May I ask the reason for the focus on persecution of Bahai's? I am not saying its the main focus or anything of the sort but I have heard, read Bahai's speak of persecution quite frequently. This is for clarification.
Thank you, it is a good question.
The history of the Faith started with the Bab in early to mid 1800 Persia. It was a time when the charge of apostasy was death.
The Bab was to give a Message that would bring on that charge. The aim was to prepare the way for Baha'u'llah, but a different way to look at Muhammad and the Quran was needed. Inevitably many who accepted the message and became Bab'i were soon accused and persecuted, some killed.
Some Bab'i took it upon themselves to retaliate and this resulted in greater persecution and more killing.
Some see this foundation as hypocritical to a Faith that teaches peace and thus use the history to denounce the overall intent of the Message of Baha'u'llah. I personally see it was a necessary part of an organic faith, a transition from the ability to wage a Holy War to ultimate peace.
I see why some conversation focuses on this aspect is that the persecution omits a fundamental teaching of the Quran, which is their is no compulsion in Faith. The suppression of the Message of the Bab and Baha'u'llah continues in Iran and Muslim countries to this day.
The world would be different place if a peaceful message was allowed to grow without any intent of suppression. What is the harm s it is like you and me, we can agree to disagree.
As you rightly noted, submission to Allah does not focus on worldly power, but in dominting the mind of man, men use the tool of persecution.
Regards Tony
RegardsTony