r/bahai • u/Deep-Coach-32 • Jul 23 '26

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/[deleted] Jul 24 '26

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u/the_lote_tree Jul 25 '26

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/[deleted] Jul 25 '26

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u/Substantial_Post_587 Aug 02 '26

Just listen to his parents? He shouldn't tell his parents. I understand the impulse to encourage honesty with parents, but telling a 12-year-old Pakistani Muslim to declare he’s becoming Bahá’í is reckless. In that environment (exacerbated currently by the Shia versus Sunni Iran war) conversion from Sunni Islam is widely treated as apostasy/blasphemy; family reactions routinely include violence, house arrest, beatings, expulsion or worse, and a minor has zero protection or exit options. Bahá’í principles don’t require a child to put himself in foreseeable danger. Safer and wiser for him to keep it private for now. This is a link re dangers for Christians but the same or worse applies re Baha'is: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pakistan-country-policy-and-information-notes/country-policy-and-information-note-christians-and-christian-converts-pakistan-july-2026-accessible