After 160 years of intolerance and persecution in the cradle of their Faith, Iran, the Baha’is do not have much reason to support the tolerance of Islam by any group; whether it be on this site or elsewhere.
However, Muhammad cannot be held responsible for the actions of the fanaticism that Islamic clergy have stirred up amongst Muslim believers, just as Jesus cannot be held responsible for the inquisition and witch-burnings of the Church. Can anyone dispute this without bias?
We should not tolerate religious hatred, fanaticism and proselytism as they are defective human attitudes and qualities. They are the most definitive signs that the animating spirit of the Faith of these believers has left the body of their religion. In short, nothing is left but a scripture devoid of life, potency, and relevance. Is there any wonder why Islamic societies find themselves in this state of decreptitude?
It is this recognition that bears witness to much of the condemnation of Islam here and elsewhere. The fear of Islam that is instilled in the hearts and minds of people around the world is well justified. But can we ultimately judge Muhammad, as Islamic societies, alongside the rest of the world, experience their own form of decline? Are we blind to the decline in Western, so called Christian societies, even during the biggest heist of people’s wealth?
Any fair minded person would understand this reasoning and would consider it as their own without pride or prejudice, when dealing with such questions.
The respect afforded one Manifestation of God does not come at the expense of another. The defence of the Baha’is and the recognition of their plight is not in lieu of a compromise in the rights of others. Linking the two is simply baseless and founded on a false premise that there is a scarcity of respect just as if it were a commodity. Such a view represents is unenlightened and sadly is the basis for much of the challenges facing us Iranians inside and outside of Iran.
Respect, compassion, and love do not follow the laws of commodities as they are regenerative. The more they are shared and given, the more plentiful they are. Is there any evidence to the contrary?
Happy thanksgiving!
Alborz
