{"id":7161,"date":"2020-06-11T19:33:38","date_gmt":"2020-06-12T00:33:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ask-a-muslim.com\/?p=7161"},"modified":"2020-06-29T01:08:28","modified_gmt":"2020-06-29T06:08:28","slug":"bahaism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ask-a-muslim.com\/en\/bahaism\/","title":{"rendered":"Baha\u2019ism"},"content":{"rendered":"

(part 1 of 2): Origin and History<\/strong><\/h3>\n

One of the groups associated with Islam which catches the attention of most Westerners is that known as Bahaism, due to their catchy yet evasive principle of peace and the unity of humanity. In reality, Bahaism is a sect which, according to Islam, is outside its fold due to its various beliefs which oppose the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah, as will become clear upon the most basic analysis of its tenets.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Origin<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The Bahai movement evolved out of a millenarian sect before it, called the Babis, both in Iran, who emerged in a period of great millenarian expectations, for the year 1844 was to mark the 1000th anniversary of the disappearance of the twelfth Imam famed by the Shi\u2019a. Thus they can be regarded as an offshoot of the Imamiyyah branch of the Shi\u2019a, the majority Shi\u2019a sect found today and also adopted as the state religion of Iran. This sect, or cult, was founded by one Sayyid \u2018Ali Muhammad Shirazi (1819-50), who became known as the Bab, or \u201cGate.\u201d He earned this label because his followers saw him as the \u201cGate of the Hidden Imam,\u201d although they later regarded him as the \u201cGate of God\u201d, the Hidden Imam (leader) himself,[1] who was expected to bring an end to Islamic law and usher in a new cycle of prophets and traditions.<\/p>\n

Shirazi was arrested in 1845, and then executed in 1850 because of the violent revolts staged by his fanatic followers, and the movement was as violently persecuted by the authorities. Before he died, he prophesied that a messianic figure would soon come and would be called \u201cHim whom God shall make manifest.\u201d One of the Shirazi\u2019s followers who was exiled during the rounds of persecution was Mirza Husayn \u2018Ali Nuri, and in 1864 he proclaimed himself to be the prophet foretold by the Shirazi. Most Babis were either killed, started following Nuri (later known as Bahai\u2019s), or simply went to some other religion. Those who remained Babis followed the leader of the time, Subh-i Azal, and their holy book, the Bayan (Declaration). Today there are perhaps only a few hundred Azalis left, scattered around Iran. It was the followers of Mirza Husayn \u2018Ali Nuri who would later evolve into the Bahai faith.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

History<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Mirza Husayn Ali Nuri was converted as a young man to the teachings of theBab. In 1852 he was thrown into Tehran prison during the first wave of persecution against the Babis for their plot to kill the Shah of Iran, Nasiruddin Shah. On his release, in January 1853, he went to Baghdad where he became the de facto head of the Babi community there. In 1863 he proclaimed himself to be the messiah foretold by the Bab. Such was his influence that the Ottoman authorities decided to move him from Baghdad to Istanbul, and from there to Edirne (in Turkey). Those who followed his claim became known as Bahai\u2019s, while those who rejected it remained Babis. In 1868 Nuri and many followers were exiled to Acre in Palestine where he was imprisoned for nine years in the fortress in Acre. Shortly after his release he went to live in Bahji, near Haifa, now in Israel, where he remained until his death in 1892.<\/p>\n

On the death of Baha\u2019ullah, the movement came under the leadership of his eldest son \u2018Abbas Effendi (1844-1921), who acquired the title \u2018Abd al-Baha (\u201cservant of the glory of God\u201d). After a spell in prison under the Ottoman Turks, he undertook three missionary journeys: to Egypt (1910), to Europe (1911), and to the United States and Europe (1912-1913). Lecturing to large audiences, he both consolidated Bahaism in these parts of the world and systematized his father\u2019s teachings. \u2018Abbas Effendi was succeeded by his grandson, Shoghi Effendi (1897-1957), who directed his energies into developing the Bahai communities in Europe and North America. Under his leadership, the Bahai community came to be organized within a system based on local and national assemblies. When he died in 1957, he left no heirs, and the movement\u2019s organization was placed under the jurisdiction of a body known as the Council of the Hands of the Cause. In 1962, the International House of Justice was established in Haifa as their headquarters.. This body is reelected every five years. Today, there are Bahai communities in most countries of the world. It is estimated that there are between 3 and 4 million Bahai\u2019s in the world today. The largest Bahai community is in India with about 1 million members. In Iran, the Bahai\u2019s remain the largest minority group with about 300,000 adherents.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Symbols<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Bahai\u2019s believe that God\u2019s greatest name is Baha (glory, splendor). The name is used by Bahai\u2019s when they are addressing one another, and is often found on rings or wall hangings. A second expression, Ya Baha\u2019ul\u2013-Abha (O Thou the Glory of the All-Glorious), is represented in the form of calligraphy. The number \u20189\u2019 is regarded as possessing important mystical properties and is sometimes used as a motif in decoration. The Bahai place of worship is called in Arabic the mashriq al-adhkar (which means the \u201cplace where the uttering of the name of God arises at dawn\u201d). The mashriq is a nine sided building in keeping with the mystical qualities of the number \u20189\u2019.<\/p>\n

Footnotes:
\n[1] (http:\/\/philtar.ucsm.ac.uk\/encyclopedia\/islam\/shia\/babi.html)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

(part 2 of 2): Its Doctrine<\/strong><\/h3>\n

As mentioned previously, the Baha\u2018i follow the teaching of Mirza Husayn Ali Nuri (1817-1892) whose title is Baha\u2019ullah (\u2018The Splendor of God\u2019). As opposed to Muslims who believe Prophet Muhammad to be God\u2019s last prophet to humanity, Baha\u2019ullah believed himself to be the prophet foretold by Sayid Ali Muhammad Shirazi, the founder of the Babi movement. Baha\u2019ullah contradicted the Muslim belief that Abraham, Moses, and Jesus were prophets and not divine. He taught, instead, that God had become manifest in many different forms such as Abraham, Moses, Zoroaster, the Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad, the \u2018Bab\u2019 and Baha\u2019ullah himself. Baha\u2019ullah is not, however, the final and definitive manifestation of God. Other prophets will come, but not for at least 1000 years.<\/p>\n

This belief opposes the most fundamental aspect of Islam, which is the distinction made between the creation and the Creator. Islam firmly believes that God is separate and distinct from His creation, and that He never did or will become human. The prophets He sent were fully human, but chosen to deliver His message to humanity. Worship is to be rendered to God only, and not to any created being. Nest in importance to this belief is the belief is that Muhammad was the last and final prophet sent to all of humanity, and the message of Islam is the final message of God, and none other will come until the Day of Judgment. These two principles form the basis and most fundamental principle of Islamic faith, the first pillar of Islam, one clearly contradicted in Baha\u2019i faith.<\/p>\n

There are no initiation rites, priesthood or sacraments in the Baha\u2019i religion. However, Baha\u2019is do have certain duties, and are obliged to pray every day (although their prayer is different from that practiced by Muslims); they are also obliged to meet on the first day of each Baha\u2019i month for celebration; to fast from dawn to sunset during the month of \u2018Ala (while Muslims fast in Ramadan); to avoid drugs or alcohol; to avoid membership of political parties; and to observe particular holy days such as the birth of Baha\u2019ullah and the martyrdom of the \u2018Bab\u2019. Emphasis is placed in their propagation on the unity of humanity and the absolute equality of men and women, and the Baha\u2019is see themselves as working towards the establishment of a world government which will eradicate extremes of wealth and poverty.
\nThe only sacred text in Islam is the Quran, but the Baha\u2019is treat the writings of Baha\u2019ullah as sacred as well. The most important of these writings are: The Most Holy Book, The Book of Certitude, The Hidden Words, The Seven Valleys, and Epistle to the Son of the Wolf.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Claims of Baha\u2019ullah<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Baha\u2019ullah claimed to be God. The following are some of his statements:
\n\u201cThere is no God but Me, the Honored, the Wise.\u201d[1]
\n\u201cTake what the Ancient Hand gives you.\u201d[2]
\n\u201cThere is no God but Me, the securer, the regulator. Certainly We have sent the prophets and revealed the books.\u201d[3]
\n\u201cThe God of eternity is in the prison.\u201d[4]
\n\u201cEverything other than Me is created by My command.\u201d[5]
\n\u201cI am the Greatest Branch (Abdul-Baha) without any partners.\u201d[6]
\n\u201cWe Baha\u2019is are certain of the eternal beauty.\u201d[7]
\n\u201cSurely I am God. There is no God but me, the Lord of all things. Everything other than Me is My creation, then O My creation you worship Me.\u201d[8]<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Twelve Principles<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The Baha\u2019i pride themselves on the Twelve Principles or twelve teachings, which they promulgate. Baha\u2019i speakers focus heavily on these principles considering that these are the best that can be found in any religion. Seven out of the twelve Principles revolve around Unity. They are:
\nUnity in the political realm.
\nUnity in the worldly matters.
\nUnity in freedom.
\nUnity in religion.
\nUnity in the nation.
\nUnity in the tongue.
\nUnity in genealogy.<\/p>\n

Nevertheless, Baha\u2019i history and doctrine contravene these principles. The Baha\u2019is killed Mohammad Ibrahim by throwing him into the river Tigris for not believing in Baha\u2019ullah\u2019s call.[9] They attempted to assassinate Nasiruddin Shah, the king of Iran. Baha\u2019ullah killed one hundred and thirty people in one night and plundered their belongings.[10] Baha\u2019ullah ill treated his brother Subhe Azal and Abdul-Baha did worse to his brother Mohammad Ali. Ironically, among the Baha\u2019is themselves there are at least two major divisions at loggerheads with each other – the 3rd generation Baha\u2019i and the Orthodox Baha\u2019i. Lastly, the Baha\u2019is have yet to officially announce the alphabet of the new language they have invented for every person in the world.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Intolerant Teachings<\/strong><\/h4>\n

There are various intolerant ideas preached by the Baha\u2019is found in the Babi cult before them which have no basis in Islam:
\n\u201cBabis! God has made war obligatory upon you. Capture cities and people for Babism.\u201d[11]
\n\u201cDo not let those who do not believe in the Bayan remain on the earth.\u201d[12]
\n\u201cSnatch the wealth of those who do not believe in the Bayan.\u201d[13]
\n\u201cRejecters of Bab! Even if you take a bath 1000 times in a day, you shall remain unclean.\u201d[14]
\n\u201cWhatever belongings of the non-Babis come into possession of the Babis they become clean.\u201d[15]<\/p>\n

In summary, the Baha\u2019is differ from Muslims in the most fundamental Islamic beliefs and practices. Their leaders have made extraordinary claims to divinity similar to other religious cults. Although they seem to preach peace and unity, their history has been marred by violence. Their history and original teachings also contradict their averred concept of world peace and gender equality.<\/p>\n

Footnotes:
\n[1] Kitabe Aqdas, page 42
\n[2] Kitabe Aqdas, page 96
\n[3] Kitabe Aqdas, page 58
\n[4] Iqtedarat page 36
\n[5] Kitabe Mobeen
\n[6] Behjatus Sudoor
\n[7] Behjatus Sudoor page 217
\n[8] Tajalliyate Baha, Tajalli 4
\n[9] The Book of Haji Maftoon, p. 23
\n[10] Nuktatul Qaf, p. 161
\n[11] Bayan chapter 1
\n[12] Bayan chapter 1
\n[13] Bayan Arabic chapter 5
\n[14] Bayan chapter 2
\n[15] Bayan chapter 4<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

(part 1 of 2): Origin and History One of the groups associated with Islam which catches the attention of most Westerners is that known as Bahaism, due to their catchy yet evasive principle of peace and the unity of humanity. In reality, Bahaism is a sect which, according to Islam, is outside its fold due … Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[117],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7161","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-doctrine-and-sects"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":false,"thumbnail":false,"medium":false,"medium_large":false,"large":false,"1536x1536":false,"2048x2048":false,"gform-image-choice-sm":false,"gform-image-choice-md":false,"gform-image-choice-lg":false},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Site Admin","author_link":"https:\/\/www.ask-a-muslim.com\/en\/author\/admin2\/"},"uagb_comment_info":4,"uagb_excerpt":"(part 1 of 2): Origin and History One of the groups associated with Islam which catches the attention of most Westerners is that known as Bahaism, due to their catchy yet evasive principle of peace and the unity of humanity. In reality, Bahaism is a sect which, according to Islam, is outside its fold due…","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/scT0IL-bahaism","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":7162,"url":"https:\/\/www.ask-a-muslim.com\/en\/shiites-shiism-and-islam\/","url_meta":{"origin":7161,"position":0},"title":"Shiites, Shiism, and Islam","author":"Site Admin","date":"06\/11\/2020","format":false,"excerpt":"(part 1 of 2) One of the most perplexing scenarios to non-Muslims and new Muslims alike is the division they may see between Shiites and Sunni Muslims. Some tend to become confused when they see that each group claims to be following the true Islam. To truly understand this subject\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Doctrine and Sects"","block_context":{"text":"Doctrine and Sects","link":"https:\/\/www.ask-a-muslim.com\/en\/category\/doctrine-and-sects\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":18676,"url":"https:\/\/www.ask-a-muslim.com\/en\/which-sect-is-the-right-sect-in-islam\/","url_meta":{"origin":7161,"position":1},"title":"Which Sect is the Right Sect in Islam?","author":"Ask A Muslim","date":"07\/16\/2022","format":false,"excerpt":"There are many different sects that caused division in Islam, and this goes clearly against Islamic teachings. Allah Says in The Noble Quran (interpretation of meaning), \"And hold firmly to the rope of Allah and do not be divided. Remember Allah\u2019s favor upon you when you were enemies, then He\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Misconceptions"","block_context":{"text":"Misconceptions","link":"https:\/\/www.ask-a-muslim.com\/en\/category\/misconceptions\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":5765,"url":"https:\/\/www.ask-a-muslim.com\/en\/what-is-the-saved-group-in-islam-are-there-any-sects-to-follow-in-islam\/","url_meta":{"origin":7161,"position":2},"title":"What is the saved group in Islam? Are there any sects to follow in Islam?","author":"Site Admin","date":"12\/20\/2019","format":false,"excerpt":"What is the saved group in Islam? Are there any sects to follow in Islam? The answer is that Sunnah and Consensus is no doubt the best and saved group. \ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47 Yes Unity is required in Islam but monotheism comes before it Allah Exalted be He says: (3:103) And hold\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Responses to Allegations"","block_context":{"text":"Responses to Allegations","link":"https:\/\/www.ask-a-muslim.com\/en\/category\/responses-to-allegations\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ask-a-muslim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/79941886_2644415902460235_6509696130261975040_o.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ask-a-muslim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/79941886_2644415902460235_6509696130261975040_o.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ask-a-muslim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/79941886_2644415902460235_6509696130261975040_o.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ask-a-muslim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/79941886_2644415902460235_6509696130261975040_o.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":8453,"url":"https:\/\/www.ask-a-muslim.com\/de\/bahaismus\/","url_meta":{"origin":7161,"position":3},"title":"Bahaismus","author":"Site Admin","date":"06\/20\/2020","format":false,"excerpt":"(part 1 of 2): Origin and History \u00a0 One of the groups that are associated with Islam and attract the attention of many in the West because of their appealing, albeit difficult to understand, principles of peace and the unity of mankind is as Baha'ism known. In truth, Baha'ism is\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Glaubenslehre und Sekten"","block_context":{"text":"Glaubenslehre und Sekten","link":"https:\/\/www.ask-a-muslim.com\/de\/category\/glaubenslehre-und-sekten\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":8454,"url":"https:\/\/www.ask-a-muslim.com\/de\/schiiten-schiismus-und-islam\/","url_meta":{"origin":7161,"position":4},"title":"Schiiten, Schiismus und Islam","author":"Site Admin","date":"06\/20\/2020","format":false,"excerpt":"(part 1 of 2) One of the most confusing scenarios for non-Muslims and new Muslims alike is the division between the Shiites and Sunnis. Some get confused when they see how every group claims to follow true Islam. To really understand this, one has to delve into the early history\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Glaubenslehre und Sekten"","block_context":{"text":"Glaubenslehre und Sekten","link":"https:\/\/www.ask-a-muslim.com\/de\/category\/glaubenslehre-und-sekten\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":1465,"url":"https:\/\/www.ask-a-muslim.com\/en\/does-god-exist-2\/","url_meta":{"origin":7161,"position":5},"title":"Does God Exist?","author":"Site Admin","date":"02\/11\/2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Does God Exist? By Truth Seeker Staff Losing control of the steering wheel for a second on the highway is enough reason to cause a crisis. Incorrect temperature is enough reason to cause a bomb explosion. The Olympic champions know the value of the moment as the difference between glory\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Atheism"","block_context":{"text":"Atheism","link":"https:\/\/www.ask-a-muslim.com\/en\/category\/doctrine-and-sects\/categories-atheism\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ask-a-muslim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/does-god-exist.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ask-a-muslim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/does-god-exist.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ask-a-muslim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/does-god-exist.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ask-a-muslim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/does-god-exist.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ask-a-muslim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/does-god-exist.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ask-a-muslim.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7161","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ask-a-muslim.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ask-a-muslim.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ask-a-muslim.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ask-a-muslim.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7161"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.ask-a-muslim.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7161\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10182,"href":"https:\/\/www.ask-a-muslim.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7161\/revisions\/10182"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ask-a-muslim.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7161"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ask-a-muslim.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7161"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ask-a-muslim.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7161"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}