Persecuted In Their Homeland: The Baháʼís Of Iran

Miss Breanna Baumbach DDS 19 Jun 2025

The Baháʼí Faith, born in the heart of 19th-century Persia (modern-day Iran), stands as a testament to the human spirit's quest for unity and spiritual truth. Founded by Baháʼu'lláh, it emerged with a revolutionary message emphasizing the essential worth of all religions and the fundamental unity of all people. Despite its profound principles of peace and universal brotherhood, the Baháʼí community in Iran has faced relentless and systemic persecution since its very inception. This article delves into the historical context, the current plight, and the global efforts to shed light on the severe human rights abuses endured by Baháʼís in their homeland.

For generations, Baháʼís in Iran have lived under a shadow of discrimination, denied basic rights and subjected to a level of social exclusion that, as documented by various human rights organizations, "shocks the conscience." Their story is one of resilience in the face of adversity, a continuous struggle for recognition and freedom in the land where their faith originated. Understanding their situation requires looking beyond the headlines, into the deep-seated prejudices and state-sanctioned policies that perpetuate their suffering, a narrative that "a faith denied illuminates the persistent role played by the clerical establishment in perpetuating such abuse."

The Baháʼí Faith: A Unique Origin in Iran
A Century of Persecution: Historical Context
Systemic Discrimination and Social Exclusion
- Criminalization of Religious Practice
Escalating Attacks: Recent Trends (July 2023 - July 2024)
- The Plight of Baháʼí Women
Imprisonment and Baseless Accusations
- Cemeteries and Sacred Spaces Under Threat
International Condemnation and Advocacy
- The Global Call for Justice
Why the Persecution Endures
Conclusion

The Baháʼí Faith: A Unique Origin in Iran

The Baháʼí Faith, a religion founded in the 19th century, began its journey in Iran in the mid-1800s. Its teachings are centered on the profound principles of the essential worth of all religions and the unity of all people. It frames itself as a new revelation, yet a continuation of monotheistic and other religious traditions that predate it, building upon the spiritual foundations laid by earlier prophets. This distinctive theological framework, emphasizing progressive revelation and the oneness of humanity, set it apart from established religious norms in Persia.

While most Baháʼís in Iran today trace their lineage to a Muslim background, the early years of the faith saw significant conversions from other religious communities. Notably, "the 19th-century conversions of sizeable numbers of individuals from Judaism and Zoroastrianism in the country are also well documented." This diverse foundational community, drawing adherents from various religious and social strata, contributed to the faith's rapid growth but also made it a target for opposition from powerful clerical establishments who viewed its emergence as a threat to their authority and traditional interpretations of religious truth.

A Century of Persecution: Historical Context

From its very inception, the Baháʼí Faith in Iran and parts of the Middle East has faced ongoing persecution. The nascent community, with its revolutionary teachings of gender equality, racial unity, and the harmony of science and religion, was immediately met with hostility. This hostility was not merely sporadic but evolved into a systemic campaign of oppression that has spanned over a century and a half. The early history is replete with accounts of massacres, forced conversions, and the destruction of Baháʼí properties, setting a grim precedent for the struggles that would follow.

Scholarly works, such as Moojan Momen's "History of the Baha'i Faith in Iran," provide invaluable insights into the systematic nature of this persecution. These historical accounts reveal how the Baháʼís, despite their commitment to peace and non-violence, were consistently portrayed as heretics and enemies of the state. While many "histories of local Baháʼí communities in Iran have been written," often existing only in manuscript form, they collectively paint a picture of enduring resilience. These documents, though not widely accessible, offer granular details of the suffering and steadfastness of a community determined to live by its principles, even in the face of extreme adversity.

The persecution of Baháʼís in Iran is not limited to overt violence; it manifests as a pervasive system of discrimination and social exclusion that permeates every aspect of their lives. This systemic oppression is so deeply ingrained that it "shocks the conscience," as noted by human rights observers. Baháʼís are effectively rendered second-class citizens in their own homeland, facing obstacles at every turn simply because of their faith. This includes being "barred from holding government jobs," which severely limits their professional opportunities and ability to contribute to public life.

Beyond employment, economic discrimination is rampant. "Their shops and other enterprises are routinely closed or discriminated against by officials at all levels," undermining their livelihoods and financial stability. Access to education is also severely curtailed; "universities refuse to admit Baháʼí students," effectively denying an entire generation the opportunity for higher learning and professional advancement. This comprehensive exclusion, orchestrated by the clerical establishment, aims to marginalize and impoverish the community, hoping to compel them to recant their faith or leave the country.

Criminalization of Religious Practice

Perhaps one of the most alarming aspects of the Baháʼí plight in Iran is how "Baháʼí religious practice has effectively been criminalized inside Iran." Simply adhering to their faith, observing its tenets, or engaging in community activities can lead to severe legal repercussions. This is often achieved through vague and politically motivated charges, such as "forming groups to act against national security," "educational activities and propagating against sharia Islam," and "propaganda against the regime." These charges are routinely leveled against Baháʼís, transforming their spiritual devotion into alleged acts of sedition.

The Iranian authorities frequently conflate religious identity with national security threats. The Islamic Republic has "often stated that arrested Baháʼís are being detained for security issues and are members of an organized establishment linked to foreigners, the Zionists in particular." However, as Bani Dugal, the Principal Representative of the Baháʼí International Community to the United Nations, asserts, the reality is far from these accusations. The arrests and imprisonment are solely "on account of their faith," a clear violation of international human rights norms that guarantee freedom of religion and belief.

Escalating Attacks: Recent Trends (July 2023 - July 2024)

While the persecution of Baháʼís in Iran is a long-standing issue, recent reports indicate a disturbing intensification of these attacks. The "Current situation overview of trends of persecution against Baháʼís in Iran (July 2024)" highlights that "over the past year, the persecution of Baháʼís in Iran has intensified in a number of ways." This period, specifically from July 2023 to the present, has seen a worrying surge in repressive measures against the community. The authorities have demonstrated a renewed vigor in their efforts to suppress the Baháʼí Faith, leading to increased suffering for its adherents.

Since July 31, 2022, there has been a notable escalation in raids on Baháʼí homes, with "the authorities have raided dozens of Baháʼí houses, detained at least 30 people, and subjected many more to interrogations, electronic ankle bracelets and threats of imprisonment in relation to their Baháʼí faith." These actions are not isolated incidents but part of a concerted campaign to instill fear and dismantle the community's social fabric. A recent example of this intensifying crackdown is the arrest of Anisa Fanaeian, an Iranian Baháʼí woman in Semnan. She was arrested by Islamic Republic security forces and taken to prison, having been "sentenced in March 2024 to seven years in prison" on the familiar, baseless charges of acting against national security and propagating against Islam and the regime. This case is just one of many that underscore the severe risks faced by Baháʼís in Iran.

The Plight of Baháʼí Women

Among the alarming trends observed in the recent intensification of persecution is a "rise in attacks against Baháʼí women." This particular vulnerability stems from the intersectional nature of their identity: "Women from Iran’s Baháʼí community face intersectional persecution as both women and as Baháʼís." They endure the general discrimination faced by all Baháʼís, compounded by the gender-based discrimination prevalent in Iranian society. This dual layer of oppression makes their struggle particularly arduous and underscores the profound human rights violations they face.

The international community has taken note of this grave situation. "A group of 18 United Nations Special Rapporteurs and UN Working Group experts have released a joint letter of allegations rebuking the Islamic Republic of Iran for the recent rise in attacks against Baháʼí women." This collective condemnation from global human rights bodies highlights the severity of the issue and calls for accountability. Despite the immense pressure and suffering, including being "mistreated and imprisoned," Baháʼí women in Iran, "just like those before them," continue to demonstrate remarkable courage. They are "bravely and joyously sacrificing their all to live in a more prosperous Iran," embodying a spirit of resilience and hope for a better future. In recognition of their sacrifices and the long struggle for equality, the Baháʼí International Community has launched a global campaign, called #OurStoryIsOne, to honor executed Baháʼí women and the broader fight for women's rights in Iran.

Imprisonment and Baseless Accusations

The arbitrary arrest and imprisonment of Baháʼís in Iran on account of their faith is a consistent pattern of human rights abuse. Amnesty International has explicitly stated that "the Iranian authorities have raided, arrested, and demolished Baháʼí properties and imprisoned Baháʼí individuals on account of their faith." These actions are not a response to any criminal activity but are purely punitive measures aimed at suppressing a religious minority. The state's narrative attempts to legitimize these crackdowns by framing Baháʼís as a security threat.

The Islamic Republic frequently claims that arrested Baháʼís are being detained for "security issues and are members of an organized establishment linked to foreigners, the Zionists in particular." However, as Bani Dugal, the principal representative of the Baháʼí International Community to the United Nations, has countered, there is no credible evidence to support these allegations. The best proof that these claims are baseless lies in the fact that the charges are consistently related to their religious practices and community activities, not actual security breaches. Amnesty International has consistently called for "the release of all Baháʼí prisoners and the abolition of discriminatory laws and policies against the minority," emphasizing that their detention is a direct violation of their fundamental human rights.

Cemeteries and Sacred Spaces Under Threat

The persecution of Baháʼís extends even to their sacred spaces and the resting places of their dead. Reports indicate that "Baháʼí cemeteries have been" subjected to desecration and demolition, a deeply painful form of persecution that denies the community the right to honor their deceased according to their traditions. This destruction of cemeteries is not merely an act of vandalism but a deliberate attempt to erase the physical presence and historical memory of the Baháʼí community in Iran. It reflects a broader strategy of cultural and religious annihilation, aiming to deny the Baháʼís their rightful place in Iranian society, even in death.

The demolition of Baháʼí properties, including homes and businesses, goes hand-in-hand with the desecration of cemeteries. These actions are designed to deprive Baháʼís of their assets and their sense of belonging. The systematic nature of these attacks on both living and deceased Baháʼís underscores the depth of the state-sponsored discrimination. It highlights how the authorities seek to dismantle every aspect of Baháʼí life, from their ability to earn a living and receive an education to their right to worship and mourn.

International Condemnation and Advocacy

The escalating persecution of the Baháʼís in Iran has garnered significant international attention, prompting widespread condemnation and robust advocacy efforts from human rights organizations and governments worldwide. In response to "growing interest on the persecution of the Baháʼís of Iran," the Baháʼí International Community (BIC) launched a dedicated website, "Archives of Baháʼí Persecution in Iran" (iranbahaipersecution.bic.org). This crucial online resource "makes available, for the first time, thousands of official" documents detailing decades of discriminatory treatment against the Baháʼís in that country. This initiative provides irrefutable evidence of the systematic nature of the abuses, serving as a vital tool for researchers, policymakers, and the public.

Beyond documentation, international bodies have actively intervened. The joint letter released by "a group of 18 United Nations Special Rapporteurs and UN Working Group experts" rebuking Iran for its treatment of Baháʼí women is a powerful example of multilateral pressure. These high-level condemnations underscore the global consensus that Iran's actions violate fundamental human rights. Furthermore, global campaigns like #OurStoryIsOne, launched by the Baháʼí International Community, aim to raise public awareness and foster solidarity with the persecuted community, particularly honoring the resilience of Baháʼí women and their long struggle for equality.

The Global Call for Justice

The collective voice of the international community is crucial in amplifying the call for justice for the Baháʼís in Iran. Organizations like Amnesty International, the United Nations, and the Baháʼí International Community continue to advocate tirelessly for the release of Baháʼí prisoners, the cessation of discriminatory practices, and the recognition of their fundamental human rights. This sustained pressure is vital, as it challenges the Iranian government's narrative and holds it accountable on the global stage. The bravery of the Baháʼí community in Iran, who continue to practice their faith despite immense risks, serves as an inspiration for human rights defenders worldwide.

The global call for justice extends beyond mere condemnation; it seeks tangible changes in policy and practice within Iran. It aims to ensure that Baháʼís can live freely, pursue education, engage in commerce, and practice their faith without fear of arbitrary arrest, imprisonment, or violence. The ongoing efforts to document, expose, and challenge the persecution of the Baháʼís underscore the universal principle that freedom of religion or belief is an inalienable human right, one that must be upheld for all, regardless of their creed or origin.

Why the Persecution Endures

The enduring persecution of the Baháʼís in Iran is a complex issue rooted in a combination of religious fundamentalism, political expediency, and historical prejudice. The "persistent role played by the clerical establishment" is undeniable; their interpretations of religious law often label the Baháʼí Faith as a heresy, justifying its suppression. This religious animosity is then amplified and institutionalized by the state, which views the Baháʼí community as a convenient scapegoat and a perceived threat to its ideological purity and national security.

The state's narrative, frequently claiming that Baháʼís are "members of an organized establishment linked to foreigners, the Zionists in particular," serves to demonize the community and rally public opinion against them. This baseless accusation allows the authorities to frame what are essentially human rights abuses as necessary security measures. As a result, the Baháʼís remain "among the most persecuted religious minorities in the world," trapped in a cycle of discrimination and violence in the very land where their faith was born. Until there is a fundamental shift in the state's approach and a recognition of universal human rights, the Baháʼí community in Iran will continue to face this systemic oppression.

Conclusion

The story of the Baháʼís in Iran is a poignant testament to both profound spiritual resilience and the devastating impact of state-sponsored religious persecution. From their origins in 19th-century Persia to the escalating attacks witnessed in recent years, the Baháʼí community has endured systemic discrimination, social exclusion, and relentless human rights abuses. Denied access to education and employment, subjected to arbitrary arrests, imprisonment, and the destruction of their properties, they stand as a stark reminder of the fragility of religious freedom in certain parts of the world.

Yet, despite the immense suffering, the Baháʼís in Iran continue to embody courage and steadfastness, inspiring a global movement for justice and human rights. International organizations and governments are increasingly vocal in their condemnation, leveraging platforms like the United Nations and launching public awareness campaigns to shine a light on these atrocities. The call for the release of all Baháʼí prisoners and the abolition of discriminatory laws remains urgent and unwavering. We invite you to learn more about the plight of the Baháʼís in Iran, share this article to raise awareness, and consider supporting organizations dedicated to defending human rights and promoting religious freedom globally. Your engagement can help amplify the voices of those silenced and contribute to a future where all people, regardless of their faith, can live in dignity and peace.

2 Bahai Iran Stock Vectors, Images & Vector Art | Shutterstock

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Persecuted In Their Homeland: The Baháʼís Of Iran

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The Baháʼí Faith: A Unique Origin in Iran