I'm certainly not 'on the ground' in Iran. I think if anyone was, (including non-Iranian Bahai's) in a community where Baha's live, you would have a much better sense of the discrimination faced, just how extreme it is. As far as I know it has yet to escalate into a genocide, fortunately. It seems most certainly there is some degree of persecution going on, just as there is in a few hundred other places on this planet. Of course these things are felt far more by expatriates of the same group than the general populace. The general populace are generally naively unaware, as are other discriminated peoples. I doubt if the Rohingya of Myanmar are concerned about South Sudan, or the Baha'is of Iran, or the Kurds, who are minorities in 3 separate countries, and subjected to persecution in each.
As far as the idea that many or most Muslims feel this way, I would be surprised. The Muslim population on this planet reaches far beyond the borders of Iran, and I doubt that many, let alone most, care that much. Muslims themselves face persecution all around, in various places, 2 extremes mentioned here already. My only personal contact that led to any real discussions was a young man from Morocco, and he had never heard of Baha'i. Certainly he was tolerant towards my Hinduism. The other contacts via stores, my career etc., has been mostly with Lebanese. Nice friendly people whom I would be very surprised if they held such animosity towards baha'i in particular. I think the Muslims who do hold animosity generally hold it to everyone. But things are getting better in that regard. In expatriate communities, especially America, the ex-Muslim crowd is growing, but then so is ex-Baha'i, ex-Christian, and a lot of other exes. Probably even ex-Hindu. Mostly the quiet who just stop practicing, and not the vocal who hold a grudge.
Certainly the video was produced by a Baha'i author, and he did a great job of getting his message across. Too bad other groups don't have the resources to produce such quality videos. In my faith, we face discrimination from Muslims in Malaysia, Pakistan, and in particular Bangladesh. All minorities face it in Indonesia. Most certainly the Baha'i faith is not unique in its being victim to persecution. As far as videos and reports are concerned, I prefer UN reports, Amnesty International, or International Refugee Awareness groups, anyone whom I would consider having less bias.
Vinayaka you made some excellent and very reasonable and mature comments that I really appreciate.
First you acknowledge that discrimination against Baha’is does exist but pointed out rightfully that it exists also against countless minorities worldwide and all humanity must matter to us not only Baha’is. Excellent point and perspective. We are not the only ones on our planet suffering!
Next I commend you for maintaining perspective.
Generalisation can be dangerous and often you have pointed that out to me. It’s my humble opinion that Muslims worldwide are ordinary peaceful people who just want to get on with their lives and as Baha’is we are to regard and respect them and all people as equals according to Baha’u’llah.
There is definitely a group of fanatics known to the UN and others who hold power and want the Bahai Faith exterminated and they spread misinformation but they are a very small minority who possess great power and use it to turn their own followers & countrymen against Baha’is through misinformation & propaganda. However most Muslims it is my firm belief, are not fanatics and do not hate Baha’is or anyone but are peaceful upright people.
The video to me is concerning as it depicts a’Muslim’ ‘any Muslim’ disparagingly and may leave the impression to others publicly that all Muslims are like this which is clearly untrue to me. Is the acting Muslim in that video representative of 1.7 billion Muslims world wide? Do all Muslims hate Baha’is? Do all Muslims get shocked at hearing a person they work or study with is a Baha’i? There is already enough prejudice against Muslims, innocent Muslims and this unfortunately seems to be further demonising Muslims but trying to make it look dignified.
If I were a Muslim who loved and respected the Baha’is I would be deeply offended as it only applies to some not all and even then they are brainwashed and ignorant, the real problem lies with their teachers and educators the Mullas and they believe what they are told.
We are not supposed to magnify the faults of others as is being done here. What if our true faults were exposed online in a video and we have plenty of them. Would we like that?
With regards to other religions we are enjoined to....
Baha’u’llah says:
Consort with the followers of all religions in a spirit of friendliness and fellowship.
(
Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, Bishárát)
And again,
“magnify not the faults of others that thine own faults may not appear great; and wish not the abasement of anyone, that thine own abasement be not exposed.”
Excerpt from
The Hidden Words
Bahá'u'lláh
O Son of Man!
Breathe not the sins of others so long as thou art thyself a sinner. Shouldst thou transgress this command, accursed wouldst thou be, and to this I bear witness. Baha’u’llah
Abdu’l-Bahá tells us:—
To be silent concerning the faults of others, to pray for them, and to help them, through kindness, to correct their faults.
To look always at the good and not at the bad. If a man has ten good qualities and one bad one, to look at the ten and forget the one; and if a man has ten bad qualities and one good one, to look at the one and forget the ten.
Never to allow ourselves to speak one unkind word about another, even though that other be our enemy. Abdul-Baha
By putting videos like this online depicting Muslims in a bad light how pray tell are we creating unity of religion?
