either. The very fact that there is such division within the Islamic world, to many is a reflection of the fallacy that their texts could have been transmitted without any political agendas involved.
Well the religion was indeed very political (after all, Muhammad was even the Governor of Medina), but what kind of division in the Islamic world are you referring to, sectarian? Of course I also view schism as a form of disunity; Christianity alone in the United States has over 2,000 denominations! But when I said that Baha'u'llah was not a "prophet," my intention of course wasn't to downplay His significance: in fact, He states that His Station is much exalted over that of a prophet. To put it in a nutshell: In Baha'i terms, a "prophet" prophesies the coming of Baha'u'llah and the establishment of His Religion, from Adam down to Muhammad. So Baha'is don't say Baha'u'llah wasn't a prophet merely to appease the Muslim community -- which believes in the Seal of the Prophets and Messengers. We believe that the "Prophetic Cycle", which began with Adam, ended with the Bab's Dispensation in 1844; and thereafter "Cycle of Fulfillment" was inaugurated.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ~Serpent~
Probably if the Bahai faith had omitted any reference to Mohammad as a prophet, and excluded any Koranic ideologies, "perhaps", they would not have been persecuted to the degree that they have been. This is just an assumption though. Of course, any middle eastern religion which had sprung out claiming lineage to the Abrahamic line, even though excluding Mohammad, would be considered a threat to Islam, since Islam has laid claim to the whole Abrahamic lineage through their own "infallible" re-interpretation (white washing) of those traditions.
The Baha'i Faith sees Islam as the last religion that was established before the Baha'i Faith. The Baha'i Faith could not really have -- nor did it have such an intention anyways -- refrained from making references to Muhammad or the Qur'an, as the references were essential (e.g., many of the top Muslim clerics converted to the Faith because of how Baha'u'llah in their eyes fulfilled the prophesies that they had studied). In fact, the majority of Baha'u'llah's Kitab-i-Iqan ("The Book of Certitude") -- one of His most important works -- contains references to the Islamic and Christian scriptures. He uses some verses from those texts as proofs of His Revelation.
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"O MAN OF TWO VISIONS! Close one eye and open the other. Close one to the world and all that is therein, and open the other to the hallowed beauty of the Beloved."
Regarding this issue, Baha'u'llah ("The Glory of God") writes:
Quote:
Leaders of religion, in every age, have hindered their people from attaining the shores of eternal salvation, inasmuch as they held the reins of authority in their mighty grasp. Some for the lust of leadership, others through want of knowledge and understanding, have been the cause of the deprivation of the people. By their sanction and authority, every Prophet of God hath drunk from the chalice of sacrifice, and winged His flight unto the heights of glory. What unspeakable cruelties they that have occupied the seats of authority and learning have inflicted upon the true Monarchs of the world, those Gems of divine virtue! Content with a transitory dominion, they have deprived themselves of an everlasting sovereignty. Thus, their eyes beheld not the light of the countenance of the Well-Beloved, nor did their ears hearken unto the sweet melodies of the Bird of Desire. For this reason, in all sacred books mention hath been made of the divines of every age. Thus He saith: "O people of the Book! Why disbelieve the signs of God to which ye yourselves have been witnesses?" [Qur'an 3:70] And also He saith: "O people of the Book! Why clothe ye the truth with falsehood? Why wittingly hide the truth?" [Qur'an 3:71] Again, He saith: "Say, O people of the Book! Why repel believers from the way of God?" [Qur'an 3:99] It is evident that by the "people of the Book," who have repelled their fellow-men from the straight path of God, is meant none other than the divines of that age, whose names and character have been revealed in the sacred books, and alluded to in the verses and traditions recorded therein, were you to observe with the eye of God.
With fixed and steady gaze, born of the unerring eye of God, scan for a while the horizon of divine knowledge, and contemplate those words of perfection which the Eternal hath revealed, that haply the mysteries of divine wisdom, hidden ere now beneath the veil of glory and treasured within the tabernacle of His grace, may be made manifest unto you. The denials and protestations of these leaders of religion have, in the main, been due to their lack of knowledge and understanding. Those words uttered by the Revealers of the beauty of the one true God, setting forth the signs that should herald the advent of the Manifestation to come, they never understood nor fathomed. Hence they raised the standard of revolt, and stirred up mischief and sedition. It is obvious and manifest that the true meaning of the utterances of the Birds of Eternity is revealed to none except those that manifest the Eternal Being, and the melodies of the Nightingale of Holiness can reach no ear save that of the denizens of the everlasting realm. The Copt of tyranny can never partake of the cup touched by the lips of the Sept of justice, and the Pharaoh of unbelief can never hope to recognize the hand of the Moses of truth. Even as He saith: "None knoweth the meaning thereof except God and them that are well-grounded in knowledge." [Qur'an 3:7] And yet, they have sought the interpretation of the Book from those that are wrapt in veils, and have refused to seek enlightenment from the fountain-head of knowledge.
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"O MAN OF TWO VISIONS! Close one eye and open the other. Close one to the world and all that is therein, and open the other to the hallowed beauty of the Beloved."
Islam Question and Answer www.islam-qa.com
Question No 92196
Ruling on a woman taking part in forums and discussions with men
Question:
What is the ruling on woman partaking in forums? And women discussing issues with men? Is joking with men on forums haram? What is the ruling on using the different icons of emotions like smiles? Is using private messaging between a man and a woman to enquire something or ask for help permissible? Is it permissible for the woman to write ?hahahaha? (laugh)? May Allah reward you, Please answer my questions accurately to assure my heart.
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
It is permissible for a woman to take part in public forums so long as she adheres to the following conditions:
1 ? She should take part only as much as is necessary, so she may put her question or say what she has to say, then leave, and she should not comment except as is essential, because the basic principle is that she should refrain from speaking with men and mixing with them.
2 ? Her speech should not include anything that may provoke fitnah, such as jokes, soft speech or laughter, such as writing ?hahahahaha? as mentioned in the question, or using emoticons to represent smiles, because that may lead to the one in whose heart is a disease being moved with desire, as in the verse (interpretation of the meaning):
?O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women. If you keep your duty (to Allaah), then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy, or evil desire for adultery) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honourable manner?
[al-Ahzaab 33:32].
3 ? She should avoid giving her e-mail address or corresponding privately with any of the men, even if that is by seeking help, because such correspondence usually leads to emotional attachment and provocation of fitnah. Please see questions no. 34841 and 82460.
4 ? It is better for a woman to take part only in forums for women. This is safer for her. There are many such forums and there is a lot of good in them. If she needs to take part in public forums then it is better for her to choose a username that does not show that she is female.
And Allaah knows best.
Islam Q&A
So it is best for you not to take part in this discussion, eh...
Damn! All net....
ROTFLMAO!
Asiya, you may want to ask them if it's appropriate that you keep emailing an infidel to argue with them....
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All those who believe in psychokinesis raise my hand.
Editor's note: Actor Rainn Wilson plays paper salesman Dwight Schrute in the television comedy "The Office."
(CNN) -- Why is Rainn Wilson, "Dwight" on "The Office," writing a news commentary for CNN? Good question.
It's a bit strange for me, to say the least; a comic character actor best known for playing weirdos with bad haircuts getting all serious to talk about the persecution of the fellow members of his religious faith.
Dear readers of CNN, I assure you that what I'm writing about is no joking matter or some hoax perpetrated by a paper-sellin', bear-fearin', Battlestar-Galactica obsessed beet farmer.
I am a member of the Baha'i faith. What is that, you ask? Well, long story short, it's an independent world religion that began in the mid-1800s in Iran. Baha'is believe that there is only one God and therefore only one religion.
All of the world's divine teachers (Jesus, Muhammad, Buddha, Moses, Abraham, Krishna, etc.) bring essentially the same message -- one of unity, love and knowledge of God or the divine.
This constantly updated faith of God, Baha'is believe, has been refreshed for this day and age by our founder, Baha'u'llah. There. Nutshell version.
Now, as I mentioned, this all happened in Iran, and needless to say the Muslim authorities did not like the Baha'is very much, accusing them of heresy and apostasy. Tens of thousands were killed in the early years of the faith, and the persecutions have continued off and on for the past 150 years.
Why write about all this now? Well, I'm glad you asked. You see there's a 'trial' going on very soon for seven Baha'i national leaders in Iran.
They've been accused of all manner of things including being "spies for Israel," "insulting religious sanctities" and "propaganda against the Islamic Republic."
They've been held for a year in Evin Prison in Tehran without any access to their lawyer (the Nobel Laureate Shirin Ebadi) and with zero evidence of any of these charges.
When a similar thing happened in 1980, the national leadership of the Iranian Baha'i community disappeared. And this was repeated again in 1981.
In fact, since 1979, more than 200 Baha'is have been killed, holy places and cemeteries desecrated, homes burned, civil rights taken away and secret lists compiled of Baha'is (and even Muslims who associate with them) by government agencies.
It's bad right now for all the peace-loving Baha'is in Iran who want only to practice their religion and follow their beliefs. It's especially bad for these seven. Here's a link to their bios. They're teachers, and engineers, and optometrists and social workers just like us.
This thought has become kind of a cliche, but we take our rights for granted here in America. Imagine if a group of people were rounded up and imprisoned and then disappeared not for anything they'd done, but because they wanted to worship differently than the majority.
There is a resolution on the situation of the Baha'is in Iran being sent to Congress. Please ask your representatives to support it. And ask them to speak out about this terrible situation.
Thanks for reading. Now back to bears, paper and beets!
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"O MAN OF TWO VISIONS! Close one eye and open the other. Close one to the world and all that is therein, and open the other to the hallowed beauty of the Beloved."
Freedom House on Imprisoned Baha'i Leaders in Iran
Quote:
Baha'i "Spying" Case Strikes New Blow Against Religious Freedom in Iran
Washington - February 12, 2009 - Freedom House strongly condemns the Iranian government's decision to try seven members of the Baha'i faith next week on contrived charges including "spying for Israel." The five men and two women should be released immediately, along with dozens of other Baha'is who are in prison for exercising their human right to religious freedom.
In addition to the espionage charge, the seven are accused of "insulting religious sanctities and propaganda against the Islamic Republic," although no evidence has been presented. Nobel Peace Prize winner Shirin Ebadi is representing the seven Baha'i detainees in court, but has yet to gain access to their case files.
Iran has executed hundreds of Baha'is -- the country's largest non-Muslim minority -- since the Islamic Revolution in 1979. The 300,000 adherents to the Baha'i faith who live in Iran regularly face unwarranted arrests, false imprisonment and torture. The Baha'i religion, which was founded in nineteenth century Persia, is banned in Iran.
"It is deeply ironic that the Iranian regime is seeking greater international legitimacy, while it escalates a brutal campaign against anyone perceived to be a threat in the lead up to the presidential election in June," said Jennifer Windsor, Freedom House executive director. "The case of the seven Baha'is is part of a larger crackdown on reform-minded political activists, human rights organizations and bloggers that Freedom House is monitoring closely."
Among the most high-profile cases is that of Iranian-Canadian blogger Hossein Derakhshan, who was arrested in Iran late last year on similar charges of "espionage for Israel." In January, a lawyer for world-renowned AIDS physicians Arash and Kamiar Alei said the brothers were sentenced to several years in prison on charges of participating in a "soft coup funded by the CIA."
Iran is ranked Not Free in the 2009 edition of Freedom in the World, Freedom House's survey of political rights and civil liberties. The country, led by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, received a downward trend arrow this year because of the government's decision to disqualify dozens of candidates for elected office and close numerous media outlets. Iran also received a ranking of Not Free in the 2008 edition of Freedom of the Press.
Freedom House, an independent nongovernmental organization that supports the expansion of freedom in the world, has been monitoring political rights and civil liberties in Iran since 1972.
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"O MAN OF TWO VISIONS! Close one eye and open the other. Close one to the world and all that is therein, and open the other to the hallowed beauty of the Beloved."
Another Prayer for the Protection of Baha'i Prisoners
February 17, 2009
Editor's Note: Last month, Iran Press Watch published a prayer by Baha'u'llah, the Founder of the Baha'i Faith, for the protection and release of Baha'i prisoners at http://www.iranpresswatch.org/2009/0...for-prisoners/ With the impending trial of the Friends of Iran on the heart of countless concerned citizens from around the world, today IPW is pleased to share a provisional translation of a prayer by 'Abdu'l-Baha for the protection of Baha'i prisoners. This particular prayer was written in October 1921 and may be one of the last prayers revealed by 'Abdu'l-Baha, the Son of Baha'u'llah and His chosen Successor.
He is the All-Glorious!
O God, my God! Verily, Thou seest Thy servants acting with sincerity toward the whole of mankind, even the ill-disposed enemy. They are serving the entire human race with pure hearts and sanctified breasts and are exposed to grave danger. Darts are aimed at them, arrows directed towards them. Spears are pointed at them, swords drawn against them.
O Lord! They are victims of tyranny, at the mercy of the enemy. They are prisoners in the hands of blood-thirsty wolves and ravenous dogs from amongst the wicked. They have no refuge, no haven save the stronghold of Thine all-encompassing protection. Shelter them, O my Lord, with the eye of Thy loving-kindness neath the shadow of Thy shield and protection and guard them in the shelter of Thy care from the wicked-doers among Thy people. O Lord! They have no helper except Thee, no protector besides Thee.
Ordain, O my Lord, all manner of affliction for 'Abdu'l-Baha. Make me a target for the darts of men and protect Thy faithful servants from the wickedness of the ignoble. Grant that I may offer up my life for the whole body of Thy lovers so that my heart may find rest, my soul may be quieted, and my eyes may be solaced in the arena of supreme martyrdom. Verily, Thou art the All-Powerful, the Almighty, the Most Exalted.
O ye beloved of the Lord! Be calm and composed.
-- 'Abdu'l-Baha
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"O MAN OF TWO VISIONS! Close one eye and open the other. Close one to the world and all that is therein, and open the other to the hallowed beauty of the Beloved."
President Abolhassan Banisadr Supporting Freedom of Expression for Baha'is
February 17, 2009
Editor's Note: Abolhassan Banisadr was the first president of the Islamic Republic of Iran (1980-81). The following is a translation of an introduction to an interview he held with Rahmat-Qasem Begu, a reporter for Radio France Internationale, on Monday, 16 February 2009.
In Iran, debate about the manner in which the government is dealing with the Baha'i community and its followers gains a new intensity each day. For instance, Hojjatol-Islam Duri-Najafabadi, the nation's prosecutor-general, wrote a letter to the Minister of Intelligence instructing him to combat the activities of this community.
In recent months, increased incarcerations, pressures on the Baha'is in addition to [possible] imprisonment, the status of their civil rights and of the citizenship rights of this community, have attracted the attention of national and international agencies concerned with human rights. Regarding the government's reaction towards this community [i.e., Baha'is], which has several hundred thousand members, Hojjatol-Islam Dur-Najafabadi stated, "According to the constitution of the Islamic Republic, having a certain belief and conviction is free. However, it is illegal to state or proclaim it in any manner."
Abolhassan Banisadr, Iran's first president, says, "When having any belief is free, how can expressing it be prohibited by law?"
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"O MAN OF TWO VISIONS! Close one eye and open the other. Close one to the world and all that is therein, and open the other to the hallowed beauty of the Beloved."
DFAT 'concerned' over fate of Baha'i leaders
BY JENNA HAND
19/02/2009 1:00:00 AM
The Australian Government is "deeply concerned" at news that seven leaders of the Iranian Baha'i community have been charged with spying for Israel, insulting Islam and distributing anti-Iran propaganda.
The seven may be executed if found guilty in a Revolutionary Court trial scheduled this week.
A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokeswoman said the lack of due legal process "makes it hard to believe there is any basis to the charges or that they will receive a fair trial".
The Australian Baha'i community is calling for the immediate release of the seven.
Australian Baha'i Community's Canberra spokeswoman Tessa Scrine said the accusations were baseless.
Australian relatives of the accused are deeply worried.
Roya Kamalabadi, who lives in Melbourne, knows little about where her sister is being held or what condition she is in.
Fariba Kamalabadi, 46, is a psychologist and mother of three children.
Iran's ambassador to Australia, Mahmoud Movahhedi, said all governments had a responsibility to maintain order and bring to justice those suspected of criminal offences.
The United States, the European Union, Britain and Brazil have all issued statements condemning the Iranian Government's treatment of the seven leaders.
__________________
"O MAN OF TWO VISIONS! Close one eye and open the other. Close one to the world and all that is therein, and open the other to the hallowed beauty of the Beloved."
Good to hear from you again! Nice style of approaching these issues.
Exactly. I highly doubt that any Muslim -- no matter how extreme his views are -- will "not care" about being persecuted in the same manner as the Shi'is in Iran have persecuted the Baha'is, or even the Sunnis in Egypt (among others). In fact no one in this world would want to be persecuted like that. God forbid anyone should endure such vicious tests and trials on account of their faith.
Of course, we can keep in mind that the extreme views expressed by some on this forum are not held by every single Muslim; I know personally of Muslims who are not so indifferent toward the plight of the Iranian and Egyptian Baha'is, and some who are friendly toward Baha'is. I just wanted to get that in there because I don't want any Muslims -- who are not extremists -- following this thread to get the wrong impression.
(As a side note, it isn't just the Iranian government who wants to eradicate the Baha'is as you would guess; some Muslims citizens in Iran individually want the same, and some take on the individual initiative to post hateful graffiti on Baha'i houses, for example, or persecute them in other ways. Granted, as a whole I think tolerance of the Baha'i community has increased among Iranian citizens.)
I agree that there are Muslims who do not adopt this "extreme" side of Islamic ideology. Of course you must also understand that according to Muslims who strictly follow the Koran and Hadith doctrine, much of what is considered extreme is in reality fundamental creed, and that any deviation from that is considered religious innovation.
However, from what you have outlined, it seems that the manner in which Bahai's have been treated, clearly goes outside what is considered normal Islamic law and conduct towards other faiths. These governments, notably Iran, seem to have taken a position which in and of itself is an innovation, going outside the boundaries of acceptable abuse within true Islamic Law.
As you say, these kinds of oppressive stances, which theocratic states adopt, create environments which encourage hate crimes on the local level within the masses. Actually you can find many similar examples, like damage of property, physical abuse, death threats, etc with so-called "apostates" who leave Islam. Because of this many move to Western countries to flee from the abuse. In fact, in some cases they continue to be harrassed even in foreign countries from Islamic communities which have taken root there. There are quite a few youtube videos of apostate's testimonies.
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Very true. And the fact that the Baha'i headquarters are in Israel does not automatically mean Baha'is are "Zionists." Had Baha'u'llah not been banished by the Iranian and Ottoman governments from Iran to Baghdad, to Constantinople, to Adrianople, and finally to 'Akka, then the Baha'i headquarters may very well have been established in Iran -- the land where the Baha'i Faith was born. (When the Baha'i headquarters were established there, the territory of course wasn't called Israel, it was called Palestine.) Baha'u'llah was a Prisoner for most of His life, and had access to few of His followers -- let alone outsiders -- so it is hard to see how He could have had any such "connections" to other foreign powers. He was placed in the worst underground dungeons, with no light, foul conditions, etc., as were many of His followers. Not to mention that Baha'u'llah was disinterested in politics to begin with (His father was a high-ranking official of the Persian government, but Baha'u'llah gave that life up to soon become known as "The Father of the poor," as He bestowed much of His wealth on the poor and needy in Iran; and He and had no interest in materialism and the things of this world -- to say the least).
It basically comes down to, at this point any intelligent person will dismiss such accusations. The Iranian government is using such accusations right now as an excuse to kill the 7 Baha'i leaders who will soon be tried in a religious (Islamic) court.
It's easy to note, that such people who readily gobble up such accusations against the Bahai's adopt any conspiracy theory which believes that any external ideology is part of an agenda which is determined to undermine theirs'. Said people of course, always have a blind eye to the political agendas which breed within their own backyards.
I have met quite a few Iranians, (who actually lived in Iran), who were not hesitant at all in admitting how corrupt they thought their own government was.
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I have actually, on this very thread, been accused by some Muslims of "picking and choosing," although they never responded to the specific quotes I used by clearly showing how I misused them (indeed, it is easier and it takes less ingenuity to just reject everything right off the bat). I think from time immemorial, the previous religions have always accused the religions that came after them of giving interpretations to scripture to "suit their own purposes." With the advent of Christ, many of the Jewish divines of the time leveled the same accusations against the Christian community. Obviously the Christians had to interpret the Hebrew scriptures quite differently: Jesus was a poor carpenter's Son, an itinerant preacher, whereas the Jewish scriptures anticipated the Messiah as being this magnificent, kingly Figure with a crown, ruling with a sword, seated on King David's throne, mightily overthrowing the Romans. So Christ's coming did not "fit" the literal interpretation of Hebrew scripture. Either such scripture is to be interpreted metaphorically, or literally; and depending on the manner of interpretation one utilizes, a drastically different conclusion is obtained.
And later, the Christians accused the Muslims of picking and choosing, and now some Muslims accuse Baha'is of the same. As we can see, God has not given scripture an "obvious" meaning which everyone agrees on, because if He did then all the divines in Christ's day would have immediately accepted Him as their Messiah. And if every religion agreed on the meaning of their scriptures, undoubtedly all mankind would have remained one religion since the days of Adam. But that the religions fell at variance with one another, even amongst themselves (leading to many countless sects), attest to the fact that there are widely differing opinions regarding the meaning behind sacred verses -- which can be a barrier to arriving at their true meaning. However, the Manifestation of God -- and those whom He has appointed (vicegerents, apostles, Imams, etc.) -- know the proper meanings of verses, within the scope of infallibility. Thus if one believes in Christ, for example, one believes that His interpretation of the Hebrew scriptures is the valid interpretation.
The Baha'i approach is that, while not all Scripture contain metaphorical meanings, many important verses (especially as relate to prophesies) do. The Qur'an even says that the followers of the Book cannot comprehend all the meanings behind the verses. The One who can infallibly provide the meaning for Scripture is the Manifestation of God Himself (e.g., Abraham, Moses, Christ, etc.), as explained above. Of course, to a certain extent human beings who study scripture with an unbiased attitude will come to many correct conclusions regarding the meaning behind sacred verses.
Very wise insight. I think you are on to something, in that all of these sacred scriptures are multi-layered in meanings. Things that may mean one thing on the surface, or from a casual understanding, may be metaphor or have some deeper symbolic meaning to it, which may be misrepresented if taken literally.
You may find this quote I posted from bahai-library.com interesting:
Well the religion was indeed very political (after all, Muhammad was even the Governor of Medina), but what kind of division in the Islamic world are you referring to, sectarian? Of course I also view schism as a form of disunity; Christianity alone in the United States has over 2,000 denominations! But when I said that Baha'u'llah was not a "prophet," my intention of course wasn't to downplay His significance: in fact, He states that His Station is much exalted over that of a prophet. To put it in a nutshell: In Baha'i terms, a "prophet" prophesies the coming of Baha'u'llah and the establishment of His Religion, from Adam down to Muhammad. So Baha'is don't say Baha'u'llah wasn't a prophet merely to appease the Muslim community -- which believes in the Seal of the Prophets and Messengers. We believe that the "Prophetic Cycle", which began with Adam, ended with the Bab's Dispensation in 1844; and thereafter "Cycle of Fulfillment" was inaugurated.
What would you say, would be the main difference between the prophets who came from the "prophetic cycle", and the "messengers" who come from the "cycle of fulfillment", be? Is Bahaullah supposed to be the only messenger in this latter cycle?
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The Baha'i Faith sees Islam as the last religion that was established before the Baha'i Faith. The Baha'i Faith could not really have -- nor did it have such an intention anyways -- refrained from making references to Muhammad or the Qur'an, as the references were essential (e.g., many of the top Muslim clerics converted to the Faith because of how Baha'u'llah in their eyes fulfilled the prophesies that they had studied). In fact, the majority of Baha'u'llah's Kitab-i-Iqan ("The Book of Certitude") -- one of His most important works -- contains references to the Islamic and Christian scriptures. He uses some verses from those texts as proofs of His Revelation.
Interesting. Do Bahai's also believe that Jesus will return in an apocalyptic end of days?
Brief statement about how Baha'is view Muhammad and the other Prophets
I just wanted to put this out there: that Baha'is do not agree that the Prophet Muhammad was a "pedophile." For one thing, Muhammad's first wife, Khadijah, was twenty years older than Muhammad. For another, we have to understand the context or what was going on in the culture back then. The Arabs, when visiting others (especially of higher status), would bring gifts.
The greatest gift of all, it was considered, was giving one's daughter. Everyone was poor and violent, as the main occupation of the Arabs was, quite literally, raiding caravans. To have your daughter in the Prophet's house meant protection for her, and she would not go hungry. People who are under the impression that Muhammad actively sought out "young girls" do not know the history; the custom of giving your daughter away was common back then, and He was just working within that system by accepting such gifts. Also, I have seen the age of Aisha exaggerated; even after she was wed to Muhammad, she stayed at her parents' house for a few years before being with Muhammad. Another thing to keep in mind is that because of poor health, constant warfare, and the like, people did not live as long back then. By the time a women turned 20 she probably had already lost most of her teeth!
Besides that, Baha'is believe that human beings don't have the right to question the actions of God's Prophets and Chosen Ones. If we did then we'd also be looking at Noah, who is said to have built the first vineyard and that he got so drunk that He stripped naked in front of His family; or Moses' killing a man, etc. But since, what Baha'is call the "Manifestation of God" (Abraham, Moses, Christ, etc.), are chosen as God's Representatives on this earth, all their actions are infallible and done with absolute wisdom. Because the Manifestations of God are themselves the embodiments of Divine virtues, and they are superior to mankind in all the perfections of humanity. Thus it would be a mistake for us to feel morally superior to them, or that we know better than they do (if you really do accept the fact that they are Prophets).
On this issue, Baha'u'llah states:
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"The Prophets of God should be regarded as physicians whose task is to foster the well-being of the world and its peoples, that, through the spirit of oneness, they may heal the sickness of a divided humanity. To none is given the right to question their words or disparage their conduct, for they are the only ones who can claim to have understood the patient and to have correctly diagnosed its ailments. No man, however acute his perception, can ever hope to reach the heights which the wisdom and understanding of the Divine Physician have attained. Little wonder, then, if the treatment prescribed by the physician in this day should not be found to be identical with that which he prescribed before. How could it be otherwise when the ills affecting the sufferer necessitate at every stage of his sickness a special remedy? In like manner, every time the Prophets of God have illumined the world with the resplendent radiance of the Day Star of Divine knowledge, they have invariably summoned its peoples to embrace the light of God through such means as best befitted the exigencies of the age in which they appeared. They were thus able to scatter the darkness of ignorance, and to shed upon the world the glory of their own knowledge. It is towards the inmost essence of these Prophets, therefore, that the eye of every man of discernment must be directed, inasmuch as their one and only purpose hath always been to guide the erring, and give peace to the afflicted.... These are not days of prosperity and triumph. The whole of mankind is in the grip of manifold ills. Strive, therefore, to save its life through the wholesome medicine which the almighty hand of the unerring Physician hath prepared."
(Source: Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, pp. 80-1)
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"O MAN OF TWO VISIONS! Close one eye and open the other. Close one to the world and all that is therein, and open the other to the hallowed beauty of the Beloved."
Short clip on the Bahai faith from the 'Around the world in 80 faiths' series.
Thanks for posting the video. It brings back memories of pilgrimage in the Holy Land. Just a few things that may have been confusing on the video: around 0:33 the narrator states that the Shrine of the Bab houses the remains of "their prophet known as the Bab." This could be misleading; the Bab established His short-lived Faith called the Babi religion, in anticipation of Baha'u'llah. The whole point of the Bab's ministry (1844-1850; He was martyred in 1850) was to prepare the way for Baha'u'llah; thus, the Bab was the Forerunner of Baha'u'llah, not the Founder of Prophet of the Baha'i Faith. For info and clarification about the Station of the Bab, http://info.bahai.org/babi-faith.html
At 0:56 of the video, the narrator states that to become a Baha'i you "don't have to give up your existing religion." Just to clarify, what he means is that you don't necessarily give up your previous beliefs. For example, if you are a Christian and you become a Baha'i, you don't stop believing in Jesus or that the Bible is the Word of God, because Baha'is believe in Christ and in the Bible. But since we believe that Baha'u'llah is God's Mouthpiece for this day and age, it is of benefit for us to focus on His "prescription" for the "remedy of this age." Christ wrote a prescription that healed the sickness of mankind 2,000 years ago; today, we are faced with a new sickness that needs a new "prescription," and Baha'u'llah states that He is the Divine Physician Who can along prescribe such a remedy for an ailing mankind. Baha'u'llah says that the human race will eventually be united through His teachings. How fast world unity happens is really up to each one of us individually; but God's Divine plan can never be halted, no matter how great mankind fails in its duty toward God.
The beginning of the video shows the Baha'i holy sites on Mount Carmel, and the end shows the narrator in 'Akka (near Haifa), where the Shrine of Baha'u'llah is located. Baha'is believe this is the holiest site on earth. Pilgrims are given petals from the Shrine of Baha'u'llah in an envelope (at least that's what I got). The Baha'i holy lands really feel like God's Kingdom on Earth, it's like a small glimpse of what the world will be like in the future through the unifying force of Baha'u'llah's Revelation. And this is somewhat the impression of non-Baha'is who are familiar with the Baha'i Holy Lands as well. As you can see, the BBC narrator was rather impressed with the Baha'is and Baha'i sites, and he wasn't a member of this religion.
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"O MAN OF TWO VISIONS! Close one eye and open the other. Close one to the world and all that is therein, and open the other to the hallowed beauty of the Beloved."
I agree that there are Muslims who do not adopt this "extreme" side of Islamic ideology. Of course you must also understand that according to Muslims who strictly follow the Koran and Hadith doctrine, much of what is considered extreme is in reality fundamental creed, and that any deviation from that is considered religious innovation.
Good point. And some things in the Qur'an may look extreme to us, for example, the cutting off the hands of thieves. Of course, in medieval times, this was a practice even among non-Muslims. And the stoning to death of those who have sex outside of marriage, which was adopted in Islam, was a custom that was not unique to Muslims; Jesus Himself prevented such an incident as we know from the Scriptures. (Stoning for fornication/adultery are not prescribed in the Qur'an, however.) In the Baha'i view, the laws of the Qur'an were perfect for its time, around 1,000 years ago. Jesus' teachings were perfect for 2,000 years ago; Krishna's teachings were perfect for about 4,000 years ago; you get the point. In a culture where the main occupation of the Arabs was raiding caravans, killing the men and taking the women and children as slaves -- and where there was constant tribal warfare -- the laws of Muhammad could not have been seen as extreme at the time. They Arabs lacked educated; there was no police; there were no prisons. So wild men were killed, otherwise they would kill again; thieves had their hands cut off, to serve as an example, etc. But it is horrible that in this enlightened day and age, with iPods and computers, people would be treated so barbarically! Thus, Baha'u'llah's new Laws....
Every age has its own unique challenges and issues which are dealt with by God' Chosen Ones on this Earth. Abraham fulfilled this duty at one point; Moses, at another; Christ, at yet another; and Muhammad. Today, Baha'u'llah says that He is the Mouthpiece of God for this day and age; therefore, many of the Muhammadan laws have been abolished -- as well as those of other religions -- and new Laws which "work" in today's world have been Revealed in "The Most Holy Book," or the Kitab-i-Aqdas which Baha'u'llah authored. "Little wonder, then," states Baha'u'llah, "if the treatment prescribed by the physician in this day should not be found to be identical with that which he prescribed before." So an obvious example of a law that doesn't work anymore is "jihad"; Baha'u'llah outlawed holy war completely, as I have mentioned before.
**One may take this viewpoint: who is a true Muslim? The one that remains a Muslim after the prophesies of his religion have already been fulfilled and still clings to the old laws, or the one who realizes that the prophesies of his religion have been fulfilled and thus becomes a Baha'i? Some of the greatest Islamic clergy have become Baha'is, high ranking Muslims with greater knowledge than 99% of the Muslims of the world (as I have previously described in more detail in previous posts). If all Muslims became Baha'is then there would be no issue of jihad at all today, because they would see that Today jihad goes completely against the Will of God. And what is the Will of God for today? Baha'u'llah says it is the unity of the human race; whatever is conducive to unity is embraced, whatever is not conducive to unity is shunned (e.g., violence in the name of religion).
So we see that the problem is not Muslims clinging to their laws per se, it is them adhering to them once God has Revealed new ones in their stead. If the Baha'i Faith is indeed the Revelation which Muhammad was preparing His believers for, then do we really think that Muhammad considers Muslims to really be "followers of Islam"? We can plainly see that certain laws like jihad don't work anymore today. Islam spread fast once the faith was inaugurated through multiple conquests, but what worked back then doesn't necessarily work today. Back then they didn't have to worry about helicopters with machine guns, heavy artillery, or nukes, which would have wiped out an entire army in a few seconds, or the surveillance technologies that we today possess. So practically you see it won't work, even for the sake of argument if the laws were still valid. Baha'u'llah states:
"The measure of the revelation of the Prophets of God in this world, however, must differ. Each and every one of them hath been the Bearer of a distinct Message, and hath been commissioned to reveal Himself through specific acts. It is for this reason that they appear to vary in their greatness. Their Revelation may be likened unto the light of the moon that sheddeth its radiance upon the earth. Though every time it appeareth, it revealeth a fresh measure of its brightness, yet its inherent splendor can never diminish, nor can its light suffer extinction."
And further, Baha'u'llah writes:
"It is clear and evident, therefore, that any apparent variation in the intensity of their light is not inherent in the light itself, but should rather be attributed to the varying receptivity of an ever-changing world. Every Prophet Whom the Almighty and Peerless Creator hath purposed to send to the peoples of the earth hath been entrusted with a Message, and charged to act in a manner that would best meet the requirements of the age in which He appeared. God's purpose in sending His Prophets unto men is twofold. The first is to liberate the children of men from the darkness of ignorance, and guide them to the light of true understanding. The second is to ensure the peace and tranquillity of mankind, and provide all the means by which they can be established."
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Originally Posted by ~Serpent~
However, from what you have outlined, it seems that the manner in which Bahai's have been treated, clearly goes outside what is considered normal Islamic law and conduct towards other faiths. These governments, notably Iran, seem to have taken a position which in and of itself is an innovation, going outside the boundaries of acceptable abuse within true Islamic Law.
Great insight, and in fact, Abolhassan Banisadr, the first president of the Islamic Republic of Iran (1980-81), said exactly this (I linked to a story about this a few posts back). There is no law in Islam that says to persecute, kill, imprison, or torture those who do not hold mainstream beliefs. Baha'is doing purely humanitarian services along side Muslims (they didn't even mention the Baha'i Faith) in Shiraz, Iran, were arrested and imprisoned! ...And mind you, this is the opinion of the first President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, founded after the 1979 revolution. So what Muslim can question that? He clearly supports Baha'is not only believing in the Baha'i Faith, but also expressing their beliefs.
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Originally Posted by ~Serpent~
As you say, these kinds of oppressive stances, which theocratic states adopt, create environments which encourage hate crimes on the local level within the masses. Actually you can find many similar examples, like damage of property, physical abuse, death threats, etc with so-called "apostates" who leave Islam. Because of this many move to Western countries to flee from the abuse. In fact, in some cases they continue to be harrassed even in foreign countries from Islamic communities which have taken root there. There are quite a few youtube videos of apostate's testimonies.
And contrast that with the Baha'i Faith. Baha'is view the Message of Baha'u'llah as a gift as would be presented to a king. If someone rejects that gift, why should we let that bother us? Baha'is are taught to inform others of Baha'u'llah, but if someone if not receptive or if he is comfortable in his beliefs, we "leave him unto himself," as Baha'u'llah puts it; Baha'u'llah exhorts:
Consort with all men, O people of Baha, in a spirit of friendliness and fellowship. If ye be aware of a certain truth, if ye possess a jewel, of which others are deprived, share it with them in a language of utmost kindliness and good-will. If it be accepted, if it fulfil its purpose, your object is attained. If any one should refuse it, leave him unto himself, and beseech God to guide him. Beware lest ye deal unkindly with him. A kindly tongue is the lodestone of the hearts of men. It is the bread of the spirit, it clotheth the words with meaning, it is the fountain of the light of wisdom and understanding....
I see it like this, personally: it would be like offering a million dollar check to a man, and getting mad at him for refusing it and even persecuting him for that. If something is the truth, human beings will eventually come to realize it themselves. Violence only leads to a temporary effect in terms of people accepting a religion; but the permanent effect comes from people's hearts actually being changed or transformed as a result of their own personal investigations into a religion.
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Originally Posted by ~Serpent~
Very wise insight. I think you are on to something, in that all of these sacred scriptures are multi-layered in meanings. Things that may mean one thing on the surface, or from a casual understanding, may be metaphor or have some deeper symbolic meaning to it, which may be misrepresented if taken literally.
Baha'u'llah spends a lot of time talking about prophesies, especially in the Kitab-i-Iqan, or "The Book of Certitude." He mostly treats Christian and Islamic subjects. A general knowledge of Islamic subjects is needed (for those parts), but you sound well-informed regarding religions so I think you could follow it if you wanted: http://reference.bahai.org/en/t/b/KI/
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"O MAN OF TWO VISIONS! Close one eye and open the other. Close one to the world and all that is therein, and open the other to the hallowed beauty of the Beloved."
What would you say, would be the main difference between the prophets who came from the "prophetic cycle", and the "messengers" who come from the "cycle of fulfillment", be? Is Bahaullah supposed to be the only messenger in this latter cycle?
First, let's quickly look at "prophet" (Arabic: nabi) and "messenger" (rasoul). Basically, a prophet brings new scripture (new laws) and a messenger is a warner. In the Qur'an, Muhammad says that He is the Seal of the Prophets; in a sermon of His (either the last or one of the last) in some Sunni hadith He is reported to have stated that He is the Seal of the Prophets and Messengers.
Both the Prophet and Messenger, as we can see from scripture, warned mankind of the Day of Judgment, which Baha'is believe is today. So Baha'u'llah is neither a Prophet or Messenger: the Prophets and Messengers were preparing humanity for Baha'u'llah, Baha'is believe. Therefore, Muhammad sealed up this cycle, which includes Prophets and Messengers. Thus, in 1844 when the Bab declared His mission, the "Prophetic Cycle" that had begun with Adam formally came to an end. And, in its stead, "The Cycle of Fulfillment" was inaugurated.
I wasn't going to post the following originally, since I thought it might be confusing especially for people hearing about the Baha'i Faith for the first time. But now I see it might be helpful:
First, Baha'u'llah calls the Bab (you saw the Shrine of the Bab at the beginning of the video Zeddicus_Zul posted) "the King of the Messengers" in one of Baha'u'llah's most famous Tablets, called the Tablet of Ahmad. It is a short tablet, I suggest reading it briefly if you have the chance: http://reference.bahai.org/en/t/c/BP/bp-173.html
Baha'u'llah has written a Tablet called the "Sura of Our Name, the Sender." Baha'u'llah states that He, Himself, sent all the Prophets and Messengers since the days of Adam, and that He will continue doing so for the next 50,000 years. Baha'u'llah also states that He was the Voice from the Burning Bush.
In the Day of Judgment, God is supposed to appear and judge all of mankind. After the Seal of the Prophets verse in the Qur'an, even, is that stated promise. But all religions have some sort of apocalyptic prophesies: they all point to the same Day. They are basically all waiting for the same thing, even if the prophesies are stated differently. Since God can't literally incarnate Himself into a man, as the Baha'i Writings state, we see God through His Representative on earth. That's why Baha'is call Baha'u'llah a "Manifestation of God": Baha'u'llah perfectly manifests all the Divine virtues and attribute of God.
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Originally Posted by ~Serpent~
Interesting. Do Bahai's also believe that Jesus will return in an apocalyptic end of days?
Good question,
Continued...
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"O MAN OF TWO VISIONS! Close one eye and open the other. Close one to the world and all that is therein, and open the other to the hallowed beauty of the Beloved."
"Behold, I come as a thief." --Jesus Christ (Rev. 16:15)
-FROM Revelations Chapters 2, 3, AND 21, of the Holy Bible:-
"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. . . .
"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. . . .
"He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. . . .
"Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. . . .
"Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. . . .
"He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son."
"O SON OF THE WONDROUS VISION! I have breathed within thee a breath of My own Spirit, that thou mayest be My lover. Why hast thou forsaken Me and sought a beloved other than Me?" (Baha'u'llah)
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
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Originally Posted by ~Serpent~
Interesting. Do Bahai's also believe that Jesus will return in an apocalyptic end of days?
Baha'is believe that Baha'u'llah fulfills the spiritual prophesies of the Second Coming of Christ. There have been many books written on the subject. In fact, Baha'u'llah's name is stated twice in the book of St. John. If you look at an Arabic translation of the Bible, this will be clear (i.e., Baha'u'llah's name is literally in the verse); but we remember that that "Baha'u'llah" is an Arabic word for "The Glory of God." E.g., Matt. 11:40:
"Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God ["Baha'u'llah"]?"
In the book of Mark,
"Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." (8:38)
Revelations chapters 2 and 3 state that Christ will return with "a new name written" (Baha'u'llah), with "the name of my God" (Rev. 3:12; The Glory of God, Baha'u'llah), "the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem" (Baha'u'llah's birthplace), and Christ will "write upon him my new name" (new name: from "Christian" to "Baha'i," that is, follower of Baha'u'llah).
So is Baha'u'llah the Father? Is Baha'u'llah Jesus? Is Baha'u'llah the Fifth Buddha? Is Baha'u'llah the return of Krishna? Is Baha'u'llah the "Lord of Hosts"? Is He the Qayuum or the return of 'Imam Husayn? He is, in fact, all of these in One. Indeed, the peoples of all religions think they are expecting different Figures, but they are all actually expecting the same One really, even though there are different names ascribed to Him.
Thus members of the world religions have found Baha'u'llah to be the One that was Promised to them, many, many years ago... And how excited are, for example, Christians that convert, when they find their scriptures have been fulfilled, that the One appointed by Christ has appeared! It is indeed like a rebirth for some, in discovering Baha'u'llah. The famous 1970s Warner Brothers rock band, Seals & Crofts -- two Baha'is -- described the process as indeed being "born again."
But getting back to Baha'u'llah spiritually fulfilling the prophesies of the world religions: To understand this, we have to understand the unity of God, and particularly the unity of the Manifestations of God. This is a length subject addressed by Baha'u'llah, but I'll post some excerpts:
"To them that are endowed with understanding, it is clear and manifest that, when the fire of the love of Jesus consumed the veils of Jewish limitations, and His authority was made apparent and partially enforced, He, the Revealer of the unseen Beauty, addressing one day His disciples, referred unto His passing, and, kindling in their hearts the fire of bereavement, said unto them: 'I go away and come again unto you.' And in another place He said: 'I go and another will come, Who will tell you all that I have not told you, and will fulfil all that I have said.' Both these sayings have but one meaning, were ye to ponder upon the Manifestations of the Unity of God with Divine insight."
If we understand the unity of the Prophets, Messengers, and Manifestations of God, then we realize the two verses by Christ which Baha'u'llah sites are only apparent contradictions, not actual contradictions. In the one, Christ says He will "come again unto you"; in another, He says, "I go and another will come." So which is it? Christ will come, or another will come? Can it be both at the same time? Well, yes, if you believe in the unity of the Manifestations. In a sense, all the Prophets are One, in that they all speak only by the leave of God, that they proclaim the same essential Message. They of course are distinct in other ways, but the fact that they proclaim the same essential Truths is our focus when we consider their unity.
Baha'u'llah continues:
"Every discerning observer will recognize that in the Dispensation of the Qur'an both the Book and the Cause of Jesus were confirmed. As to the matter of names, Muhammad, Himself, declared: 'I am Jesus.' He recognized the truth of the signs, prophecies, and words of Jesus, and testified that they were all of God. In this sense, neither the person of Jesus nor His writings hath differed from that of Muhammad and of His holy Book, inasmuch as both have championed the Cause of God, uttered His praise, and revealed His commandments. Thus it is that Jesus, Himself, declared: 'I go away and come again unto you.' Consider the sun. Were it to say now, 'I am the sun of yesterday,' it would speak the truth. And should it, bearing the sequence of time in mind, claim to be other than that sun, it still would speak the truth. In like manner, if it be said that all the days are but one and the same, it is correct and true. And if it be said, with respect to their particular names and designations, that they differ, that again is true. For though they are the same, yet one doth recognize in each a separate designation, a specific attribute, a particular character. Conceive accordingly the distinction, variation, and unity characteristic of the various Manifestations of holiness, that thou mayest comprehend the allusions made by the Creator of all names and attributes to the mysteries of distinction and unity, and discover the answer to thy question as to why that everlasting Beauty should have, at sundry times, called Himself by different names and titles...."
Thus, Baha'u'llah gives a clear example of the unity of the Manifestations: Muhammad is reported to have said, "I am Jesus." Indeed, religions do differ from each other, but only in their nonessential aspects. In their essential aspects, they are one and the same since they promote the same essential truths (e.g., one God, "golden rules," etc.). Thus, in one light, a Manifestation of God is separate and distinct from the others; in other light, since He is sent by the same God, to deliver God's Message, to foster brotherhood among men, He is One with the other Manifestations. Indeed, religions differ in their nonessential aspects because -- as Baha'u'llah tells us -- each age has its unique challenges, which need to be addressed by new Teachings. Baha'u'llah tells us that He has revealed the Teachings which mankind is in dire need of for Today, and that His Teachings will once and for all unite all of humanity in one common Faith.
Baha'u'llah concludes:
"It is evident that the changes brought about in every Dispensation constitute the dark clouds that intervene between the eye of man's understanding and the Divine Luminary which shineth forth from the day spring of the Divine Essence. Consider how men for generations have been blindly imitating their fathers, and have been trained according to such ways and manners as have been laid down by the dictates of their Faith. Were these men, therefore, to discover suddenly that a Man, Who hath been living in their midst, Who, with respect to every human limitation hath been their equal, had risen to abolish every established principle imposed by their Faith -- principles by which for centuries they have been disciplined, and every opposer and denier of which they have come to regard as infidel, profligate and wicked, -- they would of a certainty be veiled and hindered from acknowledging His truth. Such things are as 'clouds' that veil the eyes of those whose inner being hath not tasted the Salsbil of detachment, nor drunk from the Kawthar of the knowledge of God. Such men, when acquainted with those circumstances, become so veiled that, without the least question, they pronounce the Manifestation of God as infidel, and sentence Him to death. You must have heard of such things taking place all down the ages, and are now observing them in these days.
"It behoveth us, therefore, to make the utmost endeavor, that, by God's invisible assistance, these dark veils, these clouds of Heaven-sent trials, may not hinder us from beholding the beauty of His shining Countenance, and that we may recognize Him only by His own Self."
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By the way, Baha'u'llah's Name ("The Glory of God") is also mentioned in the book of Revelations:
"And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled." (15:8)
"And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,
"Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal." (21:10-11)
"And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof." (21:23)
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"O MAN OF TWO VISIONS! Close one eye and open the other. Close one to the world and all that is therein, and open the other to the hallowed beauty of the Beloved."
Note: New York Times uses in one of its captions the term "Bahaism" to refer to the Baha'i Faith. This is an outdated or archaic term, like "Muhammadanism" for Islam.
Seven Iranians Charged With Spying for Israel
By Robert Mackey
Last week, the Iranian state-run broadcaster Press TV reported that seven Iranian followers of the minority Bahai faith, who were arrested last year, will be tried in Tehran as soon as this week on charges of "espionage for Israel, desecrating religious sanctities and propaganda against the Islamic Republic." If convicted, the five men and two women could be sentenced to death.
Press TV, a satellite channel broadcast in English, noted that an American government commission has "condemned the move, saying the espionage charges were ?baseless.' " But it also reported that the Iranian chief prosecutor, Ayatollah Qorban-Ali Dori-Najafabadi, "accused the group of gathering intelligence" and said there was "irrefutable evidence that adherents of the Bahai sect are in close contact with the enemies of the Iranian nation and have strong links to the Zionist regime."
The imminent trial has drawn protests from Bahais around the world, including the American actor Rainn Wilson, who is better known for his role in the American version of the TV series "The Office" than for his adherence to a mystical religion founded in 19th-century Persia. In a commentary he wrote for CNN, Mr. Wilson said there was "zero evidence" to support the charges, and noted that "since 1979, more than 200 Bahais have been killed" in Iran.
Abu Dhabi's English-language newspaper, The National, reports on Monday that the seven accused Bahai leaders "have languished in Evin prison, just north of Tehran, for nearly a year without access to their lawyer, the Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi."
Ms. Ebadi, a human rights lawyer who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003, has been under severe pressure from the Iranian government as she prepares to defend the Bahai group. In late December, the police shut down her human rights center and judicial authorities raided her private office, seizing her computers and her client files.
In an interview with Lindsey Hilsum of Channel 4 News in Britain last week in Tehran, Ms. Ebadi said that the Iranian judicial system was acting "illegally" by preventing her from meeting with her Bahai clients. Ms. Hilsum's complete report is embedded here: [See article for link]
Mike Shuster of NPR also interviewed Ms. Ebadi in Tehran last week, and reported on a broad "slow-motion crackdown on human rights activists" that he said was underway in Iran.
The fact that Bahai's roots lie in what is now Iran have not deterred the current Islamic government from persecuting the sect, as Laurie Goodstein explained in The New York Times in 2006:
The Bahais are the largest religious minority in Iran, with about 300,000 members there. There are five million worldwide. They believe that humanity is one race, that men and women are equal and that all religions and prophets are derived from the same source, God.
They have suffered successive waves of persecution in Iran since their faith was founded there in the mid-1800's by a Persian nobleman considered by the Bahais to be a messenger of God. That belief violates the Islamic teaching that God sent many prophets before Muhammad, but none afterward. The Bahai are discriminated against in some other Muslim countries, where they are far less numerous than in Iran.
As The National writes, "Iran's Shiite religious establishment considers the religion a heretical offshoot of Islam," and therefore not entitled to the protection granted to religious minorities in Article 13 of Iran's constitution, which recognizes "only Jews, Christians and Zoroastrians as religious minorities in Iran, granting them representation in parliament and a degree of supervised and limited autonomy."
Despite Article 13, however, Iran's Jewish community is not immune from prosecution on similar charges. In 2000, 10 Iranian Jews were convicted of spying for Israel and sent to jail (although they avoided death sentences and were all released or pardoned within three years.)
It probably doesn't help that the world center of the Bahai faith is in the city of Haifa. A century ago, when the Bahais came to Haifa, it was part of the Ottoman Empire. Since 1948 though, Haifa has been located inside the Israeli state that Iran refuses to recognize. The Shrine of the Bab, containing the remains of one of the faith's two founders, is located on the slopes of Mount Carmel, making the Bahais one of the many faiths that regard this area as the Holy Land.
This quirk of geopolitical coincidence may make it difficult for Iranian Bahais to argue that they have no contact with Israel, though it remains to be seen what sort of "irrefutable evidence" Iran's prosecutors will present in court to back up their claims that members of the religion are guilty of "espionage for Israel."
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"O MAN OF TWO VISIONS! Close one eye and open the other. Close one to the world and all that is therein, and open the other to the hallowed beauty of the Beloved."
Vandals Desecrate the Baha'i Cemetery in Semnan (Iran)
Vandals Desecrate the Baha'i Cemetery in Semnan
February 27, 2009
Semnan - On 19 February 2009, the Baha'i cemetery in Semnan became the victim of a growing wave of violence that has swept across Iran, desecrating Baha'i burial places and terrorizing Baha'i families. Fifty tombstones in the Baha'i cemetery were irreparably damaged, trees were razed to the ground and a room used for preparing the dead for burial was burned and destroyed. Before leaving, vandals sprayed hateful slurs and insults on gas and water tanks found on the cemetery grounds. These slurs contain spelling mistakes suggesting that the vandals may have been young or uneducated. One of the insults contains a reference to the Ruhi program, a series of study courses offered by the Baha'i community to serve the spiritual and educational needs of the greater community.
This brazen attack comes on the heels of arrests and raids by government authorities that have occurred in Semnan over the last several months. The day following the desecration of the cemetery, Hojjatol-Islam Shah-Cheraghi, Semnan's supreme religious authority anathematized the Baha'i Faith in an odious sermon calling for direct attacks against Semnan's Baha'i community. It is worth noting that Shah-Cheraghi is Semnan's official representative for Iran?s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei. Days after his sermon, several Baha'i homes were attacked with Molotov cocktails.
Translations of the texts found in the pictures:
1. The cemetery of the infidels living in Semnan. [We] spit on the souls of Baha'is and on their dead.
2. We will kill each and every one of you. Baha'is are big fools!
3. Baha, Bab, the Ruhi program; All of you [Baha'is] are impure. Get the hell of out here!
4. Bastard Baha'i!
5. Get the hell out of Iran! Death to Israel and England.
6. Death to the infidel Baha'is!
7. Filthy, infidel Baha'i!
8. Death to Israel!
__________________
"O MAN OF TWO VISIONS! Close one eye and open the other. Close one to the world and all that is therein, and open the other to the hallowed beauty of the Beloved."
Editor's Note: Iran Press Watch was saddened to learn of the recent expulsion of three Baha'i university students (http://www.iranpresswatch.org/2009/0...sion-3-sahand/), and has hastened to publish below in translation an account shared by one of the three youth.
It was late in September 2008, around 11 a.m. in the morning, when my brother, who was himself expelled from university because of being a Baha'i, contacted me and told me that because of my selected major, I had been accepted in the Medical Engineering field at Sahand University in Tabriz.
I was thrilled and excited that I could continue my studies in a public university and become a contributing member of society and a true servant to my homeland. I referred to the university website and noted the registration requirements. In accordance with the relevant rules and regulations, I went to the university on the specified day. The registration form asked for the applicant to identify his religion, but fortunately the multiple choice block allowed for "other religion", which I selected.
Registration was completed without any difficulties and I was accepted as a freshmen student. I had good and positive feelings, since I could study along with other students from all over Iran with different backgrounds and learning experiences.
It went in this way until the university began to issue student identity cards. Similarly to other students, I awaited for my student card. After some time, however, I noticed that all other students had received their card, but I had not. So, I went to the responsible officials and they told me that they did not know the reason for this delay. However, they promised me that they would follow up with this and stated emphatically that this delay would cause me no problem, and that I would be able to take my exams without a student ID card.
Despite all these events, I started my first term exams and thanked God that I had been able to finish the first semester.
With my completion of the first semester, it was time to select courses for the second term. Like all other students, I went through the course selection process and started the second term.
From the very first day of the second semester, when I checked the university website, there was no information about my course registration. That indicated that I could not participate in classes like everybody else and could not continue the normal process.
Several times, I contacted the responsible school officials and they stated they had not been told anything about my situation. Each time, they expressed themselves in words that made me confident that I could proceed with my courses like other students.
However, on March 3, 2009, even my identification disappeared from the university website. When I tried to log into the site, the notice came up, "This user has been deactivated." When I saw this message, I contacted the university.After several hours, Mrs. Cheraghi, the person in charge of the operation and the President of the university, eventually answered my phone calls and said to me that the Organization for Educational Evaluation and Assessment had removed my name. She added that only by following up through this organization could I regain admission. When I asked for the reasons behind my expulsion, the President put down the receiver without giving a response.
Is this really the end of my education? Am I going to be another Iranian Baha'i youth, similar to the thousands of other Iranian Baha'i youth, who have deprived of higher education? Have I been expelled from the university with no reason or evidence solely because of the whim of the Organization for Assessment - an organization whose role should be to empower individuals to attend universities, and not to close such windows of opportunity to them?
What answers can be given to these questions? Should I be deprived of continuing my education in this country, because my beliefs are different? What would be the reaction of the other students who are now studying at this university? Would another student in the second term face the same challenging question by taking the seat of Sina Dana? Does shutting off any dialogue as easily as cutting off a phone contact end everything?
The inquiring mind of youth will find answers to all these questions, even if no response is given!
Sina Dana,
One of the three expelled students from Sahand University.
[Online source: http://www.agahee.org/content/view/757/45/ Iran Press Watch is grateful to Sina Dana for sharing this account for publication with this site. Translation by Iran Press Watch.]
__________________
"O MAN OF TWO VISIONS! Close one eye and open the other. Close one to the world and all that is therein, and open the other to the hallowed beauty of the Beloved."
Iranian Parliament Ready to Approve Budget Item to Combat Baha'is
02:59 pm on Mar 12th 2009
Ayandeh Rouchan news agency, the mouthpiece of the religious establishment in Qom, Iran, reported on Sunday, March 8, 2009, that Iran's Parliament had finally passed the administration's budget request for the next fiscal year by a vote of 148 Members of Parliament out of a total of 237.
According to the same report, on the recommendation of the Social Committee, a sum of 30 billion Rials [equivalent to $3.1 million] has been allocated for "promotion of teaching and dispatch of teachers to combat Satan-worshipers, Sufis and Baha'is."
The same report indicates that this sum will be deducted from the budget of the Executive branch and added to Qom?s budget for seminary schools.
[Source: Iran Press Watch]
__________________
"O MAN OF TWO VISIONS! Close one eye and open the other. Close one to the world and all that is therein, and open the other to the hallowed beauty of the Beloved."
Just as a side note: Rainn Wilson, best known for his Emmy-nominated role as Dwight Schrute on the NBC sitcom The Office, recently spoke on Oprah Winfrey's "Soul Series," and talked extensively about his religion -- the Baha'i Faith. It's really interesting, check out the webcast here: http://www.oprah.com/article/spirit/...io_oss_rwilson
__________________
"O MAN OF TWO VISIONS! Close one eye and open the other. Close one to the world and all that is therein, and open the other to the hallowed beauty of the Beloved."
Editor's Note: Iran Press Watch is grateful to have received the following account from a Baha'i young adult in Iran, whom we will only identify by his first name, Ali-Reza. This account is offered below in translation by Iran Press Watch.
In the Name of God, the Creator!
Respectfully, I declare that I, Ali-Reza - am a Baha'i and the son of a Baha'i.
In 1996, I participated in the university entrance exam. At that time because of special circumstances (my mother being a staunch Muslim, had forbidden my father from having contacts with Baha'is), I, the only child of the family, was not even aware of my father's religion as I was growing up.
While filling out the application form, I marked Muslim in the religion column. Before the names of successful candidates were announced in the national newspapers, I was summoned by authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Organization for Evaluation and Assessment. After I was asked many irrelevant questions, I was notified that even though I had passed the entrance exam with flying colors and was eligible to enter medical school, I was not allowed to continue my education due to my father's religion. I explained that there are no verses in the Qu'ran or the Constitution allowing discrimination against religious minorities; moreover, I insisted that I was a Muslim and was only born to a Baha'i father. I was told that the Baha'i Faith is not among official religions of the country, and its followers are spies of Israel, are anti-Islam and anti-Iran.
After ceaselessly pursuing my dream of becoming a doctor, missing one school term, receiving threats and insults, accepting the condition set for me, I was permitted to enroll. The condition was that at no time and under no circumstances should I engage in any teaching of the Baha'i Faith - about which I did not know anything anyway, though I was raised in a home with a Baha'i father.
However, a few years later when I started investigating and finally accepted the Baha'i Faith, I realized that I had been raised under the principles of the Baha'i Faith.
Unfortunately, the harassment did not stop when I entered university. With every change in the staff, I was interrogated by the Security Committee again and again. All along, the only accusation that I was charged with was that my father was a Baha'i. I was often summoned for investigation and pressured to follow Islam. Each time, I was asked irrelevant questions which I found very hard to deal with. I was becoming emotionally drained, especially when they were associating Baha'is with espionage.
In 2002, I was a resident physician, finishing the last term of my medical school, serving in hospitals. Prompted by a spiritual dream that I had, and the curiosity aroused in me by the authorities' questions, I began to investigate the Baha'i Faith by searching the internet. I wanted to find out about this Faith that I was strongly forbidden to mention to anyone, that I was harassed about so many times throughout so many years.
Finally, I accepted the Baha'i Faith. I was so touched by the Most Holy Book and the Book of Certitude that I could not contain myself and conceal my faith. My close friends, my classmates and then the Basij [Islamic militia that interferes in all aspects of people's lives] became aware of it and notified the Security Committee of the university. I also mentioned my belief to the Khademin, who guided me and asked me to be wise [meaning not to proclaim his Faith too openly and thereby jeopardize his life].
After accepting the Baha'i Faith, not only did I lose my friends (though not all of them), but I was subject to the anger and hatred of all my relatives and some of my wife's relatives. They even tried to force my wife to separate from me. However, she was investigating the Faith as well, and had a favorable view of it. She stood strong and did not bend under their pressure.
Since that time, I have been in touch with the Baha'i community, have taught my faith and have increased my knowledge of the faith. I have also trained and educated my children by following the teachings of the faith.
After becoming aware of my acceptance of the Baha'i Faith, the Security Committee of the university summoned me and started interrogating me. They told me that based on information received from their sources, they knew that I had been in contact with "elements of the misguided sect" and that I had caused "disturbance in public minds". I responded and rejected their accusations. I said I had just accepted the Baha'i Faith and had done nothing to cause any disturbance to public minds. They were dismayed by my responses and were angered by my steadfastness in my belief.
I was finally charged with being a cause of "disorder at the university" and "disturbance of the minds of students". I was expelled from the university dormitory, banned from university for two years, forced out of medical school and compelled to major in physiotherapy. I strongly objected, complained to the Ministry of Health and also to the judiciary and even wrote to Mr. Khatami, President of Iran at that time. All my efforts were in vain. I was warned repeatedly that I should not discuss any of what was happening with anyone.
In the two years that I was banned from university, I purchased a small car, financed by selling my wife's jewelry and obtaining a car loan. I started a taxi service between cities to provide for my family. Being away from medical school and serving patients at hospitals that I cherished so much caused a lot of stress. Repeatedly I sought counseling. Even the counselor, after finding out the reason for my depression, wrote to the university officials in the hope that I would be permitted to go back to university, not knowing my depression and dismay were exactly what the authorities wanted to achieve. Since that time I have always felt irritated, impatient and depressed.
Eventually, after my two-year dismissal from university ended, despite my desire to finish medical school, I had no choice but to change my field to physiotherapy. However, I was still not left alone. The Ministry of Health continued to write confidential letters to the university officials and vice versa discussing my dismissal - I have related documents in my procession which I am forwarding.
Finally, after receiving notice from the Ministry of Health, I was prohibited from registering. I was called to the security office and was questioned by the authorities. Being angered by my responses; I was physically assaulted by the Basij and by security personnel. Due to the efforts of my uncle, I was not arrested or charged.
In 2004, after Baha'i students were allowed to enter universities (almost all of them have been expelled by now), I too enrolled. I successfully finished my studies and received a perfect mark on my final report.
Even though I had paid all my tuition and I owed nothing to the university, I was sent back again and again between offices and at the end I was told that due to problems in my file and based on a directive from the Ministry of Health, a certificate for the completion of my education could not be issued. I tried many times, contacted many officials, but I could not even get a temporary certificate of completion for my studies.
The final verdict was that as long as I insisted on my religious beliefs, it would be impossible to get my certificate.
I was not given any written document of what I was told. I personally contacted the Ministry of Health many times asking for the written ruling. Finally, one employee who was very helpful gave me a copy of the communication.
Needless to say, after accepting the Baha'i Faith we were not spared from harassment by our neighbors and some of our former friends. Even our car was not left alone. Sometimes, we would see scratches, a broken mirror, or four flat tires. Our son has been under duress in school and finally we were forced to change his school. All the pressures and agitation inflicted upon our lives has affected our younger son as well, the effects of which are noticeable in his behavior and have caused stuttering in his speech.
Signed,
Ali-Reza
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"O MAN OF TWO VISIONS! Close one eye and open the other. Close one to the world and all that is therein, and open the other to the hallowed beauty of the Beloved."
--Baha'u'llah
www.bahai.us
Last edited by Bahai.Lifter; 03-16-2009 at 06:57 AM.
Editor's Note: The following is a report about the arrest of Haleh Hooshmandi-Salehi, who was summoned by Iranian government authorities on Monday. They told her to go home and that they would call when she was needed. They called on Tuesday and ordered her to appear before them yesterday, Wednesday March 18. They arrested and imprisoned her when she came to their offices. Yesterday was the last day before all government offices close for Naw-Ruz (the Iranian traditional New Year holiday, for which offices may close for as long as 2 weeks). It should be noted that Haleh Salehi was one of the 54 Baha'is who were arrested last year for participation in teaching virtues classes (with no explicit Baha'i religious content, and with the approval of parents) to underprivileged children. She has been serving a one-year suspended sentence.
Report from Shiraz:
shirazOn the morning of March 14, agents of the Ministry of Intelligence descended on our residence, and as my wife and I were travelling, they forced, threatened and compelled my mother-in-law to given them the key so they could enter. They confiscated all of our books, computer, CDs, and a great deal of personal property, such as birth certificates, national ID cards, passports, and even our young child's personal items.
They also had an arrest warrant for my wife, Haleh Hooshmandi. Since we were not in Shiraz at that time, it was decided that she would present herself upon our return to the prison building of the Ministry of Intelligence in Shiraz, known as Plock 100.
At the same time, they had gone to the home of Farham Masumi and arrested him. However, he was released later that evening.
When we returned from our trip, we went to Plock 100 and stated, "As instructed, we are presenting ourselves." The authorities responded, "Return home and we will be in touch."
They contacted us on March 17 and asked that my wife, Mrs. Hooshmandi, appear at 8 a.m. the next morning at the prison facility of the Ministry of Intelligence.
On Wednesday, March 18, we returned to the prison building and saw that Mr. Farham Masumi had also been summoned as well. The officer that came by the door to take these two inside [i.e. Mr. Masumi and Mrs. Hooshmandi] and stated, "They will come home by this evening." However, when I went back that afternoon, I was told that they would come home the next morning.
This morning [March 19, 2009], we were told, "For now they are to remain here. If there is any news, or they are permitted to meet with you, or there are other matters, they will themselves call."
When I inquired about the charges against them, the answer was, "They have been arrested for illegal activities." When I asked for further details about these "illegal activities", they had no information and only responded, "You must go to the Information Office of the Ministry of Intelligence on Zand Avenue and ask."
It is interesting to note that a few minutes earlier, they had said to Mrs. Karami, whose husband has been incarcerated for about a month, "Whatever the Information Office tells you has no authority. You must come to us for information."
I should explain that Mr. Kayvan Karami was arrested after one of his Muslim friends was detained and charged with "change of belief in the traditional religion [i.e. conversion to the Baha'i Faith]. The Information Office had said to the family of Mr. Karami, "He has been arrested in connection with the arrest of his friend, though the friend has been released on surety." They then told Mrs. Karami that the charge against Kayvan was something else, though.
When I contacted the Information Office, they said, "Your wife is a Baha'i, and for now that is sufficient reason for arrest." They said that if it was necessary, they would call me.
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"O MAN OF TWO VISIONS! Close one eye and open the other. Close one to the world and all that is therein, and open the other to the hallowed beauty of the Beloved."
Groups: Villagers attack homes of Baha'is in Egypt
By MAGGIE MICHAEL ? 8 hours ago
CAIRO (AP) -- Dozens of Muslim villagers have attacked the homes of members of the minority Baha'i religion in southern Egypt, hurling firebombs and denouncing them as "enemies of God," human rights groups said Thursday.
The attacks began Saturday after a prominent Egyptian media commentator denounced a Baha'i activist in a television appearance as an "apostate" and called for her to be killed.
The Baha'i religion was founded in the 1860s by a Persian nobleman, Baha'u'llah, whom the faithful regard as the most recent in a line of prophets that included Buddha, Abraham, Jesus and Muhammad. Muslims reject the faith because they believe Muhammad was God's final prophet, and Baha'is have been persecuted in the Middle East.
In Egypt, where the majority of the country's nearly 80 million people are Sunni Muslim, the Baha'i faith is not recognized as an official religion. The head of Al-Azhar, Egypt's dominant religious authority, has also declared it a "sacrilegious dogma."
After five days of violence, calm returned Wednesday to the village of Shouraniya, located about 215 miles south of Cairo. No one was injured in the attacks.
The village's 15 Baha'i residents were forced to leave, and police have prevented them from returning, rights groups said.
Egypt's Interior Ministry confirmed the attacks and said police have made arrests. But it denied that police stopped the Baha'i residents from returning to their village.
"This is just an incident, and we are investigating," ministry spokesman Gen. Hamdi Abdel-Karim said. He declined to provide more details.
During the violence, the attackers shouted "No God but Allah" and "Baha'is are enemies of Allah" as they hurled stones through windows, a group of six Egyptian human rights organizations said in a joint statement. On Tuesday, assailants also threw fire bombs, damaging five homes, they said.
Abdel-Sameia el-Sayyed, one of the Baha'i villagers, said a mob looted his house and destroyed his possessions. He said he fled the village Tuesday with his wife and five children.
"I have lived there for 45 years ? all my life ? and I had to leave it for the sake of my children's safety," he told The Associated Press.
The Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights and the other rights groups called on authorities to investigate claims that police were reluctant to stop the violence.
The rights groups also accused the media commentator, Gamal Abdel-Rahim, of inciting the violence. Abdel-Rahim praised the Shouraniya assailants in a commentary published Tuesday in the state-run Al-Gomhouria newspaper.
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"O MAN OF TWO VISIONS! Close one eye and open the other. Close one to the world and all that is therein, and open the other to the hallowed beauty of the Beloved."
First President of the Islamic Republic of Iran ('80-'81) Supports Baha'is!
Governments all around the world concerned about Baha'is in Iran...
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