Media + Islam + Ignorance = Baha'i homes in flames

Share/Save/Bookmark

Media + Islam + Ignorance = Baha'i homes in flames
by alborz
24-Apr-2009
 

This crisis began with a television program, named al-Haqiqah [The Truth], which aired on Egypt's Dream-2 channel on March 28th.  A mob went to the homes of the Baha'is in the village of Showraniyah, and began by shouting insults at the Baha'is, who were in their homes at the time, and chanted "No God but Allah" and "Baha'is are enemies of Allah," and began throwing bricks and rocks at five homes.

Some of these Baha'is were able to contact the police and reported the attack. The police then intervened and provided protective custody for the Baha'is.  On March 31st, another inflammatory article (see link below) appeared which stirred the emotions of the masses by calling for the killing of Baha'is, and also praised the villagers for their attacks on the Baha'is.

That same day, when night fell, a mob attacked the homes of the Baha'is in Showraniyah (see video), threw homemade Molotov cocktail bottles and fire bombs at the homes.

//www.gom.com.eg/algomhuria/2009/03/31/raay/detail01.shtml

They vandalized the homes and looted their property. Baha'i families and their children were desperate for a place to hide and some were able to escape the fire and hide in alley corners in the dark.

In order to spread the fire, the mob cut-off the water supply to the homes and blocked access to the village so that fire trucks would be delayed in their response.  At last, the police intervened again and this time arrested six villagers from the mob, and took the Baha'i families into protective custody again.

The Baha'i families with their children and babies were sumggled out of the village in the early dawn, Wednesday morning-only with their clothes on their backs to several undisclosed distant locations in Egypt.

Six Egyptian Human Rights Organizations in support of the Baha'is have met with Egypt's Attorney General and filed formal complaints against the author of the article and the mob in the village of Showraniyah.

The media in Egypt and international news agencies have provided extensived coverage of this most recent act of violence against the Bahai's of Egypt.

While we as the bloggers and commentators on this site engage in informative discussions, destructive accusations, and theological pronouncements, we need to occassionally be reminded that we do so from the safety of a keyboard and monitor.

The plans are now set into motion for a more wide-scale assault on the Baha'is in Iran and we can be assured the coverage will be shrowded in layers of conspiracy and espionage theories intended to mask the true nature of these attacks.

It is only then that the people of Iran will seal their fate by either arising to denounce these barbaric acts or remain silent.  With a firm belief in Divine Justice, I not only grieve for the plight of the Baha'is in Iran but also that of the Iranian people.  The Germans paid a heavy price for the attrocities that the Nazis committed, and Iranians will not be exempt from the consequences of their inaction in the face of this now not-so-secret pogrom against the Baha'is.

Ignorance will not serve as a defence for any exemption from the toll that will be exacted on the Iranian nation, and one that we all desparately wish to avoid.

With deepest regrets,

Alborz

Share/Save/Bookmark

more from alborz
 
alborz

Badi19 - and the color blue !

by alborz on

"Badi19, say what you want until you are blue in the face".

Next we'll try the color green on you!

Alborz

 


default

To nemah

by Badi19 (not verified) on

Yes Baha'is do not have clergy but FYI:
ABMs for Propagation are clergy
ABMs for Protection are Religious Police
Counselors are Big Mullas
ITC is Hoza-i-ilmiyyih
UHJ is Infallible - Masoom


alborz

FarhadY - you get an F for impersonating a Baha'i !

by alborz on

Even as unregistered Mona19 you slip up in the same way.

I suspect that "RUN" is already considering a replacement for you!

Alborz


default

My previous comment was for Dear Jamezbune

by FarhadY (not verified) on

My previous comment was for Dear Jamezbune


default

Even if you wish to accept

by FarhadY (not verified) on

...the baha'i faith you cannot do so, because you are in Israel and we have only a few members working in Baha'i World Centre, there is no NSA or any LSAs to guide you, so you need to migrate to some other country and then you can sign a declaration card and become a member of our universal faith.
You see, we do not teach in Israel because Baha'u'llah has prohibited us and asked us to follow the rules of the Land.
I wish you a better life and I pray for peace and kindness to your life.


jimzbund

Anonymous , taazeh daahtim garm mishodim !

by jimzbund on

a couple of parting shots ,

1- You don't start accusing people of having dark hearts to start a thread !

2- You don't pretend to be someone else

3- I gave you a taste of your medicine !.

4- as they say in Farsi" maa enghadar maar khordim keh Afee shodim". if you are serious about debate, get a registered name and let's debate.

fi amaan Allah 

  

Bund, Jimz Bund


default

So be it ... Jimzbund.

by Anonym (not verified) on

You are not only in the dark but you lie, you lack decency and you are arrogant. You continuosly and mindlessly attack people and their religion. You are so arrogant and blind that do not even understand what I have been really saying in this thread and elsewhere.

No one cares what religion you have; be it Jewish, or whatever but they do care about your fanaticism and your lies. If you do not believe that the prophet Mohammand is a prophet of God, then so be it! Maybe it is better still, that you never believe.

Just to answer a question you had about why Baha'i people accept Islam. It is for the same reason we Muslims accept Judism as the religion of God. But don't be mistaken, for the same reason Baha'i people don't like the injustice and fanatisim of certain Muslim leaders and individuals, we Muslims also don't like the like the injustice and fanaticism of certain Jewish leaders and individuals. Get it now?

Buy the way, where did you see me 'read islamic' books and agree with IRI or whatever. I don't know which is worse about you. Your fanatisism or your simple mindedness? Maybe the reason that you ARE a fanatic is because you refuse to use your mind.

In a way I was hoping that we get a non-Muslim fanatic to come to this thread and complete my reference to the general 'Fanatic' way of thinking by example, regardless of religion, and here you showed up Mr. Jimzbund. For that, I thank thee.

This is my last communication to you and may God have mercy on your tormented soul.

--------------------------------------------------
Mr. Alborz, excuse me for extending your blog as such.


default

truth seeker answer

by nemah (not verified) on

Dear truth seeker
Bahai don't believe in having clergy (mullah), as a connection to God that's why they are hated by today Islam, which is centralizes the power in the hand of a few mullahs. Muslim remain ignorant about it due to their prejudice.
look for yourself if you are truly a truth seeker.


jimzbund

dear fanatic !

by jimzbund on

Jews and Muslim have centuries of hatred and wars and your beloved Ali beheaded 700 of them in one day ( unfortunately here were no Olympic games then to give him a medal ), many Jewish villages were raised to the ground  and even Muhammad your beloved prohphet was trying to go to bed with one of thee Jewish ladies whose husband was just killed that day ! your problem is that you don't read any books and in your religion you are not allowed to ask questions ! the only questions you ask your so called Ayatullahs are about how to have sex with animls and how much the middle finger should be inserted in the ass after taking a dump !. Your grand Vellayat Faghih Khomeini talks about being allowed to molest a child after age 1 but no intercourse until age 9 ! I know where you are coming from and that's why I try to talk to you at your level . Please read some non islamic books and see how come other people are progressing and happy but Muslim countries are backward and suffering. and no it is not a conspiracy by British, Zionism, American Imperialism !

 

Bund, Jimz Bund


jimzbund

Mona,

by jimzbund on

These trolls are too amateur to deceive. Their stink is too obvious. 

 

Bund, Jimz Bund


jimzbund

to Alborz

by jimzbund on

That's why these az bikh Arabs ( in both cases ) don't understand you and the Bahai ideals. You are talking " baalaayeh diplom " to them. They are only programmed to balghoor some Arabic, follow a mullah as marjaa'e taghleed, their witings are allabout belly and under the belly ! these are the sam epeople who stone/cut to pieces, maim, nad torture people and then go for their prayers ! they are zombies . the only so called holy book that I have seen saying " Oghteloo" go figure. 

 

Bund, Jimz Bund


jimzbund

Mona taghallobi Joon ( assuming you are a girl too )

by jimzbund on

 I don't need to go to anyone but you can come to me !Your story is like the story of chaador by Iraj Mirza ! No need to pretend you are Mona 19 , I like you as you are !.

 

Bund, Jimz Bund


default

A fanatic can not change it's color, no matter which religion!

by Anonym (not verified) on

Mr. jimzbund, a fanatic can not become decent overnight and sometimes they remain in the dark forever.

Just like those 'Muslim' fanatics that burned the Bahai houses in Egypt, there are 'Jewish' fanatics who commit murder and burn and destroy Muslim houses. Obviously only the Muslim side is the problem for you.

All decent and humble people who read these comments can judge for themselves if the darkness in in my "brain" or in your heart.

Good day to you.


Mona 19

I didn't know I had an evil twin !

by Mona 19 on

Mr.Jimz Bund that's not my comment.

Regards,Mona


alborz

Jimz bund, Islam as it manifests itself in IRI

by alborz on

... is not accepted by the Baha'is.  A claim that Iran represents the true of essence of Islam is a claim that is rejected by the majority of Moslem world. Also, Islam is not alone in its association with injustice, corruption, barbarism, and greed.  After all, who were those that crucified Jesus?  Which church turned a blind eye to the extermination of 6 million human beings? Who were the parties to the greatest of un-Holy wars throughout history? In every case the associations are well known but seldom acknowledged.

I do acknowledge the fact that Islam is used very effectively to subjugate the masses and in particular the principle of emulation (taqlid) which is the foundation of the Shiite sect of Islam is the most effective means to disarm the mind and stain the soul.

The abuse of any ideology or thought has dire consequences and the IRI has mastered such an abuse at a national level where poitics, greed, and power are intertwined to create a beastly brand of governance that seeks survival, protection and legitimacy under the cover of a theocracy that is patently bankrupt.

I believe that at the root of all these tragedies is ignorance.  The only antidote is material and spiritual education which strenghtens the reliance on the rational and conscious mind and deepens and nurtures a spiritual soul.

Baha'is define faith as 'first conscious knowledge and second practice of good deeds'.  One without the other cannot possibly result in anything of value to oneself or others.  Without conscious knowledge we are left with nothing but dogma.  Without good deeds we are left without purpose. 

So long as we as a society have not reconciled these two elements into our lives, we are assured of many more tragedies to endure.

There are no free passes in this ethereal and yet physical world.

Alborz


default

Dear jimzbund why don't u come to Baha'u'llah

by Mona19 (not verified) on

We need people like you. Only God baha'u'llah can cure you. The light of Baha'i faith is the true light which will illuminate your heart. I am sure.


jimzbund

Anonym

by jimzbund on

If what is being done to others in the name of God " Allah" is light and good ness then I rather live in the darkness of rational and intelligence !.  the darkness in my hear is matched by darkness in your brains !.

brighten up.

 

Bund, Jimz Bund


default

Re: jimzbund

by Anonym (not verified) on

My good friend. Dispel darkness from your heart and hopefully you too may see the light of God one day.

-Anonym


jimzbund

To Faezeh ( not veified")

by jimzbund on

Pleasse write something in Beautiful Farsi or in International English. It won't help to promote the Arab sayings whether as quotes or etc.

 

Bund, Jimz Bund


jimzbund

Arab+blood= Paradise

by jimzbund on

 While Jesus was nailed on the cross.

Muhammad: sleeping with 8 years old girl

Ali: beheaded 700 jews in one day

Caliphs: pillaged and raped other countries

these are the seeds of those people, go figure !  

 by the way, why do you bahais accept Islam ?!!!!

Bund, Jimz Bund


default

cruelty

by faezeh (not verified) on

الملک یبقی مع الکفر ولا یبقی مع الظلم


alborz

Dear Anonym, Thank you again!

by alborz on

It is always a pleasure to have an exchange with people such as yourself. 

Your faith is abundantly clear in your conduct and I wish you the very best in your job search.

Movafagh va kaam ravaa bashid,

Alborz


default

Dear Alborz,

by Anonym (not verified) on

You are right. I do not accept the statement "... that the Jews suffered just as the rest of European did under the Nazis". The sufferings were different and cannot be compared.

Unfortunately the suffering goes on for many people in different forms due to fanatic beliefs of others. As for Muslims, it is true that they not only suffer under extremism of a few powerful entities but also the extremism and greed of the followers of another old religion. So in a way, I do not accept religious extremism as 'religion', but as a form of aggressive dictatorship that uses religion as a tool.

As for your inquiry on why does not one go and find out about the Baha'i faith; As in my case, I actually have read a good deal about it so far, but unfortunately these hard economic times have left me jobless and I am struggling and getting training to find work. So I am very busy trying to survive. Even this internet response that I make to you is from a public access location because I do not have any internet service of my own.

But in time, I will find out more and maybe we can have further discussions later on.

Salaam va Alykom, Khoda-hafez


alborz

Dear Anonym, you are welcome...

by alborz on

...and I again agree with you in that an individual's statement can also lead to a misunderstanding.  However, it is likely that it will be a reflection of a personal view and not attributable to a Faith's principles.  The mullahs in Iran and elsewhere have played a singularly potent role in instigating hatred against the Baha'is and have consistently relied on ignorance to do so.

With regard to others suffering at the hands of the mullahs, this is a conclusion that is not disputed by many.  Many times, Baha'is hear this as an explanation of what is happening to them and as a gesture of empathy.  That is the plight of the Baha'is is being put on par with that of the general populace.  This represents a gross inequity in even the intial assessment and shows a lack of appreciation for the unique nature of these persecutions.  This is akin to saying that the Jews suffered just as the rest of European did under the Nazis.   I am confident that you would not make such a conclusion.

Also, while most readers of this site live outside of Iran and where information is readily accessible,I am puzzled as to why most know of the Baha'i Faith through attrocities committed against its adherents and those that have malicious intent. Why is that?

The only thing I can point to is the deep rooted inhibitions that exists and prevents them from even reading a few lines on the subject.

So many readers on this site have used the refrain that "I don't know much about the Baha'i Faith". While I appreciate your sincerity, I question why this is the case in the internet age. 

Is there an "inhibition" to spend a few minutes and read a few lines on this Faith?  Why?

If a positive view of the Faith is formed solely on its adherents then, at best, it is a reflection of the degree to which they are able to reflect the principles of their Faith and not the principles and beliefs espoused in the Faith.  And yet, my fellow Iranians are content with this alone and are seldom willing to acquaint themselve with the source.

Just as I know enough about Islam to be able to speak up on its behalf, perhaps Iranians will become informed enough to recognize the wheat from the chaff.

//www.bahai.org/

Allah'u'Abhá * 

Alborz

*Baha'i greeting-meaning 'God is the Most Glorious'


faryarm

160 years of Unity.

by faryarm on

In the last 160 years, these power hungry individuals, have tried time and time after the death of Baha'u'lah, Abdul Baha, and Shoghi effendi to split and create schism. they Failed to the point of fading into oblivion.

As you can observe, in the past and present, their efforts have led to nothing, except more splits amongst themselves; while The Bahai Faith, and its divinely ordained democratic  institutions , United as ONE have covered the planet.

This only confirms Baha'u'llah's promise that, in this new age  , for the first time in religious history, The Unity of the Faith of God will be Safeguarded.

These are not sects; as they have no life of their own; They are but , broken, fallen, dead branches..

If you are True and Sincere, you will "find" the Truth...

But sadly your dark ulterior motives are transparent and fool no one; they reek of insincerity.

The Anti Bahai Machinery's nightmare is their utter moral and spiritual bankruptcy, their total loss of face and credibility in the eyes of the people of Iran. 

What remains is futile attempts like this to spread lies and try to create doubt within the Bahais.

faryarm


default

Mr. Alborz

by Anonym (not verified) on

I do agree with you on a lot of the things you mentioned. I am sorry that such things are happening to the people of Bahai faith, anywhere.

But my point was not to dismiss that sad fact. It was to say that even within Islam, Muslims are suffering more at the hand of the fanatical individuals (some leaders and followers). Of course the same thing did happen to Christians centuries ago too, in a different way.

I know that your intensions are honorable but please note that it does not take a religious leader to create problems. A simple statement by an individual might be taken for granted and either misunderstood or misused by others.

I admit that I still do not know much about the Bahai faith but I do have a positive view of it.

Regards,
Salaam, Sol'h, Peace.


default

Faryarm

by Khalili (not verified) on

No doubt, these are small sects but these people are creating a lot of trouble for the baha'is. And in the future more and more trouble. These sects are not baseless, the study of each sect reveals that there is atleast some truth in each of them. I am trying to find you which one is the true sect. ;)


alborz

Yes, Anonym...fanaticism,

by alborz on

... can be found in people of any religion.  Yes it is possible, but the probability and its consequence is what is being discussed.

Mullahs frequently capitalize on this to increase the probability to fan the flames of fanaticism and in this case, literally set homes on fire.  The list of these instances in Iran is numerous and an entire site catalogues the tragic history of it.

//question.bahai.org/

You have made a number of other points which I will leave alone for now because it is clear that despite the number of articles on the Baha'i Faith you perceive that the Baha'is have clergy or leaders in the classic sense.  Let me just say it quite simply that they don't !  Each Baha'is is responsible for adhering to the teachings of Baha'u'llah, and just as any other human being, the Baha'is individually and many times collectively struggle to meet that lofty standar.  This is a challenge born out of our individual frailties.

Baha'is have elected institutions that conduct the administration of the affairs of the Faith. The propaganda conveyed to the contrary is just that, propoganda. 

The elected members are "servants" of the community and are determined by pluarity vote that is not based on a campaign, but because the community members recognize the required attributes in these individuals to be able to "serve" the Faith faithfully.  Individually they are lowly and humble "servants" of the Cause of Baha'u'llah.

None issues a command nor claims any authority. None professes divine knowledge nor seeks distinction.  The bounty of serving is their only recompense.

Should you re-read the article again hopefully you will see that this blog is about what happens when you combine the 3 ingredients (Media+Islam+Ignorance).  Islam by iteself is not the cause of these tragedies.   I know that and so does every other Baha'i.

When a Moslem comments here and dismisses these attacks in terms of numbers and statistics and furthermore, claims that the Baha'is have brought this onto themselves are shameful representations of Islam and an example of fanaticism here on the internet and in a blog.  How can he call himself a Moslem and yet expect a different reputation for the Faith of Muhammad?

Finally, I appreciate your thoughtful approach to this topic and be assured that I as a Baha'i respect Islam.  Any interpretation to the contrary is a misunderstanding.  I am the one amongst my Moslem friends who speaks up in defence of Islam, when they take a jab at Islam. This is not an uncommon occurance here on this site either.

Be Well,

Alborz


faryarm

Badi..why dont you start your own

by faryarm on

Badi..why dont you start one..

you need $35 to register a domain.

a good catchy web name with Bahai in it.

at least one follower...but 2 or 3 is more common

 


default

Fanaticism is not for one religion only

by Anonym (not verified) on

Mr Alboz,

I'd like to give you a short and informative response friend.

It is true that fanaticism is very active in some Islamic circles now and unfortunately promoted by some governments and groups, but that bothers you because you are a Bahai. Some of your Bahai brothers and sisters were put in danger and you don't like it. Unfortunately this problem is due to fanaticism and all people and religions suffer from it and it is human related.

If you think that the problem is with Muslim/Bahai religion only, you are wrong. Maybe it is for now, but the future decades and centuries may show a different path.

But maybe the worst thing is another religious conflict and the promoters of that from BOTH SIDES could be headed for the eternal darkness.

All Jews did not become Christians, but a few, all Christians and Jews did not become Muslims, but a few, and all Muslims, Christians and Jews may not become Bahai, but a few. Then again, one could be wrong.