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We are all Baha'is
18-Aug-2008
The violent scheme of Baha’i-killing, of which the Hojjatieh Society was the standard-bearer and promulgator before the revolution – a scheme whose promoters came to power with the emergence of the Islamic Republic – is at its foundation a felonious concept intended to bring about religious cleansing through the murder of all Baha’is.
During the past 30 years under the Islamic Republic, our Baha’i countrymen have persistently been the subject of dual discrimination – threat and repression. Their only offense has been that they believe in the Baha’i teachings. In their own native land, they are barred from many occupations, nor are they allowed to openly worship in accordance with their religious percepts – and indeed the government has treated these Iranian brothers and sisters as criminals.
From the very beginning this perilous idea existed among some leaders of the Islamic Republic: that the Baha’is were mahduru’d-dam – meaning, that their blood could be shed with impunity. Indeed, the same leaders considered that the killing of Baha’is was a necessity and would win Divine Rewards. Until the present time this felonious idea, which in its essence encompasses the most abject criminal intentions and has such figures as Ali Khamenei and his cohorts as its supporters, has resulted in the savage murder of many of our Baha’i countrymen.
Periodically during the past thirty years, in such towns as Shiraz, Kerman, Mashhad, Tehran, Karaj and other locations throughout the country, a number of our Baha’i fellow-citizens have been murdered by the most brutal means. In none of these heinous events were the murderers – who were always agents and authorities of the security agencies of the Islamic Republic – prosecuted, and no governmental agency heeded the complaints of the families of those thus exterminated.
The criminal scheme of Baha’i-killing, of which the Hojjatieh Society was the standard-bearer and promulgator before the revolution – a scheme whose promoters came to power with the emergence of the Islamic Republic – is at its foundation a felonious concept intended to bring about religious cleansing through the murder of all Baha’is. If there had been no barriers to this planned genocide, such as international laws or global reaction, then no doubt by now the leaders of the Islamic Republic would have fully implemented their atrocious scheme.
At different periods during the past 30 years, we have witnessed the mobilization of certain pressure groups associated with the regime for the implementation of this plan. We must, however, remind the leaders of the Islamic Republic that their plan is indeed the same fascist scheme which has led to racial and religious genocides, for which some instigators have been tried in international courts on the charge of “crimes against humanity.”
The policy of the leaders of the Islamic Republic towards suppression of religious minorities in general, and of Baha’is in particular, has always been to advance their intentions through agents and officers of the Security and Basij agencies, so that they can claim that their crimes had been committed by people and had come about as a result of public religious biases.
However, during these three decades:
* Never has anyone been brought up on charges of murder, persecution or threat against the Baha’is.
* Never have the leaders of the Islamic Republic condemned these crimes.
* Unceasingly, the policy of discrimination and suppression of Baha’is has been followed.
* Great threats have been instantly leveled against every lawyer and human rights organization which has spoken in defense of the civil rights of Baha’is.
Because of the intense sensitivity of this regime towards the Baha’is in Iran, when it comes to defending the civil rights of Baha’is, human rights activists and organizations have either remained silent or have not engaged the issue to any notable measure. In truth, the intensity of the government’s discrimination against the Baha’is has been to such an extent that human rights activists have also come to accept it, and have routinely conducted themselves in accordance with the same discrimination.
In the course of the recent waves of suppression of the Baha’is, Ms. Shirin Ebadi has agreed to defend the imprisoned Baha’is. After she announced her readiness to provide legal defense to these Baha’is, the official news organs of the Islamic Republic, including the newspaper that speaks for the Islamic Republic, claimed that this undertaking by Ms. Ebadi is due to the fact that her daughter had accepted the Baha’i religion. It should be clear that the claim of official news organs of the Islamic Republic is intended to instill fear in Ms. Ebadi and to discourage her and her colleagues from defending the imprisoned Baha’is.
Unfortunately, the reaction of Ms. Ebadi to this allegation was as if she considered being a Baha’i or becoming a Baha’i a shameful act and equated this accusation against her daughter as a “curse.” In a radio interview with the Persian segment of Radio France Internationale on the last Thursday, 17 Murdad [7 August 2008], three times Ms. Ebadi referred to the allegations of the Islamic Republic against her family as a “curse.” In fact, she could have dismissed these baseless accusations – which no one believes anyway – without disrespect towards the Baha’is.
Considerable evidence proves that we have not come to view religious freedom and equity to such a degree that we would respect the religious beliefs of others to the same extent as our own beliefs. Until it remains so, governments can continue with their policy of discrimination and suppression of religious minorities.
In view of the government’s antagonistic policy toward Baha’is, the protection of the civil rights of Baha’is and opposition to official or extralegal discrimination against this segment of Iranian society has gained a particular significance in the arena of human rights. The most effective way to break religious discrimination against the Baha’is would be for all human rights activists and organizations to adopt the defense of complete religious rights and equality, and opposition to all forms of religious bias, as their foremost principle. Moreover, this message should not be limited to ad hoc measures of human rights defenders.
When the regime attacks the Baha’is, we must all write and say, “We are all Iranian Baha’is!”
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Let us teach in Israel (The Holy Land)
by Yohanna (not verified) on Wed Oct 01, 2008 09:50 AM PDTWhy Israeli government is not allowing us (Bahai's) to teach this beautiful faith of Baha'u'llah in their country? We does not teach anything other then what is Judaism, but in its more purer and modern form? Teaching is our faith and we cannot stop it even if the government does not allow us. We MUST teach in the Holy land, we MUST teach christians, muslims, jews or anybody residing in any corner of the world, including the HOLY LAND. Just Teaching and teaching and teaching. We must know that JEWS are the most deserving people, because they denied so many manifestations of God. Please visit my blog to read more about teaching in the HOLY LAND.
//jewbahais.blogspot.com
Why Baha'is are Disliked
by James (not verified) on Wed Sep 17, 2008 09:21 AM PDTFirst, to the editor, this is an excellent, thorough, and well written article. Your scholarship is to be commended.
Next, as a Baha'i in America for over 3 decades, I have already heard just about every misunderstanding and accusation directed at the Baha'i Faith imaginable. I also understand that bin Laden intentionally calls someone a Baha'i whenever he wants to destroy that person's character, etc. But the problem is, as the article correctly points out, the targeted people respond as if it was a catastrophic insult or "curse" instead of a compliment. It truly is. For the Baha'i Faith contains and upholds the highest standards possible for the human race -- ethical, moral, intellectual and spiritual.
This leads to the only reason I chose to respond to this blog. From my perspective, a few who also wrote seemingly had good reason to critize the behaviour of Baha'is they met. Perhaps it was their first introduction to the Baha'i Faith. Yet it was marred by the over-bearing nature of the Baha'is themselves.
To them I say, Baha'is are a global microcosm of humanity. Therefore, you will find within our ranks every type of personality, including a few who are overbearing and zealous. But I can honestly say, after meeting and observing Baha'is all over the U.S. and in other countries, that the majority of Baha'is are modest and even hesitant to speak about their personal beliefs. In other words, though many are professional, most are average, introspective, and quiet people like yourselves. But we all are striving to impart the truth of this Faith, which far transcends human personalities and thought.
Other types of casual or emotion-based responses against the Faith and its adherents are not only typical but expected. Largely, their source is an unnecessary ignorance. In that light, investigation will allow one to discover that the Baha'i Faith is not a typical religion. This explains why it can be found in the forefront of most every progressive movement, globally.
"Why Bahais are disliked?"
by Seagull (not verified) on Thu Aug 21, 2008 07:49 PM PDTEeroonie, What gives you that idea?
Why not ask who are the most despised people on the face of this planet?
I mean the decitful haters, who stir trouble and committ savage crimes against others.
Taghiah is no longer allowed or can cover for deciet and hate, here or elsewhere.
No matter how massive or mumerous were the dinasours, they all fossilized!
All religions are flat, unless one can understand the spiritual demention of self. Although some have added much superstition to spice it up!
To Eerooni Why Bahais are disliked? ZIRA
by Hans on Thu Aug 21, 2008 01:18 PM PDTFrom حقوق مدنی بهائیان by جمشید فنائیان …برای آنکه به گوشه ای از برخی از تفاوت های تعالیم بهائی با احکام اسلامی آشنا شوید چند فقره از سخنان حجته الا سلام عبدالکریم کوثری از نجف اشرف که در اینتر نت ( چشم اندازجوانان ) آمده نقل می کنیم و چون در این مقاله مجال آن نیست که همه آنها را بطور کامل نقل کنیم علاقمندان به سخنان ایشان را به اینترنت ارجاع می نمائیم هر چند حجته الا سلام کوثری به آئین جهانی بهائی توهین کرده و آن را فرقه ضاله خوانده ولی چون صادقانه تفاوت تعالیم بهائی را با احکام اسلامی نشان داده و تهمت و افترا نساخته بدان ارج می نهیم و گفتار اورا عیناء نقل می کنیم وداوری در مورد آن را به خوانندگان محترم واگذار می نمائیم . حجته الا سلام کوثری می گوید" [ در آئین بهائی} صدور فتوای قتل و تکفیر حرام گشته است . . . . این حکم باعث سستی سلطه روحانیون در حفظ و حمایت امت مسلمین در تمیز بین حق و باطل خواهد گشت." حجت الا سلام کوثری می گوید:"علاوه بر منع فتوای قتل و تکفیر بهائیان برگشت از دینشان را مجاز می دانند و مرتد را به قتل نمی رسانند حتی در بعضی از موارد که شخص مرتد به مخالفت و دشمنی شدید پرداخته و با سستی و بی غیرتانه نسبت به او عمل نموده و حد اکثر اورا "ناقض عهد" نامیده. . . بنابر این طبق ده ها روایت متواتر از معصومان(ع) و صحابه رسول اکرم (ره) به دلالت " من بدل دینه فاقتلوۀ "جزای مرتد قتل است ." حجته الا سلام کوثری می گوید:"بهائیان . . . . با قطع کردن دست دزد و صلیب زدن وبریدن دست و پا و سنگسار کردن و گردن زدن موافق نیستند. . . . . حال آنکه این مخالفت احکام شریعت دین مبین اسلام می باشد که طبق دستور شارع اقدس بریدن دست هر دزد واجب است و همچنین طبق آیه 33 سوره مبارکه مائده صلیب کشیدن و بریدن دست و پای محاربین با خدا و پیامبر ضروری است . . . " حجته الا سلام کوثری می گوید:" بهائیان احکامی مانند شلاق و تعذیر را "شکنجه" غیر قانونی می نامند و با اشاره به "حقوق بشر" که لفظی بی محتوی و خلاف اسلام است : مانع جلوگیری از فتنه و فساد می شود. ." حجنه الا سلام کوثری می گوید:" بهائیان با اعلام صلح و دوستی و معاشرت با همه ملل و مذاهب صر فنظر از دین و ایمان و اعتقاد افراد حکم قتال و جهاد را لغو می دانند و تعبیرمعنوی از جهاد ارائه می دهند و حال آنکه ده ها آیه در قرآن کریم نازل شده مانند آیه 191 از سوره بقره " واقتلوهم حیث ثقفتموهم" " و آیه 39 از سوره الانفال " و قتلوهم حق لاتکون فتنه و یکون الدین کلمه لله " دال بر آن که دین مبین اسلام باید با قدرت شمشیر و سفک دم مشرکان" ریختن خون کافران" بر سایر مذاهب غالب گردند . البته بسی واضح و مبرهن است که هدف بهائیان از تعبیر معنوی از جهاد و منع از خشونت نسبت به منافقان و قتل عام کفار ، کاستن از قدرت امت اسلام و گرفتن غیرت مسلمین است لاغیر" . حجته الا سلام کوثری می گوید: حسین علی بهاء می گوید که چیزی نجس نیست و باید با پیروان همه ادیان و مذاهب معاشرت نمود . از این گذشته آن مرد سعی نمودکه با تاءکید بیش از حد بر نظافت و تمیزی و با دستور دست و پا شستن و حمام کردن توجه موءمنین را از اصل قرآنی " انما المشرکون نجس "واز صد ها روایت صحیح و استوار معصومان و رساله های بی شمار علمای اعلام و بزرگان اسلاف درباره نجاست ذاتی کفار سنی،یهودی،عیسوی و زردشتی منحرف سازد." حجته الا سلام کوثری می گوید" به همین نحو بچه های بهائی نیز در انتخاب دین و مذهب خود آزادند. در صورتی که طبق روایات متواتر اسلام دین فطرت است و اگر طفلی از پدر و مادر مسلمان زاده شود اکیداء مسلمان محسوب می شود. . . وظیفه همه مسلمین است که اورا به سزای آن عمل شنیع بر سانند."حجته الا سلام کوثری می گوید "بهائیان گاهی مدعی می شوند که زن و مرد دارای حقوق مساوی هستند و این با موارد متعدد شریعت انور دین شریف اسلام در تضاد است . مسلماء زن ها دارای قدرت بدنی و تیز هوشی و عقل کمتری می باشند . در عین حال احساساتی هستند و غریزه جنسیشان به مراتب شدید تر می باشد و تمایل بیش از حد به گناه و فساد دارند . بنابر این طبق آیه شریفه " الرجال قوامون علی النسا" {مردان بر زنان بر تری دارند }نیاز به قیم و کفیل دارند و با آزادی بی قید و حدود به فحشا کشیده می شوند . به همین دلیل شارع اقدس حکم حجاب و چادر را نازل فرموده تا جلو گیری از فساد اخلاقی شود . . . ولی بهائیان حکم حجاب را منسوخ می دانند و به خانم ها اجازه شرکت در جلسات عمومی می دهند و حتی با ایشان مشورت هم می کنند و برای شرایط محرم و نامحرم هیچ اهمیتی قائل نیستند" حجته الا سلام کوثری می گوید:"بهائیان گویا معتقدند که دختر ها را باید به مدرسه و دانشگاه فرستاد و حتی انتخاب همسر نیز با خودشان باشد حتی به زنها حق رای و انتخاب در محافلشان هم می دهند. البته برای هر شخص عاقل و عارفی بسی واضح و مبرهن است که با همین مشارکت زنان در روابط عمومی و اداری یک مذهب، تخم فساد و کساد آن کاشته شده است . مسلماء چنین اعتقادی سبب خلل در نظام اجتماعی خواهد شد و زنان را به بی شرمی و بی حیایی تحریک نموده و آنهارا از اطاعت شوهران و پدران و برادران خود باز می دارد." حجته الا سلام کوثری می گوید:"در همین منوال است که بها سن بلوغ دوشیز گان را پانزده سالگی تعیین کرده و مدعی است که قبل از آن نباید آنهارا به نکاح در آورد " تازه آن هم فقط با اراده خود دختر " سن بلوغ دختر نه سالگی می باشد و هدف بهائیان از این امر بی خردانه و غیر انسانی این است که دختر وقتی به سن معینی می رسد اگر زیر سلطه شوهر خود قرار نگیرد به عصیان و لجام گسیختگی کشیده می شود. . . " حجته الا سلام کوثری می گوید:"در بهائیت جزای زنا و فحشا پرداخت مبلغی طلا تعیین شده است و از این گذشته عذاب شخص زانی را به خداوند در آخرت محول گشته در صورتیکه در کتاب خدا قرآن مجید حد زنا به 80 ضربه شلاق در ملاءعام تعیین گردیده و در روایات متواتر صحیح طبق رای متفق همه مذاهب و مکاتب برای زنان محصنه حکم سنگسار وضع شده است . . ." حجته الاسلام کوثری می گوید:"بهاء الله برده داری را ممنوع کرده و حال آنکه در فقه مبارک دین مبین اسلام و در کلام الله مجید بارها و بارها به لزوم و شرایط برده داری برای حفظ نظام و سلطه اسلام تاءکید گردیده و صد ها حکم شرعی در ارتباط با دیه و نکاح و معامله و . . . .تعیین گردیده پس وظیفه این احکام چه می شود ؟ آیا باید گفته این علمای اعلام و خادمین اسلام و خدمتگزاران امت مسلمان و پایه گذاران فرهنگ واقعی ایران نعوذ بالله حرف بیهوده زده اند ؟ سبحان الله . . . . . . . . . .. . ." حجنه الا سلام کوثری می گوید " بهائیان اعتقاد بوجود امام دوازدهم محمد بن حسن عسگری"عج" که بیش از هزار سال است در غیبت بسر میبرد و با شمشیر بران ظاهر خواهد شد تا سیلی از خون کافران راه بیندازد و فرقه" ناجیه " را بر سایر ملل و مذاهب کافره باغیه ضاله پیروز سازد – نعوذ با لله - خرافات می نامند و مانند سنی ها می گویند که اصلاء امام یازدهم (ص) پسر نداشته . . . .". حجته الا سلام کوثری می گوید: " از همه مهمتر بهاء الله با اعلام این که به زعم خود قدرت از پادشاهان و از روحانیون گرفته و به دست ملت داده شد کاملاء منکر مشروعیت ولایت علمای اعلام بر انام کالا غنام شده و ضربه ای بر ارکان نظم الهی که مبنی بر اجتهاد روحانیون و فقها و تقلید عوام جهلا می باشد وارد ساخته. بنا براین مخالفت هر مسلمان مطیع غیور و مخصوصاء هر روحانی عالم صالح با این فرقه ضاله مضله اکیداء واجب می باشد ." همانطوریکه ملاحظه می فرمائید حجته الا سلام عبدالکریم کوثری این مطالب را در رد بهائیت نوشته است منتهی صادقانه سخن گفته و تفاوتی که تعالیم بهائی با افکار اسلامی دارد بنحوی مستند نشان داده و یک بحث کلامی را باز کرده و اصل مطلب را گفته که علت اصلی مخالفت با بهائیت آنست که آئین بهائی تعالیم جدید آورده و احکام نو نازل کرده و اسلام را منسوخ ساخته است . روش این دروغگویان را بکار نبرده که لب مطلب را کتمان دارند و آئین جهانی بهائی که پرچمدار عصر نوین است هر روز به یک سیاست خارجی وابسته دارند و آن را ساخته استعمار شمارند و افکار نا آگاهان و بنیاد گزایان را منحرف سازند و آنان را با مقداری یاوه گویی ها و دروغ بافی ها مشغول دارند . البته ناگفته نماند آنچه که حجته الا سلام کوثری نوشته اشاره به گوشه ای از این تفاوت هاست زیرا آئین بهائی تعالیم و آموزه ها و اصولی را آورده که در ادیان گذشته ذکری از آنها بمیان نیامده است و دلیلش آنست که در آ ن ایام بشر از نظر فردی و حیات دسته جمعی بدان درجه از تعالی فکری و رشد اجتماعی نرسیده بود که مستعد چنین تعالیم جهان شمول گردد. …..
Dear cyclicforward
by Mona 19 on Wed Aug 20, 2008 06:43 PM PDTI haven't watched the movie (Perspolis) yet,...but if you have a membership with Blockbuster or Netflex you can add it to your queue.
Mona ;)
Forgot something
by Adib M (not verified) on Wed Aug 20, 2008 05:24 PM PDTMy previous comment was directed to Eerooni, as is this one.
If anyone wants to make a comment connecting the Baha'i Faith to other powers or societies, then I highly recommend reading the article I provided earlier. However, if your understanding of Farsi is much greater than that of your English, then I suggest you look through these four documents:
//adibflash.googlepages.com/Ayam_Javabiye_Vel...
//adibflash.googlepages.com/Ayam_Javabiye_Vel...
//adibflash.googlepages.com/Ayam_Javabiye_Vel...
//adibflash.googlepages.com/Ayam_Javabiye_Vel...
Wrong.
by Adib M (not verified) on Wed Aug 20, 2008 05:10 PM PDTThat is actually a false statement. Please see this article that I wrote with a friend, replete with accurate sources:
//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allegations_of_Bahá'í_involvement_with_other_powers
Scroll down to the section about the Shah and SAVAK.
Why Bahais are disliked?
by Eerooni (not verified) on Wed Aug 20, 2008 04:35 PM PDTMay be one of the reasons that Bahais are disliked in Iran is because there were so many of them in the Late Shah's cabinet including the famous Abbas Hoveida whom the Shah rewarded handsomely for his loyalty by jailing him and ultimately handing him over to the current regime and sending him to the front of the firing squad.
Question about the video clip posted here!
by farrad02 on Wed Aug 20, 2008 12:36 PM PDTI watched the video trailer that has been posted here to communicate the Bahaii persecution in Iran. I do agree with the message but have a question about the use of this material. Let me first say it is a brilant edited re-work of the original Persepolis footage!
Has Marjane Satrapi agreed to the re-arrangement of her work to defend and present a particular religious or political agenda or purpose?
The original clips that have been cut from Persepolis to create the video trailer has to be against copyright laws!
Mona
by cyclicforward on Wed Aug 20, 2008 11:35 AM PDTWhen this movie is going to be out? Do we get to see it in U.S.?
"We're all Baha'is"
by Iranian Reader (not verified) on Wed Aug 20, 2008 09:46 AM PDTNo we're not...
I don't dig any religion but Bahai religion is particularly flat and uninteresting. Their proselytizing is also highly annoying.
Bahais would do well to once and for all GET IT that their missionary zeal is in extremely bad taste. Why don't you guys just eat your own yogurt, so to speak, and leave the rest of us alone?
This has nothing to do with the fact that their human rights must be protected the same as any other human's.
To the respondent farrad02,
by cyrus elahi (not verified) on Wed Aug 20, 2008 08:30 AM PDTWe Baha’is, just like the Christianity and Islam are missionary religions, contrary to the Judaism.
Baha’i faith has abolished the position of clergy, another word each and every single believer has the task of propagation of our belief.
We posses every single right to spread the message of Baha’i faith, and every recipient has the right to accept or reject the writing of Baha’i religion.
Some hyper sensitive Persians, which they relate every single behavior or utterance of other human beings as conspiracy theory , should leave the marrow minded avenue of their brain.
You as an intelligent or semi-intelligent human can analyze the whole concept, and deliver the final judgment, but don’t be judge, jury, prosecutor and legal counsel all in a single institution.
Although it is not my duty, but if any of my religion co-workers have annoyed or bother you disturbingly, I do apologize on their behalf.
May your troubles be less,
may your blessings be more,
and may nothing but happiness
come through your door!
To Tahirih: My hats off and best regards
by farrad02 on Wed Aug 20, 2008 08:27 AM PDTDear Tahirih and others in this forum,
More power to anyone who has a gift to offer.
God knows that in today's world with the failure of both Communism and Capitalism ad the apparent hijacking of Islam by a bunch of lunatics, there is a need for a different message.
All I'm saying is the way a lot of you guys go about it is not tasteful and turns people off. You don't need to get defensive. This is not about the quality of your message or the truth witin your belief. I'm not saying anything bad about your faith. I am only questioning the messenger(s) and their way of doing this.
فقط میگم یه خورده فیتیله رو بکشین پایین و موقعیت شناس باشین!
God Bless! And good luck!
Safeguard the "Innocent"
by Mona 19 on Wed Aug 20, 2008 07:13 AM PDTRegards,Mona ;)
"Sequel to Persepolis exposes the reality of the suffering of the
Baha'is in Iran since the Revolution and until today, and calls for
action on their behalf. Note: The images for this clip were borrowed
from Marjan Satrapi's film "Persepolis", an admirable work which serves
as inspiration to us all."
Dear Farrad02 :
by Tahirih on Wed Aug 20, 2008 06:21 AM PDTI have read your comment many times and did send it to couple of my Baha'i friends to see what they think about your experiences.You will be surprised that majority including me, do agree with you that the approach of the gentlemen in the garage sale was not the best approach to tell people about this most valuable gift .
Farrad Jan, we have been advised by Baha'ullah to talk about our faith to others as if we are giving the most precious gift to a great king. And personally I get sad when my dear Baha'i Hamkish as you said it, reduce it to second hand goods in a garage sale. Hearts should be connected , souls ready then we should offer the gift.
as far as in this forum, i am more liberal in talking about our faith because people have the choice of not clicking!!
But in a one on one conversation , we Bahai's have to offer this most remedios gift ,when the person is begging to know about it.
farrad jan , you have to excuse some of my older Baha'i hamkishe's since they have been silenced all their lives in Iran , and they are a little to rush to make up for the old times sake:))
I wish you meet a wise Baha'i , and then when your heart and soul is ready to know , then hear about our beliefs, not to CONVERT, but to see how beautiful it is.
Best regards to you,
Tahirih
Converting to Baha'i Faith
by Ramin007 (not verified) on Wed Aug 20, 2008 04:12 AM PDTDear farhad,
yes, as Baha'is we tell people about our beliefs. what is so wrong with that?
this religion has spread to every nation on this planet in little over 150 years, something that has not been achieved by any other religion except christianity. and it has been done without any body killed or forced into it.( unlike practically every other ideology, be it religious or secular)
we don't even consider our own kids as baha'is until they are old enough to make their own decision.
so you do not like to talk religion, good on you, you don't have to. you certainly will not be forced to be anything, but it does not mean you should dislike people because they have a belief and are passionate about it, without getting violent.
Ramin
"...an attempt to get people curious about your religion!"
by Seagull (not verified) on Tue Aug 19, 2008 08:33 PM PDTFarrad jan, what is wrong with that!?
If I dont tell you, how will you know!
It is your right to know.
We need to liston and find any value relevent to us in what is being said and move on without complaining to much.
I will look for you in the next garage sale:)
To fayrarm: I rest my case; even you are pushing your religion!
by farrad02 on Tue Aug 19, 2008 08:12 PM PDTYou confirmed my experience. Even this comment you left here is an attempt to get people curious about your religion! You're confirming what I stated as my experience with Bahais!
As for your supposed humor abut garage sakle. You should be talking to your hamkish! It was not me, but your hamkish who started talking about religion in a "garage sale". Garage sales are to sell/buy worn out T-shirts and old VCR's. Not to try to give people spiritual awakening! So, the joke is on him (and you)! And yes, I do agree with you; it's hilarious!
Again, like I said, I have nothing against your religion Fayram jan. More power to you and your religion. Just don't try to push it on anyone wo asks you for a direction! or stops you to break a $20 bill! People are smart enough to figure out their own spiritual needs. If you push your spiritual discoveries on them, then the value is lost!
Fardad, No body is Convertible...specially at Garage Sales !
by faryarm on Tue Aug 19, 2008 06:34 PM PDTFardad, No body is Convertible...
and if you think Bahais are out there to convert people...you are absolutely wrong...the millions who have accepted the teachings of Bahai as a solution to the inquiring chaos in the world But that is not enough, it is the love in their heart that gives the final confirmation of the truth and their conviction; not casual conversations at garage sales etc...
What is perhaps true...is that they have a good grasp of why all hell is breaking loose around us...and they think they have an answer..
and the sooner people find out about the solutions, the sooner we will have a better world.
Bahais understand the relevance of their faith, because every current burning issue in the world is directly addressed in the Bahai teachings...just listen to Obama's Speech in Berlin...
Perhaps you should take a deeper look as to why you are so sensitive to well meaning people who have absolutely nothing to gain personally from you or anyone becoming Bahai..
fayrarm
Mr. Keshtgar, great
by Farhad Kashani on Tue Aug 19, 2008 02:21 PM PDTMr. Keshtgar, great article.
The fascist regime in Iran doesn't discriminate between who it abuses since it has abused everyone. Shites, Jews, Christians, Sunnis, Bahais, Zartoshtis, ..name it. Our minority populaion have shrank drastically after 1979.
I express my solidarity with the Bahai people since I've seen first hand the level of abuse they have suffered. In many ways, very similar to the extermination of Jews by the Nazis.
By Choice
by Soroush (not verified) on Tue Aug 19, 2008 09:16 AM PDTWhen the Nazis sent the Jews to the concentration camps and the death chambers the Jews had no choice; being jewish by descent was enough. The Baha'is are Baha'is by choice. In order to get their property back, get an education, get a job, not be tortured and not be killed, all they hve to do is renounce their faith.
By not renouncing their faith and folowing their conscience they uphold the rights of all people, Iranian or other, to believe as they choose and to exercise their God given right of free will.
I support the freedom of religion for Bahaii's BUT.....
by farrad02 on Tue Aug 19, 2008 09:10 AM PDTThis comment may not be directly related to this topic. And it certainly doesn't mean that I support or condone the persecution of Bahaiis or any other group for their religion or ideology!
But I have to say that there is one thing that bothers me about the Bahaiis (and almost all of them do this, because it is apparently required by their religion) On many occasions, Iranian Bahaiis (or non-Iranian Bahaiis as was the case with one of my co-workers) try to minister to you and try to get you to convert! In fact, this aspect of Bahaiism was one of the reasons Bahaiism became a lightening rod in 1970's in Iran and started to irritate the Shiite religious establishment! Had they been a quiet and low key practicing minority (like the Jews and Armenians), it may not have come to this! Again, this is not to condone what has happened, but I'm just givving you my impressions based on personal experience! Now here's my experience.
I used to work with a lady in her 50's who was very nice and sweet. And she invited my wife and I to a party at her house once. It turned out to be entirely planned and setup to get us to listen to a pitch to become Bahaiis. We also attended her Bahaii wedding by the way, which was an experience also. The entire wedding ceremony (end to end) was a number of individuals (including the bride and groom) sitting on a platform, taking turns reading Bahaii religious text. The dinner buffet was in the hall but we would get up and go get our food while the Bahaii sermons went on and on and on!!!!
Another recent example is that I had a garage sale behind my house in Toronto. In the early afternoon a very friendly Iranian man in his early 60's came by and we hit it off right away. He quickly bought $100 worth of stuff. He didn't try to bargain or chooneh (like almost all other garage sale customers) We had a great conversation and he was so unusually friendly and cordial. Then right before he left, the other shoe dropped! He started preaching to me and then to my wife! This was a completely rehearsed and planned talk, complete with a business card that listed meeting times and dates, etc. Needless to say this was totally uncalled for and a huge turn off! I was really sad because I had quickly grown to like the guy and even looked forward to meeting him again soon!!!
I think this over zealous evangelism is such a turn off. It is a turn off coming from any religious group because it assumes you are in need of their help (which you may very well be! but what will happen if we all start pushing our religions and ideas to everyone we meet on daily basis?! Just picture that!) Many religious groups do certain amount of preaching. I have run across Christan Evangelists who do that. Jahovas Whitness (spelling?) do that almost as vigorously as Bahaiis do! But it seems like with Bahaiis, it dictates, influences and directs all their relationships and contacts outside of their faith! If this is the case, it is definitely a sad lifestyle in my view!
This has been my experence as far as socializing with Bahaiis goes!
Justice !!
by Ramin A (not verified) on Tue Aug 19, 2008 08:47 AM PDTVery simple: WHAT GOES AROUND, COME AROUND!!
Desperately seeking Xerxes, Q, Sadegh, anon7, shining head,soufi
by Anonymous-tomorrow (not verified) on Mon Aug 18, 2008 07:15 PM PDTWhere are you guys??
I have a lot of respect for the Bahai's
by Mehran-001 (not verified) on Mon Aug 18, 2008 06:43 PM PDTThe fact that the IRI fascist regime is going out of it's way to harm the Bahai's is proof enough that these are dissent people and should be respected and protected. I for one admire all the Bahai's.
Great article
by American-Iranian999 (not verified) on Mon Aug 18, 2008 04:29 PM PDTThis is a great article - I am a big fan of iranian.com . I am Persian and was born in Iran but I grew up in the USA. Iranian peoples are great people. All my American-nonPersian-Bahai friends admire all Iranian peoples and adore Persian history all the way back to the first civilizations (Cyrus, etc). I think Bahais have had positive influence on non-Iranian opinion of Iranian/Persian people, culture, and language.
Shame!
by nassim (not verified) on Mon Aug 18, 2008 01:54 PM PDTI have no words to adequately express my sadness when I note that my Bahai brothers and sisters in Iran are deprived of their rights and are discriminated due to their beliefs and ideologies.
Shame! Shame!
Its the land of kurosh and Dariush. Its the country where some 2500 years ago the rights of people , independent of their faiths were respected and secured.
Hopefully we will see the days to come when these nightmares of fanatism and ignorance shall give place to harmony, peace and respect and when these dark clouds of hatred will leave and the sun of reality shines its rays of Unity in diversity.
simply thank you, much obliged
by cyrus elahi (not verified) on Mon Aug 18, 2008 12:49 PM PDT" No man should follow blindly his ancestors and forefathers. Nay, each must see with his own eyes, hear with his own ears and investigate independently in order that he may find the truth."
Once there was a heated debate and discourse between the Master “Socrates” and one of his disciples, regarding the yardstick or barometer of measuring human being attitudes and behaviors.
Socrates without hesitation indicated 2 criteria’s which are quintessential - first of all behavior of humans toward MINORITIES (he immediately clarified all sort of minorities, religion, political, creed, folks, skin colures) and second of all human attitudes towards ANIMALS and BEASTS.
The bottom line is that after more than 2200-year that is the GOLDEN RULE.
It is certainly a paradox and irony that in the land of cradle of civilization – GREECE – the situation and condition are not much better than the other cradle of civilization – PERSIA.
"Werde, was Du noch nicht bist, bleibe was Du jetzt schon bist; in diesem Bleiben und in diesem Werden, liegt alles Schöner hier auf Erden." Franz Grillparzer
سپاس از صداقت، حسن نیت، و شجاعت شما :)
Mona 19Mon Aug 18, 2008 09:25 AM PDT
Never have followers of a more peaceful or gentle creed faced a more cruel and unjust agony and suffering.
Bahais in Iran live under The Most difficult conditions, and the avenues open to them are limited, but still they've boldly arisen to serve their country and are bending their energies toward its revitalization.
and as far as "Hojatieh" may God deal with this group who are far from ensan va ensaniyat.
Kindest Regards,Mona ;)