Comments on: Iran’s Islamic Theocracy and the Problem of Khashiyat (Fear of God): A Baha’i Perspective

By: MM

MM — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 06:14:01 +0000

This article, reinforced by recent Iranian survey results, exposes the disheartening (and ultimately enlightening impact) on Iranians’ spiritual life of a not merely coercive, but fully brutal power wielded by the State in the name of religion. Although it could not explore gray areas regarding how Baha’i majority societies might govern, it is not difficult to agree that the major thrust in the Baha’i Writings is an appreciation of diversity, voluntary change and the reluctance to use force. For that reason, the quote, nearly unique because of the rarity of its uncompromising tone, may serve to further illuminate the Baha’i Teachings on the subject.

“O friends of God! Force and violence, constraint and oppression are condemned in this divine cycle, but to prevent the use of opium, all means must be employed, so that the human species may be delivered and freed from this great calamity. Otherwise, alas! for all the negligent before God.”
(Abdu’l Baha)

By: Grace

Grace — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 21:17:22 +0000

I have enjoyed and appreciate this most excellent essay composed and documented by Aram Anahid. Reading it encourages me to consider the plight of our Iranian sisters and brothers (Baha’i, Muslim, and any minority group) who are suffering greatly in their society; some of whom are leading apparently conflicted lives, coping in a way that reflects the condition of anomie due to the unjust, unhealthy influence of religious control on government. I think the Iranian religious and government leaders, who are also my brothers and sisters, are misguided and in a state of turmoil as they perpetrate injustices out of fear while grappling with the undeniable influence of the mandate of this new era of change through Divine Revelation. They suffer and act from a lapse/lack of Faith, clinging to their own reactionary devices to preserve traditions that suit self-centered objectives. Let us offer prayers for the spiritual development of Iranian leaders, clerics, and people, as we do for ourselves.

By: shahin

shahin — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 12:31:50 +0000

Many many thanks, Dev! That was an excellent quotation from the Universal House of Justice. Many among us need paying attention to that.

By: Dev

Dev — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 02:51:26 +0000

An excellent and thoughtful piece. As others have noted, the Baha’i vision of public governance transcends current understandings of civil and spiritual authority. Such conceptions of authority will surely evolve as new patterns of collaboration, justice, and service take hold. As indicated by the Universal House of Justice: “You have referred also to a number of extracts from Risaliy-i-Siyasiyyih, in which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá describes the damaging effects of the interference of religious teachers in political affairs. The inapplicability of these passages to the future role of the democratically elected Houses of Justice is clarified by study of the Bahá’í Writings on the World Order of Bahá’u'lláh.” (18 April 2001 to an individual)

By: Matt

Matt — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 01:38:20 +0000

Great article, Aram.

By: shahin

shahin — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 23:47:20 +0000

John,
I agree with you.

By: shahin

shahin — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 23:46:32 +0000

Excellent point Firooz khan…excellent!

By: Firooz R. Oskooi, M.D.

Firooz R. Oskooi, M.D. — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 22:37:40 +0000

Excellent in content as well as language! However, a common mistake by Baha’i scholars is that they apply what the Central Figures of the Baha’i Faith addressed to the contemporary peoples and situations, they apply to the future as well!
If one contemplates on the Baha’i elections and Houses of Justice, it becomes very clear that the most pure form of democracy is foretold and planned. That is the Kingdom of God on earth that Prophets and seers have dreamed and written about. I would like to know if there could be a better one!

By: sb

sb — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:58:17 +0000

Dear Commentators,

Thanks for bringing us to reality. Occasionally the heat of reaction can cause a defensive remark . . . this is is how most of us have learned to react to opinions we dislike, but we must look to a new standard:

“Act in such a way that your heart may be free from hatred. Let not your heart be offended with any one. If some one commits an error and wrong towards you, you must instantly forgive him. Do not complain of others.”

- ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Promulgation of Universal Peace, Page: 452

Can we agree to use the information here for understanding and let the editors “edit”, if necessary? (Dear Editors, forgive us, we are learning.)

By: Bill

Bill — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:33:34 +0000

This is a very thoughtful and enlightening piece that demonstrates the cautionary principles in the Baha’i Faith regarding the relationship of religious authority and human rights. The Baha’i principles go beyond the notion of theocracy versus secular government, to what the author describes (quoting ‘Abdu’l-Baha) as complementary roles. The author’s point is that the Islamic Revolution fundamentally failed to grasp the nature of revolution, democracy, and their interplay with the deeper spiritual sources in Islam. The revolution became a means to exercise power through external coercion; by so doing, it has effectively repelled a significant portion of the Iranian population from religion in general and Islam in particular. I expect that we will ultimately see the rule of the Ayatollahs disintegrat and the population of Iran make its decisions about religion in a very new direction. It would not surprise me to see an upsurge in Iranians who identify themselves as Baha’is.