Egyptian Bahais struggle for recognition against Islamists incitement to violence

Excerpts from TV debates on Bahá'ís in Egypt, which aired on Dream 2 TV in 2006 and 2008.

For transcript: http://www.memritv.org/clip_transcript/en/2112.htm

Memri Clip No. 2112

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Persecution
• Hatred
• Debate
• Islam
• Muslims
• Islamism
• Egypt
• Bahai
• Baha'i
• Bahá'í
• Bahai Faith
• Baha'i Faith
• Bahá'í Faith
• memri
• Rauf Hindi
• Mahmoud 'Ashur
• Sahar Jalal

[N1maNayrizi]

Medina was a city controlled by the Jews, and if you remember, the Jews believe that prophethood is passed down from the Prophet to His son or brother (Moses to Aaron) and the Jews had asked the Prophet who would be His successor (ie the next prophet within Islam) but since Muhammad had no son, He declared Himself the Seal of the Prophets (within the dispensation of Islam as opposed to Judaism which had hundreds of prophets) that's one interpretation, however, the Muslim clergy has ignored it..

[mavaddat]

Nima, I'm not sure I understand why your interpretation would be troubling for the Muslim clergy. It seems you're saying exactly what they're saying.

Except, so far as I know, there's no notion of the "dispensation of Islam" in the Islamic literature. From my limited knowledge, this seems to be a strictly Bahá'í invention.

I just don't think Baha'u'llah's arguments in the Iqán "hold water". It seems by all reasonable interpretation Muhammad meant there would be no new revelation after him.

[DontEatEggs666]

@mavaddat

Early in Islamic history, long before the Fitna wars, "Seal of the Prophet" simply meant God's stamp of approval on earlier prophets. The early Muslim community was fully expecting another Prophet after Muhammad. This belief died out, and around the late 700s to 800s the idea that "Seal" means "Last" came into existence. Before that, Seal in no way implied last or final. Thus, Baha'u'llah's argument has historical basis among the earliest Muslims.

[mavaddat]

@DontEatEggs666 The problem is first that Shoghi Effendi has interpretted it as meaning that Muhammad was the last of the lesser prophets (nabiyyin or 'anbi'a), thus negating your explanation of it merely being a stamp of approval. This interpretation fails, however, since every greater prophet is also a lesser prophet in Islamic philosophy.

Second, there are numerous Hadith from the earliest days suggesting that Muhammad was the completion of all religion, not just uniquely special.

[shotta0121]

Muslims always ask for tolerance here in the west.

But they don't tolerate other religions in thier coontries

[Rechavi]

@januk36 I agree with you. Every one is born free and no one has the right to impose any idea, belief, ideology etc... upon anyone.

[januk36]

@Rechavi : Peace and respect for all. I don't understand those fanatics who think that they must decide in place of whatever god they believe in. In my undestanding, THAT's true blasphemy.

[Rechavi]

@januk36 I know. Last two days suicide attack on shiites. Islamic fundamentalism must be stopped!!

[januk36]

@Rechavi : You don't believe that the Sheik asked for killing Bahais ? It's already happening in Pakistan - not the Bahais but to equally peaceful Ahmadi...

[Rechavi]

@Rechavi to correct myself (montezori passed away..too bad).

[Rechavi]

That ignorant lady doesnt understand that Bahais are very peaceful and teach peace. So if his son converted to Christianity they wouldnt kill or disown him, as many stupid ignorant muslims will do. Please have a duscourse with one of the elite Shiite clerics (as Montezori), because Sunnis are so horrible and everything is with blood. Bahais, buddhists, hindus, muslims, jews, christians, etc...are all the same to god.