Article excerpt:
“Supporting the Bahais in their quest for recognition, just like Christians and Muslims, is another attempt to shake the unity of the Egyptian society”
Marco’s reply:
Baha’is are recognized as a religion in many countries, just like Muslims, Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus and others? Did that shake the unity of those countries? Or… are such countries more tolerant to religious diversity than Egypt?
[...]
I am surprised that you were not able to answer your own questions (are bahais satanic or trying to establish a political party?) Let me answer you: baha’is don’t get involved in politics! As for Satanism, check the activities of the Baha’is all over the world and decide whether those are satanic activities.
In the powerful conclusion:
A FINAL NOTE: Other Muslims countries (Algeria, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Sudan, Tunisia and Emirates) do give ID cards to baha’is. So this is not a problem of Baha’is vs. Muslims. It is a problem concerning the civil rights of Baha’is in Egypt.
Indeed this is not a question of faith. Our struggle here is not to blend or mix these faiths together as they do differ and we all respect that, our struggle here to ensure their rights as humans. They are, as evidenced in Marco’s entry, a peaceful minority within certain countries who persecute and abuse them merely because of their religious path.
This is why we as Muslims are condemning it. It’s happening in the name of Islam and in Muslim countries, making it our responsibility to at least try and correct this grave error.
To answer the question, “Why support the Baha’is?” there doesn’t seem to be a just reason of why we should not. In other words: Why aren’t we supporting the Baha’is in their struggle for human rights? It serves not only Islam and the Baha’is, but humanity as a whole, and attempts to help us coexist in countries where we currently do not.
Much thanks to Marco for a great post. We encourage our Baha’i friends to keep refuting such arguments.
Marty Flick at 6:47 pm
I’d like to pass along this link: http://www.safnet.com/bahai/docs/cult.html -it’s an article attached to a website that is a general intro to the Baha’i Faith.
I’m pleased to see this site. I have visited a few times, and passed it along to friends – Baha’i and otherwise. Please, keep up the great work!
“By the righteousness of Him Who, in this day, crieth within the inmost heart of all created things, `God, there is none other God besides Me!’ If any man were to arise to defend, in his writings, the Cause of God against its assailants, such a man, however inconsiderable his share, shall be so honored in the world to come that the Concourse on high would envy his glory. No pen can depict the loftiness of his station, neither can any tongue describe its splendor.”
(Shoghi Effendi: The Advent of Divine Justice, Page: 84)
henry at 7:52 pm
This article is reminiscent of a certain human behavioral pattern that has been occurring throughout human history. It seems that every new religion accepts the one that preceded it in time, but rejects the one that succeeds it. Christ and Christianity accepts Moses and Abraham and all the prophets of the old testament. Followers of the Jewish Faith (not the Faith itself as it is crucial to distinguish between the Faith and the people), on the other hand reject Christ to this day, otherwise they would all be Christians. The Prophet Mohammad and the Quran accepts Christ, Moses and Abraham as true prophets. Followers of Christianity and Judaism, on the other hand, reject Islam to this day, otherwise everyone would be a Muslim. This cycle of human behavior continues today with the Baha’i faith. Baha’is accept all the prophets of God, Mohammad, Christ, Moses, Abraham, Buddha and other prophets that came at different times and different places for a reason that Baha’u’llah explains. Followers of other religions, on the other hand, reject Baha’u’llah.
Baha’u’llah explains that the Holy Spirit is one, we can not accept it in one time and reject it in another. We reject the spirit of God at one time, we reject it at all times, regardless of what we think our faith is. This is the reason that by accepting Baha’u’llah one accepts all the prophets of God.
There is another human behavioral pattern that keeps occurring. Followers of the Jewish faith accused Christ of being assisted by the devil (according to the New Testament Bible), to which Christ answers that no kingdom turns against itself. By kingdom he did not mean human kingdom but natural kingdoms. He cured the sick which is a good deed. Saying that this was of the devil is like saying chaos has order. If chaos has order it is not chaos anymore, is it? Similarly the Christian church accused the prophet Mohammad of having epilepsy because he used to be in a trans when revealing the word of God. Of course it is a false accusation, and I am not sure if Islam responded to this accusation, but the Word of God that came through the prophet Mohammad has a divine power that most people do not comprehend. This cycle of human behavior continues today merely by asking the question if the Baha’i Faith is satanic. I am not sure to which part of the Baha’i teachings and actions this accusation refers: to unite humanity in friendship and love of God; to have equality between men and women; to educate the young; to care for the needy and the ill; to assist the fallen and help them stand up again; to make the world as one country and mankind its citizens; to avoid conflict in all situations and make peace instead; to accept each other as equal humans regardless of skin color or culture; to celebrate our differences rather than fight about it. This is but a very brief principles that Baha’u’llah tells us to live by. Therefore, to ask the question of whether the Baha’i Faith is satanic without a fare and honest investigation of the Faith is hardly an intelligent act.
It seems that it is in human nature to be scared of change, and it is in human nature to find it easier to accuse than investigate the truth, and it must be part of human nature to find it easier to be angry than face our fears. Nonetheless, there is no virtue in being scared, accusing without investigating and be angry. The challenge is not to prove anything, because the actions of Bahai’s and the writings of Baha’u’llah are open to all to investigate. The real challenge is to acquire the virtues of courage, justice and honesty. Because it is with virtue that one can find and accept the truth, and it is with virtue that we can break this cycle of human behavior that keeps causing suffering to other fellow human beings.
Behrooz at 7:12 am
the action of the leaders of religions to suppress the teachings of Baha’ullah and their struggle to misrepresent its reality has surprised me the most. I wonder whose interest they are serving? Is Moslem’s interest promoted and protected by keeping them in ignorance and in their being misinformed? Should Islam feel proud of being followed by millions who have never been allowed to make a choice? Is religion a body of truth to be investigated and accepted by people who are well informed and exercise their free will? or something to be followed blindly? If leaders of Islam in Iran and Egypt are fully convinced of the truth of Islam and its divinity then why they fear the emergence of anything new? Why they don’t let the people know the truth about new religions such as Baha’i Faith and judge for themselves? I keep being wondered day by day. However I congratulate you who are telling me that you have the conviction and the courage and i take off my hat for you. To me you are the champions of Islam and may God protect you.
alvin at 11:44 am
infect i like i love humen beings. God created us to love one another and not to hurt but to love. why do baha’is die everyday in iran? is it that people dont want to love one another or what? please people you were not created to hurt. i love every religiouns and want to learn alot of things from them, baha’i faith has been on earth for over thousand i i have never heard that baha’is are santanist in this country zambia. the best you can do is to find out and get some baha’i books go through them i hope by the time you finish you will get the concept.
R.A. at 2:26 pm
It is essential to be fully aware of the two distinctive elements of the Baha’i issue in Egypt & Iran.
The first is the difference between human rights – that relates to all members of society regardless of religion, race and origin – and the right to religious freedom, that is, the right of practice as a religious entity or community.
The second is the division between the Islamic clergy, bodies of authority – in the case of Egypt and Iran, a virtual merger of autonomies – those under their influence, and the community of Muslims that observe the righteous and tolerant practices of their faith.
What is essentially the issue of basic human rights is the single tier that constitutes the dilemma of Baha’is in these two countries. Though human rights encompass the freedom to worship one’s religion, it is the even most basic question of human existence that is being challenged by the clergy and the government; that persons of the Baha’i belief, as citizens, do not and will not exist.
A denial of the right to live is an authority that is beyond human will to decide, is by itself criminal by motive and enactment, is remote and unconscionable to the consensus of the larger world community, and not until recently made known, the consent of the legitimate Islamic community. It is indeed an unlawful and disreputable minority that proposes to be the last word on who is human and who is not. The full implication of human rights would see Baha’is not only as citizens, but would witness the full reinstatement of religious right to practice.
One is born before coming to a conscious decision of religious belief, and while living, is to be allowed the freedom to investigate and mature, and may very well choose a belief other than that to which was of the parents. To deny a birth certificate, before a newborn is even of the capacity to decide on religious belief, is doubly unlawful and immoral. Does this represent, in the eyes of the Iranian and Egyptian authorities, any form of religious or legal legitimacy? Would this motivate any member of a free society to adhere to Islam, despite the divine message of the Quran and its clear mention of the oneness of God? Such isolated and excessive beliefs, though its proponents outwardly display confidence and determination, are destined to be replaced by the greater forces of justice.
Patrick at 10:59 am
is there any place where I can read the ORIGINAL article???
Esra'a at 11:11 am
The article is no longer online. You can find its other quotations here.
The Muslim Network for Baha’i Rights » Another response to those who associate Baha’is with Zionist agents at 6:52 am
[...] a Portuguese Baha’i whose post was first discussed here, has written a highly informative response to an Egyptian blogger who accused the Baha’is of [...]
Eduardo at 9:43 pm
I’m Eduardo, another portuguese baha’í, like Marco, and God, the Only God One, The Great, is my witness, Reason, and Science can never differ from True Religion, because reason, and compreension, which are a gift to man of the same, Only and Holy God, the Creator of Reality, and the Worlds of Existence, which is the object of Science.
Revelation, The Holy Bible, The Holy Qurán, Bahá’í Holy Writings, among Others, and Reason and Science, indirectly, preceedes from the Only One God there is, the Creator of the Worlds of Existence, so it can not be out of agreement.
Any statement or pratice, that is out of Reason, can not be true Religion or Science, and will lead to ignorance, the child of prejudice and intolerence.
Baha´’ís are a peaceful minority everywhere, they strive so that their endeavors, serve the most elevated of all acts, the service to humanity, they are forbidden to be involved in politics, or create any political party, and are urged to obey to obey to their Governments and have no prejudices of any kind when working with others, helping and cooperating for the commum good.
Only giving consideration and oportunities to cooperate and participate to all we can be enriched by their knowledge and service, that is what are civil rights for.
Only keeping diversity we can grow in Knowledge and progress as a human race.
This is truth everywhere, that’s why tolerence and trying to learn the good that the others have to give bring progress to any nation.
Who are we, in the sight of God, the Only God there is, to neglect civil rights, which means oportunities to participate and give their best, to other human beings?
Eduardo at 3:43 am
In front of God, The Only One there is, we are just poor and needed.
How can we hide behind our positions of power or powers, that was or were given to us by God, and behave as if God doesn’t see us, in fact, we should be conscient that God, the Only God there is, sees and observes all, and if let us do injustice, is in His Mercy, waiting for us to correct us, which will bring us true glory, instead of shame that comes from perpetrating acts of injustice.
All powers, and power in general, should serve the most great of all acts, which is service to our fellow human beings.
Justice is the most loved of all things, at the eyes of God, so our powers should defend Justice and Equity.
Abuse of power can only bring illness, to us, to the ones we should serve, or to collectiveness in general.
We should Be aware to not abuse of power, or powers, and remember the porpose of the well use of powers, which is service to all human beings without exception or prejudice.
Eduardo at 8:30 pm
At the eyes of God we are all limited human beings, struggling to improve our capacities and skills, trying to do our best , if we are pure and sincere.
Some improve fast, others take more time, but all have limited time to improve, and be better, which is called life or oportunity.
No one in life is free from suffering and provation. After pain comes joy and after joy of desatention comes pain.
The suffering is not in vain, and vain-imaginations don’t last forever, we have to struggle and make effort, untill we have time, the oportunities pass, don’t last forever.
God likes sincerity and purity of heart, God likes the ones who consider themselves poor and needy before Him, arrogance and lack of consideration is not loved by God.
The Reflection of the face of God can be in the face of any person, and any one can see throught the Eyes of God, for that, the mirrows of our souls have to be clean, pure and sincere, so that the Light of God can be reflected, specially if we are in proeminent positons, because people look at us for guidance and example.
God doesn’t like hipocrisy, the theater and all its adresses finishis in small boxes, that can be called graves, only sincerity and purity transcends mortality. In fact hipocrisy is death, only sincerity and purity is life.
We must be aware to be sincere and look sincerily for the Light, wherever it is, in each Day of God, the sun shines in a New Spot, nothing is eternal, save God and His Light, that shines in Each Manifestation of Him, and not in manifestations of lack of consideration and respect to others, prejudice or injustice to others, whoever they are.
Eduardo at 3:30 am
At the eyes of God
When are we of trust?
When we try to understand and fullfill, all teachings of God, with all our efforts and sincerity.
All teaching of God that were Revealed till the time we are living, and not only the teachings Revealed to our ancestors or forefathers.
That’s why we should investigate the truth of a New Religion, because if it is a New Religion, it comes from God, The Only God there is, and if it comes from God, is a new step of the same Old Religion of God.
In fact Religion is Re-ligation, which means, the way we again ( re ), can be ligated, united, with God and His propose to our Time.
Why should we keep just Knowing the Revelation of God to Christ, or to Muhammad, if God has Revealed HimSelf, more recently to Bahá’u'lláh.
If God has Revealed More Recently Again, is because, there are knew teachings to Know, that God wants us all to learn, so that we can cope with the challanges of our time, why should we keep behind if we can go forward?
Did not each Revelation in the past, and Its Religion associated, bring progress to Its followers, and humanity in general?
Why shouldn’t it be so this Time?
Are not we, not investigating it, retarding the progress and development of the New propose of God to Man, which must be the continuation forward of all that was tought before, and retarding It to make us progress individually too, as links of the chain of existence?
Don’t we want Knowledge, that can push us forward, and humanity in general?
We can only progress, if we learn the virtues and skills tought by God, indispensable for the evolution of Mankind.
Among them, is cortesy, veracity and justice.
Cortesy is the prince of virtues.
We only can manifest God if we have this virtue, which is treating all with respect and consideration.
How can we learn from each other without this virtues?
If we don’t pratice this virtues we will not learn.
The propose o each person in this life is to learn, to progress, to develop, and of each nation too.
History reveals us that each time a New Revelation of God descend there was unreasonable oposition, why do we want to keep doing the same errors, and we don’t learn from the lessons of the past History?
Fernando Galiére at 4:51 am
I am Portuguese Bahai and already I read that ixiste very discriminated in certain Paises Arab in relation to the Bahai’s. The Bahai’s, is people pacifies that if they do not put in politica, defends the love, the affection, the friendship, the union enters all the peoples in the world, nothing more, is citizens of the world and must have the same human rights.
Fernando Galiére at 4:54 am
I am Portuguese Bahai and already I read that it exists very discriminated in certain Arab Countries in relation to the Bahai’s. The Bahai’s, is people pacifies that if they do not put in politica, defends the love, the affection, the friendship, the union enters all the peoples in the world, nothing more, is citizens of the world and must have the same human rights.
Fernando Galiére at 4:57 am
انا البرتغالي البهائيين وبالفعل قرأت انه يوجد تمييز جدا في بعض الدول العربية بالنسبة البهائيين. البهائيين ، هو ان يهدأ الناس اذا كانوا في وضع لا للسياسة ، ويدافع عن الحب ، والمودة ، والصداقه ، وتدخل الاتحاد لجميع الشعوب في العالم ، لا أكثر ، مواطني العالم ، ويجب ان يكون لها نفس حقوق الانسان.
Fernando Galiére at 4:58 am
Je suis Bahai portugais et déjà je lis qu’il existe très distingué dans certains pays arabes par rapport au Bahai. Le Bahai, est les gens apaise que s’ils ne mettent pas dans le politica, défend l’amour, l’affection, l’amitié, l’union présente tous peuples dans le monde, rien davantage, est des citoyens du monde et doit avoir les mêmes droits de l’homme.
Fernando Galiére at 4:59 am
Ich bin portugiesisches Bahai und bereits lese ich, daß es sehr abgesondert in bestimmten arabischen Ländern in Beziehung zu dem Bahais besteht. Des Bahais, ist Leute beruhigt, daß, wenn sie sich nicht in politica setzen, die Liebe verteidigt, die Neigung, die Freundschaft, der Anschluß anmeldet alle Völker in die Welt, nichts mehr, ist Bürger der Welt und muß die gleichen menschlichen Rechte haben.
Fernando Galiére at 5:00 am
Soy Bahai portugués y leo ya que existe muy discriminado en ciertos países árabes en lo referente al Bahai. El Bahai, es gente pacifica que si no ponen en politica, defiende el amor, el afecto, la amistad, la unión inscribe a toda la gente en el mundo, nada más, es ciudadanos del mundo y debe tener los mismos derechos humanos.
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