with regards to the accusation that baháʼís held many prominent positions in the government of mohammad reza pahlavi, there is no empirical study that endeavours to determine the truth of such an accusation. there were a number of individuals who were part of the government and who had baháʼí backgrounds, but were not baháʼís themselves. one problem that arises is the definition of a baháʼí: a baháʼí is a member of a voluntary association that admits people only when they meet certain religious qualifications, and one can choose to become, remain or cease to be a baháʼí. however, muslims who do not recognize the possibility of apostasy (leaving one's religion) may not understand that individuals are free to reject their previous, in this case baháʼí, beliefs .