By Nathan Epperson
The question of prophets and their place in the grand narrative of religion has been a source of division for millennia. Was Moses, Jesus, or Muhammad the one true messenger of God? The Baha’i Faith, a relatively new Abrahamic religion founded in the mid-19th century, offers a radical perspective. All three can be seen as manifestations of God, each sent to humanity at a specific point in history. This core tenet of unity resonates with a growing number of people seeking common ground across religious divides. Though the Baha’i Faith’s path hasn’t been without its challenges.
On March 10th, 2024, a delegation from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, including myself, had the opportunity to attend a Baha’i gathering in Little Rock. The focus of the evening was on fostering interfaith dialogue. While the Baha’i teachings emphasize creating a global religion that unites all faiths, some wondered how this vision incorporates traditions outside the Abrahamic sphere. The Baha’i perspective, as explained by the community members, is one of inclusion. They recognize prominent figures in various religions as additional manifestations of God.
The Baha’i Center in Little Rock
This emphasis on unity stands in stark contrast to the persecution the Baha’i faith has faced, particularly in its country of origin, Iran. Since its inception in the mid-19th century, the Baha’i community in Iran has been viewed with suspicion and hostility by the ruling regime. The Iranian government considers the Baha’i Faith a heretical offshoot of Islam and does not recognize it as a legitimate religion. This has resulted in systematic discrimination against Baha’is, who have been arrested and imprisoned solely on the basis of their faith, according to Amnesty International and the United Nations. Baha’i youth are denied access to higher education and Baha’i properties have been confiscated. In the past, Iran has even held executions of Baha’is. The Baha’i International Community reported that over 1,000 Baha’i members were awaiting imprisonment in Iran as of April 2022.
Despite these hardships, the Baha’i community in Iran has demonstrated remarkable resilience. Clinging to their core principles of peace and unity, they have refused to be cowed by persecution. The Baha’i International Community, the religion’s governing body, has consistently advocated for the rights of its members in Iran through international diplomacy and by raising awareness of the persecution they face. The Baha’i message of harmony and universal understanding continues to resonate with people around the world, even in the face of Iranian repression. The religion’s emphasis on unity and the interconnectedness of humanity offers a compelling vision for a more peaceful world, a vision that stands in stark contrast to the divisive rhetoric often employed by those who persecute Baha’is. An example of this is that Islam is the state religion of Iran, some portray Baha’is as apostates, those who have abandoned Islam. This framing criminalizes the Baha’i faith.
The gathering at the Little Rock Baha’i center served as a testament to this spirit of inclusivity. As a first-time visitor, I found the atmosphere welcoming and the discussions enlightening. The Baha’i community’s approach to interfaith dialogue offers a hopeful perspective in a world often divided by religious differences. Their story of resilience in the face of persecution serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of religious freedom and mutual understanding.