THE BASES OF ANTI-BAHA'I ATTITUDES IN IRAN
Keywords:
ANTI-BAHA'I, IRAN, Taqlid, Mahdur al-damm, Allies of the ShahAbstract
Four sets of factors (religious, political, economic, and sociocultural) are examined to explain the prejudice and discrimination against Bahá'fs in Iran. Religious factors are identified as being the most important and fundamental since the Bahå'í Faith violates cherished beliefs of devout Twelver Shí'fs, and thus is seen by them as neither a legitimate independent religion nor as a legitimate sect of Sh('í Islám. The other factors contribute to the hostility against Bahå but derive most of their strength from the pre-existing religious animosity.
References
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