Ayatollah Montazeri clarifies his position on Bahai Faith - Mideast Youth - Thinking Ahead




Ayatollah Montazeri clarifies his position on Bahai Faith
Author: Mohammad Memarian (Iran) - June 17, 2008

Question:
Your Excellency,
In one of your [previous] answers to [the questions regarding] Bahai sect, pointing out that Bahai faith is not considered a legal religious minority for it lacks a divine scripture, you stated:
“However, for they are citizens of this country and have a right due to belonging to this country, they have the right of citizenship.”
Following your response, some of the followers of Bahai faith abused [it] and made significant claims, and it’s even said that your pre-revolution opinion about them has changed [into this newer version]. Please kindly clarify this issue and your point about ‘right of citizenship’.
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Ayatollah Monatazeri’s Answer:
Blessing and peace
My opinion regarding Bahai sect is still what I did believe in since pre-revolution years and has not experienced any change. However, due to Quran stating that “Allah does not forbid you respecting those who have not made war against you on account of (your) religion, and have not driven you forth from your homes, that you show them kindness and deal with them justly; surely Allah loves the doers of justice” (60-8), and due to Imam Ali’s letter to Malik Ashtar (a sincere companion of Imam Ali, appointed by him to govern Egypt) that “Maalik! You must create in your mind kindness, compassion and love for your subjects. Do not behave towards them as if you are a voracious and ravenous beast and as if your success lies in devouring them. Remember, Maalik, that amongst your subjects there are two kinds of people: those who have the same religion as you have; they are brothers to you, and those who have religions other than that of yours, they are human beings like you”, the humane rights of those who do not follow any heavenly religion must be respected.
‘Right of Citizenship’ is a general term, and its limits should be defined according to public customs and the constitution of which the majority are approving. However, if any person is trying to be the enemy of country’s people, or cooperate with external enemies [of the nation] and their cooperation is proved in a credible court, they must be punished. And their citizenship is not a barrier to the law being enforced. And attention should be paid so as the youth do not get trapped by their malicious propaganda; and if doing business or having companionship with them works as a mean strengthening their position, it should be avoided.
God-willing you will be successful,

25-Khordad-1387 (14-June-2008)
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Source: Comments to a post in Radio Zamaneh. Note that the source is not that reliable; however, since the issue is of a relatively high importance, I do expect several other sources to publish it as soon as possible.
Update: Here is a reliable reference from the official site of Ayatollah Montazeri. the first 3 fatwas are about Bahaism, including the previous one published earlier in MEY and this newest one. And there is something in between them repeating the same theme.