Hi! Iran Is Speaking…
I am Arash and I have been living in Canada since last September. My wife and I are studying here and I think we will be staying where we are for at least three more years. I was born in Tehran, the polluted capital city of Iran, and I speak Persian as my first language. Since October 2004, I have been writing in my blog, Kamangir, about Iran, Islam, and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
I am not Muslim. Actually, I don’t believe in God. I understand and respect all religions, at least those of them I have been exposed to, but I find it irrational when followers of these religions impose their beliefs on others. Having come from Iran, I have first hand experience of such behaviors.
I have a friend who is from an Arabic country. When I started talking to him about what is called Islam in Iran, shockingly, he could not understand half of it, and the other half, he was sure had nothing to do with his impression of Islam. I also have a blog-friend who is an Iranian living in Israel (see). He talks very frequently about Jewish traditions, which very regularly I find very interesting. So, looking at religion, and tradition, from afar, it is an amazing and supportive institution. Whilst, I have no intention of living under its destructive influence any more.
This is why I’m here. To hear and to talk about good things about religion and traditions of the people of the middle east and to analyze and show how these tender institutions become deadly and hazardous. I trust this can be achieved in a network which is dedicated to eliminating “extremist ideologies and stupidity from the Middle East”.
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The problem with Iran’s Mullas is that they want to eliminate a very very very tiny group called the Bahais. For such an insignificant part of their empire, why are they so up tight? The exact same thing can be said in Egypt, Egypt has according to official figures either 60 or 2000 Bahais in the whole country of 67,000,000. What is it that is driving them crazy over such a small group which teaches its followers to honor Muhammad as a Messenger of God? If this is an example of a healthy religion, what would a sick one look like? I strongly disagree with the US portrait of Iran’s government, Shia, Sunni religous leaders
but if you consider their absolutely bloodthirsty poisonous, crazy, insane diabolical desire for the total extermination of such a tiny group of peaceful people that I have known. I can’t help but think that Maybe Bush is aware of something I’m not seeing, or not wanting to see. The Bahai community is so small probably no one here is even aware they exist…especially when we compare their numbers to the 1.4 billion Muslims or the 2.8 billion Christians.
Oh yes, the son of a very close friend Japanese/Iranian family is named Arash, Did you know Arashi means “storm” in Japanese? Cool name.
Bythe way Arash, DON’T mention the word B****
Don’t breathe it to anyone! You could get eventually into alot of trouble. For example if someone even heard you say this word, they would whisper it to the authorities and that would be put in your file. From what I have heard, this would eventually come back to get you. Eventually it would be used as one more reason to expell you from the country The govenment is out to eliminate them, only those who are prepared to be martyrs (though it may not go that far, still, you have to be prepared) can associate with them.
Welcome to our community Arash! I look forward to reading your articles.
Edo River,
I know the history of Bahaiis and how the Islamic Republic has treated them. But, I don’t think I completely understand your comments. Would you please help me with that?
Esra’a,
Thanks for having me here.
I went out to dinner with a Bahia family. I was knew very little about their culture, but was surprised how similar it was to Judaism, complete with overbearing mothers pressuring them to become doctors
They left Iran in their late teens, fled to Turkey, and finally Canada. In high school, their classmates found out the brother was Bahia and started to beat the crap out of him. I asked him where the teachers were, and he said right there with the students. Very sad.
After a little research I have come to really respect the Bahia faith, specially their progressive mindset and their belief that work is a form of worship. No wonder they do so well. Unfortinately, like Judiasm, they have a strict no-proselitizing law, preventing this fine faith from expanding.
Arash, I must ask you what do you think of Canada? Aren’t you a little thrown by our, ahem, perpetual catatonic state?
What university are you studying at? I hope it’s University of Toronto…
Jordan,
I love Canada. 
I am sure Bahiiat is a very nice and tender religion, in its essence. I actually think it is a good habit to not to expand a religion. Because then it becomes powerful and becomes less shiny.
About Canada, I really don’t know what you are talking about!
Sankar,
No I am not in University of Toronto.
Boooo… what university do you study at then?
My Iranian girlfriend says that she loves the Canadian freedom and fresh air, but the people are all in comas.
She says that in some ways, living in an Islamic police state is more fun! Specially the parties.
Also, she says Canadians work way too much (good thing she didn’t move to the states!)
Sorry Arash your first sentence didn’t register with me. Ithought you were a Canadian citizen living in Iran for next 3 years on scholarship at some Iranian school. My bad.
About the Bahais. In Iran they are a spiritual lightening rod, touch them if you want to be shocked…The Iranian gov has issued a new set of guidelines for their local network to step up their investigation and observation and if necessary intervention into the Iranian Bahai community. Did you know that at one time, in this century, the Bahais were the largest minority in Iran? What is it now? Only the government knows.
Wasn’t it your great mystic poet Rumi, who said that the falcon does not prey on the dead mouse?
In other words God isn’t interested in dead meat.
Sankar,
Let me not mention that.
Jordan,
Sure, if you like fun and partying plus passionate protests in the streets, you should really live in Iran as long as you can.
Edo River,
I understand how much you might hate the Islamic Republic, and they deserve being hated, for this reasons and tons of others. If I was a Bahaii, or a Jew, I would feel just like you.
The “problem” is, I don’t hate them or it, because they do not directly threaten me. I am very sad that I can’t do anything. And I am worried for the safety of alot of innocent people who have more courage than I do, they choose to stay in Iran and still keep their own religion.
Hey, I have sold bibles and dictionaries and I have seen some super salesmen who could sell ANYTHING to anyone (well it seemed that way) I am sure if one of those types of salesmen could get next to one of the Councilors of Iran, they could sell them on the idea of toleration. The problem is getting the personal contact
My mom’s side of my family is Bahaii, and they remind me of Mormons; no booze, no sex…etc. etc.
only rich kids party in iran…. i heard.
Arash,
I hope you and your wife have the time of your lives while you are here in Canada.
Andrea,
Nice to meet you.