Iran Examined by the Muslim Network for Baha'i Rights
In its latest post today, The Muslim Network for Baha'i Rights addresses the persecution of the Baha'is of Iran. In its post titled "Iran must end its mistreatment of Baha’is," the Network states the following:"On behalf of all the other Muslims who allowed for this to happen, by either being silent or by directly contributing to this human rights abuse, we would like to apologize. The Baha’i Faith in many ways remains to be a forbidden one in our societies until we officially recognize it as a religion, which its members should be able to practice as a right to religious and individual freedom. We stand by our Baha’i brothers and sisters through this struggle, and demand that this right be recognized by our governments, our people, and our school systems. We would like to see the day that our friends can say “I am Baha’i” with pride without facing any consequences or discriminative behavior. Muslim activists within Iran in particular must help the Baha’is within the country take this much needed step forward."
The post is accompanied by a video of the 20/20 TV program, regarding the systematic persecution of the Baha'is of Iran, which was broadcast in 1983 on ABC television. It also links to a 110 page report compiled by the Iran Human Rights Documentation Center.
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While a large number of enlightened Muslims abide by the teachings of Islam, as of now, they have not found a common voice to express their refusal to be associated with those who are the very corruptors of their faith. It is a courageous and noble thing indeed to stand firm with justice against those who so violently oppose it, more so to address those who call themselves by the same religion. Despite world-wide negative exposure owing to their horrific actions, let it be affirmed that there are a large and growing number of those who uphold Islam, who advance the interests of humanity beyond narrow and self-interested motives. Whether Baha’i, Muslim, Christian, Jew, Zoroastrian or any other religion, let the value of a person’s worth be the standard; knowledge, integrity, charity, humanity. Too many countries under the banner of Islam are held under the influence of those who disguise fraudulent activities with the pretext of spiritual affirmation, imprisoning the masses with fear, ignorance, and notions of religious fervor. When challenged, the redundant expressions against Zionism, Israel, America, Europe, the United Nations, the corruption of the West, are repeated with such conviction as to negate the entirety of the human race except themselves. A burden to the legitimacy of Islam, a burden to the world, a source of disunity and hatred, to what end will their influence bring? So it is up to the educated and enlightened members of all peoples, regardless of religious affiliation, to bring justice and composure. It is long overdue.
ReplyDeleteYou have presented the other side of the coin quite eloquently. Thank you!
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