1 February, 2000
From
Dastur Nadirshah P.Unvalla
High Priest
Bangalore Parsee Zoroastrian Anjuman
Bangalore.
Ref: VII World Zoroastrian Congress
I am given to understand that at the above Congress Mr. Ali
Jefary will make a presentation and will also receive an award. The reason for
making this award is not known. Kindly clarify?
It is known to all concerned that Mr. Ali Jefary is born a
Muslim. He claims to have been converted to our faith and proclaims himself a
RATO, a title and honor bestowed only on our Prophet Zoroaster.
Mr. Jefary is known to openly criticized and belittle our
religion and our holy Prophet and shows scant respect for our holy scriptures.
His stance on the Zoroastrian religion, to say the least, is disrespectful and
leaves us to wonder as to why he chose Zoroastrianism if he found so many flows
with the religion and its scriptures. Articles published in various magazines
and newspapers clearly reveal his blatant attack on the various traditions.
customs and beliefs of Zoroastrianism! And we for some inexplicable reason chose
to honor this man in the presence of many dignitaries and stalwarts of our
community. What could be more humiliating and self-defeating then this move?
If the purpose of the Congress is to enlighten the world
about the Zoroastrian religion and the teachings of Prophet Zoroaster, then Mr.
Ali Jefary presence and pronouncements run totally contrary to these noble
objectives. It is we Parsees that would even consider having his presence in our
midst possibly because we are tolerant by nature believing that all persons must
be given an opportunity to express their views. However would Mr. Jefary dare to
make similar criticisms and observations as applicable to Islam and the Prophet
Mohammed. If he has courage he should go back to Iran and try and convert as
many Iranian Muslims to his way of thinking. I am sure he is well aware of the
consequences, as he is aware of the wrath of the Iranian Mullahs who would not
hesitate to take extreme action against him for his blasphemy- a case in point
being Salman Rushdie.
I, as one of the Dasturs of the community take strong
objection to Mr. Ali Jefary's involvement in the Congress deliberations. What is
his status? What are his credentials? In our religion conversion is totally
prohibited. Will the Congress recognize Mr. Jefary as a convert Zoroastrian?
Would this not establish a very dangerous precedent? 1 am told that he has
already started converting people of other faith to Zoroastrianism. Is this
acceptable? By what right and authority can he claim to have the powers of such
conversion?
Our Bangalore Anjuman takes seat pains to steadfastly hold
on to the customs, traditions and tenants of our beautiful religion as laid down
and practiced through the ages by the Parsees. We have maintained a staunch
orthodox stance without permitting
any deviations from established norms. Mr. Jeafary's so called contribution
deserves to be condemned as counter productive, damaging and above all
humiliating. His type can lead only to confusion, ignorance and above all an
erosion of our faith. It is my sincere hope that ultimately common sense and
wiser councils will prevail and the idea of involving Mr.Ali Jefary in the
Congress will be given up to the betterment of` all concerned.
Best regards,
* * * * * *
LINKS:
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Analysis
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TABLE OF CONTENTS and Their Links
Introduction & the Gist of "The Plain Reality Behind The Intricate Falsity"