Archive for category Baha’i
A Gift to my Mentor
I had no intentions of making an entry today. Honestly, I’m worn out. I gave two talks today at two colleges about Project Conversion and my Zoroastrian month begins in a little under three hours.
But something amazing happened this evening at the last talk–in my Intro to World Religions class–that made this whole month worth the effort.
My Baha’i Mentor is the only Baha’i that we know of within many, many miles. She is a diaspora all to herself. In fact, I have been her sole Baha’i companion for the whole month. She lit up when I arrived every week at her home for Study Circle, ready to share the wisdom of her faith. We laughed over tea and delved into the teachings of Baha’u'llah. I could tell there was something missing every time we visited the Baha’i community in “Triangle” one and half hours north of us; the way she interacted with her Baha’i family, it was like a family reunion with gatherings too rare for comfort.
I wanted to do something for her to repay her for the kindness and dedication she showed for me and Project Conversion. I wanted to give her a Baha’i community of her own.
But this is near to impossible. How can a non-Baha’i (though my Baha’i friends call me otherwise) help someone come–or at least become interested–in the faith? Turns out, all I have to do is teach. The message does the rest.
So tonight, as I finished giving my last talk about the Baha’i Faith in the last hours of the last days of the month, I showed the class the Baha’i Declaration Card and a registration card asking for more information about the faith. One woman approached me and asked to fill out the card, and if possible, to speak to my Mentor. I was floored. This was the spark I was looking for. The spark that could become a new Baha’i. She filled out the card and I will personally hand it to my Mentor tomorrow afternoon. I called my Mentor about what had happened and I could feel the joy flowing off her voice. Not because she might get the chance to “convert” someone, but because she gets the chance to share her faith.
So, looks like I have been the best Baha’i I can be to the end. It’s been a wonderful month, an insightful month, and folks…we are only two months in. Who knows what’s around the corner. When I wake up, I’ll be a Zoroastrian. Until then,
Allah-u-Abha!
Baha’i: Conclusion
Here it is, my humble attempt to recap my month with the Baha’i Faith. My words, nor this footage, suffice to describe the experience I’ve had. The lessons I’ve learned, friends I’ve gained, and wisdom I’ve gleaned will last a lifetime. Please join me in this farewell. I hope you enjoy this short clip:
Allah-u-Abha, and thank you, my Baha’i friends.
Death in the Family
I’m not sure where to start with this. Sometimes we forget just how powerful we are–the potency of our being . Our words, deeds, and even our thoughts resonate throughout the lives of those we interact with everyday. Indeed, no man is an island. Every life is a ripple upon the great ocean of existence.
One of my Hindu Mentors, Prof. Bharat Gajjar, was fully aware of this. His teachings for Hinduism still buzz in my mind, even beyond our short January together. I had plans to meet him one day soon, to sit at his feet and hear his voice–like those spiritual seekers who learned from the rishis of the Upanishads–as he spoke and anointed me with the sweet teachings and philosophy of Yoga, Meditation, and Dharma.
But that day won’t come, because I just found out that Mentor Bharat has passed away.
Of course, I never met him, and I only knew of him for these last two months. So why am I so grieved? Why is it that when I found out about his death upon waking at 5:28 this morning that my heart collapsed and I nearly fell to my knees? Because he gave himself–his teachings–to me. He and his daughter, Mentor Meeta, offered themselves to me as my Mentors freely and without any thought of reward. My betterment–my learning–was the reward.
I look at this image and I am nearly brought to tears. I am tempted with anger, with thoughts of how unfair it is that I just missed the chance to meet him. But his teachings won’t let me go there. Mentor Bharat would remind me of the importance of detachment from the material world so that we might fully realize our union with the divine ocean of the Self via the teachings of our guru. I am trying, Mentor, I am trying so hard…
So just when I thought Project Conversion couldn’t throw another curve ball, here it is. This is real. This is what I’m facing. One of my Mentors has passed away and I had the chance to learn from him only by the slimmest of margins. I now have another opportunity to give thanks, to give thanks for the life Mentor Bharat lived. I give thanks for his Mentorship and for raising his wonderfully talented, wise, and nobel daughter, Mentor Meeta Gajjar Parker, whom I am sure will carry the flame of her father’s wisdom and love.
Though I sorely wish I could attend the funeral services tomorrow, I am separated by an insurmountable gulf of distance and resources. So to honor Mentor Bharat, I will observe a fast over this weekend until sunset tomorrow, February 27th, the day of his funeral. If you feel so compelled, the Gajjar family, their friends, and I would appreciate your thoughts and prayers regarding his passing. My only hope is that I have honored him by showing others what he has shown me.
Namaste, Mentor Bharat, Namaste.
Om…shanti, shanti, shanti
Baha’i Week 4: Lessons for the Future
Project Conversion is a dynamic process, and it seems like changes are occurring every second. Indeed, to adopt a faith for a month–to drape oneself in the garments of a brand new perspective–is a dramatic metamorphosis. The only question is, what will I transform into at the end of the process?
For each Week 4 period, part of this evolutionary process is to review what was done, the outcome, and what (if any) changes I’ll make going forward. My month with the Baha’i Faith has given me an amazingly new outlook on life in general and how to possibly approach/adapt/practice other faiths. Here are a few of those points.
– This point seems obvious, but how many of us really think about our religious/spiritual
Some of my Baha'i Family
communities and set them on par with concepts like worship or scriptural study? I can tell you that I would have never have made the progress I have without the support of my new Baha’i family. Entire revelations stemmed just from having a leisure cup of tea or chat with other Baha’is. The importance of communal life is something I will carry forward. The Baha’i Faith places a large emphasis on this community life, as we see in the following quote by Abdu’l'Baha in The Tablets of the Divine Plan:
Or how about for every, single, breath? We take our existence–the very operative function of our bodies–for granted. For Baha’is, mankind is the only creature on the planet who can discern God. Look at what we are doing now. I am participating in the very journey Baha’u'llah talks about in The Seven Valley and the Four Valleys, an essay describing the spiritual journey of the seeker of God. You are here with me, participating as a fellow oarsman in this quest for
understanding. Is the fact that we have this capacity–this ethereal curiosity–not a reason to give thanks? My wife is reading a book in which the Christian author says “the heights of our joy are measured by the depths of our gratitude.”
The plight of those brave Baha’i souls in Iran and elsewhere, past and present, imprisoned for their Baha’i faith, effected me deeply this month. Strangely so. Their faith and grace even in their darkest hour humbles me to my knees to give thanks for the freedoms I enjoy. Would Project Conversion exist in some of these other countries? Would you have the freedom to read along? It doesn’t matter if you believe in a divine presence, the very act of gratitude, of humbling oneself to the point where every blessing received is viewed as a tool to bless another, is a lens through which peace is no longer a pipe dream, but a reality. I will give more thanks…I will give so much more.
I Will Not Change:
–Huh? Let’s not kid ourselves. Project Conversion is one of those things that often make it to the spotlight. But that isn’t the goal. Never was. There are folks who claim this is a publicity stunt to get attention. Really? Come on over to my house. Really. I get up at 5:30 AM everyday and study until my eyes get sore, pray until my voice goes out, meditate until I cannot feel reality…and that’s all before my wife and kids wake up. I don’t have a camera crew (I don’t want one), I’m not on a reality show, and my budget for this whole thing is well…let’s just say that I do depend on the kindness of others. I’m doing this to make a difference, not to make dividends.
But I wouldn’t have it any other way.
So what does this mean for the long run? What you see is 100% authentic. There is no filter. And that is the way it will stay. My loyalties lay with the people who have dedicated their time and shown me kindness for Project Conversion. They believe in me–in what I’m doing–and to that, I…give thanks.
The Last Study Circle
Yeah, yeah I know. In the last post I promised to talk about changes I might include going forward with Project Conversion, but I thought you folks would be interested in the events of last evening. They were special because for the last month, my Mentor and I have met every Tuesday evening for what the Baha’is call a Study Circle.
Mentor and me
A Study Circle is a time where folks of the Baha’is faith (and even other faiths!) get together and study scripture. Prayers are recited, songs might be sung, there’s food, maybe tea…it’s just a relaxed way to study and consult one another regarding God and the teachings of His Manifestations (messengers to mankind, such as Krishna, Jesus, and most central to Baha’is, Baha’u'llah).
The only difference with our Study Circle is that my Mentor is–as far as we know–the only Baha’i around. So every Tuesday it’s just been the two of us. More like a Study Line I suppose.
We use the Ruhi Institute workbooks–the standard for most Study Circles–to learn about the faith. The last third of book one is particularly intense compared to the rest of the book, so much of the 3 1/2 hours I was there last night was spent by my Mentor’s valiant attempt to field my bombardment of questions and ceaseless curiosity. She also served her signature blend of English and orange peel teas…something I’ve come to look forward to upon every visit. And because my Mentor has insisted upon giving me as much instruction as possible during our time together, she gave me even more books to take home! She certainly has earned the title of Mentor. Thank you, Dr. McCormick.
I bring all of this up because I want you to understand that studying the scriptures and performing the rituals of a particular faith is only half the journey. Religions involve people, and despite the rules and regulations of a faith, each person brings a particular and unique nuance to the faith. I could not appreciate what it is to be a Hindu or Baha’i had it not been for the intense interaction with the people of the faith. Religion is indeed a relationship with the divine, but also with its people. I will certainly miss this interaction next month for Zoroastrianism, as the number of believers is few and my Mentor is in Chicago. March indeed, will be a bitter test, and through that test I’ll come to know exactly how those who belong to a scattered and shrinking diaspora live.
Baha’i Week 4: Review
Allah-u-Abha!
We are here already! Man, seems like we were just doing this during my month with Hinduism. And now…I wish I didn’t have to think about it, but alas, dharma calls.
As many of you know, Week 4 of every month during Project Conversion is my time of review. This is where I share what I’ve learned, what will I take with me from the religion going forward, and what would I change/implement/add regarding Project Conversion. The last entry for the month will include a short video of the footage I’ve managed to gather during the month.
What have I learned?
1) Though I am still in the learning process even though we are in the last week, I can say with confidence that the two most important lessons I’ve learned from the Baha’i Faith is a) the concept of “Progressive Revelation”, b) the importance of community involvement (both with other Baha’is and non-Baha’is), and c) the art of long-suffering and perseverance.
Progressive revelation is the idea that God sends instructions, messages, scripture, and teachings to mankind via what Baha’is call “Manifestations” during a particular age on a linear timeline. These Manifestations bear a message and teaching appropriate for the people and times in which they live. Baha’is believe that the central, core teaching of each Manifestation is the same, however tradition, ritual, and complacency have grown like ivy over the different faiths and fleeced our eyes to the inward truths. In this case, folks like Krishna, Buddha, Jesus, Moses, Muhammad, and most recently, Baha’u'llah, are all Manifestations for their age. For me, this is a great way to respect and honor many of the world’s religious systems–even going as far as gleaning insight and wisdom from them all–while still being part of a faith community. You’ll be hard-pressed to find this sort of attitude anywhere else.
Community is everything in the Baha’i Faith. From February 1st, I have been showered with welcome and support from the Baha’i Family. In fact, “family” is the best way to describe the Baha’is. There are no strangers. Upon meeting various Baha’is this month I was treated as if I’d been in their lives for years. Though this is a young religion with only around 5 million members worldwide, their response to a call to action or a chance to support one of their own is second to none. At no time did I ever feel alone. Whether it was my Mentor who lives right across town, or a Baha’i in Maine who gladly donated a set of prayer beads, I’ve had constant support. Their attitudes toward service–not only to each other, but to their fellow-man–is a priceless jewel to their faith. Where their service truly shines is that seldom if ever do they serve in an attempt to convert someone. They are called to assist humanity for the sake of serving. And what’s more is that their philosophy on service is aimed more toward partnering with others to actually solve the problem, not just throw money or donations at the issue.
The Baha’i capacity for longsuffering and positive attitude is probably one of their most inspiring attributes. This disposition has its roots in the life of Baha’u'llah, his son Abdu’l'Baha, and the scores of Baha’i martyrs who have suffered for their faith since Baha’u'llah proclaimed his station in 1863. In every account I’ve read, Baha’i prisoners are a light of hope and love to all around them. As we covered the Baha’i persecution in Iran, we learned of their steadfast reliance on faith, the prayers of fellow Baha’is, and an unshakable love for God and humanity. Just as many religions suffer greatly at the hands of the status quo during their infant years, the Baha’is have taken the torch of their faith with steady hand and refuse to turn from God or even hate their tormentors. This is a lesson we can all take into our daily lives. How often do we allow petty frustrations ruin our entire day? How quick are we to show anger rather than love?
So, I’ve shared a few of the main points I’ve gleaned from the Baha’i Faith, what have you learned? Have I shared anything about the Faith that you weren’t privy to before this month? I look forward to hearing from you. Next post we’ll talk about what I’ll change/add/adapt for the next month of Project Conversion.
Wrapping up Social Issues Week
I’ll be honest, this has been one of the hardest weeks of Project Conversion thus far. This month in and of itself is filled with learning curves, lessons learned, and unexpected realizations (more on that next week), but the emotional charge carried by this month’s Social Issues Week has left me drained and humbled.
I’ve become so close to the people of this faith, and while I’d love to take credit for that connection, it has been the Baha’is who have reached out to me. The number of emails and comments I’ve received regarding Baha’i persecution–just in Iran–is staggering. The Baha’i community may be small compared to their older spiritual brethren, but each individual member is a steel poll in the scaffolding that is the Baha’i Faith. I was embraced and thanked for my exposure of this serious issue. It didn’t matter that I’m not technically “one of them”, because as so many Baha’i have told me, the situation in Iran isn’t just a Baha’i issue, but one for humanity. Indeed, when Baha’is serve their communities, it isn’t with the goal of converting their neighbors, but to help their neighbors help themselves.
Of course, there are more social issues within the Baha’i Faith that I simply cannot cover due to time constraints. But the point is to introduce you to these issues so that you might take the torch from my hand and run on your own. I’ve suggested writing to members of our government, starting an interfaith discussion, attending a Baha’i Study Circle, and others, but there is always more. What can you do in your community to improve the lives of others? That’s a social issue that transcends religion and yet, is the common thread within them all.
I’ll close today with a few links to Baha’i-related news regarding persecution that some of Project Conversion’s audience members have sent in. Allah-u-Abha, and have a blessed week.
Professor Abbas Milani on the arrest of seven Baha’i leaders in Iran.
A story of Baha’i grace and perseverance while in prison for their faith.
Baha’i Persecution: Day 4
Here is the last account by the four individuals referenced to me by the National Spiritual Assembly of Baha’is of the United States. His name is Iraj Kamalabadi, brother of Fariba Kamalabadi, an imprisoned Baha’i leader.
Personal Statement:
I was born in 1958 and was raised in a Bahá’í family in northern Iran. After obtaining my high school diploma in 1976, I moved to the United States in January 1977 to pursue higher education. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts in 1982. After graduation, I began my professional career as a civil/transportation engineer, working with a number of consulting firms in various capacities, both in the United States and abroad. I currently work with URS Corporation as a transportation department manager in Southern California.
Relationship with my sister, Fariba Kamalabadi:
I am the elder brother of Ms. Fariba Kamalabadi, one of the seven Bahá’í leaders who was summarily arrested in the spring of 2008. These seven Bahá’í leaders are currently being held in Gohardasht prison in Iran, solely for their religious beliefs.
The Kamalabadi family’s experience with religious persecution dates back to the late 1980s when our father, Dr. Vali Kamalabadi, was arrested and imprisoned, following his dismissal from work without any pension or retirement; simply for being an active member of his local Bahá’í community. While in prison, he was severely tortured and brainwashed with electric shocks, which caused him to suffer a series of strokes after being released from prison and eventually resulted in his death in 1992.
My sister Fariba, who is a developmental psychologist and a mother of three, was arrested twice previously because of her active involvement in the Bahá’í community and her voluntary service to society at large. As a Bahá’í, she holds a very strong conviction and desire to be of service to her country and fellow citizens — a common belief shared by all Bahá’ís in the world.
No evidence was presented at my sister’s trial to support the accusations leveled against her, or any of the Bahá’í leaders who are currently serving 10-year sentences in Iran. This injustice has prompted me to speak publicly to journalists and at various human rights events to raise awareness about my sister’s case, and that of all the Bahá’ís in Iran.
—————
Photo taken by CNN
Here is a photo of the four individuals we’ve heard from this week. Each of them speak around the country to media outlets and government officials in an effort to bring awareness to the lack of human rights suffered by Baha’is and other religious minorities in Iran. You can find additional coverage here and here.
What we must understand and take from these stories isn’t one of animosity or hatred toward the Iranian government. Baha’is have a strict moral code to obey their government, which is why many stay to try and foster change from within. They are patriots. Despite the torture and loss of life and freedom, the Baha’is there aren’t asking for your anger or outrage, because they exhibit none. Like Baha’u'llah and Abdu’l'Baha before them, the tighter the authorities squeeze them and increase their suffering, the more their light spills between the fingers of Iran’s fist. What we can do–from the outside–is increase awareness and political pressure on Iran. There is no room in our world for behavior like this. Visit the Iran page at the United States Baha’i site to learn more and find out what you can do to help with this cause.
On a local and everyday level, I want you to walk away from this with a new appreciation for your rights as a free citizen to worship as you please. However, while our laws do not discriminate based upon one’s faith, we as individuals too often do. Much of this is due to misunderstanding and a failure to communicate. Why not set up a prayer meeting for multiple faiths? Or how about a local seminar and invite leader from different faith organizations from around your area to share information about their religion? Organize an interfaith community outreach program…these are only the tip of the iceberg. The point here is to rise to action. Instead of feeling sorry for the Baha’is imprisoned in Iran, take the torch they have extended to us and run. If enough of us take up the fire of change, unity and love, the whole world will be illumined.
Here is a prayer we can all say:
With great humbleness and entire devotion I pray to Thee to make me a minaret of Thy love in Thy land, a lamp of Thy knowledge among Thy creatures, and a banner of divine bounty in Thy dominion.
Baha’i Persecution: Day 3
Today we will hear from 21-year-old Sina Sabet Sarvestani, first cousin to Raha Sabet. Sina’s story is one of bravery in the midst of great difficulty, and the ability to peel darkness away from light. Please read and pass along the following account:
Personal Statement:
My name is Sina Sabet Sarvestani and I spend most of my week working with other Dallas youth, trying to make a difference in the lives of younger youth in our neighborhoods. Raha Sabet, my first cousin, is imprisoned for doing the exact same thing in Iran.
I serve as a coordinator for the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program in Dallas, Texas, a
Bahá’í-inspired program that empowers junior youth (ages12-15) to take charge of their own spiritual and intellectual growth and to contribute to the betterment of their communities. Currently, we have 16 junior youth groups in different neighborhoods of Dallas; consisting of more than 135 diverse participants. The program has provided an environment of mutual support for the group members and an opportunity for the Dallas youth to take part in social action. Our work has gained the support of Dallas Police and the Dallas Independent School District.
When we fled Iran in 2005, my family and I traveled by train to Turkey and went to the United Nations office in Ankara. After a series of interviews, the U.N. decided to send us to the United States, which was already accepting Iranian Bahá’í religious refugees. I was not fluent in English when we arrived in New York City on September 8, 2006. The next day, we flew to Dallas to take a shot at the American dream and, for the first time, experienced religious freedom.
After my intense culture shock subsided, I immediately got involved with soccer, the yearbook committee, track and field, cross country, Link Crew leadership program and student government at Emmet J. Conrad High School, in addition to academic achievements. I even ran for junior class president. I just wanted to try every opportunity possible. I was like a caged bird, who had just gained his freedom. After a year and a half at Emmet J. Conrad High School, I transferred to Plano West High School. I’m currently studying to be a middle school teacher at Richland College, an opportunity that would not be available to me if I had stayed in Iran.
I was born in January 1990 in Shiraz, Iran. I grew up in a Bahá’í home. Very soon, I learned about my family members, who were imprisoned and killed in 1983, a few years after the revolution in Iran. Ahmad Ali Sabet, my grandfather, and Akhtar Sabet, my second cousin, were among hundreds of Bahá’í martyrs after the revolution. Their crime was simply being Bahá’ís and serving their fellow countrymen. I grew up knowing that I was being persecuted.
In first grade, my parents had to explain to me why I should stop teaching my classmates Bahá’í songs and prayers. I also had to be careful about revealing my Bahá’í identity to teachers, students, officials, etc… In 5th grade, my opportunity to enroll in a special talented and gifted middle school was taken away simply because my mom refused to recant our Bahá’í Faith. In middle school, I was making the highest grades in all my classes including the “Islamic Religious Teachings” and “Quran” courses. But opportunities for academic leadership were always denied to me and given, instead, to the Muslim students.
Often in school, certain teachers would talk about how nasty, unclean, and evil the Bahá’í people are. In 8th grade, once again I was denied the opportunity to enroll in a special talented and gifted high school. When I told my friend, on the last day of school, that I would not join him in the new school next year, he asked me why. He was shocked to hear that I was a Bahá’í. His best friend all year long had been a Bahá’í. How is that possible? He left me with a “Good Luck!” and a confused face. My non-Bahá’í, Iranian classmates would tease me and ask why I even bothered coming to class since I knew that I could not continue my education after high school.
Relationship with my cousin, Raha Sabet:
While we have the freedom to promote the junior youth spiritual empowerment program here in the United States, the story is different for my cousin. Raha Sabet was arrested in 2006 for putting
together a similar program in a few deprived neighborhoods of Shiraz. Even though Raha’s group became integrated with a local non-governmental organization and had the support of a number of Muslim residents, the Iranian government eventually caught wind of the group and arrested everyone involved. After the arrests, the government decided to release the Muslim participants, but detained the Bahá’ís, convicting them of “indirect teaching of the Bahá’í Faith.” Raha and two other Bahá’í colleagues were sentenced to four years in prison. Haleh Rouhi and Sasan Taqva were released from the temporary detention center where they had been held for the duration of their incarceration, on December 8, 2010.
I’ve had a few opportunities to talk to Raha. Since the government monitors these phone calls, we have to be careful about what we talk about. She wishes that she was free to continue her social work and be of service to her country.
Update: On February 2, the Bahá’í World News Service reported that Raha Sabet is on temporary release until the receipt of her official pardon.
——–
Thank you Sina for sharing this inspiring account. What a fantastic method of honoring your mentor, family member, or hero: take their persecution/imprisonment and use their so-called “crime” to build your own social movement. This is a classic case of turning lemons into lemonade that we could all learn from. Baha’u'llah and his son, Abdu’l'Baha, made a great example of this whereby the founding of the Baha’i Faith was in essence founded by two men who spent most of their lives in prison.
What can you do today to draw light from darkness? How can you take a bad situation and transform it into a blessing to others? The opportunity to do great good doesn’t always come at the most convenient times, but often in the blackest of night, when nothing seems possible. I encourage you today to be the light that scatters the night and brings forth a new day.
Baha’i Persecution: Day Two
As we continue our week exploring the issue of Baha’i persecution in Iran, we are given the account of Mr. Kamal Khanjani, brother of Jamaloddin Khanjani, imprisoned Bahá’í leader. His statement follows:
Personal Statement:
I arrived in the United States in 1978 after studying electrical engineering Isfahan, Iran. In the United States, I started my own business doing air conditioning, heating and refrigeration. After running this business for almost 25 years, I sold it last year. I received awards for excellence, including the Pinnacle Award from the Better Business Bureau for five years in a row.
My childhood and elementary school years were spent in a town in northern Iran called Sangsar. For high school, college and the rest of my time in Iran, I lived in Isfahan. As a Bahá’í, I was often confronted by teachers, the school’s faculty, and other students, as well as ordinary people outside of school.
Relationship with my brother, Jamaloddin Khanjani:
Mr. Jamaloddin Khanjani is my oldest brother. I am the youngest of the seven siblings. He is not
only my oldest brother, but was a father to me, as well as a friend. Before the revolution, I witnessed his life and routine. He was up until midnight, or later, six nights a week, serving as a member of the Bahá’í Local Spiritual Assembly, which has since been disbanded, and assisting with other needs of the local Bahá’í community.
The seventh night he hosted a study session for 40 students, both boys and girls, who, for various reasons, could not go to school. Jamaloddin and his wife, Ashraf, took full responsibility for these kids and supervised their needs, including accommodations, food, medication, and other daily necessities. All of these students finished elementary school and most of them finished high school. A few were even sent abroad to pursue higher education.
My brother and I managed and operated a brick factory which, at that time, was uniquely sophisticated. After the Islamic Revolution, it was confiscated by the regime. Jamaloddin was arrested several times and his incarceration lasted from a few days to a few months at a time. Since the last incarceration on May 14, 2008, I have received some phone calls from him. The first time he called, I was away from my phone, but he was able to leave me a message. I have had the privilege of speaking with him in more recent phone calls.
My beloved brother’s character, his belief in his faith, his sincerity and his devotion have inspired, and continue to inspire, my life.
————
Again, I only ask that you share these stories with others. So often we take our freedoms of religious expression and assembly for granted. The Baha’is of Iran and indeed other minority faiths in that nation and elsewhere do not have such privileges. Only when we put aside our differences and struggle to ensure that ALL of mankind’s basic rights are observed can we call ourselves noble, good…Human.
-
You are currently browsing the archives for the Baha’i category.
-
Project Conversion in the News
-
In the News
-
Follow Me!