Baháʼí Faith in Pakistan
The Baháʼí Faith originated in the 19th century Persian empire, and soon spread into the neighboring British India, which is now Pakistan and other states. The roots of the religion in Pakistan go back to the 1840s, and it was recognized in the constitution of 1981 as a religious minority with legal rights.[1] According to various sources, there are 2,000 to 87,000 Baha'is living in Pakistan.[2][3]
One of the disciples of the Báb, Shaykh Saʼid-i-Hindi, was from Multan, Pakistan, and was instructed by the Báb to spread the religion to his homeland. The Shaykh converted a blind man named Basir from Multan, who traveled to Iran, met Baháʼu'lláh, and was later killed for his beliefs while in Iran.[4] Another early Indian convert was Qahru'llah, who met the Báb in Chihríq and returned to India.[5] Baháʼu'lláh later encouraged followers to travel to India and spread the Baháʼí Faith there.[6]
Notes[edit]
- ↑ Fareed 2015, p. xvii.
- ↑ Das 2013.
- ↑ ARDA 2010.
- ↑ Zarandi 1932, pp. 558-590.
- ↑ Fareed 2015, p. 119-122.
- ↑ Momen & Smith 1993.
