The UHJ’s Silence: A Betrayal of Baha'i Principles?

In recent times, the ongoing tragedies unfolding in Gaza and Lebanon have brought great suffering and sorrow to the global community. People of conscience around the world, regardless of religious affiliation, have raised their voices in opposition to the violence and the devastating impact on civilian lives. From the Free Baha'i perspective, we deeply feel the importance of upholding our shared humanity and expressing a firm, compassionate stance against oppression, violence, and injustice.

Yet, amidst these turbulent times, the silence of the official Baha'i institutions on the civilian suffering in Gaza and Lebanon has been unsettling. This silence contrasts with the teachings of Baha'u'llah, which emphasize universal love, compassion, and an unyielding dedication to justice. The absence of public statements from Baha'i institutions—along with a perceived focus on proselytization over active efforts to foster peace—raises questions about the alignment of the administrative Baha'i approach with the ethical foundation of the faith.

The recent statement from the Universal House of Justice (UHJ) underscores this concern. Rather than offering clear expressions of empathy or calls for immediate peace, the UHJ’s message appears focused on expanding Baha'i membership as the eventual solution to global conflict. While their vision of a future "Great Peace" may have noble intentions, we believe it is not an adequate response to the immediate crises affecting human lives today. Such a passive stance can easily be interpreted as indifference or even complicity in the face of suffering, further isolating the Baha'i community from the broader humanitarian response required at this time.

From our perspective within the Free Baha'i movement, we feel it is critical to affirm that Baha'u'llah’s message was never intended to be exclusionary or indifferent to the suffering of others. His teachings encourage active, compassionate engagement in the world to promote peace and alleviate suffering. This is why we, as Free Baha'is, choose to stand in solidarity with all those suffering in Gaza and Lebanon and join those who advocate for immediate humanitarian efforts and meaningful dialogues to resolve the conflicts peacefully.

To counteract the perception of silence or indifference, we propose that Baha'i communities should consider actively engaging with other humanitarian and interfaith organizations that promote peace, justice, and empathy. Building bridges with organizations from diverse backgrounds, including Muslim, Christian, Jewish, and secular NGOs, can foster mutual respect and understanding. Furthermore, it is essential for Baha'i leaders to clearly denounce violence, actively support humanitarian relief, and communicate compassionately with affected communities.

Addressing the impact of the Baha'i administration’s silence is not only a matter of restoring the faith's image but also of adhering to the true spirit of Baha'u'llah's teachings. We call on all religious leaders, including Baha'i institutions, to join in a unified message of peace and justice that transcends differences, focusing on our shared values as human beings.

In closing, the Free Baha'i community urges all people of faith to reflect deeply on how they can contribute meaningfully to a world where peace and justice prevail. Silence, in the face of human suffering, risks enabling oppression and injustice. Let us reaffirm our commitment to Baha'u'llah’s vision of universal peace by taking active steps to promote healing and reconciliation today.

Only through genuine compassion, tangible action, and unwavering support for justice can we hope to build a future that truly reflects the principles of the Baha'i faith and offers hope to the suffering communities in Gaza, Lebanon, and beyond.

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Reasons Behind The Exodus From The San-Guardian Organization

 

I was an active, deepened Haifan Baha'i for eighteen years. Over time, I lost my faith in the Administration and have since become a Free Baha'i, following Baha'u'llah and the Master alone. I had put my Haifan life behind me and didn't think much about it until recently when I had conversations with Haifan Baha'is about leaving the Faith. The Haifan Baha'is that I have known were remarkably ill-informed about other sects within the Baha'is, and what they did know (or think they knew) came either from fellow Baha'is. I'm particularly sensitive to this concerning Free Baha'is because of the obvious reasons. The recent exodus from the Haifan Baha'i Faith is caused by an excessive focus on the Universal House of Justice (UHJ), which is itself an irreligious body, thinking only in terms of accumulating wealth for its members.

grew up in a Baha'i family. I went to an entirely Baha'i primary and secondary school. The popular culture I imbibed included teaching the Faith, attending Ruhi classes, participating in National Baha'i Day festivities, and observing all Baha'i Holy days.

While speaking at a small youth conference arranged by the UHJ, it was the first time I realized that life cannot be managed by organized religion. This realization is only just coming into scope for this kind of social scientific inquiry. I believe this story is increasingly typical among serious Baha'i youths who considered the Baha'i Administration as a religion.

There is a backlash against the infallibility status of the UHJ. Many Haifans are rejecting the identity of "Baha'i" because they don't want to be associated with figures like Peter Khan, Shehriyar Razavi, Payman Mohajirs Correas, etc., given them the status of infallibility.

There is a backlash against Haifan culture due to numerous scandals, love stories involving Baha'i teachers, high divorce rates among Baha'is, and reports of extra-marital affairs among Baha'i counselors. The Baha'is say these are all welcomed by the UHJ.The Baha'i administration prefers unmarried women for pioneering purposes, contributing to an increase in immorality among the Baha'is.

Baha'i girls and boys rocking in front of their parents with suggestive pelvic thrusts have put elderly parents to shame. Once I asked my father, "Have we come to a religious function to revive ourselves spiritually or a fashion show program with scantily dressed ladies?"

People should realize that the Baha'i administration has nothing to offer to non-Baha'is. The Holy Writings have been sidelined; firesides, mass teaching, and the Ruhi curriculum have given no results leading to ultimate failure. The only way left for the Baha'i administration is to offer pop culture to save their Titanic from sinking. We will have good stories to tell our grandchildren about an attempt made by irreligious people and enemy agents against the Revealed religion called the Baha'i Faith, which could not see the light of the day and died prematurely.

- A Free Baha'i Writer

Reference : The Caravan, Volume 7, Edition 6