آنچه در ادامه می خوانید
To present itself to various communities, Bahaism is using techniques accepted by that region. This issue has become clear for everybody that this cult [3] presented itself at fist by spirituality, but gradually, it changed itself based on each willing to attract various tastes and proselytized in each country based on peoples’ natures.
Here is an interview with a young person who has turned against Bahaism [4]:
– Please introduce yourself?
– I am Sam Roshani. I was born On Tir, 27, 1362 S.H. in a Baha’i family in Tabriz city.
– When does the history of Bahaism in your family go back?
I just know that my just grandfathers were Baha’i too. However, I don’t know when did they become Baha’is and I never searched about it.
– Explain about your father’s occupational conditions?
-When I was one year of age, we came to Tehran city from Tabriz. I think by 9 my father changed several jobs and I don’t know exactly what they were. He had several production workshops in which he was producing epaulet, broom and etc. Then, he entered into building houses.
– When did you figure out that you were Baha’i?
– Since childhood. In each family, the offspring continue parents’ path and procedure. Since childhood, we went to some gatherings where caused me to know I was Baha’i.
– How old were you exactly?
I think 3 or 4 years of age. Then, when I was 6, I went to Golshan Towhid[1] [5] classes. Since 7 years of age on, I participated at ethics class each week.
– What were you being trained in Golshan or ethics classes?
– These classes had 12 parts for various ages including prayer, chant, and the history of Bahaism. In ethics class a series of so-called moral regulations were being trained such as saying Allah Abha instead of saying hello, respecting adults and etc.
– What were you thought about the history off Bahaism?
Issues such as Bahaism is a religion, when was it started, who started it, about Babism and changing it to Bahaism.
– Did they speak about other religions and their prophets?
– Yes, they were speaking about the prophets who possessed heavenly books.
– How was your family position concerning organizational activities?
– My father was active the organization. For instance, the 19-day reception needed moderator. My father was of the moderators.
– Please explain about 19-day reception?
– It is a kind of Baha’i gathering which is held in Baha’i houses one by one and it possesses several programs; first prayer and chant and then a series of administrative matters such as changes in organizational activities and events and next family and moral programs.
– What is the responsibility of the moderator?
– A moderator is a person who distributes programs among the participants. He/she assigns turns to members to suggest or consult. He/she gathers money paid by people in every meeting and pays to the organization.
– Are other gatherings or meetings held except for Golshan and ethics classes?
– Rouhi classes are held, too. I participated there twice, but I didn’t continue due to lack of interest. At that time, I was really busy with high school lessons and studying was more important for me.
There was another gathering called “family life” whore families gathered together and it was a hobby. Families became familiar with each other. There were entertaining programs like match and etc.
– What did they do when you did not participate at Rouhi classes?
– They loved us to participate, but I insisted on my wills. They called first and then they asked: Why don’t you come? I used my lesson as an excuse.
– Didn’t your family stress?
– Just my father was an active member and because my mother didn’t insist, it was not compulsory. I have an elder brother and elder sister. My sister has emigrated abroad and my brother is busy with his family.
– Why didn’t you participate at gatherings in spite of urges?
– Because they were useless and weren’t attractive. The problems posed by them weren’t related to me and the modern world and were useless. They were just a series of hiistorical and old issues. I loved going skiing or sleeping when I was younger. Why should I go to Baha’i classes when all children were watching the “football players” cartoon?! These are the problems in which the Baha’i children engaged.
– Did you say your criticisms to people in charge of meetings?
If I posed my viewpoints, they would convince me that Bahaism is so good and should participate at meetings.
– Where was money gathered in the meetings spent for?
-Anyway, the means which were used cost very much. Additionally, the Baha’is had classes entitled the Baha’i university in which lessons were taught which needed equipment such as paper, computer and etc. I think that money was spent for providing these things. This university was particularly for the Baha’is and it was cancelled in 1377.
– Did you want to educate at that Baha’i university?
– No, why should I spent my time and energy studying at the university whose degree was not valid and just several courses were trained?
– How did you feel towards Islam?
– I wasn’t present in Baha’i gatherings very much and I don’t know their viewpoints. I never spoke anybody about Islam, but at that time, they tried to teach me Baha’ism. I became familiar with Islam at school and all of my intimate friends were Muslims and I didn’t have any bad or strange feeling towards Islam.
– Did Bahaism influence on your life?
– It didn’t have any positive influence. Bahaism in which I didn’t believe caused a series of rules to be violated in a country in which I lived (Iran) or I knew it would be impossible for me to love to get married with a non-Baha’i person.
– How do you feel about Bahaism now?
– I don’t like to be a Baha’i. Of course, I haven’t been an active Baha’i and I didn’t have any relationship with them. So, being boycotted or these problems aren’t influential on my life. We live in the 21st century and I don’t believe in these problems, basically. My family agree with me, so it is not important for now?
– How are your life conditions now?
– In 1386 S.H., I left Iran due to financial and economic problems. I wasn’t supported financially. My father had died too. Anyway, I could reside abroad helped by the organization.
– Explain more about your being sought asylum?
– I left Iran and went to Turkey. I found the Baha’i organization assembly and I was accepted there. They gave me a letter and I went to America. Now, I have come to Iran to see my brother and I will come back again soon.
– Does the Baha’i organization hold meeting in America?
-Yes, when a person is Baha’i, it won’t differ where is. He/she must continually participate at meeting. We went there once or twice. In America, they called me to participate 2 or 3 times; although the organizational activities of Bahaism are free, but in Iran they called me to participate 15 to 20 times; although according to the rules of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the activities of Bahaism organization are forbidden.
Source: Roshana, No. 80, spring 1398, pp. 35-37.
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[۱] [7] The classes where 4-year Baha’i kids to preschoolers must participate at them.