I presume that the readers are fairly aware of the Baha’i Faith and its founder and contributors. One such personality, given a heroic status, is Dr. Rehmatullah Muhajir. Much is stated about his pioneering efforts at Mentawai Island from 1953-1957, from where on wards he got the greater than life status in the Baha’i Faith. Let us closely analyze his efforts in this period: 

a.      Dr. Rehmatullah Muhajir went to the Islands as a physician appointed by the Government of Indonesia. He was on the pay-rolls of the Government. However, Dr. Rehmatullah Muhajir tried to use this opportunity to influence few inhabitants and introduce the Baha’i Faith.

b.      Dr. Rehmatullah Muhajir cleverly projected his efforts as service to humanity externally and within the Faith as service for the Cause. The fact was, he wanted to get prominence in the Baha’i Faith and saw himself as a contestant for future engagement in managing the affairs. The Government of Indonesia was paying for all this!

c.      If service to humanity was his goal, why did he return to the Holy Land immediately on passing away of the Guardian? The answer is very clear – to occupy a position in the Faith.

d.      If Dr. Rehmatullah Muhajir had converted several thousand natives of Mentawai Island, where are they presently after almost three generations? Today Christianity, Islam and native belief – in that order – are the prominent beliefs. There is no trace of Baha’i Faith in the island.

e.      The Mentawai Island has seen several devastating earthquakes and Tsunamis in past 60 years. While many world nations and communities have been seen supporting rescue and rehabilitation efforts, the humanity loving Baha’i Faith, was never to be seen. What happened to service of humanity, a salient principle of the Faith? Or was Mentawai a failed case for the Faith? 

From the above it is clear that Dr. Rehmatullah Mohajir spent a paid holiday in the beautiful Mentawai Island for four years along with gaining prominence in Faith. 

Another of Dr. Rehmatullah Mohajir’s so called success in spreading the Baha’i Faith is his contribution to the Indian Baha’i Community. Dr. Rehmatullah Muhajir was in India, in early 60’s had attained sufficient position to avoid staying in third world India. He used to frequent often and is credited to have been instrumental in growing the community numbers from 850 in 1961 to 1000000 in 1979, the year of his death. He is also credited to have established the Rabbani School and Faizi Institute. Now let us analyze Dr. Rehmatullah Muhajir’s Indian sojourns:

a.      Both the Institutes were established by seeking government grants projecting the humanitarian vision of the Baha’i Faith. Both the institutes became notorious later as Baha’i propagation centers and were/are under continuous surveillance by the Indian intelligence agencies.

b.      Both the institutes became a ground for collecting funds from wealthy Baha’i communities across India and the world. The only beneficiaries were Dr. Rehmatullah Muhajir’s family members.

c.      Needless to say such Institutes don’t survive in the long run. Both are under verge of closure and would be most likely taken over by the government or other non-Baha’i trusts.

d.      Dr. Rehmatullah Muhajir, after his Mentawai success, became a master at inflating numbers. He taught this art to the Indian Baha’i Community. That is why we find mind boggling numbers of assemblies in this period (stated around 10000 LSA’s in India) and huge surge in community members. Official Government census from 70’s to present day say differently. Present community strength in India is less than 5000 (Exact 4572, census 2011). Where is the huge community that Dr. Rehmatullah Muhajir is credited with? 

e.      Present day Baha’i Administration is facing embarrassment in public and facing anxious moments under scrutiny by intelligence agencies to justify the inflated numbers. Loyalty and integrity of the Baha’i Faith members is under question. All this is the legacy of Dr. Rehmatullah Muhajir.

f.        Muhajir family members, who have inherited unscrupulous habits from their uncle are keeping the same tradition alive in India through Payman Muhajir. The Muhajir’s have been a big liability in India for past 50 years.

g.      It is well known that during 60’s he had strained relations with his ever-supporting wife. He preferred company of younger ladies. There are several old-timers to vouch for this, although official history conveniently overlooks this while creating a saintly image of Dr. Rehmatullah Muhajir. 

To conclude, Dr. Rehmatullah Muhajir was a publicity seeking, shrewd manipulator. True to his Persian blood. His so-called service to the Baha’i Faith is only to promote himself. He has cleverly mis-appropriated Baha’i funds to build assets and settle his family. He has seen the Baha’i Faith as a family business to be passed on from generation to generation. He has successfully, in that regard created the Muhajir brand for reaping benefits in decades to come. Unfortunately, several sincere Baha’is are hardly remembered, while fraudsters as Dr. Rehmatullah Muhajir are immortalized. 

Regretfully yours, 

A concerned Baha’i 

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