Report of a successful talk presented on the weekend by Zainuddin to the local IRO (Inter-Religious Organization). On Saturday evening the Baha'i community turned out especially to hear how Muslims and Baha'i can achieve some tolerance and mutual respect, common ground even. In attendance were something like a score of Baha'i, a Catholic, a Buddhist and one Indian Muslim girl all keenly concentrated on Zainuddin out in a HDB in Choa Chu Kang. Historically there had been much tension between the Baha'i and Muslims. The former faith developed in a corner NW of the Sub-Continent, early nineteenth century circa Tzar Peter the Great's territorial expansion. At the outset the problem for Muslims began with the chief Prophet of the Baha'i (one of a trinity) declaring all the Korans of the world needed to be burnt. Further, the Baha'i forbade polygamy (though it seems one of their prophets maintained more than a single family). Last in the line of Baha'i prophets was much less of an obstacle for Islam. (For Zainuddin, however, the fact the man was an inveterate smoker was concerning. It seems there existed in the archives a photograph of a reception in Buckingham Palace where this eminence was captured between the Queen and Prince Phillip, the latter shown directing a withering look at the almost invisible figure wreathed in his cloud.)
It may have been the middle, the second Baha'i prophet, who was said in his person to be the manifestation of God. Not a conduit nor Messenger; neither a Prophet alone. Different to a son in the Christian trinity presumably.
Well, a pause was needed there too. Challenging obstacles altogether for any kind of bridge between the two faiths, Islam and the Baha'i faith. (Not -ism. The Baha'i avoided and rejected that linguistic convenience.)
After his introductory speech that sought to clear some ground, a range of good, deft responses to inherently difficult questions from Zainuddin.
How to proceed?
Well, firstly one should remember it can only be God who judges these and all other matters. Not and never man. All dangerous contention must be left to him.
It was not a difficulty for Zainuddin to accept that all the prophets and teachers going back to Confucius, even Plato and Socrates, offered something to human enlightenment. Even after Mohammad there might have been similar. It was asking a bit much to suggest that for 1400 years after Mohammad there had been nothing further added to the illumination of the Almighty by all the generations of seekers.
Labels and designations were finally human constructs. The striving and seeking, the need and the hope on this earth were all one, in all the lands of the Almighty’s creation.
The call for a great Koranic conflagration?
Well, might it be possible the Prophet concerned—the Bab; the Door in this instance—had intended to counter the conservatives of Islam, the hard-core extremists? One met one’s opponents’ belligerence with the same. It was always thus, no?
There might be found possibilities if one thought deeply enough. If one wanted to reach out to one's fellows. Men often made difficulties where none were necessary.
Not difficult to imagine the general agreement from the assembly; the dubious persuaded to consider anew. General goodwill and amity; some sweet reason reigning.
At this gathering it was possible there may have been an attempt by the Baha'i to ensnare the Indian Muslim girl. A subtle, rather devious strategy among the tea cups and biscuits that was quietly and deftly countered by Zainuddin.
Well done Mr. Z. A success by any measure. Long round of applause out at Choa Chu Kang Saturday early evening and an invitation to return before the end of the year.
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