HUMAN RIGHTS IN IRAN

alborz

I appreciate the response, as it has provided me with a better understanding of your perspective, and by extension the process itself. BTW, you have a cool sense of humor! :)

Baran - We agree again ...

... that definitions are important in every exchange.

Refering to your comment that "the control of pen is a powerful position, then those seats are indeed power houses", I completely appreciate why you have such a view.  It is hard, and may indeed be impossible for some to accept that such a characterization is born out of the prevailing standards and norms of governance and administration.

Far from being limited or defined by prevailing standards and norms, the Faith exemplifies a new set of definitions rooted in its spiritual and social teachings and principles.  An understanding of one, independent of the other, is not possible; just as it is not possible to understand the part independent of the whole, and impossible to understand an "arm" independent of the "heart" and "mind". There lies the challenge to all who are sincere in investigating this Faith as well as those that have declared their belief in this Faith.

Suffice it to say that the process by which decisions are reached in all Baha'i institutions is prayerful consultation.  Again, the definition of consultation is renewed in this Faith and has as its prerequisite an absence of ego, detachment from and submission to the outcome.  There is also a recognition of the difficulty to meet these criteria, but there is also a belief in, and testimony to, that it is achievable by those who meet the criteria that was referenced in my earlier response.  Such is the challenge that we face in our individual growth.  So as you can see, if the trappings of power and authority are attractive to a person, then it is best that they satisfy such a desire elsewhere, as there is no place for its expression in this Faith.

I have come to appreciate your disposition to question and examine while remaining open to reconsider without fear or bias.  This disposition is indeed a tremendous asset.  If more people were similarly disposed, the path for understanding one another would be cleared.

Best,

Alborz

alborz

Thanks for enlightening me about your perspective on this matter. I acknowledge that based on what I have seen and read, Bahai women seem to enjoy equal rights, minus the UHJ leadership. I also wanted to express that I respect your trust and faith concerning this matter as a believer.

If we were to determine a relationship between leadership and power, it becomes essential to define the terminologies first. If we assume the control of pen is a powerful position, then those seats are indeed power houses.

Regarding my fascination, learning is my passion, so my curiosities may change direction or focus, but the journey never ends. This one has been particularly challenging, being increasingly aware now, of the biased position that Iranians are generally exposed to.

Shame on you people.. You do not allow women to be a part of UHJ

According to Baha and Abol Baha men and women are equal in all the aspects except in the UHJ. C Women have more emotions then man and man has more wisdom. This was known to baha so he issued this fatwa.

Baran - your continued interest on Baha'i elections...

...is once again acknowledged!

The elections in Iran exemplified many traits that are common to all elections around the world.  The candidate announces his desire to lead and once elected assumes a role that has at its core "power". 

Baha'i Administration and elections are the antithesis of this system of representation.  Baha'i administration has no nominees, no candidates and no electioneering.  Being elected results not in the assumption of power, rights, or privileges.  Being elected also does not create an obligation between the elected and the elector, as the elected does not represent the elector.  If I have not already upset your election vocabulary, and the framework by which you view elections, have a seat and relax.

Since there are no candidates then you may ask how do Baha'is know for whom to vote for?  Among the necessary qualities are "unquestioned loyalty, of selfless devotion, of a well-trained mind, of recognized ability and mature experience”, as once a person is elected then it is an obligation that they have in serving the institution to which they have been elected, whether it be at the local, national, or international level.  They are expected and obligated to serve on this institution through a process of consultation that arrives at the best possible decision that serves the Faith.  None of these individuals, gain any prominence or latitude in any regard. On the contrary, by the mere fact that they are members of these institutions they have to be ever so mindful of the fact that their own personal opinions and views do not get interpreted as that of the institutions to which they were elected.  In this regard they give up certain freedoms during the time that they serve.  So far we have an obligation to serve and a loss of certain freedoms in expression when a person is elected, an oh by the way the reward is entirely in the next world !  (just a little humor)

The Baha'is accept the exemption of women from membership on the UHJ as part of their belief and faith, and that the wisdom of this would become known as "the sun at noonday".  No other explanation can be regarded as valid or consistent with this mystery.  So if you were to raise this question a dozen more times, as it probably been so far, don't expect an excuse or apology, as none is warranted nor forthcoming. 

Yet, your fascination is acknowledged, as you view this exemption in the context of its association with power and privilege; the fruit of any elected post in both civil and uncivil societies!  This fascination does not negate or nullify any of the principles which you have repeated in your comment.  Women are well represented and serve on all other Baha'i elected and appointed administrative institutions and much of the growth of this Faith has been through the efforts of faithful, educated and competent women that have dedicated their lives to this cause with the full knowledge and acceptance of its spiritual, social and adminstrative principles.

Furthermore, I believe that in our previous exchanges you are now aware that none of my responses are intended to convince you of anything or refute your views and conclusions. This exchange only expresses my understanding and may be flawed.  So you're encouraged to research the matter independently.

I hope that you continue with your direct and frank line of questions as it serves to provide me with an opportunity to also think and respond accordingly.

Best,

Alborz

did you forget about women & UHJ?

The Baha'i community stands for elimination of all forms of prejudice, discrimination or favoritism. Baha'u'llah teaches, "Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch. Deal ye one with another with the utmost love and harmony, with friendliness and fellowship."

It seems that some fruits are more equal than others!

A response to Anonymous-P

The omission of Ahl-e Haqq in this blog is a simple oversight.  Nothing more.

The Baha'i community has had a long and cherished relationship with the Ahl-e Haqq community, particularly during the formative period of the Faith, when Baha'u'llah resided in Baghdad and interacted on regular basis with the learned of that region, including prominent figures of Ahl-e Haqq community. 

If you're interested in reading more on this, there's an excellent discussion in Hasan Balyuzi, "Baha'u'llah: the King of Glory", which provides detailed historical context for Baha'u'llah's ongoing dialogue with the members of Ahl-e Haqq. 

The Baha'i position is very clear:  We call for human and civil rights for all Iranians, regardless of their religion, race, gender, tribal affiliation or any other factor.  All Iranians must enjoy the same protection under the law and all must be free to acquire education and pursue happiness.  The Baha'is have long called for immediate and complete implementation of provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which Iran is a signatory.

The Baha'i community stands for elimination of all forms of prejudice, discrimination or favoritism.  Baha'u'llah teaches, "Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch.  Deal ye one with another with the utmost love and harmony, with friendliness and fellowship."

Do bahais have right to vote

Do bahais have right to vote in Iranian elections?

Hearing their chant was out of this world:))

I am so proud of my hamvatans may God bless Iran the land of  light.

Thanks for posting dear,

To Baha'is

Reza41=Nur=Anonymous414

Dont waste your time! IGNOR his comments.
Let him write!

Doost Iran!!

Across the world Baha'is know their brothers and sisters living in Iran could not have withstood the mistreatment directed at them if not for the good heart of ordinary Iranian people.

How many of us used to fight with our brothers and sisters when we were children? Now we are grown up, we don't do that anymore. We respect each other.

This is a great, great moment, unforgettable for Baha'is everywhere! Thank you one and all, thank you, Doost Iran, Doost Iran, Doost Iran.

Bahai's against Ahl-e Hagh ??!!

Do Bahais have something against Ahel-e hagh?!
Why do you keep on omitting them, it seems like it is on purpose -- this is the 2nd clip submitted by Bahais( the other one by Alborz) in which you do not mention them even though they come first in the peoples chant??
What do you have against them? Why?

I'm not really that knowledgeable about Ahl-e Hagh but this is very strange!!!

I believe in Baha'i rights...

Only thing expected from them is believing in the Islamic Republic, their laws and they will be respected. Majority of Baha'is in Iran are living in peace, except few who are somehow involved in anti-government activities. Peace on you all.

Great News !

Congrats But Lets Not Forget:

DOWN WITH THE IRI ;0)

Cheers my Compatriot Friend, with hope of a better future for all of us of different faith in our common land Iran.

DK

about.time.faryar...

congratulations.

reza 41 what happened to

reza 41 what happened to you? did you forget your principles about writing against bahais? now you are becoming their supporter, shame on you!

And *AHL-I-HAQQ*

AHL-I-HAQQ, ZATOSHTI HEMAYATAT MIKONIM!

FYI

Allah 'u'Abha Mr.Faryam

I was right in the middle of them ,did you see me, I waved ?<;o)

Dooste gerami; do you see, you all Bahais are brain washed by your leadres that Islam instigate hate against you , not at all , Mohammad (pbuh) in one of his "Hadith" said :"who bother and hurt  "zammi "nonbelievers (with book or  without) who are  in safe guard of Islamic society, they bothered and hurt me" .therefore, don't believe your (WG)leaders in Israel, they are trying to deviate, and don't hate your Muslim "Hamvatans". as I said before , we love our Bahai brothers and sisters and they can practice their faith among themselves, as long as they don't spread lie about Islam and try to violate our believe and creed . we have new prisdent by tommarow<;o). peace