From: hakim@bigq.enet.dec.com (Kamran Hakim)
Subject: Re: A Refutation of Baha'i view.... (Introduction)
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation
Date: 28 JAN 93 09:58:32    



Nearly two months ago, Dr. Habib Siddiqui wrote an article in soc.religion.
islam in order to teach his Muslim brothers and sisters of "what Baha'i 
Faith stands for". I studied his posting and regrettably found nothing but
abuse and slander. I will present Dr. Siddiqui's posting in Addendum to 
this introduction and offer my perspective on his presentation in several 
postings 0-10 and I-VIII for your consideration. My reply to Dr. Siddiqui's 
article was originally forwarded to soc.religion.islam. However, the 
moderators of SRI felt that such a reply is irrelevant to their newsgroup 
and must be posted elsewhere. This is why I am bringing this issue to these 
newsgroups.

Muslim friends appear to spend a lot of energy in various forums to advocate 
the idea that Islam, as a philosophy, allows for freedom of speech and fair
treatment. Ali ibn Abu Talib said:

"No writ is big on the face of truth to differentiate its various expressions
from falsehood. Then you can be one of two kinds of men. Either you may be
generous in granting rights; and then why this hiding in spite of (your)
discharging the obligations and good acts that you perform? Or you are a 
victim of stinginess; in that case people will soon give up asking you
since they will lose hope of generous treatment from you. In spite of that
there are many needs of the people towards you which do not involve any 
hardship on you, such as the complaint against oppression or request for 
justice in a matter."
				Ali-ibn-i Abu Talib, Nahj'ul-Balagha,
				Document of Instruction #53, p. 544

"Allow rights to whomsoever it is due, whether near you or far from you. In
this matter you should be enduring and watchful even though it may involve 
your relations and favourites, and keep in view the reward that which appear
burdensome on you because its reward is handsome."

							ibid. p. 544

And the Holy Qur'an is rather clear on this issue:

"O Believers: If any evil-doer come to you with news, clear it up at 
 once, lest through ignorance ye harm others, and speedily have to 
 repent of what ye have done."  
						Qur'an, Hujaraat 49:6

Nevertheless, there appears to be an ocean of difference between the teachings
of Islam, and the Muslim ability to live according to these Islamic ideals.

It is rather obvious that the purpose of these "soc.religion" newsgroups is 
to offer a MODERATED environment for the FREE EXCHANGE OF OPINIONS between 
Muslims and non-Muslims. Such an environment will hopefully close the gap of 
misunderstanding between opposing camps and will minimize religious hatred. 
Regrettably soc.religion.islam has proven itself as a newsgroup for Muslims
conducting verbal jihad against all belief systems other than Islam is
welcomed, yet, a non-Muslim defense is banned in the name of irrelevance and
policy. Soc. religion.islam appears to be a one way street for conducting
religious monologues and passing judgment on others. A safe haven for the
dogmatists to glorify themselves at the expense of others and abuse followers
of all religions in the name of education. A minaret from which no non-muslim
could escape the label of "kufr" -infidelity- and no religion or ideology
appears to be treated with respect. I wonder if the Muslim behavior does not 
represent the Islamic ideals then what does?

My purpose in posting this here is twofold:

1- To offer an ALTERNATIVE PERSPECTIVE on this issue. After all one must
   consider both sides of the story in order to be able to judge fairly.

2- I beg you to voice your opinion on why is criticism of the Baha'i Faith 
   relevant to soc.religion.islam, yet, a defense of this criticism 
   irrelevant to the same newsgroup?

Thank you for your consideration. Please accept my apologies for the length
and number of my replies.

							Intro.
Warm regards,

Kamran Hakim
Newsgroups: talk.religion.misc