Islam and Minorities: The Case of the Baha'is

Note: "Islam & Minorities" is somewhat different from previous literature on the plight of the Bahá'ís in Iran in that it was first presented to Islamic studies scholars (many of whom are professing Muslims) at an Islamic studies conference held in May 1993 at the University of Victoria, and then published in a proceedings volume as a special issue of an academic Islamic studies journal. This publication, in fact, takes a decidedly different approach. It speaks directly to Muslims, with the clear message that "the Bahá'í question" is really a test case for whether Islam can legitimately claim to respect human rights today. Because the Bahá'í situation in Iran has become so internationalized (one might say, "politicized"), Islam's reputation in the West is now at stake. So I am appealing to the enlightened self-interest of Muslim academics - and Muslims generally - who care deeply about how Islam is seen in the West. It is my hope that this article will contribute not only to raising awareness about the pejorative plight of the Bahá'ís in Iran, but may offer a slightly new approach to conflict-resolution of this unrelenting problem - especially when Bahá'ís revisit this issue in various public fora. [-C.B., 2005]

This file is also available in Persian translation, click here to download.