As if unlawfully arresting the Faith’s leaders, intensifying propaganda campaigns and vilifying those willing to speak out on behalf of the oppressed isn’t enough, Iranian news agencies have reported the launch of a petition demanding the dissolution of Baha’i administrations in Iran. The text of the petition reads:
Baha’ism is an organized sect, with its leadership residing under the protective shade of the militantly aggressive occupier of Jerusalem [i.e. Israel], and has established its foundation by spreading lies against Islam and Iran, and by openly and fearlessly advancing the political, cultural and economic aims of global Zionism. This Zionist-Baha’i organization not only has targeted Islam for its cowardly attacks, but is negligent of humanity and its principle needs.
We, the undersigned, in carrying out our Islamic and human duty, request the country’s esteemed Attorney General to confront all elements of this organization and dissolve its administration.
Our initial reaction upon reading the article was to wonder: what Baha’i administration? In 1983, the government banned all Baha’i institutions and National and Local Spiritual Assemblies were disbanded.
At a time when Iranians are reportedly questioning their government’s propaganda, this latest development is critical as it could be used to justify the ongoing persecution by claiming it’s the will of the majority. Could it be meant to set the stage for the trial of the 6 arrested leaders?
Our dear brothers and sisters in Iran, we implore you to consider the following: everyday, you stand up in prayer and declare “In the name of God, the Most Gracious the Most Merciful”. Would a Gracious God sanction assaults against defenseless men, women and children? Would a Merciful God view the arson and destruction of homes approvingly? Would a Just God advocate the unlawful detention of innocent civilians? Would a God Whose first revealed word from the Qur’an was “Read! In the Name of your Lord, Who has created” [96:1] approve of depriving young children of their right to an education?
Would an Omnipotent God feel threatened by a religion whose tenets speak of love, unity and peace?
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Glenn Franco Simmons
25 September, 2008
As a Bahai, any attempt to eliminate the Faith concerns me, so I appreciate your humanitarianism. All humans must oppose religious persecution of all sorts, including when Muslims are persecuted or discriminated against.
henry
26 September, 2008
As a Baha’i, I like to sign a petition against such organisation, but where is it, I cannot see any such organisation.
Also as a Baha’i I will say this: our aim is not for the people of the world to call themselves Baha’is. Our aim is “to heal the sick, help the fallen, educate the ignorant”. Our aim is to make the world of humanity united, peaceful and happy. Those who like to join us are welcome and needed, the world needs you. And those who do not want us to do so please let the sick, the fallen and the ignorant know that you do not want us to do so. Please let your people know that you do not want us to do our bit in making a better world for them and their children.
smile rose
26 September, 2008
سوف يغلب ماراد الله وترى الارض جنة الابهى”
Behrooz
27 September, 2008
What can one do in the face of such deep rooted ignorance and misguided conduct of masses, but turn to God and beg his forgiveness. The words of Jesus while on the cross echoes in mind,: Father forgive them for they know not what they are doing.
Behrooz
27 September, 2008
“One who is dearer in this circle will receive a greater share from the cup of sorrow”
” Remaining faithful, we will
bearing the tyranny we will
yet being joyful, we will
for in the path we walk
resentment doesn’t talk”
PeterJDeer
30 September, 2008
Attacking Islam? Okay, I gotta know how we’re “attacking” Islam. This has to be priceless.
The Muslim Network for Baha’i Rights » Blog Archive » Recent reports from Iran
20 February, 2009
[...] incite hatred against the Baha’is. And it’s only been months since the launching of a petition calling on a ban on Baha’i institutions in [...]
Heshmat
7 March, 2009
Love they Neigbours more then they self. This is what the Bahai faith is all about. Mankind is one in the sight of All Mighty God. The People who do these things they do not have a clue what they are doing for one lie is a lie and that lie can not be stop, Thier for they become the prison of self and loose the vision of hope and brotherhood of Man. Islam is a land mark of the coming of a great One For told. And when His Holiness The Bab came they Imprison Him and Exicuted His Beloved Bab. And since then thier has not been peace for the Baha’is. By God it is time that no Bahai is hurt and they have the Chance to live.
Steven
9 March, 2009
Provisional translations –
He is God – Exalted be He, the Lord of Majesty and Power!
I plead my grief and sorrow unto God, the Lord of all humankind. The
affairs of men have been shaken, the nations have become perturbed and
Islam has been weakened thereby. The enemies have afflicted it from
all sides and it remains encompassed by them. Thus it behooveth the
people of God to invoke Him in the morning and the night-season, to
beseetch Him to graciously aid the Muslims, one and all, to do that
which is pleasing and seemly, to exalt them by His Command and through
the power of His Sovereign Might, to make them aware of that which
will exalt their stations, to change their abasement into might, their
poverty into wealth, their destruction into advancement, their
distress into peace of mind and their fear into security and
tranquility.
Verily, He is the All-Merciful. THere is none other God by Him, the
Compassionate, the All-Bountiful.
- original arabic published by BIC at http://reference.bahai.org/download/mra-ar-pdf.zip