Spiritual Assemblies of the Baha'is of Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg, Illinois
"The time fore-ordained unto the peoples and kindreds of the earth is now come. The promises of God, as recorded in the holy Scriptures, have all been fulfilled."
...Bahá'u'lláh
Humankind is One - The human race is one unified, distinct species, an organic unit. Racial, national, political, religious and economic differences are superficial barriers to world peace and world unity.
Religion is One- The major world religions "proceeded from one Source...That they differ one from another is to be attributed to the varying requirements of the ages in which they were promulgated." (Bahá'u'lláh)
The Independent Investigation of Truth- God has given each human being a mind and the capacity to differentiate truth from falsehood. Attachment to an ideology without personal search for truth leads to fanaticism and conflict.
The Unity of Religion and Science- Religion and science are complementary. Religious beliefs contrary to scientific standards are superstition, and scientific progress without spiritual guidance leads to materialistic excess.
The Equality of Men and Women- Women are deserving of equal educational and social opportunities. A greater balance between feminine and masculine influence on society will eliminate war.
Universal Education- The education of all children must be assured. Ignorance leads to social disorder.
Abolishing Extremes of Wealth and Poverty- The majority of humanity lives in dire poverty and misery. Long-term cooperation, not short-term competition and profit, must be the basis of organized economic activity.
Auxiliary International Language- The multiplicity of languages is a major impediment to world unity. An existing language, or an invented one, must be taught as a second language in all schools.
We invite you to further investigate the message of Bahá'u'lláh!
For more information, please call: 847/885-2172
Bahá'u'lláh- A Brief Introduction to His Life and Work A statement released by the Universal House of Justice, the world governing body of the Baha'i Faith, marking the centenary of His passing.
The Baha'is- A "cyber magazine" released by the Baha'i International Community. A good introduction to Bahá'u'lláh and the Baha'i Faith, it answers all basic questions.
The Vision of Race Unity - America's Most Challenging Issue - A timely statement by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States about racism and racial strife in America.
The Promise of World Peace - Statement of the Universal House of Justice, describing the steps that must be taken in order to achieve what Bahá'u'lláh called "The Most Great Peace."
"Only when the lamp of search, of earnest striving, of longing desire, of passionate devotion, of fervid love, of rapture, and ecstacy, is kindled within the seeker's heart, and the breeze of His loving-kindness is wafted upon his soul, will the darkness of error be dispelled, the mists of doubts and misgivings be dissipated, and the lights of knowledge and certitude envelop his being."
...Bahá'u'lláh
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Spiritual Assemblies of the Baha'is of
From the Bergen Record (New Jersey):
By PAT KINNEY
When members of the Baha'i faith came together earlier this month to dedicate a memorial to co-religionists in Iran who were killed because of their beliefs, the gathering was as much a family reunion as a solemn farewell.
The sun shines brightly on this cool, early spring afternoon. Apple trees bloom pale pink and white along the path leading into the Presby Memorial Iris Garden in Montclair. A small group of people gathers under a canopy at the top of a hill.
They mill about and greet one another. As at any family gathering, especially those that follow a loss, bonds grow tighter, smiles warmer. Laughter is not inappropriate in this setting. Hugs outnumber handshakes.
"Rachel and I just moved to Teaneck. We really like New Jersey. We were invited to become caretakers at the Baha'i properties in Teaneck."
"You know it's just two years ago that I declared [formally joined the faith]."
"I keep meeting people, and they remind me that I sat on their laps when I was 5 years old."
As the memorial service begins, the mourners form a circle.
A prayer for unity begins the program: "Oh my God. Oh my God. Unite the hearts of Thy servants and reveal unto them Thy great purpose." The young woman in a purple summer dress has a slight accent as she reads. She is from Estonia.
Darrel Smith, a member of the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Montclair, speaks. "We welcome you to this, the dedication of a memorial for Baha'is who have died for their faith in Iran. For those who are not familiar with this faith, Baha'is believe in God, the oneness of mankind, the unity of religions, and obedience to government. Baha'is believe in Baha'u'llah.
"Baha'is all over the world have lost loved ones. Those who stood firm in their beliefs. May this spot substitute for the cemetery, the resting place they are denied."
The memorial dedicated this day consists of a wooden park bench with a brass plaque, "Bench in Memory of the Baha'is of Iran, Dedicated May 2, 1999." Flanking the bench are three large lilac bushes.
The short ceremony continues; a prayer for the departed and several more prayers are read by others in the group.
A blonde woman sings in a South Carolina drawl, "God is sufficient unto me. He verily is the all-sufficing. In Him let the trusting trust."
Most of the assemblage recognize this chant. It was sung more than 150 years ago in Iran as thousands of Babis -- as Baha'is were known then -- were put to death by firing squad. Given a choice to recant their faith, they resolutely put themselves in the hands of God.
The service concludes. One by one, the guests -- African-American, Iranian, Japanese, Greek-American, small children, and teenagers -- are presented with a long-stemmed, salmon-pink rose and a bit of baby's breath as a token. All have not lost blood relations or even close friends, but all are united in paying their respects to people who suffered for beliefs they all embrace.
Persecution of Baha'is in Iran dates to the birth of the faith there in 1844. When the revolution in Iran in 1979 placed the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in charge of both religious and secular life in the country, the Baha'is became subject to discrimination, imprisonment, and even death.
The Clinton administration recently criticized the Iranian government for sentencing four Baha'is to prison for preaching their faith.
Bashir Zivari, also a member of the Montclair group, said so many Baha'is had died and so many here had lost loved ones that a meeting was held and a decision made to memorialize all of these martyrs by making a donation to Montclair that people will continue to enjoy.
Zivari has lost relatives in the recent persecutions in Iran. His father, Farajollah Zivari, explained: "My cousin, Dr. Ruhollah Talim, head of gynecology at Kirmansha Hospital. He was executed. His clothes were sent to his mother. They asked for money for the bullets that shot him."
Another Iranian-born Baha'i, Saraj Avaregan, who resides in Glen Rock, also recalled loved ones. "My uncle's brother, Mr. Khademi. My aunt's brother, Dr. Amin, was a member of the National Spiritual Assembly [of the Baha'is] in Teheran. He is one of the Baha'is that we know has been killed, but we don't know what happened or when or where his body is. That was in 1980-81," Avaregan said.
But, Avaregan added, Baha'is are not bitter. He said their writings state, "I have made death a messenger of joy to thee. Wherefore dost thou grieve?"
"We can't live forever in this world. It is better to go for a goal that glorifies humanity. They are giving their lives for humanity. We have to be proud of them. They worked to establish what they died for."
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Pat Kinney is a representative of the Baha'i community on the Interfaith Brotherhood-Sisterhood Committee.
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Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg, Illinois