The POD is either the Baha'i faith was established under an earlier version of Baha'ullah (17th or 18th century) or the scenario originally posted by Dorozhand in the "AHC: Baha'i State" thread:
Will this alternate Persia affect the religious fabric of Southeast Asia, particularly the Malay Archipelago (Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Greater Sunda Islands, Celebes, even Mindanao)? AFAIK, Islam was introduced in these areas by traders from Arabia, particularly the Hadramaut region, and Persia, and it was traditionally syncretist in nature (incorporating animistic, Hindu and Buddhist traditions).
A major famine hits Iran which coincides with the beginning of the Baha'ullah's popularity. Baha'i spreads despite attempts at persecution, and attracts the faith of a desperate people. The Qajarid Dynasty collapses during the crisis. The Baha'ullah returns to the country to lead the rapidly growing movement, but not before new philosophers within it have started to mold radical strains and ideas of creating a state and an army by which to spread the religion. Certain people who IOTL might have turned to Mahdism or other messianic Islamic ideas instead turn to Baha'i. After the return of the Baha'ullah, a large peasant army begins to coalesce around him and soon he and his cadre of philosophers, disciples, and clerics are in a position to take control of all of Iran. When the movement has conquered, they give the new state their blessing as a bulwark of the faith, and soon people around the world are converting in droves.
ITTL the religion might a have a slightly different character, as a bit less like a universalism and a bit more like a fourth Abrahamic religion with certain Buddhist and Zoroastrian ideas.
Will this alternate Persia affect the religious fabric of Southeast Asia, particularly the Malay Archipelago (Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Greater Sunda Islands, Celebes, even Mindanao)? AFAIK, Islam was introduced in these areas by traders from Arabia, particularly the Hadramaut region, and Persia, and it was traditionally syncretist in nature (incorporating animistic, Hindu and Buddhist traditions).
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