# Iran's Baha'i Community: A Century of Persecution and Resilience **The Baha'i Faith, a religion born in 19th-century Persia, now modern-day Iran, carries a profound message of unity, peace, and the essential worth of all religions. Yet, for the Baha'i community of Iran, this message has been met not with acceptance, but with relentless persecution, making them one of the most persecuted religious minorities in the world. Their story is a stark illustration of how a government can codify repression into law, systematically denying its own citizens fundamental human rights solely based on their faith.** This article delves into the historical roots and the current, intensifying plight of Baha'is in Iran. From the earliest days of the faith to the present moment, we will explore the systematic discrimination, legal marginalization, and violent repression faced by this resilient community, shedding light on a human rights crisis that demands global attention. *** **Table of Contents** * [The Baha'i Faith: A Brief Overview](#the-bahai-faith-a-brief-overview) * [A History of Repression: From Inception to the Islamic Republic](#a-history-of-repression-from-inception-to-the-islamic-republic) * [Criminalization of Faith: The Legal and Policy Framework](#criminalization-of-faith-the-legal-and-policy-framework) * [Escalating Persecution: Recent Trends (July 2023 - Present)](#escalating-persecution-recent-trends-july-2023---present) * [Raids, Arrests, and Confiscations: A Coordinated Campaign](#raids-arrests-and-confiscations-a-coordinated-campaign) * [The Human Cost: Social Exclusion and Harassment](#the-human-cost-social-exclusion-and-harassment) * [Stories of Resilience: Individual Cases and Community Spirit](#stories-of-resilience-individual-cases-and-community-spirit) * [International Condemnation and Advocacy](#international-condemnation-and-advocacy) * [The Future of the Baha'i Community in Iran](#the-future-of-the-bahai-community-in-iran) * [Conclusion](#conclusion) *** ## The Baha'i Faith: A Brief Overview To understand the challenges faced by the Baha'i community of Iran, it is crucial to first grasp the essence of their faith. The Baháʼí Faith is a religion founded in the 19th century in Persia, established by Baháʼu'lláh. It frames itself as a new revelation and a continuation of monotheistic, and other, religious traditions that predate it, teaching the essential worth of all religions and the unity of all people. At its core, the Baha'i Faith champions principles such as the equality of men and women, the harmony of science and religion, the elimination of all forms of prejudice, and the establishment of a just and peaceful world order. Initially developing in Iran and parts of the Middle East, the Baha'i Faith has since grown into a global religion with millions of adherents worldwide. Despite its universal message, its followers in its birthplace have faced ongoing persecution since its inception. This stark contrast between its unifying principles and the divisive reality experienced by its adherents forms the tragic backdrop to the story of **Iran Baha'i**. ## A History of Repression: From Inception to the Islamic Republic The persecution of Baha'is in Iran is not a recent phenomenon; it is deeply embedded in the country's modern history. From the very beginning of the faith in the mid-1800s, Baha'is have been subjected to waves of violence, discrimination, and official repression. This early animosity stemmed from various factors, including the Baha'i Faith's claim to a new revelation after Islam, which was seen as a challenge to established religious authority, and the rapid growth of its followers. Community leaders have been murdered, and sites sacred to Baha'is have been desecrated or destroyed over the decades. However, the nature and intensity of this persecution dramatically escalated following the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Since 1979, the Islamic Republic of Iran has codified its repression of Baha’is into law and official government policy, vigorously enforced by security forces and judicial authorities. This institutionalization of discrimination marked a new, more systematic phase in the plight of the Baha'i community of Iran. What was once sporadic violence became a calculated campaign to dismantle the community and deny its members basic human rights. Scholars like Moojan Momen, whose work includes "History of the Baha'i Faith in Iran," have extensively documented these historical patterns, often drawing from sources like the "International Library of Iranian Studies" to provide comprehensive accounts of this protracted struggle. ## Criminalization of Faith: The Legal and Policy Framework The current situation for Baha'is in Iran is characterized by an extreme level of state-sanctioned discrimination. This report explores how Baha’i religious practice has effectively been criminalized inside Iran. It's not merely a matter of social prejudice; the Iranian government's "extreme animus against adherents of the Baha'i Faith" is enshrined in Iranian law and is official government policy, the report asserts. This means that simply identifying as a Baha'i, or practicing one's faith, can lead to severe legal repercussions. The Baha'i community of Iran, despite being the country's largest religious minority, is not recognized by the Iranian constitution, which only acknowledges Zoroastrians, Jews, and Christians as protected religious minorities. This lack of official recognition leaves Baha'is without any legal protection and makes them vulnerable to systematic human rights abuses. The persistent role played by the clerical establishment in perpetuating such abuse is undeniable, with religious edicts often underpinning the discriminatory policies. This legal and ideological framework ensures that Baha'is are subjected to a level of social exclusion and harassment in Iran that shocks the conscience, a reality powerfully illuminated in reports such as "A Faith Denied." ## Escalating Persecution: Recent Trends (July 2023 - Present) The persecution of Baha'is in Iran has not waned; indeed, it has intensified in a number of ways over the past year. According to current situation overviews of trends of persecution against Baha'is in Iran (July 2024), the period from July 2023 to the present has seen a disturbing escalation in attacks against the community. The following trends have been observed: * **Rise in attacks against Baha'i women:** Baha'i women, already vulnerable, have become particular targets of harassment, arrest, and imprisonment, facing additional layers of gender-based discrimination on top of religious persecution. * **Arrests and imprisonments:** In recent months, there has been an intensification of attacks against Baha'i individuals, leading to a significant increase in arrests and imprisonments. These arrests are often based on vague charges related to national security or "propaganda against the regime," effectively criminalizing their religious activities. * **Economic pressure and property confiscation:** Baha'is face severe economic discrimination, often denied business licenses or having their properties confiscated. This aims to impoverish the community and force them to abandon their faith. * **Denial of education:** Universities continue to refuse to admit Baha'i students, perpetuating a cycle of deprivation and limiting their future prospects. ### Raids, Arrests, and Confiscations: A Coordinated Campaign The intensity of the crackdown on the Baha'i community of Iran is starkly illustrated by specific incidents. Since July 31, 2022, Ministry of Intelligence agents have raided and confiscated dozens of Baha’i properties and arrested at least 30 members of the Baha’i community on account of their faith in various cities throughout Iran. These coordinated raids are designed to instill fear and dismantle the community's infrastructure. More recently, on July 31, 2022, Iranian authorities arrested 13 members of the Baha’i community, including Kamalabadi and Sabet, two prominent members they had previously arrested in 2008. This re-arresting of well-known figures indicates a deliberate strategy to target community leaders and disrupt any organized Baha'i activities. The authorities have subjected many more to interrogations and/or forced them to wear electronic ankle bracelets, a form of surveillance and control that extends their punishment beyond prison walls. Iran said it had arrested 13 adherents of the banned Baha’i faith, accusing them of proselytizing to children and adolescents, local media reported, drawing condemnation from an international community that views these accusations as baseless pretexts for religious persecution. ### The Human Cost: Social Exclusion and Harassment The impact of this state-sponsored repression extends far beyond arrests and property seizures. Baha’is are subjected to a level of social exclusion and harassment in Iran that shocks the conscience. This pervasive discrimination affects every aspect of their lives, from education and employment to burial rights. One of the most egregious forms of discrimination is the denial of higher education. Universities refuse to admit Baha'i students. Confirming these findings, an investigation by the Committee of Concerned Scientists also found that university officials in Iran had received orders from above not to score the tests of Baha'i students, or that these officials had suggested that a student would receive his test scores only if the student's family renounced their faith. This policy effectively bars an entire generation of Baha'is from pursuing professional careers and contributing to society, forcing them into menial jobs or self-employment, which are also often targeted by authorities. Beyond education, Baha'i cemeteries have been desecrated, community leaders have been murdered, and sites sacred to the faith have been destroyed. This cultural and spiritual erasure aims to eliminate the very presence of the Baha'i Faith from Iranian society. The economic hardship imposed on Baha'is is severe, with businesses forcibly closed and livelihoods destroyed. This systematic pressure aims to make life so unbearable that Baha'is either convert or leave the country. ## Stories of Resilience: Individual Cases and Community Spirit Despite the overwhelming odds, the Baha'i community of Iran continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and steadfastness. Individual stories of courage emerge regularly, highlighting the human face of this persecution. Just recently, three days ago, Anisa Fanaeian, an Iranian Baha'i woman in Semnan, was arrested by Islamic Republic security forces and taken to prison. Fanaeian had been sentenced in March 2024 to seven years in prison, on charges of “forming groups to act against national security,” “educational activities and propagating against Sharia Islam,” and “propaganda against the regime,” which are common, vaguely worded accusations used to target Baha'is for their peaceful religious activities. Her case is but one example among many, representing the daily struggle faced by thousands. Despite the constant threat, the Baha'i community maintains its internal structure and spiritual practices. Most Baha’i activities and events are open to all, but only enrolled members may give to the Baha’i funds, participate in Baha’i elections, and serve on Baha’i institutions. This internal cohesion and commitment to their faith, even under immense pressure, is a testament to their unwavering spirit and hope for a future where they can practice their beliefs freely in their homeland. ## International Condemnation and Advocacy The plight of the Baha'i community of Iran has not gone unnoticed on the international stage. Numerous human rights organizations, governments, and the United Nations have consistently condemned Iran's treatment of its Baha'i citizens. A panel hosted by the Baha’i International Community, the Abdorrahman Boroumand Center, and the Impact Iran Coalition, for instance, examined the systematic targeting of Baha’is, bringing together experts and advocates to shed light on the abuses. The event featured Mai Sato, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Iran, alongside prominent rights advocates, underscoring the international community's concern. These bodies consistently highlight that the Baha'is are among the most persecuted religious minorities in the world, and that Iran's actions violate international human rights laws and conventions. Reports from these organizations, often drawing on detailed testimonies and documented incidents, serve as crucial evidence of the ongoing abuses. They call for Iran to uphold its international obligations, end its discriminatory policies, and allow Baha'is to live as equal citizens. ## The Future of the Baha'i Community in Iran The future of the Baha'i community in Iran remains uncertain, overshadowed by the persistent policies of repression. The legal framework that criminalizes their faith, coupled with the vigorous enforcement by security forces and judicial authorities, creates an environment of constant fear and insecurity. Despite the international outcry and documented evidence of human rights abuses, the Iranian government has shown little willingness to alter its stance. However, the resilience of the **Iran Baha'i** community offers a glimmer of hope. Their steadfast adherence to their principles, their continued efforts to educate their children (even informally), and their unwavering commitment to their faith in the face of adversity speak volumes. Their story is not just one of persecution, but also of profound endurance and a quiet, dignified resistance. The global Baha'i community and human rights advocates continue to work tirelessly to raise awareness and pressure the Iranian government to end its discriminatory practices. ## Conclusion The story of the **Iran Baha'i** community is a powerful and tragic testament to the enduring struggle for religious freedom and human rights. From its very inception, the Baha'i Faith in Iran has been met with hostility, a situation that dramatically worsened after the 1979 revolution, leading to the codification of repression into law and official government policy. The systematic persecution, encompassing everything from denial of education and economic exclusion to arbitrary arrests, property confiscation, and even murder, represents a profound injustice that shocks the conscience. Despite this relentless pressure, the Baha'i community of Iran has demonstrated extraordinary resilience. Their unwavering commitment to their faith and their peaceful pursuit of their beliefs, even in the face of extreme animus, is an inspiration. It is imperative that the international community continues to monitor the situation, condemn these abuses, and advocate for the rights of Baha'is in Iran. If you found this article insightful, please consider sharing it to raise awareness about the plight of the Baha'i community in Iran. Understanding their struggle is the first step towards advocating for a future where all individuals, regardless of their faith, can live free from persecution. Explore more articles on human rights and religious freedom on our site to deepen your understanding of these critical global issues.
