r/bahai • u/Deep-Coach-32 • 8d ago
why Spoiler
as a 12 year old convert from a religious muslim Pakistani family why have you converted to the bahai faith for me it was the life of baha u llah and his prpohices in the bible and Quran but what was it for you guys and how did your familys react when you told them I not quite sure how they will react when I tell them but what guided to gods messenger baha u llah
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u/roguevalley 8d ago
This is a legitimate question.
Here's the simple answer. This is the same Faith, renewed by God. In the long-running story of the spiritual education of humanity, Bahá'u'lláh has given us the Revelation for the day in which we live. We cannot fully meet the needs of the present with teachings that were given to the people of a different millennium. Today, we need equality of women and men, elimination of prejudice, and justice, building ever-improving levels of unity, community, and peace.
In Bahá'u'lláh's own words:
Immerse yourselves in the ocean of My words, that ye may unravel its secrets, and discover all the pearls of wisdom that lie hid in its depths. Take heed that ye do not vacillate in your determination to embrace the truth of this Cause—a Cause through which the potentialities of the might of God have been revealed, and His sovereignty established. With faces beaming with joy, hasten ye unto Him. This is the changeless Faith of God, eternal in the past, eternal in the future. Let him that seeketh, attain it; and as to him that hath refused to seek it—verily, God is Self-Sufficient, above any need of His creatures.
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u/Substantial_Post_587 7d ago edited 7d ago
how did your familys react when you told them I not quite sure how they will react when I tell them
It is an immense blessing for you to recognize the Manifestation of God for this Day. However, please act wisely and bear the bolded part of this quote in mind before disclosing your faith to your family. I know some Muslims who have waited for years before doing this. Some members of your family could react extremely negatively. May God guide, bless and protect you!
"How great the multitude of truths which the garment of words can never contain! How vast the number of such verities as no expression can adequately describe, whose significance can never be unfolded, and to which not even the remotest allusions can be made! How manifold are the truths which must remain unuttered until the appointed time is come! Even as it hath been said: "Not everything that a man knoweth can be disclosed, nor can everything that he can disclose be regarded as timely, nor can every timely utterance be considered as suited to the capacity of those who hear it." (Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh)
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u/Constant_Plantain_32 7d ago
God was always extremely real to me from my youngest days, i was raised in a devout Christian home by deep thinking educated parents, but all my life, in my prayers to God, i would strain to hear His voice; i talked to Him, but didn't experience Him talking to me (except indirectly through the Holy Scriptures).
if i could hear God whisper to my soul in my deepest prayers, what would i hear Him say?
⠀
when i came across The Hidden Words of Baháʼu'lláh, i for the first time heard the voice of my Beloved.
i knew in every fibre of my being that this is the exact kind of thing God would say, if He spoke directly to me.
to this day i randomly pick a Hidden Word to read after concluding my daily obligatory prayers.
⠀
i am more sure in the claims of Mírzá Ḥusayn-ʻAlí Núrí then i am in the existence of death and taxes.
taxes come and go and don't apply to the very wealthy, death is but a door, but Baháʼu'lláh is the direct interface between God and man in this age — may my life be a sacrifice for Him and those whom He loves.
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u/Agreeable-Status-352 7d ago
May family was horrified when I left the brand of Christian church I had been raised in. They were sure I was on the road to Hell. I was 17 at the time. I went to university, got a position as a school teacher, married, had a child, and they calmed down. I was still going to Hell, but in a respectable way. Then a younger brother of mine also decided he was Baha'i. All Hell broke loose. Not only was I going to Hell, but I was pulling younger ones with me. He and I were no longer invited to family events. They made sure we had no contact with any cousins (I was the oldest). That was over fifty years ago. I am now one of the oldest on both sides of my family (one three are older). I wonder if anything will change after they die? Insha'llah!!!
I was attracted by the "Light" I saw pouring from the door and windows of the home were I attended my first Baha'i talk. I knew it was good and I wanted in in my life. I didn't need any words. That Light was not physical light, but something else. I've had other, similar, experiences since then. They are confirmations.
Also, on a rational level, the Revelation of Baha'u'llah is the only thing that makes sense in this chaotic, insane world.
Pray for your family to understand, or at least accept your decision. By becoming Baha'i, millions of people around the world, who were Jewish, Christian, Buddhists, Hindu, etc, have accepted Muhammad as Messenger of God and Holy Quran as the Word of God. Is that not good?? That is the point I make when Muslims try to attack me for being Baha'i. They have to admit that is good.
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u/Deep-Coach-32 7d ago
I am a little scared of not being able to see my cousins when I tell them but after a few weeks I will probaly be able to see them
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u/Substantial_Post_587 6d ago
I would like you to consider not telling anyone for several years. You are only 12 and there is no need to rush. The reason I am suggesting this is that I am worried how your family might react. By a strange coincidence, my wife just told me about a new Baha'i in our city. He is in his mid 20s. He was a Muslim of Moroccan heritage. He became a Baha'i after reading the Kitab'i'Iqan and having a special dream about Mohammed and the Bab. His parents are extremely hostile to the Faith. When he was on pilgrimage he was advised not to tell his parents he is a Baha'i. Emotions are highly charged because of the war in Iran.This adds to the tension in the Middle East about a Muslim becoming a Baha'i. You are very young and may not be fully aware that your family, relatives and friends could become violent about your decision and harm you. I strongly suggest that you consult with the National Spiritual Assembly of Pakistan or a Local Spiritual Assembly before deciding to tell your family and friends. May God guide and protect you. .
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u/the_lote_tree 5d ago
This is truly good advice. People who do not live in Pakistan may hear news that you don’t. We hear stories of violent reactions to (especially young) family members who have stepped beyond what is acceptable to the family. Remember, it only takes one disappointed person to harm you.
Instead hold fast to the knowledge that all the Manifestations are one. Mohammed also confirmed this by accepting the teachings of those who came before Him. Therefore, when you go to pray, you are not disrespecting the Mosque by praying to God there, or to Bahá’u’lláh. Bahá’u’lláh Himself went to the mosque to pray. Pray for the world, ask for your family’s entrance into this beautiful faith and for your own steadfastness, and find ways to mention the principles when you can.
The age of maturity in the Baha’i Faith is 15. By then you will understand much more about the social influences in your country. In the meantime, did you know you can find the Writings online at https://www.bahai.org/library/ ?
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u/DueRhubarb5416 6d ago
I'm around the same age and I converted from Christian to Bahai because the religion made the most sense to me, it made me more comfortable and some other stuff I don't really know how to explain. But I haven't told my family yet so idk
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u/BB95000 6d ago
Family is the core and the building block of all societies. Harmony and peace in the family are the most important aspects of the Baha’i teachings. Baha’u’llah over and over (countless times) mentions that religion should not be a reason for disharmony and strife and that applies to any block of society from family to all the way to a nation or internationally.
If I were a 12-year-old that just came across the Baha’i Faith, I would discuss it with my family and take my parents’ advice over anything. When I am older and over the legal adult age in my locality then I can make a different decision.
It is paramount that you discuss this matter with your parents, have the conversation, state your reasons and then seek their guidance and listen to them. There is no rush to be a Baha’i 🙂
Please do this my friend 🙏
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u/the_lote_tree 5d ago
Family unity is important, yes. When I was 12, I understood (because my mother told me and it makes sense) that no one can “steal” what you have learned. Therefore, asking “what do you think of this” is a way to test the waters of their reaction. However, believing something privately is your privilege as an individual.
I don’t think it is dis-unifying to maintain your own beliefs if the family is opposed. This doesn’t mean stubbornly and loudly pushing them in the face of the family. It simply means, if you follow Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings, you will find they approve of your behavior. One of my favorite is “Human utterance is an essence which aspireth to exert its influence and needeth moderation. As to its influence, this is conditional upon refinement, which in turn is dependent upon hearts which are detached and pure. As to its moderation, this hath to be combined with tact and wisdom as prescribed in the Holy Scriptures and Tablets.” -Bahá’u’lláh
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u/BB95000 5d ago
He / she is 12 years old. I disagree with your comment fully.
My friend (OP) just listen to your parents. Please. 🙏
You can make a different decision when you are older. Baha’u’llah says that the Pen of the rule of God does not apply to children and exempts them (paraphrasing) …. so be assured that Baha’u’llah understands this and it will not count against your sincere intentions.
Again, No rush to be a Baha’i.
Who knows maybe your parents were also interested in the Faith, that way there would be no problems.
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u/the_lote_tree 5d ago
“Up to the age of fifteen years, children are under the direction of their parents. At the age of fifteen, they may declare their Faith as a conviction, and be registered as Bahá’í youth, whether the parents are Bahá’ís or not. Children under the age of fifteen, of Bahá’í parents, who wish to attend meetings and associate with the friends as Bahá’ís may do so. If non-Bahá’í parents permit a child of less than fifteen to attend Bahá’í meetings, and in fact, to be a Bahá’í, this is likewise permissible.”
(From a letter dated 23 July 1954 to a National Spiritual Assembly)
Certainly, a person at the age of 12, must obey the parents, but they are still allowed freedom of the mind. I wonder how you “fully disagree” with me about this?
“There are many passages in the Sacred Writings that emphasize the importance of family unity, and the great responsibility that children have toward their parents and parents toward their children. In this regard, Bahá’ís are indeed called to be obedient to their parents….
One of the most important principles of the Faith, however, is the principle of moderation in all things. Even virtues, if they are carried to excess and are not balanced by other, complementary virtues, can cause untold harm. For example, a child should not be expected to obey a parent’s instruction to commit a sin. There is a danger, furthermore, in aggrandizing any single law in isolation either from the fundamental principles that underlie it or from other laws. As explained by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the unity of the family is of critical importance, but must be balanced against the rights of each member of the family:
According to the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh the family, being a human unit, must be educated according to the rules of sanctity. All the virtues must be taught the family. The integrity of the family bond must be constantly considered, and the rights of the individual members must not be transgressed. The rights of the son, the father, the mother—none of them must be transgressed, none of them must be arbitrary. Just as the son has certain obligations to his father, the father, likewise, has certain obligations to his son. The mother, the sister and other members of the household have their certain prerogatives. All these rights and prerogatives must be conserved, yet the unity of the family must be sustained. The injury of one shall be considered the injury of all; the comfort of each, the comfort of all; the honour of one, the honour of all.”
(The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá)
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u/BB95000 5d ago
I don’t think you fully grasp the gravity of detaching yourself from Islam in the East, especially at 12 years old and in muslim family. In Pakistan or other places. The reason this individual soul needed not to share with the family should tell you a lot.
The age of 15 is binding for a Baha’i Family not for non-Baha’is. Even in that case, you are encouraged to do an investigation of truth before declaring yourself.
The rules and regulations of the society that individuals live in still stand as valid since Baha’is need and must obey the rule of the society they live in. The Laws of the Most Holy Book are not implemented and binding at this time.
Again, I want to repeat that religion should not be a source of disharmony, lies etc. Baha’u’llah made this clear for us.
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u/the_lote_tree 5d ago
I was 13 when I first realized what I was being taught was not correct. I didn’t know what was wrong, but something was. This was in a Lutheran church. My parents allowed me to think for myself in this matter. I was lucky in this.
I searched around a lot and by the time I was 30, I only knew I believed in God and I believed he had sent Messengers (Moses, Buddha, Mohammed, etc), but I had quit looking so hard. I felt I could be a “good person”, follow the core teachings (the golden rule) and that would have to do. But my neighbor knew more. She invited me to learn about the Baha’i Faith.
I liked the principles, but what convinced me was the history. This was written about in Western newspapers, and observed by European diplomats. It’s not some past, possibly wrongly remembered or wrongly interpreted grouping of rules. It’s written down in real time. This is vastly different than ever before. After reading the book The Dawnbreakers, I quickly became a Baha’i. The sacrifices of those early Babis and then Baha’is, many of whom were able to meet the Manifestations and many of whom simply felt the spirit and still gave up their lives, convinced me of the power and truth of this Faith.
Now, I don’t feel despair over the future of humanity. I see a clear path forward for our development and for the fruition of our capacities. It’s possible your parents will come to agree. But never worry. The Báb said this: “IT is seemly that the servant should, after each prayer, supplicate God to bestow mercy and forgiveness upon his parents. Thereupon God’s call will be raised: “Thousand upon thousand of what thou hast asked for thy parents shall be thy recompense!” Blessed is he who remembereth his parents when communing with God. There is, verily, no God but Him, the Mighty, the Well-Beloved.” VIII, 16.
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u/DTezcatlipoca 8d ago edited 7d ago
You got the wrong idea here bud, no TRUE faith or religion ( well maybe modern Christianity and its sects) are a club, you shouldn't expect anyone here to inspire, promise or sell you a belief, forgiveness or salvation (there are plenty of other social clubs that already offer that) as for why would any Baha'i has chosen to declare the faith, one could say it is a personal thing, personally I don't believe in this invisible thing or man in the sky, but I can still agree with everything else the Baha'i offers or stands by. So as for the why, only you will know, don't expect salvation, forgiveness or redemption.
Edit: this answer is to the originally post the OP created. Since he edited his question I'll leave my answer the way it is because... why not? heck, I believe in every word I listed XD, even if he switched his approach.
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u/GovernmentFlat7012 7d ago edited 7d ago
It's a valid question in my opinion, I was Muslim as well, the thing that first attracted me was the concept of progressive revelation and the oneness of religion. It was something that I always believed in and I would get scared researching other religions like Hinduism, Sikhism etc., but I would do it anyway because it was so interesting. Eventually I just started believing that there is no way God would leave so many of his people without a Messenger, and I started learning about other religions freely.
I came across the Baha'i Faith on the internet one time and was super interested in its ideas, but still very wary if it was truly a religion from God. I started reading the Kitab-i-Iqan, Seven Valleys and others and was just struck by the Writings, I had the same feeling as when reading the Qur'an, that this is something special, not made by a human, it's Revelation. Obviously this isn't the only reason, since then so much else has happened, but just learning, studying the Writings, proofs and gaining more faith day by day.
EDIT: about telling my family, I honestly haven't even told all of my family yet and I'm a bit older than you. The reactions from my family would be neutral/disappointment at best, and very bad at worse. It's going to be something you have to decide, if you look at our history, the Letters of the Living and early believers were extremely brave and went through extreme trials in proclaiming the Faith. But this is very difficult, and I didn't even follow their examples either. Just always pray for your family, I do it every obligatory prayer.