HUMAN RIGHTS IN IRAN

In the Book of Aqdas written when the tyrannical Násiri'd-Dín Sháh was at the height of his power, Bahá'u'lláh blesses the city of Tehran, and His own birthplace, and says of it: --

Let nothing grieve thee, O Land of Tá (Tihrán), for God hath chosen thee to be the source of the joy of all mankind. He shall, if it be His will, bless thy throne with one who will rule with justice, who will gather together the flock of God which the wolves have scattered. Such a ruler will, with joy and gladness, turn his face towards, and extend his favors unto, the people of Bahá. He indeed is accounted in the sight of God as a jewel among men. Upon him rest forever the glory of God, and the glory of all that dwell in the kingdom of His Revelation.

Rejoice with great joy, for God hath made thee "the Day Spring of His light," inasmuch as within thee was born the Manifestation of His Glory. Be thou glad for this name that hath been conferred upon thee -- a name through which the Day Star of Grace hath shed its splendor, through which both earth and heaven have been illumined.

Ere long will the state of affairs within thee be changed, and the reins of power fall into the hands of the people. Verily, thy Lord is the All-Knowing. His authority embraceth all things. Rest thou assured in the gracious favor of thy Lord. The eye of His loving-kindness shall everlastingly be directed towards thee. The day is approaching when thy agitation will have been transmuted into peace and quiet calm. Thus hath it been decreed in the wondrous Book. -- Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh, pp. 110-111.

The unexpected events of the last week so far, hold the promise that something is stirring within the hearts of the nation; that perhaps, Iran has begun to emerge from the period of confusion foretold by Bahá'u'lláh,  signs are not lacking that a brighter era is at hand.....