Mrs. Neda Babaee was born in a Baha’i family. She was forced to participate at Baha’i classes and meetings, but the contradictions and disturbing organizational atmosphere of Baha’ism caused her turn against the deviant cult of Baha’ism. The following is an interview with her:
When did you figure out that you were a Baha’i?
Nearly when I was severe years of age when my family imposed me to participate in sessions and ethic classes in particular.
How did they explain and define Baha’ism?
They were saying: “Baha’ism means comprehensive and all human virtues”, but they didn’t teach us anything about its concept, origin and complete history. “They were saying other religions such as Judaism, Christianity and Islam have been expired and they have been replaced by a new religion called Baha’ism. They were speaking about Islam and Christianity whenever it was useful for them and offering statements related to these religions by their own concepts; otherwise they were using the Baha’i resources.
To what an extent did you and all Baha’is bond with Baha’ism commandments and orders?
I myself was participating in “E’tefal” or ethic meetings by force, but I was performing commandments like prayer and fasting in Baha’ism. Generally speaking, the majority of the Baha’is don’t bond with the commandments although some of them who are bigoted may act them, but I realized that they don’t emphasized on them.
The Baha’is are claiming for the lack of bigotry including the theological one; is it true?
No. they are extremely bigoted and are stressing on their children to go to Golshan meetings forcefully otherwise, the organization boycott the families. They even brainwash the members in order for them to think exactly like the Baha’i people in charge. Generally speaking, the Baha’is confront in two kinds; when they encounter the Muslims, they say we respect your beliefs. We even visit the holy Imam’s (P.H.) holy Shrines, but it is forbidden for them to recite the holy Quran among themselves.
Which attractiveness does Baha’ism create for its members?
Making boys and girls get together and holding camps.
Can you pose your questions or doubts?
As a matter of fact, they had created such an atmosphere for us not to pose any question or doubt particularly this fact that the Baha’i families are afraid of being boycotted, consequently they don’t dare to pose any question.
Explain more about Baha’ism reception and meetings?
Reception is a meeting which is being held every 19 days. A message from the universal house of justice is being read. At the end, they collect some money to help Baha’is affairs. E’tefal meetings are divided into two parts teenagers and youth and the programs include: sport, game, intelligent games, handwriting and etc. of course, they were being done in Baha’i style.
Has it happened for you not to go to school due to the organization programs?
Yes. We should have posed excuses such is being patient.
What was your position in the organization?
I didn’t have any special position in the organization. According to families and organization desires, I participated in the Baha’i meetings such as Hayat-e-Aali, reception, E’tefal and ethics course. Of course, the organization determines duties for members such as proselytizing.
How did you proselytize for Baha’ism?
We had close and intimate relationships with community members and proselytized for Baha’ism indirectly; that is, we possessed good and special character in order to attract people to Baha’ism.
Who do you aim to recruit?
It didn’t differ. We must proselytize: The neighbors, friends, close relatives and etc.
Did Baha’is obey the law?
superficially, they were saying they were obeying the law, but they were continuing proselytizing. This is violating the law.
Did you felt any meddling with the Baha’is affairs by the Islamic Republic of Iran, when you were a Baha’i?
No, the Islamic Republic of Iran is confronting the Baha’is like other citizens.
When did you become Muslim?
Since 1379 S.H. when I got married but, in 1399 S.H. I formally became Muslim.
Did you know about Islam before?
I had studied about Islam before and was interested in it, too.
How did you turn against Baha’ism and turn to Islam?
First of all, the improper behavior of the Baha’is and their prejudices caused me to be hateful of Baha’ism particularly most Baha’is who were teaching ethic to us didn’t act them. They were meddling with people’s personal lives to some extent, too. For example, a Baha’i person had proposed me, but the organization did not allow me to get married with him, because they were rich and we were weaker than them. There was a group called “Siyanati” which was meddling with personal lives. So, I didn’t participate at any ceremony when I was 15 years of age. I was gradually interested in Islam. I got married and I became formally Muslim.
How were you encountered when you got separated from the cult?
They frightened me too much but I didn’t care. They were saying to me that Bahaullah would curse me and I would become homeless or my mother was saying: I will curse you. After Being Muslim, my relationships with my family and relatives were completely cut.
Have you had any relationship with the organization yet?
I have not, but they want to pull me towards themselves even after any offspring was born some Baha’is came to my house and asked me to send my offspring to Golshan classes I order to be educated like Baha’is, but not only I didn’t allow, but also I invited my parents and sister to Islam.
What are the problems of an ex-Baha’i after turning against Baha’ism?
In one side, he/she will be boycotted by family and relatives and in the other side he/she will be behaved improperly by Muslims who aren’t aware enough and this issue will disturb the ex-Baha’i.
How is your relationship with Muslims now?
I have a good relationship. Of course, I try not to say anything about my past with them. Although those who figured out. I am an ex-Baha’i welcomed me. They gave me gifts, too.
According to you, how is it possible to help the Baha’is who are following the truth?
Due to the kind of problems, classes, meeting and etc., the Baha’i people are usually bigoted, but the best way are to speak with them and to make them aware.
