The Muslim Network for Baha’i Rights
We are happy to announce our latest project, a website where Muslim activists fight for Baha’i rights. We explained why we decided to launch this project in the first post, where we stated -
Many of you are probably wondering why a Muslim network in defense of Baha’i rights exist. The answer is very simple - the best way to promote tolerance, human rights, religious freedom and respect is to rally for a cause that doesn’t necessarily affect you. When you strongly believe in a value, you should apply it to all people equally regardless of their faith, cultural differences, political stance or nationality. If within your country this doesn’t happen, as a loyal citizen you should actively enforce that such rights be met for the sake of a better and more productive society.
In this network, there are a few things that one should keep in mind:
- The authors are Muslim interfaith activists who are deeply concerned with the treatment of Baha’is within the Middle East.
- We don’t believe in the Baha’i faith. But there are minorities within our societies who are practicing Baha’is and for that, their rights are very rarely recognized, simply because of their religious differences.
- We created this site to demand that the rights of Baha’i minorities is recognized by not only people, but by law.
- We respectfully demand that all governments within the Arab and Muslim world allow Baha’i citizens to have equal opportunities in all fields and to practice their faith freely without facing any threats or discrimination whatsoever.
- We would like to make the general public of the region be aware of Baha’i human rights abuses in order to take effective action against it. We can only successfully achieve the goals of this website if we move our citizens towards real action, no matter what our religious differences are. We are all civilians in need of basic rights, and thus we should join forces regardless of our differences and unite in a celebration of our diversity. Join us in this worthy struggle and make our goals a greater possibility in the name of freedom.
It’s almost ready, right now the layout needs one final touch which is the banner. I hope you guys will find this project useful.
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Dear young Muslim brothers and sisters. As a Baha’i living in the United States, I just wanted to say thank you for taking a stance that I’m sure is not a popular one in your part of the world. I look with expectant eyes and the young people of that region who, God willing, will lead it to a new age of peace, prosperity, and global influence worthy of the Islamic faith.
You are in my prayers.
This is a heartwarming and much needed initiative. Your courage in taking this stand is greatly to be welcomed.
Freedom of religion or belief is a universal human right, regardless of whether one is part of a majority or a minority faith or of no faith at all - and regardless of whether one believes in any particular faith or not. Sadly it is neglected and denied in far too many countries, as Asma Jahangir (UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief) has pointed out. (It is noteworthy that the person who carries such an important responsibility for the UN is a Muslim woman.)
I am a Baha’i in the UK and have many good Muslim friends. I want to thank you most warmly for this excellent project
[…] Mideast Youth - Thinking AheadArticle: The Muslim Network for Baha’i RightsOriginaly Posted On: 2007-07-01 […]
You’re awesome, Esra’a.
Folks…
I too wanted to express my gratitude as a Baha’i. Here in the US, esp., since 9/11 things have been tough for Muslims. Not every day, in every place. But I’ve certainly seen things myself and heard things. It is undoubtedly unnerving to my Muslim brothers and sisters not knowing if, when they walk around the corner someone is going to yell at them or spit at them…
I try, as much as I am able, to explain to my fellow Americans the difference between normal Muslims and fantatics. Fortunately (or unfortunately) America has a never-ending example of fantatical Christians! So it is easy to draw on them and say, “Look, you’re Christian. Does David Koresh represent you? Do the people who supported the bombing in Oklahoma City represent YOU and YOUR faith??” Of course they answer “no!”
I have been hoping that a group, such as yours, would rise up and begin to show the world the real beauty of Islam and of the teachings of His Holiness Muhammad. You represent all that is good and wonderful about Islam!
J.M.Harrison
I applaud your courage, audacity, clarity of vision and intellectual honesty. You are indeed the hope for a brighter future, not only in the Middle East, but in the entire planet.
Esra’a,
Why onlly deal with the Baha’i, what about having activities dealing with Christians, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, athiests and Muslims who interpret Islam differently from the mainstream beliefs?
Thank you, Esra’a, for a universal truth that applies to all people and nations:
“When you strongly believe in a value, you should apply it to all people equally regardless of their faith, cultural differences, political stance or nationality. If within your country this doesn’t happen, as a loyal citizen you should actively enforce that such rights be met for the sake of a better and more productive society.”
Thank you so much for the encouragement guys, but I think who you should really be thanking is people like Bilo who keep us informed about Baha’i rights abuses within the region. His blog is the inspiration behind our network.
Well then, thanks to Bilo for his work. It’s nice to see that it has inspired people to take some action that will be for the betterment of all people as Barney has mentioned. Religious freedom is absolutely essential to the peace and well-being of the planet.
dear Esraa & my dear friend Cynthia
first congratulation for this new blog & ur courage to speake about Egyptian bahai ID problem, it is so good for continuous interfaith dialouge . iam an Egyptian bahai & tomorrow 3 juli we have case infront of the court in lower adminstrative court ( maglis AL DAwla) . last , this is my blog you can take a tour to see my articles & collections
http://basmagm.wordpress.com/
The holy Qur’an testifies that Almighty God is the creator and exponent of justice. It thus behooves those who submit to Him to act with justice toward all. Baha’is in many majority-Muslim lands suffer persecution that stems from ignorance, prejudice, or negative reaction to the Baha’i belief that divine Messengers appeared after Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him). How better to demonstrate the truth of Islam than to act with justice, wisdom, and charity toward all, including Baha’is. We who are Baha’is have exerted a great effort to defend Islam at a time when so many in the West reject it because of extremist betrayal of the great spiritual truths of their faith. May the one true God, in Whose service we are enlisted, bless your efforts and sustain you with His might.
Bahai’s are cordially received in non muslim majority countries. The founder of Baha faith promoted human virtues through his preaching. He rejected all mumbo-jumbo worthless islamic rituals.
The Holy Qu’ran teaches mercy and justice. Thank you for defending the Faith of God, Islam, by being true jihadist for justice. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon Him, is the Light of Islam and that Light can still illumine the world through virtuous and praise worthy deeds. I too am a Baha’i and belive in the Prophethood of Muhammad, peace be upon Him, and in the divine origins of the Holy Qu’ran. Salaam. Ernesto
I am an Egyptian born British resident of the UK. I am a Baha’i and the founder and chairman of the “Elmbridge Muslti-Faith Forum”, that functions within the Surrey Borough of Elmbridge. I am also a volauntary advisor to Surrey County Counci, Surrey Police and Elmbridge Borough Council on Multi-faith, multi-Ethnic issues.
Our Forum has members from all faiths, and no faith. We respect them all. We exchange views and work together toewards an understanding of our commonalities, and appreciate the need for some minor differences between faiths, brought upon by the differing need s of the people along the ages.
My message is simple: We must be free to pursue any belief or faith we feel comfortable with, provided we are within the law and that we feel part of the whole (of our society, of the Human race etc..)
I hope I am contributing in a small way towards the lofty messahe of your blog. Thank you for giving me the chance
Great initiative. I love the points in the statement!!
Dear Esra’a
I’m a Baha’i from South America, and this is the a awesome initiative… as a Baha’i I believe in the elimination of prejudice of all kind.. this is a step towards that……thank you for creating this oportunity
Hi billo, I agree with you hundred percent. Esra, rasha, leila and others in this forum are the beacon of hope in the middle east.
I firmly assert what they are doing that is religeon. They are inspired by their conscience, the true God.
Here I am reciting one Holy teaching of Holy Qu’ran
“003.085
YUSUFALI: If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to Allah), never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter He will be in the ranks of those who have lost (All spiritual good).
PICKTHAL: And whoso seeketh as religion other than the Surrender (to Allah) it will not be accepted from him, and he will be a loser in the Hereafter.
SHAKIR: And whoever desires a religion other than Islam, it shall not be accepted from him, and in the hereafter he shall be one of the losers”
Recite the verse in your congregation.
dear friends
we need all your support in bahai case tomorrow 3 juli 2007. we have hope . today the christian come back to their relgion win their case infront of the court
http://basmagm.wordpress.com/
greeting
Why are Baha’is and others being forced to renounce their faiths in some Moslem countries? I do not understand! The Qur’an itself commands: “Let there be no compulsion in religion” (Q 2:257). It also states: “What! wilt thou compel men to become believers? No soul can believe but by the permission of God…”(Q 10:99-100). As a result of these counsels, Christians and other minorities were protected for centuries under Muslim rule, at a time when religious freedom was unheard-of in most of Europe.
Robert,
A very good question! Muslims that have not deviated from the true teachings of Islam respect and appreciate all others just as the Holy Qur’an clearly states. It is when people, for a variety of motives, deviate from the essence of their Faith; they begin to oppress others, whether they belong to religious, ethnic, or any such other group of the population.
It is very heart warming to see such initiatives in the ME. I just hope that people understand better what this forum is doing, it’s not trying to prove the Bahai’ faith is true or not (actually the founders of this forum don’t believe in this religion). It’s trying to teach everyone tolerance of other ideas and thoughts. Therefore it saddens me to see people attacking this religion on this forum and being so ignorant as to miss the whole point. For people with anger management problems, I’m sure there are many forums thirsty for some minority blood. Please keep this forum for pure hearted God loving people.
I just wanted to say that I appreciate what you’re doing for members of the Bahai faith. In the world we live in we need people who are going to defend the rights of others,even if you don’t share all their beliefs or way of life.
May God bless you and the work you’re doing.
[…] new site aimed at fighting for Bahai faith rights has been set up by Muslim activists, writes Esraa from […]
I can’t believe but it happened!! You must be a courageous person. Many peace loving people will admire you. Thank you
Dear Friends, As a Baha’i I applaud your interest and initiative in helping to secure human rights for all within Islamic societies and for using the Baha’is as your working example to achieve that goal. As I trust you realize, the Baha’i Faith focuses on the unity of mankind rather than division because the promotion of unity is the primary mission for the Faith being in the world in the first place. Moreover, since nearly all forms of politics are divisive, the Baha’i Faith takes a principled but non-partisan stance on all social issues, even including the defense of its own members and the rights of its members. Therefore, as you conduct your activities to help the Baha’is, I would ask you in a heartfelt way to utilize only those methods and principles that would be consistent with the teachings of the Baha’i Faith itself and that you not undertake any activities that would not be consistent with Baha’u'llah’s guidance. Christ also alluded to this perspective when He stated, “What shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul.” Speaking only as an individual, it only makes sense to me that the salvation of our community should come about only through those unifying and non-divisive approaches which would obtain the approval of our Founder, Baha’u'llah. Thank you for considring my views.
bilo,
You are absolutely correct. I would like to add that no one should blame the Manifestations of God for the actions taken by the followers due to their misinterpretation of their Holy Books.
God be with the “Muslim Network for Baha’i Rights”.
While reviewing the comment section on this new site I noticed that some were from Baha’is who were quite ecstatic about the site, even offering to help with it, while others attacked it and even [wrongly] accused the site of being deceptively created by Baha’i internet agencies, and describing them as “Zionist cult of Bahaism.â€
It is critical to clearly and emphatically point out here that this new site “The Muslim Network for Baha’i Rights” was created and maintained by an entirely independent group of Muslims who believe in the true essence of Islam and who want to promote acceptance, tolerance and harmony between all people regardless of their religion, race or ethnicity.
Let there be no doubt that this site has NO connection whatsoever, in the original idea of its creation or its maintenance, to any Baha’is or Baha’i Institutions or Agencies. It was however stated in one of the comments that the idea for the site was inspired by material available on another blog.
Even though it is natural to be tempted to offer help when agreeing with the published material, the authors of the site should be left alone in maintaining the site, gathering material and publishing information on it. This would ensure and guarantee its integrity, its credibility and its reliability.
Perhaps you can see that it is very difficult to attemp to bring justice to an issue that involves religion or politics. I am saddened by the latest comments and the language used to express them. The history of Man and his Religion shows us that man in an undeveloped spiritual condition reverts to violence and verbal abuse when confronted with ideas not consistent with his or her beliefs. Yet the Unity of the world society…be it religious, political, cultural and economic will become a realityl. It is written in all Holy Books. It is not a matter of if but of how soon…. and that depend on mature minds who can discourse and consult intelligently in the light of the Divine revelation. There is but ONE God, but we are unconscious of our relationship to Him because we invest our energies in forcing Divine Principle to conform with our limited and flawed understanding. What your web site is offering is a formum for discussion but we are busy poking each other in the eye and calling names. He who takes the the sacred text of any of the major religions or the names of the Prophets to prove the correctness of his or her understanding has already left the path to understanding and justice. It is no wonder so many deny God. The “True Believers’ have destroyed the foundations of Divine Unity and will kill each other to prove themselves correct. Need one say more? Rather let us be humble, submissive before our Creator and become true lovers of His creation and servants of all mankind, even if others hurt us or reject us we must love and repay them with kindness. That is the way of all true religion and nothing less will suffice. Salaam, Peace be upon all of God’s Holy Prophet.
In the words of my beautiful daughter when she was only 5 years old, “can’t we all just get along?”
What is it that prevents us from recognizing our oneness? Nothing but self. The journey to overcome self begins with one step, and, then, one step at a time, one moment of awareness at a time, we can all cross the finish line in this human race together, as victors of our own selves, rather than each other. What a joyous day that will be. Let it begin now.
In the Hidden Words of Baha’u'llah, the Author of the Baha’i Faith, it is written:
“O my friends! Have ye forgotten that true and radiant morn, when in those hallowed and blessed surroundings ye were all gathered in My presence beneath the shade of the tree of life, which is planted in the all-glorious paradise? Awe-struck ye listened as I gave utterance to these three most holy words: O friends! Prefer not your will to Mine, never desire that which I have not desired for yu, and approach Me not with lifeless hearts, defiled with worldly desires and cravings. Would ye but sanctify your souls, ye would at this present hour recall that place and those surroundings, and the truth of My utterance should be made evident unto all of you.”
“The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established.”
“We desire but the good of the world and the happiness of the nations; yet they deem Us a stirrer up of strife and sedition worthy of bondage and banishment…. That all nations should become one in faith and all men as brothers; that the bonds of affection and unity between the sons of men should be strengthened; that diversity of religion should cease, and differences of race be annulled — what harm is there in this?… Yet so it shall be; these fruitless strifes, these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the ‘Most Great Peace’ shall come…. Yet do We see your kings and rulers lavishing their treasures more freely on means for the destruction of the human race than on that which would conduce to the happiness of mankind…. These strifes and this bloodshed and discord must cease, and all men be as one kindred and one family…. Let not a man glory in this, that he loves his country; let him rather glory in this, that he loves his kind….”
[…] with the treatment of Baha’is within the Middle East.” The authors host the well-known MIDEAST YOUTH and the ME Faith websites. In this site’s first post, it states the […]
Hi all, its interesting to learn that there are still many people out there concern about the Baha’i Rights. I guess i am lucky to be born in Malaysia, a multi-cultural country where there’s freedom of religion. My prayers to all who work hard for this cause no matter what religion you are as all religions come from God. Will forward this website to my friends.
Dear friends
bahai case infront of Egyptian court postponed for final Decision to 4 September 2007 . u can read more detaites in yhis site
:http://www.inter-iman.com/
greeting
http://basmagm.wordpress.com/
Thanks a lot for the update.
To believers in the one God:
God is one
Man is one
We are all one and the same in God’s sight
When we can treat each other as brothers
we’ll have world unity.
Brothers of the world — we are one !
First, God must be with each of you, no matter what
and justice must prevail.
Bill Newell
Baha’i
Working with women in Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East, it has been my great pleasure to work with women of all faiths and of none. I have been deeply impressed by the women working with WAFDI who are working together across all divides to bring about a better world and the courage of the Muslim women in that group. Thank you for your initiative. May the one God bless your eneavours. All good wishes.
I just learned of this blog and from the bottom of my heart wish to thank the creators. You certainly are individuals who are thinking ahead. In the Baha’i Faith we maintain that the unity of the world lies with the youth. As Baha’is we believe that one day there will be a World Peace. Though most likely not in our future, it is people like you who are helping this to begin. The following quote comes from our Baha’i writings.
“O CHILDREN OF MEN!
Know ye not why We created you all from the same dust? That no one should exalt himself over the other. Ponder at all times in your hearts how ye were created. Since we have created you all from one same substance it is incumbent on you to be even as one soul, to walk with the same feet, eat with the same mouth and dwell in the same land, that from your inmost being, by your deeds and actions, the signs of oneness and the essence of detachment may be made manifest.”
“O FRIEND!
In the garden of thy heart plant naught but the rose of love, and from the nightingale of affection and desire loosen not thy hold. Treasure the companionship of the righteous and eschew all fellowship with the ungodly.”
oops, i meant to say that the World Peace would most likely not happen in our “LIFETIME”..not future. It will DEFINETLY happen in our future!:-)
Dear friend,
I really proud of you, this is the first movment from our friends from you =) I wish everybody will find out that God is transcendent and can’t be known directly. God is known through the lives and teachings of his great prophets, every time, in a new place with new names!
All human beings have a soul that lives for ever. All human beings are members of a single race, which should soon be united in a single global community. All human beings are different, but equal; there should be no inequality between races or sexes. All religions have the same spiritual foundation, despite their apparent differences.
Good on you!
Zarin, I applaud the work you are doing . One of the eighteen original disciples in Baha’i history was a woman (Tahirih, a poetess and a philosopher) who was strangled for her beliefs.
All I can say is you are on the right path and wish you all the success in achieving to eradicate this, and all other prejudice and intolerance against Baha’is i and any other groups in area that you are proposing.
Thanks for your vision and depth of understanding.
Thank you so much dear Muslim youth for this amazing web site.
I am a British Bahai and married to a Persian Bahai and we believe that God Allah, Deiu, is One in whatever language you spak and all people are One race the human race. The earth is but One Country and Humankind its citizens. You have more spirituality than many of those supposedly learned Mullahs who have ruined much of the Islamic reputation.
God is the Creator not the distroyer of His creation.
Thank you Thank you Thank you.
Dianne
Hello there. Thank you for this courageous initiative. Very timely. Wherever there is good will a garden will grow. There might be tilling and weeding, and there will be much much beauty and love as a result of good intentions.
wishing you heavenly winds.
pupak from Forest Row, UK.
[…] They state: We created this site to demand that the rights of Baha’i minorities is recognized by not only people, but by law. We respectfully demand that all governments within the Arab and Muslim world allow Baha’i citizens to have equal opportunities in all fields and to practice their faith freely without facing any threats or discrimination whatsoever. […]
Thank you so much for your insightful and courageous stand!
May people with penetrating minds and kind hearts follow your example!
When we investigate whatever Holy Book we follow, it exercises an influence on mind and heart. Then, we take it as our God-given right and duty, in the name of Justice, to protect the rights of all. When we all learn to follow this principle, there will be no need for individuals and groups to defend themselves, all will be thankful and loving to one another, and all will flourish!
I know that the Creator smiles upon your efforts, and wish you all blessings.
I am writing as a Baha’i living in the UK.
I feel very moved and inspired by your noble actions and wanted to convey my sincerest thanks and greetings.
As you may know, we have religous tensions here in the UK after the recent bomb attacks. I work in interfaith activity with many wonderful Muslims, who I am proud to call dear friends. Over the weekend Londoners from all our religious communties will gather on the anniversary of the 7/7 attacks to pray together and promote religious harmony. I will share news of this website with the friends I speak to this weekend.
God bless you.
Such an exciting intiative and an opening move, surely a victory for the region.
Badi jaberi
I am the Bahai representative on the Kingston interfaith forum and attendeed a memorial last night a for the London bombing 7/7.
There were readings about Peace from various religious leaders including the Rabbi, A Hindu. Christian, and Muslim besides Bahais and other faiths.
It occurs, that each religion is teaching the exact same thing about peace and caring for others, and that spiritually all religion is the same from the same source.
There is no real reason to have wars other than for political gain for land oil and whatever else it is they want to take over. and for what? A piece of this earth which becomes the eventuakl grave of all.
We have had so many wars why not try peace for a change?
Once again thank you for creating this wonderful web site and forum to make friends with all people and to help Bahais and others who live in peril on a daily basis
Dear Halim, you quote Qur’an 003.085 which states that no religion but Islam will be accepted from humanity in the afterlife. Yet, we must consider the fact that Qur’an’s own definition of the term Islam goes BEYOND Muhammad’s religion and applies equally to all MONOTHEISTICS religions. Qur’an makes it clear that Muhammad’s Path, the TRUE (3:17) and PERFECT (5:5) religion of God, is none other than the path of the Hebrew prophets who preceded him (42:11). In fact all the major Hebrew prophets or their followers have been called Muslims throughout Qur’an. This includes Noah (10:73), Abraham (2:126) Moses and his followers (10:84, 10:90, 7:123), and the disciples of Christ (5:111). Where was Muhammad’s religion during Moses’ time? Or at the time of Christ and His disciples? So, in this context, by Islam, Qu’ran means the premordial religion of God that is monotheistic in nature and is brought to huamnity through successive Manifestations. In other words, Islam equates MONOTHEISM. Qur’an 003.085 that you quote is an example of a seemingly “exclusivist” passage that tend to occur in ALL scriptures. For instance, Jesus says “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me. (John 14:6). Should we take the Bible or the Qur’an’s assertion as true here? If we adhere to the literal meanings of such passages, we will only promote intolerance and prejudice. By Qur’an’s own definition, Baha’is would be considered Muslims (monotheists) and thus, have made a safe choice for the afterlife.
A wonderful effort and a potent dialogue.
This is a courageous act, to defend those for the principles of justice and equality.
As has been stated, literally interpretating the Quran, everyone who has not submitted to God is a loser in the next world.
BUT it is for the individual to choose his path, according to his conscience, beliefs and convinction.
For people wanting to convert to Islam, for Muslims wanting to convert to Christianity, for Baha’is wanting to convert to Buddhism, whatever. This is what it comes down to: Individual choice.
Thank you.
YABAHAULLAH,
its so good to see this kind of sites…which it will show ppl in the reigon, who we bahais r and what r we calling for….
me and my family were asked to leave oman for just our faith, and other friends…..its really hard, but to see.. such ppl as esra …its worthed.
I am in Yemen and have many Muslim and Christian friends. I used to attend Christian Bible sessions in Aden city and when they had questions about Islam, I shared to them what I learned from the Bahai Faith on the glorious truth of Islam..and I saw one of the Canadians started reading the holy Qura’n in English…I heared that he became a Muslim after a few weeks and he was on TV and news paper last year. It was his choice.
I became a Bahai from a Christian Background in 1993. The Bahai Faith opened my eyes to the truth of Islam and removed all my prejudices against the Muslims. Thank you for showing sympathy to the Bahai Faith who opened my heart to give my highest respect towards the Islamic Faith.
May you succeed in all your endeavors.
It is wonderous…..The bloodshed against Muslims in Iraq, Afghanistan, India,Lebanon, Palestine etc. etc. But no word of protest or sympathy from Baha’i Community.
Genocide of Muslim in Gujarat, India. But no word from peace loving Baha’is. Thank you my friends. Its a one sided love.
Friends of Zionists. Those who spread hatred. violaters of UN resolutions. Killers of women and children in Palestine & Lebanon. are so happy that they got support from some ignorant Muslims. Actually misunderstood this NGO (Bahai) as a religion so they have come out in support of them.
You know Mr Abdul Khaliq
My heart bleeds each time I hear that an Iraqi or Afghan or India or Palestinian or Israeli or American or British or any person has died in a war of any kind anywhere at all. I am sure that most Bah`ai’s will agree with me about this.
We do care and pray for those innocents very much in all those countries that are living under the threat of death and with wars, but unfortunately there is little we can do to prevent people of war from doing their worst.
Bah`ai’s and Babi’s have been persecuted in their own countries ever since it began, and one of the reasons they are not able to protect themselves is due to the Bahá’à rule of obeying the laws of the country in which they reside.
An other reason is that the Bahá’Ãs are not allowed to belong to any political party of even to discuss politics with each other let alone to a government.
One other thing to point out is that this list was created for Bahá’Ãs very recently and we are all so enthusiastic to find someone else actually cares and from such an unexpected source as the dear Muslim youth that we hardly have been able to believe it.
Please do not think that you are alone in wanting world peace and for all wars to cease so that we can each one live in harmony and unity even with the diversity of all our cultures. This is what being a Bahai is all about and in fact all religions teach to love your brothers as yourself.
Dear Majeed,
Your hateful comment only proves why our network exists.
You don’t represent Islam; you don’t represent Muslims; and you don’t represent tolerance or human rights if you continue preaching such cowardly hatred against a minority which did nothing to harm you, your faith, and your society. You should be ashamed of yourself.
Greetings to you from Poland,
I am a Baha’i living in an area of the world that has experienced tragic consequences of religious prejudice. Thank you so much for creating this wonderful venue meant to educate all of us so ignorance can be overcome by understanding. Peace be upon you.
Dear Majeed, I am Native American and Spanish by race. I was raised in a religion which taught me that everyone that did not belong to my faith was going to hell! I did not believe my clergy. I am intelligent and use my mind to help me be successful in my life. Success to me means looking at the opportunities and possitive experiences in my path and using that information to serve my fellowmen. I am a Baha’i and that is the meaning of my faith, to love all and to be just. What ever has cause you to be bitter and angry is not of God. I studied all the religions of the Book and saw that they were all good. I also see the people of the Book do bad things….but that does not make me hate or want to kill…it makes me want to work harder to bring love and understanding to as many persons as I can. I did not know the Holy Prophet, Muhammad, Peace be upon Him. I learned from BAHA’U'LLAH that the Holy Qur’an is the only authoritative holy book of all the previous Revelations, That Muhammad, peace be upon Him is the Prophet of God and that the Qur’an is the Word of God. In Studying history I learned about the great Islamic culture. So great was the Light of Islam that it overcame the darkness of the Christian culture (the Dark Ages)and restored the life and vitality of the Christian nations of that time. Remember, Spain enjoyed the superior spiritual and intellectual culture due to the Moslem influence. To say that molems die and the Baha’is don’t care is equal to saying the molems are blowing up and killling thousand!….NO, Some misguided souls do bad things but I have known and do know my friends who are moslems and they are as righteous as any one can be. As for your knowledge of Baha’i, be a true believer and do not judge and condemn with out knowing the truth. I left my church because I am responsible for my sout and I will not assume that what the clergy say is true unless I know that to be a fact. Follow the footsteps of the Holy Prophet, Rasul Allah peace be up Him. Rasul Allah loved the ink of the scholars more than the blood of the martyr. Reflect on this that you may understand the greatness of the Islamic Revelation. What we, you and I can do is to do our best, be fair and just to all men at all times even if they do us wrong. Then, I believe we can work for that day when Islam will be the standard of faith….Islam means submission to Allah. Peace and loving greetings.
ALLAH AKBAR, THAT IS ALL I CAN SAY. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR WORK, AND THIS FORUM.
MASOOD
Nice to see that this post is generating lots of responses both positive and negative. I just wanted to make clear that I understand that those involved in this initiative are not trying to support the Baha’i religion but are acting on a universal principle that is inspired by their own faith. One way that those of us who are Baha’is can be supportive of their effort is to make this distinction very clear especially when leaving comments so that we do not unintentionally undermine a heroic effort.
I look forward to following your progress and also checking out the Middle East Youth page as well. May your generation lead the way towards justice, peace and progress in that richly blessed region of the earth. You have my prayers and my heart.
Your brother,
Phillipe
dear friends
in this site u can saw a promo of documentary film about the daily social & spiritual life of Egyptian bahais . A Promo of the film by Al Fanar Media Production .the film titles ” Egyptian & bahais”
greeting
http://basmagm.wordpress.com/
Abdul Khaliq is right in pointing out that only Muslims are targeted by the so-called super powers all over the world. The FEW among Muslims are gone mad. Killing self in a crowded market will never solve the problem. But, love will win over others as the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) has shown the path. But, who dragged these FEW towards violence? The whole truth is the OIL. Imagine if the Arab world had no oil and the WEST did not had the greed to control it!
Every day hundreds of innocent Muslims are killed but no protest. But, if a single Baha’i is jailed in Iran for certain crime a very big hue and cry. EU parliament is passing resolutions, Human Right Orgs are very worried and other gimmicks.
Its a time to think and compare the stats who is the victim and who is perpeteur of crimes. Mere emotional outburst will not solve the problem. I congratulate these Muslims who have come out in the name of helping Bahais. This was the best way to bring the discussion in public and highlight that why the Baha’i feel themselves the only victims in the world after the Jewish episode in Germany.
Recently I visited a site where Baha’is themselves are struggling to suppress their fellow Bahais who differ in the existence of Guardian in their religion. They have even filed a case in the court denying their fellow believers their rights to practice their faith. A visit to this site is self explainatory.
http://trueseeker.typepad.com/true_seeker/court_case.html
Can anybody explain who are Orthodx bahais and Heterodox bahai? And this site supporting which type of bahais?
Joseph,
There is only one Baha’i Faith. A tiny few however, because of hunger for power and ego satisfaction, had broken the Covenant of the Baha’i Faith and tried to self appoint to this or that, and called themselves a variety of names such as the ones you mentioned. None of these have any legitimate status in any religious, governmental or societal organizations; and have tried to antagonize and destroy the Baha’i Faith without any success. All these attempts have led to their own demise and obscurity. The Baha’i Faith, a world religion consisting of approximately 7 million followers in over 200 countries, remains united by the power of its Covenant. The Covenant is based on the written Will and Testament of Baha’u’llah, the founder of the Baha’i Faith, and His appointed successor, Abdu’l-Baha. The Covenant is very clear as to how succession should proceed and on how the Faith must be administered. The Covenant is intended to protect the Baha’i Faith from divisions and sectarianism known to have happened with former religions.
Sadaf,
You must know that Baha’is have never been involved in any such acts of terrorism or violence as those perpetuated by Islamist extremists. They obey their governments. They do not participate in partisan politics. They promote peace and harmony just like true Muslim believers do. They are against all forms of violence, derision or discord. They believe in the elimination of all racial and ethnic inequity and barriers. They believe in the equality of men and women. They believe in universal education. They promote the unity of humankind and the establishment of world peace. However, they have been selectively persecuted in some Middle Eastern countries such as Iran and Egypt without any justification. They have been subjected to harassment by police and imprisonment without cause. In these countries, they have been deprived of all their civil and human rights and many of them were murdered in Iran—hundreds during modern times, and about 20,000 followers of the Bab, the forerunner of Baha’u’llah, were massacred in Iran in the 1800s.
This is only a very concise account of what the Baha’is are about and what they have been subjected to. I suggest that you read from the authentic Baha’i material easily accessible on many sites such as this one in English: http://reference.bahai.org/en/ and this one in Arabic: http://reference.bahai.org/ar/ as well as this site that will provide you with all the information you need to know on the Baha’i Faith: http://www.bahai.org/
After reading all this material, you should then with a pure and detached heart judge for yourself.
Dear Nabil
You say that u people obey the govt. It is not correct, because, in my country egypt you are not obeying the law of the land and challenging the government itself on I card issue. u r violating the egyptian constitution.
othe point u wrote that the other bahai sect is having fewer followers, is absurd. If we maintain this criteria then u r fewer in numbers in comparision to muslims, means u automatically are prove urself to be hunger for power.
ur persecution theory has no base. yearly thousands of palestanions are persecuted by israel and israel is ur chief patron.
you think that setting up a site in muslim youth name u can change the opinion of muslim ummah, then u r wrong. because the truth lies on the field and the net cannot hide that truth.
mr nabil try some other trick from your torn bag. world community has realised the games of the imperialists.
the iraq, afghanistan & palestine r occupied. please explain these occupations to the muslims.
i would suggest to go and find out the facts from ur fellow bahais on the below site.
http://www.freebahais.com/
No religion loves other. Everyone is trying to sell their product. Everyone is trying to convert others in their religious fold. India has become a fertile land for conversion. Everyone want their share of cake. Everyone poses itself as a victim. The best selling product is religion.
will bahais start a site as;
http://www.the-bahai-network-for-muslim-rights
Dear Badawi,
Thank you for your input. In response to your statements, I would like to indicate the following:
Baha’is obey the law. In Egypt, they are demanding their civil and human rights owed to them according to the Egyptian constitution. This is not disobedience, it is simply asking for one’s own rights. What Baha’is want is quite simple: to be left alone to worship and practice their religion and to live peacefully in their homelands without being deprived of their jobs, education, health care, child vaccination, banking, driving a car, traveling, obtaining death certificates, birth certificates and marriage certificates, etc…. Aren’t these essential elements to living in Egypt? Also, you are definitely incorrect in your statement linking Baha’is to Israel. Baha’i sites have been in Palestine long before Israel was established, just like the Holy Islamic site Al-Masghed Al-Aqsa has been in El-Quds (Jerusalem), and the Christian Holy places have been in that precious Holy Land. This, in no way, makes Israel the “chief patron” of Christians or Muslims, does it? The Baha’i Holy family was exiled to Akko prison in Palestine in the late 1800s; they did not go there on their own will or by their own choice. Baha’is, are forbidden to participate in politics and are not the agents of any government or ideology. In fact, Baha’is cannot be elected to any political offices or belong to political parties. Please do not confuse the issues by making uninformed false and inaccurate statements and accusations. I hope that you know otherwise! Thank you again for your participation in this discussion.
Dear Kishore,
The Baha’is have been very active in defending righteous Muslims in the western world where Islam, as you very well know, has been severely criticized for the horrific acts committed in its name. Also, the mission of the Baha’is is to bring everyone together so that the world would become united and religious division and self-interest, you have referred to, would cease.
I am deeply grateful for this initiative.
This website represents the true essence of Isalm: Tolerance and acceptance.
Let us not forget that this website is about Muslim Youth like Usra and her friends more than it is about the Bahá’Ãs and their right to exist in our Arab world. It is about bright, courageous, enlightened young generation of Arabs, who against all odds and in spite of the propaganda of hatred, decided to stand up and show us glimpses of the society that they would like to live in, a society that is tolerant and accepting of others. They are the ones who started this site, and had no problem announcing to the world that they as young Muslim Arabs are capable of existing in this small “Global Villageâ€, our world. And when they did this, the world took notice, and they were able to demonstratein action, the ability of Islam and Muslims to coexist and become partners in building a peaceful future.
Their support of the right of the Bahá’Ãs to exist in Arab societies, a gesture of kindness, is much appreciated by Bahá’Ãs from all around the world as was demonstrated by the comments received. Their stand through their site is a sign of a different kind that speaks of an Arab world, which through generations and centuries, was capable of accepting tribes and nations of different races, beliefs, and origins like no other land have witnessed. They represent the children of my neighbors that I, as a Bahá’Ã, grew up, played, loved, cried, and laughed with. Even though I do not know them personally, they are familiar to me. They are the ones I speak of when the world around me stands ready to dismiss all Muslims, and all Arabs based on the well publicized shameful actions of few. I hope that one day, the children of Usra and her friends and my children’s children live in a world that allows them to be who they are without being subjected to accusation, hatred, and questioning of their motives and belief as we saw from some of the posted comments.
I have seen the following post regarding the real issues and facts concerning the matter of ID cards for the Baha’is of Egypt. As one who believes in the message of tolerance and acceptance brought by Sayednaa Muhammad (PBUH), I support their rights to be treated equally as Egyptian citizens.
Clarification: My gratitude, recognition, and respect to all the authors of the sites including the authors from other than Arab countries.
Nesreen
Here is the link: http://bahai-egypt.blogspot.com/2006/12/egypts-bahai-case-real-issues-and-facts.html
Dear Authors of this Website:
You have provided a wonderful opportunity for a healthy exchange. Many Baha’i respondents, like me, are understandably elated about: a) a forum that is focused on defending Baha’i rights, b) the forum is authored by Muslim youth - which I believe is the first such website, and c) the forum balances the one-sided attacks and misrepresentation of the Baha’i Faith in much of the press in the Middle East, partuclarly in Iran (the center of Shiite Islam), and Egypt (the center of Sunni Islam).
Many comments from those who are not Baha’i appear to fall in one of three categories:
a) Comments from respondents who are pleased with your initiative as they see it bringing the true spirit of Islam of compassion and understanding and of respect of “no compulsion in religion”. b) Comments from respondents who have divided the world and humans into Muslim and anti-Muslim. and c) Comments from respondents who would like to add to the daily attacks against the Baha’is in Middle Eastern countries by promoting conspiracy theories or focus on the theological issues to prove the falsity of the Baha’i Faith. I will address these in reverse order.
This website clearly states that the authors are Muslim youth who do not believe in the Baha’i Faith. Many Baha’is have accepted torture and even execution instead of denying their Faith, so readers have to accept without question the description the authors of the website have provided of themselves. The objective of this website is clear - it is not to convince anyone of the correctness of the Baha’i Faith. Theological arguments for or against the Baha’i Faith are interesting but are not the issue. The issue is to protect the rights of all, including Baha’is, to worship freely without losing their civil rights as citizens in the countries of their birth.
Those who have divided their world into Muslim and anti-Muslim miss a fundamental point. The Holy Writings of all major religions challenge every human being to follow the Golden rule - to do unto others as you wish them do unto you. The fact that there are many ills and many injustices in the world today is acknowledged by Baha’u'llah as He prescribes unity as the road to peace; “The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established”. Baha’u'llah calls humanity to recognize the Oneness of the Creator, the Oneness of His Religion, and the Oneness of Humanity. This means the necessity to eliminate all forms of racial, religious, social, ethnic, or other prejudice, which eats into the vitals of humankind. History is our witness; there is no denial of wrongs done by individuals, groups, or governments - and unfortunately often times these wrongs were (and are) perpetrated in the name of noble causes including religion. “The purpose of religion,” Baha’u'llah affirms “…is to establish unity and concord amongst the peoples of the world; make it not the cause of dissension and strife”. It must be noted that Baha’is are forbidden from engaging in any partisan politics and are involved only in the politics of unity - that means to enhance understanding and to eliminate barriers between people. Baha’is obey their own governments but at the same time assert their legitimate rights of existence and citizenship. If their very presence is denied by a particular government how are they to survive let alone worship?
The courageous initiative the authors of this website have undertaken is laudable and historical! It is a move that shows the world the true nature and teachings of of Islam of love, compassion, and understanding. It dispels the erroneous impression that a few have unfortunately created and promoted of this great religion with its compassionate spirit. Baha’is in western countries often find themselves defending Islam for what it truly is. Baha’is support everyone to adhere to their own pure religious and spiritual teachings, not the dogmas that have for so long divided our world into warring religious factions when God, the source of all religions, is ONE. The fundamental truth of all major religions is ONE. In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Most Merciful, let us all treasure our own religions for their substance of pure teachings, not only for the dogmas that developed over time to divide and exclude others. God, the All Merciful, is the only judge of us, of our beliefs, of our deeds, and of our intentions. Baha’is pray continuously to lessen the suffering of all those who are suffering injustices including the Baha’is who in several countries, including Iran and Egypt, are deprived of their civil rights and denied their very existence.
Youth can move the world - and they do!
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