Posted by Salik on March 13, 1998 at 20:31:17:
In Reply to: Re: Why did you choose Bahaism over Islam? posted by Jonah on February 25, 1998 at 05:41:23:
: Dear Reezwan,
: No offense taken at all. It's a good question, and one that you have every
: right to ask. By the way, Baha'is refer to the religion as the "Baha'i
: Faith" and feel uncomfortable with the term "Baha'ism," in much the same
: way as a Muslim would dislike the term "Muhammadanism."
Salam 'Alaykum wa Allahu Abha.
Not to stir sedition however, I have a furhter question for members of the Baha'i Faith.
As a former member of the Baha'i Faith and now a Shi'a Muslim why is it that one must
break with Islam to believe in the manifestation of Baha'u'llah. Since it is recorded according
to 'Abdu'l-Baha he did not consider himself a member of an independent religion and Shoghi Effendi
wrote that Baha'is must be Muslims to understand their faith. I would ask is it not a part of the
purpose of religion to promote unity and communal well-being (muslah). It has been
my conclusion that we as individuals cannot posit legal opinions which would divide the Muslim community
apart this is the role of the Majlis (assembly) of officials written of by 'Abdu'l-Baha. I know
all this sounds unusual but parts of what I am talking about can be seen at http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Oracle/5016/wasiya.html
Just curious why Baha'is consider themselves unique to the rest of the Islamic Ummah, I don't think
the Shari'a principle is substantial enough for such a break until the entire Mulsim community is ready
to accept the possibility that Khatm (seal) is open to further revelation. But to independently posit this and
break with Islam is not appropriate in the teachings of 'Abdu'l-Baha as he practiced it, in my observations.
Hopefully, such an opinion of staying with the Islamic majority until the majority of scholars is ready to recognise
the new ideas of khatm is not perceived as "taqlid", hopefully the point I am making is being read as:
"in the interest of communal well-being Baha'is should not break with the rest of the Islamic community until the entire community is prepared to move in one direction together."
Peace be with you and God's glory,
Salik
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