The Unseen Struggle: Understanding Baha'is In Iran
**Table of Contents** * [The Baha'i Faith: Origins and Principles in Iran](#the-bahai-faith-origins-and-principles-in-iran) * [A Legacy of Peace and Contribution](#a-legacy-of-peace-and-contribution) * [The Unrecognized Minority: Baha'is in Iran's Society](#the-unrecognized-minority-bahais-in-irans-society) * [Systematic Persecution: A Crime Against Humanity](#systematic-persecution-a-crime-against-humanity) * [Denial of Fundamental Rights](#denial-of-fundamental-rights) * [Barriers to Education and Employment](#barriers-to-education-and-employment) * [The Weaponization of Media: Demonization Campaigns](#the-weaponization-of-media-demonization-campaigns) * [Intersectional Persecution: The Plight of Baha'i Women](#intersectional-persecution-the-plight-of-bahai-women) * [Women Fighting for Equality](#women-fighting-for-equality) * [International Condemnation and Advocacy](#international-condemnation-and-advocacy) * [Global Calls for Justice](#global-calls-for-justice) * [Resilience Amidst Adversity: The Spirit of Baha'is in Iran](#resilience-amidst-adversity-the-spirit-of-bahais-in-iran) * [Conclusion](#conclusion)
The Baha'i Faith: Origins and Principles in Iran
The Baha'i Faith, a distinct monotheistic religion, emerged in Iran in the mid-1800s. It frames itself as a new revelation and a continuation of monotheistic, and other, religious traditions that predate it. Founded by Baháʼu'lláh, the faith emphasizes the unity of God, the unity of religions, and the unity of humanity. Its core principles advocate for the equality of men and women, the harmony of science and religion, universal education, and the elimination of all forms of prejudice. These progressive ideals, however, have historically placed Baha'is at odds with the conservative religious establishment in Iran, leading to centuries of intermittent, and then systematic, persecution. The historical context of the Baha'i Faith in Iran is crucial to understanding its current predicament. Moojan Momen's "History of the Baha'i Faith in Iran" and similar encyclopedic drafts highlight the faith's deep roots within Persian society. Despite its origins and its adherents' commitment to their homeland, the Baha'i community has consistently been viewed with suspicion and hostility by successive Iranian governments, particularly since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.A Legacy of Peace and Contribution
A fundamental tenet of the Baha'i Faith is the betterment of society. Baha'is everywhere work for the betterment of society, striving to contribute positively to the communities in which they live. In Iran, too, Baha'is strive to contribute where possible to the peaceful development of their country. Their efforts are often focused on community building, education, and moral upliftment, all undertaken with a spirit of service and non-partisanship. This inherent desire to contribute to the well-being of their nation stands in stark contrast to the government's narrative that often portrays them as a subversive or foreign element. Unfortunately, the Iranian government has blocked them at every turn, solely because of their religious beliefs, demonstrating a clear intent to marginalize and incapacitate the community.The Unrecognized Minority: Baha'is in Iran's Society
Baha'is are the largest unrecognized religious minority in Iran. While the Iranian constitution officially recognizes Islam, Judaism, Christianity, and Zoroastrianism, it explicitly excludes the Baha'i Faith. This lack of recognition is not merely a symbolic slight; it forms the legal and social bedrock for the widespread discrimination and persecution they face. Without official status, Baha'is are denied fundamental rights and protections afforded to other religious minorities, leaving them vulnerable to arbitrary arrests, property confiscation, and social ostracization. The government of Iran has historically defined the Baháʼís as an 'other' to draw public attention away from the government, using them as a convenient scapegoat for various societal issues. This tactic serves to deflect criticism and consolidate power by creating an internal enemy. This systematic othering has been meticulously documented by various human rights organizations and the Baha'i International Community (BIC), highlighting a deliberate strategy to marginalize and oppress the Baha'i population.Systematic Persecution: A Crime Against Humanity
The persecution of Baha'is in Iran is not a series of isolated incidents but a systematic, state-sponsored campaign. This ongoing oppression has been branded "a crime against humanity" by international observers and human rights advocates. A major new report titled "Outsiders: Multifaceted Violence Against Baha'is in the Islamic Republic of Iran," launched in New York on November 11, 2024, exposed the violence inflicted on the Baha'is during 45 years of sustained persecution and across all aspects of life since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. This comprehensive documentation reveals a deliberate and pervasive strategy to dismantle the Baha'i community within Iran. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has also found that Baha'is face a spectrum of abuses, documenting Iranian authorities’ systematic violation of the fundamental rights of members of the Baha'i community. These violations span various domains, including denial of education, employment, and property rights, as well as arbitrary arrests, imprisonment, and even executions. The sheer breadth and consistency of these abuses underscore the systematic nature of the persecution of Baha'is in Iran.Denial of Fundamental Rights
The systematic nature of the persecution means that Baha'is are denied fundamental rights that are universally recognized. This denial is not merely passive; it is an active policy designed to suffocate the community. From birth registration to burial rights, every aspect of a Baha'i's life is impacted. Their cemeteries have been desecrated, and their holy sites destroyed, demonstrating a profound disrespect for their religious identity and heritage. This deliberate targeting of their spiritual and physical spaces aims to erase their presence and history within Iran.Barriers to Education and Employment
One of the most insidious forms of persecution against Baha'is in Iran is the denial of access to education and employment. This policy effectively cripples the community's ability to thrive and contribute to society. In Iran, where the religion was founded, universities refuse to admit Baha'i students, regardless of their academic qualifications. This denial of the right of education for Baháʼís (documented in June 2024 by BIC) creates a generational cycle of disadvantage, preventing young Baha'is from pursuing higher education and professional careers. Similarly, the professional sphere is heavily restricted. Belief in one of Iran's four official religions (Islam, Judaism, Christianity, or Zoroastrianism) was invariably listed as an eligibility requirement in ads for governmental jobs—which meant Baha'is should not bother to apply. This overt discrimination extends beyond government positions, permeating various sectors of the economy. Baha'is are often denied business licenses, their shops are arbitrarily closed, and they face immense pressure to recant their faith to secure employment. This economic strangulation is a deliberate tactic to impoverish and marginalize the community, forcing them into precarious livelihoods or into exile.The Weaponization of Media: Demonization Campaigns
The Iranian government employs a sophisticated media campaign to demonize Baha'is, further isolating them from the broader society. In October 2011, the Baháʼí International Community (BIC) published a report titled "Inciting Hatred," analyzing media items between late 2009 and early 2011. This report detailed how state-controlled media outlets systematically spread misinformation, hate speech, and false accusations against the Baha'i community. These narratives often portray Baha'is as spies, agents of foreign powers, or heretics, thereby justifying their persecution in the eyes of the public. Such propaganda not only incites hatred but also serves to distract public attention away from the government's own failings. By creating an 'other' to blame, the authorities divert scrutiny from internal issues and consolidate their power. The constant barrage of negative portrayals in media, textbooks, and official statements creates a hostile environment where discrimination against Baha'is is normalized and even encouraged. Recently, Iran said it had arrested 13 adherents of the banned Baha'i faith, accusing them of proselytizing to children and adolescents, local media reported, drawing condemnation from an international community. These arrests, often based on fabricated charges, are then amplified by state media to reinforce the negative stereotypes and justify further crackdowns.Intersectional Persecution: The Plight of Baha'i Women
Within the broader context of persecution, Baha'i women in Iran face compounded challenges. Women from Iran’s Baha'i community face intersectional persecution as both women and as Baha'is. This means they experience discrimination and human rights violations that are unique to their dual identity, amplifying the severity of their suffering. They are subjected to the same restrictions on education and employment as Baha'i men, but also endure gender-based discrimination prevalent in Iranian society. A group of 18 United Nations Special Rapporteurs and UN Working Group experts have released a joint letter of allegations rebuking the Islamic Republic of Iran for the recent rise in attacks against Baha'i women. This highlights the international community's growing concern over the specific vulnerabilities faced by Baha'i women, who are often targeted for their activism, their educational pursuits, or simply their visible adherence to the Baha'i Faith.Women Fighting for Equality
The spirit of resilience among Baha'i women is particularly poignant. Today, in the blood, tears, and wounds of thousands of young women in Iran fighting for equality, we can see the legacy of the 10 women of Shiraz whose tragic death touched the lives of many. These historical figures, executed for their faith, symbolize the enduring struggle for justice and equality. We see the same spirit, the same choice being made by Baha'i women today: to stand up for the principles of justice and equality at any cost, even one’s life. Their courage in the face of such extreme adversity is a testament to the strength of their convictions and their unwavering commitment to a better future for Iran.International Condemnation and Advocacy
The systematic persecution of Baha'is in Iran has not gone unnoticed by the international community. Numerous human rights organizations, governments, and UN bodies have consistently condemned Iran's treatment of its Baha'i minority. The Baha'i International Community (BIC), through its offices like the Baháʼís of the United States Office of Public Affairs, actively reports on the situation and advocates for their rights. BIC reports and documents, such as "The Baha'i Question," "Persecution and Resilience in Iran (September 2024)," and "Overview of Trends of Persecution Against Baha'is in Iran (July 2024)," provide crucial insights and data on the ongoing abuses. These reports often form the basis for international diplomatic pressure and resolutions. BIC's contributions to the Iran UPR (Universal Periodic Review) fourth cycle (July 2024) demonstrate the continuous effort to bring Iran's human rights record, particularly concerning Baha'is, under international scrutiny. The consistent condemnation from bodies like the UN, along with specific reports from organizations like Human Rights Watch, reinforces the gravity of the situation and highlights the urgent need for action.Global Calls for Justice
The global outcry against the persecution of Baha'is in Iran is a testament to the universal principles of human rights. International condemnation serves not only as a moral imperative but also as a vital source of support and hope for the Baha'i community within Iran. These global calls for justice aim to hold the Iranian government accountable for its actions and to pressure it to uphold its international obligations regarding religious freedom and human rights. While progress has been slow, the sustained attention from the international community remains a critical factor in mitigating the severity of the persecution and keeping the hope for justice alive.Resilience Amidst Adversity: The Spirit of Baha'is in Iran
Despite decades of relentless persecution, the Baha'is in Iran have demonstrated extraordinary resilience. Their commitment to their faith and their country remains unwavering, even as they face profound challenges. In Iran, Baha'is strive to contribute where possible to the peaceful development of their country, embodying the principles of their faith even when denied basic rights. They continue to pursue education through informal means, establish community initiatives, and maintain their spiritual practices, often at great personal risk. The spirit of the Baha'i community in Iran is one of perseverance and hope. They continue to stand up for the principles of justice and equality at any cost, even one’s life. This unwavering commitment is a powerful testament to the strength of their convictions and their belief in a better future for all Iranians. Their quiet acts of defiance, their pursuit of knowledge, and their continued efforts to serve society, despite the immense obstacles, serve as a beacon of hope and a powerful counter-narrative to the government's attempts to erase them.Conclusion
The story of Baha'is in Iran is a poignant narrative of faith, resilience, and systematic persecution. As the largest unrecognized religious minority, they endure a pervasive campaign of discrimination that impacts every facet of their lives, from education and employment to personal safety. The Iranian government's policies, often branded as a "crime against humanity," aim to marginalize and dismantle the Baha'i community through denial of rights, media demonization, and targeted arrests. Yet, despite the immense pressures and decades of suffering, the Baha'is in Iran continue to embody a spirit of unwavering resilience, striving for the betterment of their society and upholding the principles of justice and equality. The international community's sustained condemnation and advocacy remain crucial in bringing attention to their plight and pressuring Iran to uphold its human rights obligations. The journey of Baha'is in Iran is a powerful reminder of the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity and a call to action for all who believe in fundamental human rights. We invite you to share your thoughts on this critical human rights issue in the comments below. What more do you think the international community can do to support the Baha'is in Iran? Your engagement helps shed light on this important struggle. For more information, explore reports from the Baha'i International Community and human rights organizations.- Israel Vs Ir%C3%A3n Hoy
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Bahāʾ Allāh | Founder of Baha’i Faith, Prophet of Unity | Britannica
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