In a dramatic and long-anticipated move, Payam Aryan’s defection from the authoritarian stronghold of Haifan Baha’i leadership, combined with his recent podcast appearance alongside vocal critic Armin Nabavi, has sent shockwaves through the ranks of the Haifan organization. Aryan, a former Baha’i, has emerged as a prominent critic, questioning the institutional nature of the Haifan Baha’i sect and challenging its alignment with the original spiritual teachings of Baha’u’llah. Sounds like a Free Baha’i? Looks like the teachings of Free Baha’i is spreading all across. His critiques, particularly against what he sees as cult-like practices, have drawn significant attention and resonated with many disillusioned followers, especially younger Baha’i who feel increasingly disconnected from the rigid dogma enforced by the leadership.
The episode, which aired yesterday, has drawn considerable attention, as both hosts boldly referred to the Haifan Baha’i administration as a cult-like institution that has long abandoned the spiritual path outlined by Baha’u’llah. This candid discussion has intensified ongoing debates surrounding the oppressive practices and rigid control exercised by the Haifa-based leadership.
The podcast, regularly attracting between 1 and 2 million viewers across platforms like YouTube and Clubhouse, has sparked serious concerns within the Haifan Baha’i establishment. Many now predict a severe public relations backlash, with an increasing number of followers—particularly the youth—disillusioned by the institutionalized hierarchy, potentially reconsidering their allegiance.
This critical shift in public perception was set into motion in 2023 during Aryan’s earlier appearance on Nabavi’s program, where the conversation began to challenge the centralization of power in the Baha’i World Centre in Haifa. Aryan’s alignment with these critiques during the recent episode marks a pivotal turning point. “Thanks, Armin!” Aryan remarked, acknowledging the role Nabavi played in facilitating this bold, necessary discourse.
The crisis deepened with recent news from Australia, where a respected Iranian Baha’i figure was reportedly expelled for questioning the institutions—another example of the Haifan administration’s intolerance of differing views. This incident has triggered widespread unease within the Iranian Baha’i diaspora in Australia, many of whom have long felt marginalized by the community’s leadership. With the local Baha’i community already struggling to engage younger generations, the expulsion has further raised doubts about the Haifan sect’s future in Australia.
Furthermore, reports from the U.S. Baha’i community indicate that over 30 Iranian Baha’is, including Aryan himself, have been excommunicated in recent months. A source close to these developments revealed that many younger Baha’is are feeling increasingly disconnected from the rigid dogma enforced by the Haifans. This growing discontent reflects a broader trend: an emerging awareness among Free Baha’is and others that the spiritual teachings of Baha’u’llah have been overshadowed by the administrative machinery of Haifa, which has prioritized power and control over unity and love.
As these events continue to unfold, the Haifan organization stands at a critical crossroads. The central question now is whether its leadership will acknowledge the spiritual rot within or continue down a path of suppression and exclusion, further alienating its global followers. For Free Baha’is, this moment signifies an opportunity to return to the true teachings of Baha’u’llah—centered on love, unity, and freedom from clerical authority. We in the Free Baha’i movement will continue to watch closely as this saga develops, hopeful that more will awaken to the liberating message of Baha’u’llah, untainted by the trappings of power and politics.
The Caravan will be here to provide a voice for those seeking spiritual truth and freedom. More power to all those who question the Administration and follow the pristine path of Baha’u’llah.
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