The Universal House of Justice issued a letter on June 23, 2009 to the Baha'is of Iran in light of recent events in that country. In the letter, the House of Justice describes its "mounting fear for the safety of millions of Iranian men and women, so many of them at the pinnacle of their youth, their vast potentialities yearning to be realized" and links the long suffering of the Iranian Baha'i community to the suffering being experienced by their fellow citizens.Yet the letter reminds us that there is reason for hope for the future of Iran, that we should keep alive in our hearts "the feeling of confidence that the future of Iran holds bright promise . . . and the belief that love will ultimately conquer hatred and enmity." The House of Justice expresses its confidence that the Baha'is of Iran will adhere to the fundamental principle of the Baha'i Faith strictly prohibiting any involvement in partisan politics and illuminates the appropriate process by which oppression is overcome:
. . . the proper response to oppression is neither to succumb in resignation nor to take on the characteristics of the oppressor. The victim of oppression can transcend it through an inner strength that shields the soul from bitterness and hatred and which sustains consistent, principled action.
Certainly this passage brings to mind the attributes of the great historical figures and groups who were able to transcend oppression through their inner strength, refusal to give in to bitterness and hatred, and consistent, principled action. The letter closes with the assurance of the House of Justice's prayers for the Baha'is of Iran and their compatriots, and the following words of promise from 'Abdu'l-Baha:
Iran shall become a focal centre of divine splendours. Her darksome soil will become luminous and her land will shine resplendent.
Photo reprinted with permission of the Bahá’í International Community
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