Violence in Myanmar and the necessity of amending the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran / Farshid Rafogaran
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Farshid Rafougaran
Burning, beating, torture, rape and widespread massacre of men, women, children, elderly and youth from the defenseless and oppressed Muslim minority by the Buddhists residing in the country of Myanmar, also known as Burma, and the publication of some of the most shocking and mind-boggling images, brings tears to the eyes, worry to the hearts, and tremors to the bodies of humans today. And once again, this simple yet unanswerable question arises in the tired minds of civilized humanity: why can’t and why doesn’t it become possible to live in peace, security and comfort in the vast and beautiful land of the earth, and why does the savagery and ignorance prevail over the pure conscience and conscious being of man, and reign over the innocent and aware mind?
It is obvious that social events, like natural phenomena and accidental occurrences, are subject to causal and causal relationships; meaning that the reason for every phenomenon and effect must be found in the source and cause of its emergence. If we want to examine and investigate the root of all disasters, crimes, and injustices in human history, especially the tragedies of the present era, we will not be faced with just one cause and a few limited reasons, but rather a collection of multiple causes and important factors that, in a chain, lead to the occurrence and realization of the aforementioned regrettable consequences. And until the issues and challenges that have arisen in the field of physical and mental security of national and global society are properly understood and investigated, efforts to solve them or even present solutions in this regard will be futile and merely slogans. Although research and effort in this field require a strong national and international determination from all experts, including sociologists, politicians, lawyers, and religious scholars, and it is certainly not possible
At first glance, it is clear that the root of all these crimes and other similar atrocities in different parts of the world is rooted in the barren desert of anger, aggression, and violence, and their source is the selfishness, pride, and discrimination arising from cultural, religious, ethnic, and racial differences. In other words, when a person becomes an ideologue and believer in a tradition, custom, or religion, they reject and condemn anything that goes against it as absolutely wrong, and give sanctity to their own beliefs and convictions, considering them as the ultimate truth, regardless of whether they are right or wrong. This leads to the belief that they are entitled to better rights and privileges, while the other is deserving of restrictions and threats. This is the starting point of the concept of “self” and “other” on our small planet, which has resulted in wars and crimes. Because in the pursuit of their own rights and fulfilling their duties, the one who considers themselves holy demands more
But the main point is.
Before discussing the main topic, it is necessary to mention that the writer of these lines is an Iranian and a Muslim, and a follower of the Twelver Shia religion. He is committed to the principles and beliefs of his religion to the best of his ability, not blindly but through research. Therefore, what is presented in my perspective does not contradict the fundamental beliefs and principles of my religion, and I deeply believe in it.
Several months had passed since the revolution of fifty-seven and the change in the country’s political system, but despite expectations for forgiveness, mercy, and kindness to prevail as the high standards of Islam and the noble teachings of the Prophet and the essence of the revolution, in my hometown of Shiraz, events occurred that, despite my young age at the time (eight years old) and my weakened memory (forty-seven years old), I still vividly remember the disturbing scenes. For years, different ethnicities, religions, and sects (official or unofficial) had peacefully coexisted in Shiraz, like many other parts of the country. But suddenly, the hidden feeling of superiority and sanctity emerged, aided by the side effects of the change in the political system, and a group of innocent fellow citizens were subjected to severe harassment and violence by extremist and self-appointed individuals, resulting in the burning of residential homes and especially the shops and businesses of the Baha’i community and physical and mental
Let’s forget… about those bitter days, years have passed. Our grandparents, late father, and most of the residents of our old town have also departed to the land of truth. I am also in the midst of completing my fifth decade of life and it is uncertain how many more mornings I will be caught in the midst of the turbulent times. But unfortunately, what remains unchanged and hidden under the ashes of self-interest and ignorance, are the same causes and reasons for unjust discrimination and its accompanying violence.
We must accept that within our public mindset, the same weak and one-sided logic has been hidden, which the Myanmar criminals use both as an excuse and motivation, and also as justification and purification. They consider themselves superior to the followers of the Prophet of Islam and believe they are justified in their persecution, harassment, exploitation, murder, and looting of them. This tragedy becomes even more heartbreaking when it is justified and supported by the ruling powers and legal institutions.
What is happening today in Myanmar and what happened yesterday in the Safavid court regarding the crimes against Sunnis and the Baha’i community, and the thousands of regrettable and dangerous incidents that have affected my fellow Baha’is, is leading us to not fall into the trap of Satan’s negative politics, and to encourage and persuade the leaders and intellectuals of the nation to accept the truth and present useful and appropriate solutions, and to promote culture and continuous education for all, in order to establish and solidify human rights and promote moral values, regardless of national, racial, and religious affiliations, so that there will be no room for creating feelings of difference, discrimination, hatred, revenge, and violence. One of the most important solutions is to change and reform the discriminatory laws that have been a major factor in creating distance between different social and religious classes, both before and after the revolution. It seems that the most important of these reforms should be in the twelfth and thirteenth principles
The Twelfth Origin.
The official religion of Iran is Islam and the Ja’fari branch is the official sect, and this principle is unchangeable forever. Other Islamic sects, such as Hanafi, Shafi’i, Maliki, Hanbali, and Zaidi, are fully respected and followers of these sects are free to practice their religious ceremonies according to their own jurisprudence. They also have the right to teach and educate in religious matters, as well as personal affairs (marriage, divorce, inheritance, and wills), and their related disputes are recognized in official courts. In any region where the majority of followers belong to one of these sects, local regulations will be based on the authority of their respective councils, while preserving the rights of followers of other sects..
Thirteenth origin.:
Zoroastrians, Jews, and Christians are the only recognized religious minorities who are free to practice their religious ceremonies within the limits of the law and follow their own traditions in personal matters and religious teachings..
Fourteenth origin.:
According to the noble verse “God does not forbid you from being kind and just to those who have not fought against you because of your religion or driven you out of your homes. God loves those who are just.” The Islamic Republic of Iran and Muslims are obligated to treat non-Muslims with good morals and Islamic justice, and to respect their human rights. This principle applies to those who do not conspire or act against Islam and the Islamic Republic of Iran..”
As it is observed, the only official religion of the country is Islam and other divine religions are also respected and their followers are allowed to practice their religious duties within the limits of the law. The opposite concept of these principles is the lack of recognition of followers of other sects and beliefs (such as Baha’is and Mandaeans) in the constitution and lack of support for them, which can undoubtedly lead to unfair discrimination and cause thousands of social damages and internal and international security and political risks. Unfortunately, there is a paradox between the fourteenth principle and the twelfth and thirteenth principles of the constitution on one hand, and a practical paradox between the fourteenth principle of the constitution and what is actually happening on the other hand. According to this principle, Baha’i citizens and Iranians are entitled to all human and social rights and also to encounter Islamic justice and good morals. Undoubtedly, one of the most fundamental human rights is the right to education, learning, and employment
It is hoped that readers of this article, regardless of their religious affiliation, will make every effort to denounce the actions of extremist groups such as Daesh, the Taliban, Myanmar, etc. solely based on the principles of humanity and human rights, which are undoubtedly among the most fundamental and important teachings of Islam. Let us not forget the pure conscience, sharp vision, and compassionate hearts that condemn and denounce the direct and clear crimes committed by Buddhists against Muslims, Israel against Palestinians, Hitler against Jews, and Daesh against Shiites, etc., and do not accept their justifications. They will not accept discrimination, violence, and violation of basic and human rights against any nation, religious followers, or sect, under any pretext or purification.
Baha'is Farshid Rafougaran Myanmar ماهنامه خط صلح ماهنامه خط صلح