The Baháʼí Faith In Iran: A Story Of Resilience And Persecution
Table of Contents
- The Genesis of the Baháʼí Faith in Iran
- The Baháʼí Community of Iran: A Sociological Reality
- Systemic Persecution: A Deep-Rooted Challenge
- Defining Events of Persecution: Historical Milestones
- Modern-Day Repression: A Continuous Struggle
- Documenting the Persecution: Archives and Awareness
- Resilience in the Face of Adversity
- The Path Forward: Hope for the Baháʼí Community
The Genesis of the Baháʼí Faith in Iran
The Baháʼí Faith, a religion founded in the 19th century, emerged from the vibrant intellectual and spiritual landscape of Qajar Persia. It was established by Baháʼu'lláh, who declared His mission in 1863, building upon the foundational teachings of the Báb, a forerunner figure. Initially developing in Iran and parts of the Middle East, the Baháʼí Faith frames itself as a new revelation and a continuation of monotheistic, and other, religious traditions that predate it. Its very birth in Iran, a country deeply rooted in Twelver Shia Islam, set the stage for a unique and often tumultuous relationship between the nascent faith and the dominant religious and political powers. The historical trajectory of the Baháʼí Faith in Iran is meticulously documented, with various scholarly works, including those by Moojan Momen, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of its development. While a number of histories of local Baháʼí communities in Iran have been written, many exist only in manuscript form, underscoring the depth of historical material available for those who delve into the International Library of Iranian Studies. This rich historical context is crucial for understanding the enduring challenges faced by the Baháʼí community in Iran today.A New Revelation and Its Core Tenets
At its heart, the Baháʼí Faith teaches the essential worth of all religions and the unity of all people. Baháʼís believe in the unity of all religions and the progressive revelation of spiritual teachings, asserting that divine truth is revealed through a series of Messengers, each bringing a message suited to the needs of their time. The principal Baháʼí tenets are the essential unity of all religions and the unity of humanity. These teachings stand in stark contrast to the sectarian divisions often seen in religious history, advocating for a world united in its diversity. This progressive and inclusive theological framework, while seen as a source of hope and universal brotherhood by its adherents, has been a primary source of contention and persecution within a Twelver Shia state that views it as an apostasy from Islam. This ideological divergence forms the bedrock of the "extreme animus" that Iran holds against adherents of the Baháʼí Faith, as asserted by various reports.The Baháʼí Community of Iran: A Sociological Reality
Despite the ongoing persecution, the existence of a sizable Baháʼí community inside Iran is a sociological fact. This community, numbering in the hundreds of thousands, represents the largest religious minority in Iran after Christians and Sunnis, yet it remains unrecognized and systematically oppressed. The drafters of the 1979 constitution faced a dramatic dilemma when it came to the Baháʼí Faith. On one hand, the faith was not tolerable within a Twelver Shia state due to the ideological factors described above, viewing it as a heresy. On the other hand, the sheer presence of a significant Baháʼí population could not be ignored. This dilemma ultimately led to the exclusion of Baháʼís from constitutional recognition, effectively rendering them unprotected under Iranian law and paving the way for state-sponsored discrimination. The Baháʼí community of Iran has historically been an integral part of Iranian society, contributing to its cultural, economic, and intellectual life. However, their very presence has been weaponized against them, with the Iranian representative to the United Nations even attempting, albeit unsuccessfully, between 1982 and 1984 to convince the diplomatic community that the Baháʼí Faith is a politicized organization with a record of criminal activism against the Iranian government, rather than a legitimate religion like Judaism or Christianity. This persistent narrative, designed to delegitimize the faith, has been a key tool in justifying the repression of the Baháʼí Faith in Iran.Systemic Persecution: A Deep-Rooted Challenge
The Baháʼís are among the most persecuted religious minorities in the world. In Iran, where the religion was founded, this persecution is not merely incidental but is enshrined in Iranian law and is official government policy. This systematic oppression targets every facet of Baháʼí life, from education and employment to property rights and burial. The Baháʼís have historically faced systematic ideological, political, educational, and economic pressure in Iran and have been increasingly targeted by the Islamic Republic. This pervasive discrimination aims to marginalize the community to the point of extinction, or at least to force them to recant their faith.Ideological and Legal Foundations of Discrimination
The core of the persecution lies in the ideological conflict between the Baháʼí Faith and the Twelver Shia establishment. From the perspective of the Iranian authorities, the Baháʼí Faith is not considered a legitimate religion but rather a political sect, an apostasy from Islam, or even a tool of foreign powers. This narrative provides the ideological justification for the severe repression. Legally, the Baháʼí Faith is not recognized by the Iranian constitution, unlike Judaism, Christianity, and Zoroastrianism, which are protected minorities. This lack of recognition leaves Baháʼís vulnerable to arbitrary arrests, detentions, and the confiscation of their property without legal recourse. The "extreme animus" asserted in reports translates directly into state policy that denies Baháʼís fundamental rights and freedoms enjoyed by other citizens.Educational and Economic Marginalization
The impact of this systemic persecution is acutely felt in the realms of education and economic opportunity. In Iran, universities refuse to admit Baháʼí students, effectively barring them from higher education and limiting their professional prospects. This policy aims to prevent Baháʼí youth from achieving social mobility and contributing to society in meaningful ways, thereby stifling the community's development. Economically, Baháʼís face widespread discrimination in employment, often being dismissed from government jobs and denied business licenses. Their properties are frequently confiscated, and their livelihoods are systematically undermined. Baháʼí cemeteries have also been desecrated or confiscated, further denying them dignity even in death. These measures are designed to impoverish and marginalize the Baháʼí community, making it exceedingly difficult for them to lead normal lives.Defining Events of Persecution: Historical Milestones
The history of the Baháʼí Faith in Iran is punctuated by numerous defining events of persecution that illustrate the consistent nature of the repression. One such tragic event in the development of the Baháʼí community of Iran in the time of Baháʼu'lláh was the judicial murder of two wealthy and prominent Baháʼí merchants in Isfahan early in 1879. This horrific incident, which involved three clerics and a prince of Isfahan, was the result of an extortion plot that got out of hand, culminating in their public execution. This event, among others, such as those described in the background to Baháʼu'lláh's Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, served as a stark warning to the nascent Baháʼí community and solidified the pattern of violence and injustice they would continue to face. Throughout the 20th century and into the 21st, waves of persecution have continued, often intensifying during periods of political upheaval. The Islamic Revolution of 1979 marked a significant turning point, ushering in a new era of heightened state-sponsored repression. Thousands of Baháʼís were executed, imprisoned, or disappeared in the years following the revolution, and their institutions were banned. This period cemented the Baháʼís' status as the most severely persecuted religious minority in Iran, with their human rights systematically violated on a massive scale.Modern-Day Repression: A Continuous Struggle
The persecution of the Baháʼí Faith in Iran is not a relic of the past; it is an ongoing reality that continues to manifest in various forms today. Reports of the ongoing persecution of the Baháʼí Faith in Iran are intolerable in 2023, highlighting the persistent nature of these human rights abuses. The Iranian government's policies against the Baháʼí community remain steadfast, characterized by arbitrary arrests, property confiscations, and systematic denial of basic rights.Raids, Arrests, and Electronic Monitoring
Recent events underscore the continued severity of the situation. Since July 31, 2022, Ministry of Intelligence agents have raided and confiscated dozens of Baháʼí properties and arrested at least 30 members of the Baháʼí community on account of their faith in various cities throughout Iran. These raids are often conducted without warrants, and confiscated items, including electronic devices, are rarely returned. Furthermore, the authorities have subjected many more to interrogations and/or forced them to wear electronic ankle bracelets, a form of surveillance and control that infringes upon their freedom of movement and privacy. These actions demonstrate a clear pattern of intimidation and harassment, designed to instill fear and dismantle the Baháʼí community's social fabric. The targeting of individuals, often elderly or medically vulnerable Baháʼís, for imprisonment further exemplifies the cruelty of these measures.International Response and Calls for Justice
The international community has consistently condemned Iran's treatment of its Baháʼí population. Human rights organizations, the United Nations, and various governments have repeatedly called on Iran to uphold its international human rights obligations and cease the persecution of the Baháʼís. Despite these condemnations, the Iranian government has largely ignored such calls, continuing its repressive policies. There have been repeated calls on Iran to release all elderly and medically vulnerable Baháʼís imprisoned in Iran and to halt the ongoing persecution. The persistent efforts of the Iranian representative to the United Nations in the 1980s to discredit the Baháʼí Faith illustrate the government's long-standing strategy to deflect international criticism and legitimize its discriminatory actions.Documenting the Persecution: Archives and Awareness
In response to growing interest in the persecution of the Baháʼís of Iran, the Baháʼí International Community has undertaken significant efforts to document and publicize the injustices faced by its adherents. A dedicated website, named Archives of Baháʼí Persecution in Iran (iranbahaipersecution.bic.org), was launched, providing a glimpse into several decades of discriminatory treatment against the Baháʼís in that country. This website makes available, for the first time, thousands of official documents, reports, and testimonies that meticulously detail the systematic nature of the persecution. This initiative is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it provides irrefutable evidence of the human rights violations, countering the Iranian government's attempts to deny or downplay the abuses. Secondly, it serves as a vital resource for researchers, human rights advocates, and policymakers seeking to understand the plight of the Baháʼís. Thirdly, by making this information publicly accessible, it raises global awareness and fosters greater international pressure on Iran to end its discriminatory policies. The meticulous archiving of these documents underscores the Baháʼí community's commitment to truth and justice, ensuring that their story is heard and remembered.Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Despite the relentless pressure and persecution, the Baháʼí community in Iran has demonstrated remarkable resilience. Their unwavering commitment to their faith and its principles of unity, justice, and peace has allowed them to endure decades of systematic oppression. Rather than retaliating with violence or engaging in political activism against the government, as falsely accused by Iranian authorities, Baháʼís have consistently adhered to their teachings of non-involvement in partisan politics and loyalty to their government, even as they peacefully advocate for their rights. This resilience is evident in their continued efforts to educate their children through informal means when denied access to formal education, their quiet persistence in maintaining community life despite constant surveillance, and their dignified response to injustice. The Baháʼí Faith in Iran, born amidst adversity, has cultivated a spirit of steadfastness that serves as an inspiration to human rights advocates worldwide. Their story is a testament to the power of faith and the human spirit to endure even the most severe trials.The Path Forward: Hope for the Baháʼí Community
The path forward for the Baháʼí community in Iran remains challenging, yet hope persists. International pressure, coupled with increasing global awareness, continues to be a vital tool in advocating for their rights. The consistent calls from the United Nations and various human rights organizations for Iran to cease its persecution are crucial in keeping the issue on the global agenda. The documentation efforts by the Baháʼí International Community further strengthen these calls by providing irrefutable evidence of the abuses. Ultimately, the resolution of the Baháʼís' plight in Iran hinges on a fundamental shift in the Iranian government's policy and its recognition of the Baháʼí Faith as a legitimate religion. Until then, the Baháʼí community in Iran will continue to rely on its profound spiritual strength and the solidarity of the international community to navigate the ongoing challenges. Their story is a powerful reminder of the importance of religious freedom and human rights for all.Conclusion
The story of the Baháʼí Faith in Iran is a poignant narrative of a vibrant religious community born in its homeland, only to face relentless and systemic persecution. From its foundational teachings of unity and peace to the daily struggles of its adherents against ideological, legal, educational, and economic marginalization, the experience of the Baháʼís in Iran is a stark illustration of human rights abuses. Despite the historical atrocities, such as the judicial murders in Isfahan, and the modern-day repressions, including raids, arrests, and electronic monitoring, the Baháʼí community has shown extraordinary resilience. The ongoing documentation of these persecutions, as seen with the Archives of Baháʼí Persecution in Iran, is vital in shedding light on these injustices and galvanizing international support. The call for Iran to release imprisoned Baháʼís and halt its discriminatory policies resonates globally. The Baháʼí Faith in Iran stands as a testament to enduring faith in the face of extreme adversity, reminding us all of the fundamental importance of religious freedom and the unity of humanity. We invite you to learn more about the Baháʼí Faith and the ongoing human rights situation in Iran. Share this article to help raise awareness about the Baháʼís' struggle for justice and equality in their homeland. Your understanding and support can make a difference in advocating for a future where all people, regardless of their beliefs, can live in peace and dignity.
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