The world’s youngest major religion, the Bahá’í Faith champions the unity of all religions, peace, harmony and ethical conduct—qualities that resonate powerfully in our interconnected era. Yet in Iran, Bahá’ís have endured almost two centuries of persecution, from Qajar-era pogroms to the Islamic Republic’s post-1979 ban on higher education for their children and execution of over two hundred adherents. Branded as heretics, spies and enemies of Islam, they have faced imprisonment, torture and social ostracism despite their steadfast commitment to loyalty and service to their homeland.

Now, at a pivotal moment in Iran’s history, a new generation—skeptical of clerical authority and eager for a modern, inclusive identity—questions these ingrained hostilities. Scholars, commentators and civic leaders are calling for equal rights and recognition for Bahá’ís as fellow citizens. In this meticulously researched work, Fereydun Vahman chronicles both the community’s trials and Iran’s broader struggle for diversity and self-honesty, offering a compelling narrative of resilience and hope amid adversity.