Inscription on a headstone - September 17, 1971

Concerning the questions you ask in postscript, there is no specific ruling regarding the type of headstone that may be used at a grave site. However, regarding the inscription on a headstone, the beloved Guardian asked the believers not to use any form of the Greatest Name but a nine-pointed star may be used. Or, you may wish to have an appropriate text from the Sacred Writings inscribed on the headstone. The position of the body in the grave should be with the feet pointing toward the Qiblih, which is Bahji in 'Akká.  

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated September 17, 1971 to an individual believer; Developing Distinctive Baha'i Communities, NSA of USA, 1998 edition)

Avoid reading long, wordy letters at Nineteen Day Feasts - September 6, 1971

We note from reading your minutes that the enthusiasm of some of the new believers is being tested by the reading of long, wordy letters at Nineteen Day Feasts, and we think that something should be done about this. While it is important that the believers be informed about important messages from the Holy Land and other important items, it is true that the reading of messages at Nineteen Day Feasts can become a very boring and trying experience particularly for new believers not acquainted with many aspects of Bahá'í administration. We think you should consider other ways and means by which believers could be informed of vital and necessary information, such as through bulletins, institutes and other meetings. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 6 September 1971 to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Hawaiian Islands; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, The Nineteen Day Feast)

Temporary structure could be raised on endowment land - August 30, 1971

Endowment land cannot, at the same time, be used as another Bahá'í institution such as Haziratu'l-Quds or a Teaching Institute. There is no objection to erecting a temporary structure on endowment land for the convenience of friends who may visit it or have gatherings there provided that if its used becomes of a permanent nature it would be necessary to acquire a new Endowment." 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter to a National Spiritual Assembly, August 30, 1971; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

Status of children under the age of 15 years who wish to become Bahá'ís - August 29, 1971

We have your letter of 18th August 1971 concerning the status of children under the age of 15 years who wish to become Bahá'ís. We share with you an extract of a letter on the subject written on behalf of the beloved Guardian by his secretary:

Up to the age of 15 years, children are under the direction of their parents. At the age of 15, they may declare their Faith as a conviction, and be registered as Bahá'í youth, whether the parents are Bahá'ís or not. Children under the age of 15, of Bahá'í parents who wish to attend meeting and associate with the friends as Bahá'ís may do so. If non-Bahá'í parents permit a child of less than 15 to attend Bahá'í meetings, and in fact, to be a Bahá'í, this is likewise permissible. (To the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany, dated July 23, 1954)

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 29 August, 1971 to the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia; compilation: 'Lights of Guidance')

Enlisting in Armed Forces - August 2, 1971

Bahá'ís cannot voluntarily enlist in any branch of the Armed Forces where they would be subject to orders to engage in the taking of human life. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From the letter dated 2 August, 1971 to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Fiji Islands; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

Administering earmark contributions - 29 July 1971

Care must be taken that the purpose of earmarking is not defeated. Thus the use of earmarked funds to defray the expense of particular items in your budget has the effect of reducing, pro tanto, the amount of general contributions needed to be applied to the budget. In effect, this practice may result in there being no difference between an earmarked contribution and one not earmarked. For example: A friend may earmark a contribution for the Baha'i International Fund. To apply this to the contribution to the Baha'i International Fund from your National Fund would be wrong unless the earmarking so specifies. Funds earmarked merely to the Baha'i International Fund should be sent to the World Centre in addition to whatever contribution is made from the National Fund. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 29 July 1971 to a National Spiritual Assembly; included in a compilation prepared by the World Center concerning "The Need for Care in Handling Bahá'í Funds", sent to all National Spiritual Assemblies on 22 November 1985; Compilation: ‘Baha’i Funds’, prepared by the Baha’i World Center)

Use of symbols - July 29, 1971

Regarding the use of symbolism in art, the following extracts from letters written to two individuals by the House of Justice may provide the answer you seek:

We see no objection to the use of natural phenomena as symbols to illustrate the significance of the three Central Figures, Bahá'í Laws, and Bahá'í Administration; and we also appreciate the suitability of using visual symbols to express abstract concepts. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 29 July 1971; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. III, The Importance of Arts in Promoting the Faith)

Invalid ballots and votes in Baha’i elections - July 29, 1971

Under certain conditions an entire ballot may be declared invalid. These are: (1) More than nine names on ballot paper; (2) Less than nine names on ballot paper; (3) Duplication of names. Under other conditions, because of specified irregularities, one or more of the names may be invalidated but the rest of the ballot would be considered valid. These irregularities are: (1) A name not identifiable, or illegible; (2) The name of an ineligible person, such as a youth or person not resident in the jurisdiction of the voting area, provided of course that each ballot contains no more or less than nine names and no name has been duplicated. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated July 29, 1971, to a National Spiritual Assembly; Developing Distinctive Baha'i Communities, NSA of USA, 1998 edition)

Instruction of Tellers; Election of Assembly officers - July 21, 1971

It is for your National Assembly to determine how to properly instruct the delegates beforehand in the recording of identical names on ballots and to give the tellers guidelines for handling these questions when they arise in the counting of the ballots. Thereafter, it is for the tellers to make the decision and give the results to the Convention or Assembly... 

Q. In the case of a tie between five persons for three vacancies should the names of the five be read for the delegates vote?

A. Yes.

Q. In voting for officers is it permissible to read the names of those persons who have tied?

A. When voting for officers of an Assembly a result is only reached when one member receives five or more votes. Until that result is reached all members are eligible for the office in question and the results of all inconclusive ballots should be made know to the meeting. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 21 July 1971 to the National Spiritual Assembly of Jamaica; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

Custody of children in a divorce - July 13, 1971

Since custody of the children is already before the civil courts we feel you should not become involved in it. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated July 13, 1971, to a National Spiritual Assembly; Developing Distinctive Baha'i Communities, NSA of USA, 1998 edition)

National Convention - July 6, 1971

As the principal purpose of Convention, apart from the election of the National Spiritual Assembly, is the consultation of the delegates with the National Spiritual Assembly, as much time as possible should be made available for the delegates to consult. It is clear that the exigencies of modern life limit the length which is practicable for a National Convention but you may wish to consider starting your Convention on the Friday evening at the latest so that the delegates may gather and deal with the preliminaries, thus enabling them to begin the full work of the Convention first thing on the Saturday morning. Naturally, any introductions of subjects or presentation of matters to the Convention should be kept as brief as possible to allow the greatest amount of time for consultation and you may therefore find it helpful to provide a number of reports to the delegates in advance in written form. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 6 July 1971 to a National Spiritual Assembly; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. III, The National Convention)

Handling emergencies between Spiritual Assembly meetings - July 2, 1971

It is for your Assembly to define the limits placed upon an emergency committee appointed by you from among your own membership to take action when absolutely necessary on emergencies which arise between meetings. Decisions of the committee of course always are subject to the subsequent approval of the National Assembly as a whole and you should assure yourselves that you are adequately informed of all its actions taken in your name. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated July 2, 1971 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

The 95 days engagement period -June 29, 1971

In principle, according to the decisive text of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, the period of ninety-five days should commence only when the two parties have been betrothed, and the marriage is agreed. Therefore, the breaking of an engagement, although possible, should rarely occur. The Assemblies should, when the reason for breaking, or extending the fixed period of engagement is valid, render every assistance to the parties involved to remove their difficulties and facilitate their observance of the ordinance of the Book. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated June 29, 1971, to a National Spiritual Assembly; Developing Distinctive Baha'i Communities, NSA of USA, edition)

National Teaching Committee - June 23, 1971

There is no objection to a National Spiritual Assembly member serving on the National Teaching Committee, but if National Spiritual Assembly members were to predominate on the Committee the purpose of appointing it, which is to relieve the National Assembly of the details of the work, would be defeated. It is also preferable for some qualified native believers to serve on the National Teaching Committee so that they may thus be trained to carry on with the work.

... the beloved Guardian paid great attention to the administrative arrangements for teaching and was highly in favour of one central National Teaching Committee with Regional Committees responsible to it. He once pointed out that absorption of petty details of Bahá'í administration by the personnel of the National Spiritual Assembly is manifestly injurious to efficiency and an expert discharge of Bahá'í duties. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 23 June, 1971 to the National Spiritual Assembly of Brazil; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

Treasurer of an Assembly - June 8, 1971

...The Treasurer of a Bahá'í Spiritual Assembly, even if momentarily holding Bahá'í funds in his own name, must take the greatest care never to commingle his own funds with those of the Faith or to leave the funds of the Faith subject to the vagaries of fortune which can afflict any one of us. 

- The Universal House of justice  (From a letter dated 8 June 1971 to an individual believer, included in a compilation of extracts concerning "The Need for Care in Handling Bahá'í Funds; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

Cremation – wisdom of burial - June 6, 1971

Be sure that your letter was not a bother to us. Indeed, we were happy to learn that in the autumn years of your physical life your soul was illumined by the eternal light shed upon the world by Bahá'u'lláh.

Concerning your question about cremation, the Bahá'í law stipulates burial. The instructions of Bahá'u'lláh contained in His most holy book make this law clear. Shoghi Effendi, in a letter written on his behalf to an individual believer in 1955, comments that 'Abdu'l-Bahá “...also explained that burial is natural and should be followed.” The explanation of the master referred to by Shoghi Effendi is found in Tablets revealed by Him. One of those was published in Star of The West, Volume XI, No. 19, page 317, from which we quote:

"Thy letter has been received. Due to scarcity of time, I write the answer briefly: The body of man, which has been formed gradually, must similarly be decomposed gradually. This is according to the real and natural order and divine law. If it had been better for it to be burned after death, in its very creation it would have been so planned that the body would automatically become ignited after death, be consumed and turned into ashes. But the divine order formulated by the heavenly ordinance is that after death, this body shall be transferred from one stage to another different from the preceding one, so that according to the relations which exist in the world, it may gradually combine and mix other elements, thus going through stages until it arrives in the vegetable kingdom, there turning into plants and flowers, developing into trees of the highest paradise, becoming perfumed and attaining the beauty of colour.“

"Cremation suppresses it speedily from attainment to these transformations, the elements becoming so quickly decomposed that transformation to these various stages is checked”. 

When we realize that our physical bodies actually are composed of elements place in the earth by their creator, and which through the orderly processed of His Law are continually being used in the formation of beings, we can better understand the necessity for our physical bodies to be subjected to the gradual process of decomposition. As at the time of death, the real and eternal self of man, his soul, abandons its physical garment to soar in the realms of God, we may compare the body to a vehicle which has been used for the journey through earthly life and no longer needed once the destination has been reached." 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 6 June 1971 to an individual believer; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

Circumstances under which parental consent for Bahá'í marriage not required - May 30, 1971

In reply to your letter about the problem of... who is unable to locate the natural father of her fiancé we are glad to offer you the following guidance:

The only circumstances under which parental consent for Bahá'í marriage is not required are the following:

1. If the parent is dead.

2. If the parent has absented himself to the degree that he can be adjudged legally dead.

3. If the parent is certified insane and therefore legally incompetent to give consent

4. If the parent is a Covenant-breaker.

5. It is possible under Bahá'í Law, in certain very rare cases, to recognize that a state of disownment exists. All such cases should be referred to the Universal House of Justice.

The problem therefore is reduced to the simple question of whether your National Assembly accepts that Miss...'s father-in-law elect cannot be traced and therefore may, to your satisfaction, be presumed to be legally dead. You should of course ascertain that Miss ... has made every effort possible to trace her fiancé’s father. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 30 May 1971 to the National Spiritual Assembly of Alaska; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

Exclusion of women on the Universal House of Justice - May 26, 1971

Your letter of March 26th, 1971 asking for clarification of the exclusion of women from membership in the Universal House of Justice in view of the great principle of the Cause of the equality of men and women has been received and we offer you the following comments.

In a Tablet to an early woman believer 'Abdu'l-Bahá stated:

'O maidservant of God! Know thou that in the sight of God, the conduct of women is the same as that of men... From the spiritual point of view ... there is no difference between women and men ....' He added, however: 'As to the House of Justice: according to the explicit text of the Law of God, its membership is exclusively reserved to men. There is Divine wisdom in this which will presently be made manifest even as the mid-day sun.'

The beloved Guardian in reply to the same query from a believer pointed out in a letter written on his behalf on July 15th 1947: 'People must just accept the fact that women are not eligible to the International House of Justice. As the Master says the wisdom of this will be known in the future, we can only accept, believing it is right, but not able to give an explanation calculated to silence an ardent feminist!’

We must have faith in the Supreme Manifestation of God and His Exemplar, Whose prescience is revealed in such provisions which will one day 'be made manifest even as the mid-day sun. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 26 May 1971 to an individual believer; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

Repeated warnings to an offender - May 20, 1971

The principle that an Assembly should repeatedly warn an offender to correct his ways before it deprives him of his voting rights applies to such continuing offenses as flagrant immorality, or membership in non-Bahá'í religious organizations. It cannot be applied in the same way to a one-time offense such as a breach of Bahá'í marriage laws. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated May 20, 1971, to a National Spiritual Assembly. Developing Distinctive Baha'i Communities, NSA of USA, 1998 edition)

Sanctions when a breach of Bahá'í Marriage Law has been committed - May 20, 1971

As soon as the Assembly has evidence satisfying it that a breach of Bahá'í Marriage Law has been committed, and if it is satisfied that the party concerned knew the law, it should not delay deprivation of voting rights beyond a reasonable time. It does not have to wait for a response from the offender. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated May 20, 1971, to a National Spiritual Assembly. Developing Distinctive Baha'i Communities, NSA of USA, 1998 edition)

Having a belated marriage ceremony - May 20, 1971

Where, for example, the only offense is that no Bahá'í ceremony took place, it may be possible to contact the couple concerned and arrange for the early celebration of the Bahá'í marriage, and thus avoid the necessity of depriving them of their voting rights. But such a delay between the ascertainment of the offense . . . and the imposition of sanctions should not extend into months, and certainly not into years. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated May 20, 1971, to a National Spiritual Assembly; Developing Distinctive Baha'i Communities, NSA of USA, 1998 edition)

When a Bahá'í divorce or observance of a year of waiting is not required - May 20, 1971

If a Bahá'í has married without a Bahá'í ceremony, after becoming a Bahá'í, and then dissolves this marriage by divorce, there is no question of requiring a Bahá'í divorce or observance of a year of waiting, because there was, in Bahá'í law, no recognized marriage. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated May 20, 1971, to a National Spiritual Assembly; Developing Distinctive Baha'i Communities, NSA of USA, 1998 edition)

Ignorance of the Baha’i law and sanctions - May 20, 1971

If the Assembly has reason to suspect that the person concerned was ignorant of Bahá'í Law it will wish to investigate this fact before applying sanctions. . . . This should not involve unreasonable delay, especially if the Assembly is unable to evoke any response from the offender.

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated May 20, 1971, to a National Spiritual Assembly; Developing Distinctive Baha'i Communities, NSA of USA, 1998 edition)

Withdrawing to Avoid Bahá'í Law and the rejoin with impunity - May 20, 1971

A believer cannot escape administrative expulsion by the ruse of resigning from the Faith in order to break its law with impunity. However, the Assembly should be satisfied that there was indeed such an ulterior motive behind the withdrawal. A believer's record of inactivity and his general attitude to the Faith may well lead the Assembly to conclude that his withdrawal was bona fide . . . and in such a case the withdrawal may be accepted. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated May 20, 1971, to a National Spiritual Assembly; Developing Distinctive Baha'i Communities, NSA of USA, 1998 edition)

Bahá'í and civil marriage ceremonies - April 23, 1971

As to the holding of the Bahá'í and civil marriage ceremonies on the same day, as the consummation of the marriage should not take place until both ceremonies have been held, a night should not intervene between the two ceremonies. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated April 23, 1971, published in Handbook for Local Spiritual Assemblies in Australia; Developing Distinctive Baha'i Communities, NSA of USA, 1998 edition)

Marriages according to native custom prior to enrollment - April 6, 1971

We have reviewed your letter ... about the application of Bahá'í marriage laws to persons who had married according to the native custom, which we assume was prior to their enrollment in the Faith.

Persons who are married according to native custom prior to their enrollment as Bahá'ís are fully married in the eyes of the Faith, and there is no point in their going through a Bahá'í ceremony.

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 6 April 1971 to a National Spiritual Assembly; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. III, Cultural Diversity in the Age of Maturity)

Who is a Pioneer - March 30, 1971

The place of settlement of any pioneer depends on his circumstances. If therefore, he can not settle in the localities suggested by the receiving National Spiritual Assembly, this does not mean that he should not be considered a pioneer. Any believer who arises and leaves his home to journey to another country for the purpose of teaching the Cause is a pioneer.

As you know, one of the objectives of every pioneer is to settle and become self-supporting, if possible. If the localities where this condition can be met are not the same as the goals of the National Spiritual Assembly, such goals may have to be filled by the National Assembly making use of home-front pioneers. The friends are free to go wherever they like and even those supported by the Fund should not be subjected to rigid rules. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 30 March, 1971 to a National Spiritual Assembly, March 30, 1971; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

Fitting songs for devotional portion of 19-Day Feasts - February 22, 1971

...we feel that it will be helpful to you to know that songs whose words are the primary Writings of the Bab, Bahá'u'lláh or ‘Abdu'l-Bahá are all quite fitting for the devotional portion of the Feast. Indeed, the Persian chants are such songs, out of a different tradition; they are a way of giving music to the holy Word, and each person who chants does it in a way which mirrors his feeling and expression of the Words he is uttering. As for songs whose words are poetic and the composition of persons other than the Figures of the Faith, these may be desirable but in their proper place, for, as you know, "music is the language of the spirit.

Inasmuch as the spirit of our gatherings is so much affected by the tone and quality of our worship, of our feeling and appreciation of the Word of God for this day, we would hope that you would encourage the most beautiful possible expression of the human spirits in your communities, through music among other modes of feeling. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 22 February 1971 to a National Spiritual Assembly; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. III, The Importance of Arts in Promoting the Faith)

Baha’i funerals - January 31, 1971

We have received your letter of 14th December inquiring which funeral prayer is considered as the desirable one for use in Europe, whether there is any obligatory prayer and what instructions are concerning standing at a Bahá'í funeral service.

The only obligatory prayer for use at Bahá'í funerals is the prayer No. 167 in 'Prayers and Meditations'. This prayer should be recited by one of those present and all present should stand while it is being read. There is no requirement to face the Qiblih or any other particular direction while this prayer is being read.

The reading of any other prayers or writings at a Bahá'í funeral is entirely optional. In general it is desirable to keep the service simple and dignified. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 31 January 1971 to the National Spiritual Assembly of Finland; Compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

Earmarking to other Funds - January 29, 1971

Care must be taken that the purpose of earmarking is not defeated. Thus the use of earmarked funds to defray the expense of particular items in your budget has the effect of reducing, pro tanto, the amount of general contribution needed to be applied to the budget. In effect, this practice may result in there being no difference between an earmarked contribution and one not earmarked. For example: A friend may earmark a contribution to the Bahá'í International Fund. To apply this to the contributions to the Bahá'í International funds from your National Fund would be wrong unless the earmarked so specifies. Funds earmarked merely to the Bahá'í International Fund should be sent to the World Centre in addition to whatever contribution is made from the National Fund. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 29 January 1971 to a National Spiritual Assembly, published in a compilation of extracts concerning "The Need for Care in Handling Bahá'í Funds; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

The "so called" Marriage Tablet by ‘Abdu’l-Baha - January 18, 1971

With regard to your question concerning the so-called Marriage Tablet printed on page 47 of the supplement of the British Prayer Book, this is not a Tablet, but a talk ascribed to the Master by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab. It was given some time in December, 1918 about Sohrab's marriage. It cannot be regarded as Bahá'í scripture as 'nothing can be considered as scripture for which we do not have an original text', as the beloved Guardian pointed out. The friends may use this talk, but it is not to be considered as scripture. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 18 January 1971 to the National Spiritual Assembly of South and west Africa, published in Bahá'í Journal of the United Kingdom, No. 218, August 1973; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

Period of engagement and announcement of engagement - January 17, 1971

The Laws of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas regarding the period of engagement have not been made applicable to believers in the West, and therefore there is no requirement that the parties to a marriage obtain consent of the parents before announcing their engagement. However, there is no objection to informing the believers that it would be wise for them to do so in order to avoid later embarrassment if consents are withheld. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From letter dated 17 January, 1971 to the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia, published in Australian Bahá'í Bulletin, February 1971, No. 198; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)  

Restoration of voting rights when only civil ceremony performed - November 18, 1971

We have your letter of October 9, 1971 informing us of your action to deprive... of his voting rights for violation of Bahá'í marriage law in that he married without having consent of all living parents. It is noted at he has a civil ceremony and a Catholic ceremony. The question you have asked deals with possible restoration of his voting rights.

In cases involving only the civil ceremony, voting rights may be restored if the Assembly feels that the believer is truly repentant and wishes to comply with the Bahá'í law previously broken. The civil marriage ceremony itself is not contrary to Bahá'í law, and therefore the dissolution of the civil marriage is not a pre- requisite to restoration of voting rights. In such cases the Bahá'í marriage ceremony may take place if the parents now give their consent to the marriage and the Assembly is satisfied that the consent has been genuinely and freely given and is not conditioned by the fact that the parties have already had a civil ceremony on the condition that it be performed.

Should ... apply for restoration of his voting rights, and should your Assembly feel that he is truly repentant, you should offer assistance in arranging the other details including helping him to obtain the consent of parents. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 18 November 1971 to the National Spiritual Assembly of Ecuador, November 18, 1971; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

Neither National nor Local Assembly should be named Executor of a Will - January 14, 1971

Should a believer express a desire to make a bequest to a National or Local Spiritual Assembly, you may furnish information as a correct name and address of such institution,and you are free to inform those who ask that neither the national or local spiritual assemblies should be name as executor of a will" 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter of Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Hawaiian islands, January 14, 1971; compilations: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

Naming an Executor of a Will - January 14, 1971

You are free to inform those who ask that neither the National or Local Spiritual Assemblies should be named as executor of a will. 

- The Universal House of Justice (From a letter dated January 14, 1971; Developing Distinctive Baha'i Communities, 1998 edition)

Payment of Huqúqu'lláh - October 25, 1970

In brief, payment of Huqúqu'lláh is one of the binding spiritual responsibilities of the followers of Bahá'u'lláh and the proceeds thereof revert to the Authority in the Cause to whom all must turn. Moreover, the Ancient Beauty — magnified be His praise — has affirmed that after the establishment of the Universal House of Justice necessary rulings would be enacted in this connection in conformity with that which God has purposed, and that no one, except the Authority to which all must turn, has the right to dispose of this Fund. In other words, whatever portion of one's wealth is due to the Huqúqu'lláh belongs to the World Centre of the Cause of God, not to the individuals concerned.

Thus the friends should not follow their own volition and judgement in using any of the funds set aside for Huqúqu'lláh for any other purpose, even for charitable contributions of the Faith.

We earnestly hope that everyone may be privileged to observe this sacred and blessed obligation which would ensure the attainment of true happiness and would serve to promote the execution of Bahá'í enterprises throughout the world.

Verily God is Self-Sufficient above the need of His creatures. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 25 October 1970 to the National Spiritual Assembly of Iran, translated from the Persian; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Huququ’llah)

Children under fifteen of non-Bahá'í parents attending Feasts - August 4, 1970

Concerning your inquiry asking if children under fifteen of non-Bahá'í parents could attend Nineteen Day Feasts or other events held exclusively for Bahá'ís when the children consider themselves as Bahá'ís, such children may be permitted to attend Bahá'í functions provided that their parents have given their consent. This applies only, of course, to children under the age of fifteen years. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 4 August 1970 to the National Spiritual Assembly of Nicaragua; The Compilation of Compilations vol. I, The Nineteen Day Feast)

Handling emergencies between Spiritual Assembly meetings - July 2, 1971

It is for your Assembly to define the limits placed upon an emergency committee appointed by you from among your own membership to take action when absolutely necessary on emergencies which arise between meetings. Decisions of the committee of course always are subject to the subsequent approval of the National Assembly as a whole and you should assure yourselves that you are adequately informed of all its actions taken in your name. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated July 2, 1971 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

Establishing a special fund by a believer to maintain Bahá'í tutors or institute teachers in villages - April 18, 1971

We greatly appreciate your desire to serve the Cause and at the same time honour the beloved Hand of the Cause and wonder whether more feasible plans would appeal to you. For instance, you might consider establishing a fund to maintain Bahá'í tutors in villages, who would teach not only reading and writing but the elements of the Faith as well. We have always stressed to those National Spiritual Assemblies which establish Teaching Institutes that at the present time such an Institute is a function and not necessarily a building and there are many places where such educational work can be pursued if a number of teachers can be supported. On the other hand, we have no idea of the size of the principal you have in mind for your endowment and wonder whether a very simple school where not only children but adult literary classes could be held, would meet your intention. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 18 April 1971 to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations vol. I, Centers of Baha’i Learning)

Women's liberation movement - April 9, 1971

Concerning the point you raised in your letter ... that the women's liberation movement in ... is assuming extreme positions which are having some influence on impressionable Bahá'í young women, we feel it would be helpful if your Assembly were to stress the unique position that women occupy by being members of the Bahá'í Faith particularly through participation in the administration of its affairs on both a local and national scale. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 9 April 1971 to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States; Compilations, The Compilation of Compilations vol. II, Women)

Severing family ties; Adopted children and marriage consent requirements - February 17, 1971

It is clear that the separation of a child from its natural parents is a tragedy that society must do its best to prevent or mitigate. It is also clear that in certain cases the actual separation may be better for the child than to continue living with a parent whose conduct and character make him unworthy of this sacred function, for the Guardian has explicitly stated that the severing of family ties and renunciation of responsibilities between parents and the children is, in certain cases, permissible under the Law of God, but that the Universal House of Justice has to make the law governing such matters.

Whenever the law of the land or the agreement of adoption prohibits future contact between an adopted child and its natural parents, the Bahá'í law does not require the child to seek the consent of those parents to its marriage.

In the situation, however, where contact with the natural parent is permitted, it should be a matter of wise discretion at what stage contact, in cases where it has been broken, should be re- established. Just as love for one person need not reduce the love one bears to another, so unity with the adoptive parents need not destroy or reduce the unity a child has with its natural parents, or vice versa. The characters and attitudes of the individuals concerned will have an effect upon this..." 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 17 February 1971 to an individual believer; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

Difficulties with in-laws - September 6, 1970

Regarding your other question concerning the strained relationship between you and your mother-in-law and what you can do to alleviate the situation, we feel you should, with the help and consultation of your husband, persevere in your efforts to achieve unity in the family. From your description of the unfriendly attitude your mother-in-law displays toward you it is clear that you will not have an easy task. However, the important thing is that you, as a Baha'i, are aware of 'Abdu'l-Baha's admonition to concentrate on an individual's good qualities and that this approach to your mother-in-law can strengthen you in your resolve to achieve unity. And futhermore, perseverance in prayer will give you the strength to continue your efforts. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a individual believer, September 6, 1970: Compilation: Family Life; Compilation: Lights of Guidance)

Marriage, Birth Control - July 31, 1970

In a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual he has further pointed out that the 'chief and sacred purpose' of marriage is 'the perpetuation of the human race ... and its elevation to the true station destined for it by God.' In another letter written on his behalf it is stated '... the fundamental purpose of marriage is to bring other souls into this world, to serve God and love Him.' 

We have not discovered any specific reference in the texts to the problem of population explosion in its relation to birth control. This question, of course, is a matter which is currently a subject of concern and speculation by many. A study of our teachings, however, indicates that in the future there will no doubt be a general improvement of standards of life and of health, but there will also be the full exploitation of unused and as yet unsuspected resources of the planet along with the control and tapping of its sources of raw material, with a great increase in productivity. 

You have raised the point about the time of the appearance of the human soul. You are quite right in your deduction in this regard, as our teachings clearly confirm that the soul of man comes into being at conception. 

Should National Assembly Members be relieved of Local Assembly Service? - May 7, 1970

We have your letter of April 28, 1970 raising the question as to whether believers elected to both a Local Spiritual Assembly and the National Spiritual Assembly may resign their membership in the Local Assembly and dedicate their full efforts to the work of the National Assembly.

Normally those elected to a Local Assembly and the National Assembly should make every effort to serve on both bodies, whatever the personal sacrifices may be. If it is too much of a burden and impractical for an individual member to assume the responsibilities of serving on both the National and Local Assembly, he should present his case to both bodies, and seek consultation. Each case should be considered separately, depending on the circumstances of each member. It may be found that if a National Assembly member is an officer of the Local Spiritual Assembly, his resignation as officer of the Assembly, instead of the membership of that Assembly, may solve the problem for that individual. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 7 May, 1970 to the National Spiritual Assembly of North East Africa, May 7, 1970: Malaysian Bahá'í News, Vol. 8, No. 4, December 1972 to February 1973, p. 28; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

Marriage between a Bahá'í and a Hindu - May 4, 1970

As regards marriage between a Bahá'í and a Hindu, having a Hindu ceremony is possible only if the people concerned, including the officiating priest, are aware that the Bahá'í remains a Bahá'í although taking part in the Hindu marriage ceremony in deference to his or her Hindu partner. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated May 4, 1970 to the National Spiritual Assembly of India; 19-Day Feast Circular of India, February 2, 1971; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

National Spiritual Assembly’s responsibility concerning delegates to National Convention - April 9, 1970

...we agree that it is the task of your Assembly to see that the delegates are lovingly made aware of their sacred responsibilities to attend, to consult and to vote. Admittedly, it is preferable that the delegates attend the sessions of the Convention in person so they may take an active part in all of its proceedings and acquaint their fellow-workers on their return with an account of the accomplishments, decisions and plans of their national community. You should bear in mind, however, that some of the delegates may be unable to attend the Convention due to illness and yet others for quite legitimate reasons may well find it impossible to undertake a journey to the seat of the Bahá'í Convention. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 9 April 1970 to a National Spiritual Assembly; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. III, The National Convention)

Holding Nineteen Day Feasts on Indian reserves - April 3, 1970

We have considered your letter of March 11, 1970 concerning the difficulties you are experiencing in getting the Indian believers on reservations to hold regular Nineteen Day Feasts.

In applying instructions about Nineteen Day Feasts, as well as other matters of administration, to indigenous believers it is important that the process of weaning them away from the old forms should be accomplished gradually so as not to destroy their spirit, and your Assembly should not be too rigid in these matters. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 3 April 1970 to the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, The Nineteen Day Feast)

A non-Baha’i at Feast - March 24, 1970

…when a non-Bahá'í does appear at a Feast he should not be asked to leave; rather the Assembly should omit the consultative part of the Feast, and the non-Bahá'í should be made welcome. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 24 March 1970 to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, The Nineteen Day Feast)

Baha’i consultation - March 6, 1970

The ideal of Bahá'í consultation is to arrive at a unanimous decision. When this is not possible a vote must be taken. In the words of the beloved Guardian: "...when they are called upon to arrive at a certain decision, they should, after dispassionate, anxious and cordial consultation, turn to God in prayer, and with earnestness and conviction and courage record their vote and abide by the voice of the majority, which we are told by the Master to be the voice of truth, never to be challenged, and always to be whole-heartedly enforced".

As soon as a decision is reached it becomes the decision of the whole Assembly, not merely of those members who happened to be among the majority.

When it is proposed to put a matter to the vote, a member of the Assembly may feel that there are additional facts or views which must be sought before he can make up his mind and intelligently vote on the proposition. He should express this feeling to the Assembly, and it is for the Assembly to decide whether or not further consultation is needed before voting.

Whenever it is decided to vote on a proposition all that is required is to ascertain how many of the members are in favour of it; if this is a majority of those present, the motion is carried; if it is a minority, the motion is defeated. Thus the whole question of "abstaining" does not arise in Bahá'í voting. A member who does not vote in favour of a proposition is, in effect, voting against it, even if at that moment he himself feels that he has been unable to make up his mind on the matter.

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 6 March 1970 to the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada)

“some of the processes that the Universal House of Justice follows when legislating.” - December 7, 1969

It may help the friends to understand this relationship if they are aware of some of the processes that the Universal House of Justice follows when legislating. First, of course, it observes the greatest care in studying the Sacred Texts and the interpretations of the Guardian as well as considering the views of all the members. After long consultation the process of drafting a pronouncement is put into effect. During this process the whole matter may well be reconsidered. As a result of such reconsideration the final judgement may be significantly different from the conclusion earlier favoured, or possibly it may be decided not to legislate at all on that subject at that time...." 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From letter of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer, December 7, 1969: Messages from the Universal House of Justice, 1968-1973; Compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

Relationship between the Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice - December 7, 1969

To an individual Bahá'í

Dear Bahá'í friend,

Your recent letter, in which you share with us the questions that have occurred to some of the youth in studying "The Dispensation of Bahá'u'lláh," has been carefully considered, and we feel that we should comment both on the particular passage you mention and on a related passage in the same work, because both bear on the relationship between the Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice.

The first passage concerns the Guardian's duty to insist upon a reconsideration by his fellow members in the Universal House of Justice of any enactment which he believes conflicts with the meaning and departs from the spirit of the Sacred Writings. The second passage concerns the infallibility of the Universal House of Justice without the Guardian, namely Shoghi Effendi's statement that "Without such an institution [the Guardianship] ... the necessary guidance to define the sphere of the legislative action of its elected representatives would be totally withdrawn."

Some of the youth, you indicate, were puzzled as to how to reconcile the former of these two passages with such statements as that in the Will of 'Abdu'l-Bahá which affirms that the Universal House of Justice is "freed from all error." Seeking the Writings' unity of meaning

Huququ’llah – Role of Spiritual Assembly -September 12, 1969

Undoubtedly the friends are illumined with the light of the fear of God and are fully conscious of the need to purify and protect their possessions in accordance with the decisive Words revealed by our Lord, the Most High.

In these turbulent days, we that yearn for Him, fervently turn in prayer to the court of the Lord of mankind that He may graciously enable that august Assembly to repeatedly remind the lovers of the Beauty of the All-Merciful of the vital importance and the binding character of this sacred and heavenly injunction. Through issuing announcements, distributing leaflets and in gatherings, schools and conferences held by the followers of our Zealous Lord, they should be guided and encouraged to observe strictly and conscientiously that which His divine commandment has enjoined upon them, so that those believers who are adorned with the fear of God may be shielded from the dire consequences foreshadowed in His ominous warnings, may become the recipients of His assured blessings and be enabled to partake of the outpourings of His infallible spiritual grace.

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 12 September 1969, translated from the Persian; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Huququ’llah)

Self-defense and individual conduct in the face of civil disorder - May 26, 1969

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Canada

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

We have reviewed your letter of April 11th, asking about the teachings of the Faith on self-defense and any guidance on individual conduct in the face of increasing civil disorder in North American cities.

From the texts you already have available it is clear that Bahá’u’lláh has stated that it is preferable to be killed in the path of God’s good pleasure than to kill, and that organized religious attack against Bahá’ís should never turn into any kind of warfare, as this is strictly prohibited in our Writings.

A hitherto untranslated Tablet from ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá, however, points out that in the case of attack by robbers and highwaymen, a Bahá’í should not surrender himself, but should try, as far as circumstances permit, to defend himself, and later on lodge a complaint with the government authorities. In a letter written on behalf of the Guardian, he also indicates that in an emergency when there is no legal force at hand to appeal to, a Bahá’í is justified in defending his life. In another letter the Guardian has further pointed out that the assault of an irresponsible assailant upon a Bahá’í should be resisted by the Bahá’í, who would be justified, under such circumstances, in protecting his life.

“not permissible to publish simplifications and paraphrases of Bahá'í Writings as Bahá'í Scripture.” - 13 March 1969

It is, of course, permissible to translate Bahá'í Writings into other languages and dialects of languages. It is also possible to simplify or paraphrase the Bahá'í Writings in order to facilitate their translation into languages and dialects having small vocabularies. However, it is not permissible to publish simplifications and paraphrases of Bahá'í Writings as Bahá'í Scripture. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 13 March 1969 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

“no Bahá'í institution should serve alcoholic drinks” - December 19, 1968

...no Bahá'í institution should serve alcoholic drinks under any circumstances, and we also feel that it would be inappropriate for a Bahá'í to serve such beverages at a function given by him. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 19 December 1968 to two believers; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Prohibition on Drinking Alcohol)

Friends “should be encouraged to observe the Nineteen Day Feast”; Voting recommendations at Feasts - December 1, 1968

In reply to your letter of November 8th we feel that all friends, whatever their circumstances, should be encouraged to observe the Nineteen Day Feast. Obviously it can only be an official administrative occasion where there is a Local Spiritual Assembly to take charge of it, present reports to the friends, and receive their recommendations. But groups, spontaneous gatherings of friends, and even isolated believers should certainly remember the day and say prayers together. In the case of a group it may well hold the Feast in the manner in which a Local Spiritual Assembly would do so, recognizing of course that it has no official administrative standing.

As to visitors to a Nineteen Day Feast, Bahá'ís from anywhere in the world should of course be warmly welcomed, and may take part in consultation. However, only members of the local community can vote on recommendations to the Local Spiritual Assembly. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 1 December 1968 to the National Spiritual Assembly of the British Isles; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, The Nineteen Day Feast)

On becoming a Bahá'í a person should withdraw from church - 21 November 1968

If a person is registered as a member of a church or similar religious organization he should withdraw from it on becoming a Bahá'í.

In the case of new believers, it should be made clear to them in the course of teaching them the Faith that one cannot be a Bahá'í and also a member of another religious organization. This is simply a matter of straight-forwardness and honesty. A great part of the teaching of Jesus Christ concerned His Second Coming and the preparation of His followers to be ready for it. The Bahá'ís believe He has come. No Christian Church believes this; on the contrary, they either look for Him still, or have ceased to believe that He will come. For a Bahá'í to be a member of a community which holds such beliefs is disloyalty to Christ and hypocrisy towards the Christians.

You should not formalize the method by which the withdrawal from the church is to be made, and certainly nothing should be added to a declaration form, if you use one. It should be left to the Local Spiritual Assembly which is accepting the declaration to satisfy itself, as it deems best in each case, that the new believer has already resigned from the church, or does so within a reasonable time of his declaration.

In regard to the old believers, your Assembly should tactfully, and in a kindly way, make the Bahá'í position clear to them and gently persuade them to resign from their former churches. This is a matter for great tact and discretion. If such a believer remains adamant you will have to consider depriving him of his voting rights. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter to the National Spiritual Assembly of Switzerland, November 21, 1968: Canadian Bahá'í News Special Section, March 1973; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

World Religion Day - October 22, 1968

Your letter of September 30, with the suggestion that "there should be one day in the year in which all of the religions should agree" is a happy thought, and one which persons of good will throughout the world might well hail. However, this is not the underlying concept of World Religion Day, which is a celebration of the need for and the coming of a world religion for mankind, the Bahá'í Faith itself. Although there have been many ways of expressing the meaning of this celebration in Bahá'í communities in the United States, the Day was not meant primarily to provide a platform for all religions and their emergent ecumenical ideas. In practice, there is no harm in the Bahá'í communities' inviting the persons of other religions to share their platforms on this Day, providing the universality of the Bahá'í Faith as the fulfillment of the hopes of mankind for a universal religion are clearly brought forth. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated October 22, 1968 to a Local Spiritual Assembly)

Daily situations one encounters – what course of conduct to follow? - October 17, 1968

It is neither possible nor desirable for the Universal House of Justice to set forth a set of rules covering every situation. Rather it is the task of the individual believer to determine, according to his own prayerful understanding of the Writings, precisely what his course of conduct should be in relation to situations which he encounters in his daily life. If he is to fulfil his true mission in life as a follower of the Blessed Perfection, he will pattern his life according to the Teachings. The believer cannot attain this objective merely by living according to a set of rigid regulations. When his life is oriented towards service to Baha'u'llah, and when every conscious act is performed within this frame of reference, he will not fail to achieve the true purpose of his life.

Therefore, every believer must continually study the sacred Writings and the instructions of the beloved Guardian, striving always to attain a new and better understanding of their import to him and to his society. He should pray fervently for Divine Guidance, wisdom and strength to do what is pleasing to God, and to serve Him at all times and to the best of his ability. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer October 17, 1968: National Baha’i Review, No. 47, November 1971; Compilation: Lights of Guidance)

The “Revelation of the Manifestation of God is the standard for all knowledge” - July 21, 1968

While it may often be the part of wisdom to approach individuals or an audience from a standpoint of current knowledge, it should never be overlooked that the Revelation of the Manifestation of God is the standard for all knowledge, and scientific statements and theories, no matter how close they may come to the eternal principles proclaimed by God's Messenger, are in their very nature ephemeral and limited. Likewise, attempting to make the Bahá'í Faith relevant to modern society is to incur the grave risk of compromising the fundamental verities of our Faith in an effort to make it conform to current theories and practices. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 21 July 1968 to a National Spiritual Assembly; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. III, Scholarship)

Alcohol should not be served on all Baha’i sponsored occasions - February 8, 1968

...it is clear that on all occasions officially sponsored by Bahá'í Institutions or where the host is acting as a representative of the Cause alcohol should not be served. In private homes or in the course of business or professional activity it is left to the conscience of Bahá'ís themselves whether they serve alcoholic drinks to non-Bahá'ís but the obligation is very strong to observe the prohibition enjoined by Bahá'u'lláh. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From  a letter written to a National Spiritual Assembly dated 8 February 1968; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Prohibition on Drinking Alcohol)

Teaching activities at Haziratu'l-Quds - January 22, 1968

Teaching Institutes activities may be carried on in the Haziratu'l-Quds as long as necessary, but you should keep in mind the goal of eventually acquiring a Teaching Institute elsewhere. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 22 January 1968 to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Centers of Baha’i Learning)

Relationship of Baha'is to politics -December 8, 1967:

Dear Bahá’í Friend,

… we will gladly attempt to clarify some of the points which bewilder you in the relationship of Bahá’ís to politics. This is a matter of very great importance, particularly in these days when the world situation is so confused; an unwise act or statement by a Bahá’í in one country could result in a grave setback for the Faith there or elsewhere—and even loss of the lives of fellow-believers.

The whole conduct of a Bahá’í in relation to the problems, sufferings and bewilderment of his fellowmen should be viewed in the light of God’s purpose for mankind in this age and the processes He has set in motion for its achievement.

When Bahá’u’lláh proclaimed His Message to the world in the nineteenth century He made it abundantly clear that the first step essential for the peace and progress of mankind was its unification. As He says, “The well-being of mankind, its peace and security are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established.” (The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 203) To this day, however, you will find most people take the opposite point of view: they look upon unity as an ultimate almost unattainable goal and concentrate first on remedying all the other ills of mankind. If they did but know it, these other ills are but various symptoms and side effects of the basic disease—disunity.

To avoid “specifically aggressive or directly military activities” - November 29, 1967

From study of the beloved Guardian's letters it is apparent that what he wanted   the friends to avoid is 'specifically aggressive or directly military' activities. As regards indirect activities it would be extremely difficult in modem society for anyone to disassociate himself from activities which, in the long run and by devolution, are inimical to the human race."   

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 29 November 1967 to an individual believer; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)   

Lottery on Persian carpet to raise funds; Purchase of lottery tickets - July 4, 1967

In reviewing your Minutes for 15 March 1967, we note Item 25-8 in which the Treasurer suggests a lottery as means of disposing of a Persian carpet which has been given to you by one of the believers. We do not feel this is an appropriate way in which to raise funds....

As far as individuals are concerned, we have carefully studied the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi on this point and it is apparent that such subsidiary matters are not recorded in the Holy Texts. The Universal House of Justice is not prepared to decide at this time whether the purchase of lottery tickets should be permitted or prohibited. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter to a National Spiritual Assembly, July 4, 1967: Extracts Concerning Gambling, Lotteries and Raffles, a compilation of the Universal House of Justice; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

Withdrawing to avoid Bahá'í law and then rejoin with impunity - May 15, 1967

If a believer who did not like a particular law were to be permitted to leave the community to break the law, and then rejoin with impunity, this would make a mockery of the Law of God. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated May 15, 1967, to a National Spiritual Assembly; Developing Distinctive Baha'i Communities, 1998 edition)

The House of Justice cannot legislate to make possible appointment of a successor to Shoghi Effendi, nor appointment of any more Hands of the Cause - 27 May 1966

As the Universal House of Justice has already announced, it cannot legislate to make possible the appointment of a successor to Shoghi Effendi, nor can it legislate to make possible the appointment of any more Hands of the Cause, but it must do everything within its power to ensure the performance of all those functions which it shares with these two mighty Institutions. It must make provision for the proper discharge in future of the functions of protection and propagation, which the administrative bodies share with the Guardianship and the Hands of the Cause; it must, in the absence of the Guardian, receive and disburse the Huqúqu’lláh, in accordance with the following statement of ‘Abdu’l Bahá: “Disposition of the Huqúq, wholly or partly, is permissible, but this should be done by permission of the authority in the Cause to whom all must turn”; it must make provision in its Constitution for the removal of any of its members who commits a sin “injurious to the common weal.” Above all, it must, with perfect faith in Bahá’u’lláh, proclaim His Cause and enforce His Law so that the Most Great Peace shall be firmly established in this world and the foundation of the Kingdom of God on earth shall be accomplished. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a message dated 27 May 1966 to an individual believer; Online Baha’i Reference Library of the Baha’i World Center)

The Universal House of Justice: “the last refuge of a tottering civilization,”; “the Highest Legislative Body of the Faith”; “the ‘apex’ of the Bahá’í Administrative Order”; the “supreme organ of the Bahá’í Commonwealth.” - 27 May 1966

The Universal House of Justice, which the Guardian said would be regarded by posterity as “the last refuge of a tottering civilization,” is now, in the absence of the Guardian, the sole infallibly guided institution in the world to which all must turn, and on it rests the responsibility for ensuring the unity and progress of the Cause of God in accordance with the revealed Word. There are statements from the Master and the Guardian indicating that the Universal House of Justice, in addition to being the Highest Legislative Body of the Faith, is also the body to which all must turn, and is the “apex” of the Bahá’í Administrative Order, as well as the “supreme organ of the Bahá’í Commonwealth.” The Guardian has in his writings specified for the House of Justice such fundamental functions as the formulation of future worldwide teaching plans, the conduct of the administrative affairs of the Faith, and the guidance, organization and unification of the affairs of the Cause throughout the world. Furthermore in God Passes By the Guardian makes the following statement: “the Kitáb-i-Aqdas … not only preserves for posterity the basic laws and ordinances on which the fabric of His future World Order must rest, but ordains, in addition to the function of interpretation which it confers upon His Successor, the necessary institutions through which the integrity and unity of His Faith can alone be safeguarded.” He has also, in “The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh,” written that the members of the Universal House of Justice “and not the body of those who either directly or indirectly elect them, have thus been made the recipients of the divine guidance which is at once the life-blood and ultimate safeguard of this Revelation.” 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a message dated 27 May 1966 to an individual believer; Online Baha’i Reference Library of the Baha’i World Center)

“The Cause of God is organic, growing and developing like a living being.” - 27 May 1966

The Cause of God is organic, growing and developing like a living being. Time and again it has faced crises which have perplexed the believers, but each time the Cause, impelled by the immutable purpose of God, overcame the crisis and went on to greater heights.

However great may be our inability to understand the mystery and the implications of the passing of Shoghi Effendi, the strong cord to which all must cling with assurance is the Covenant. The emphatic and vigorous language of ‘Abdu’l Bahá’s Will and Testament is at this time, as at the time of His own passing, the safeguard of the Cause:

“Unto the Most Holy Book every one must turn and all that is not expressly recorded therein must be referred to the Universal House of Justice. That which this body, whether unanimously or by a majority doth carry, that is verily the truth and the purpose of God Himself. Whoso doth deviate therefrom is verily of them that love discord, hath shown forth malice and turned away from the Lord of the Covenant.…” And again: “… All must seek guidance and turn unto the Center of the Cause and the House of Justice. And he that turneth unto whatsoever else is indeed in grievous error.” 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a message dated 27 May 1966 to an individual believer; Online Baha’i Reference Library of the Baha’i World Center)

“authoritative interpretation and the interpretation or understanding that each individual arrives at” - 27 May 1966

A clear distinction is made in our Faith between authoritative interpretation and the interpretation or understanding that each individual arrives at for himself from his study of its teachings. While the former is confined to the Guardian, the latter, according to the guidance given to us by the Guardian himself, should by no means be suppressed. In fact such individual interpretation is considered the fruit of man’s rational power and conducive to a better understanding of the teachings, provided that no disputes or arguments arise among the friends and the individual himself understands and makes it clear that his views are merely his own. Individual interpretations continually change as one grows in comprehension of the teachings. As Shoghi Effendi explained: “To deepen in the Cause means to read the writings of Bahá’u’lláh and the Master so thoroughly as to be able to give it to others in its pure form. There are many who have some superficial idea of what the Cause stands for. They, therefore, present it together with all sorts of ideas that are their own. As the Cause is still in its early days we must be most careful lest we fall under this error and injure the Movement we so much adore. There is no limit to the study of the Cause. The more we read the Writings, the more truths we can find in them and the more we will see that our previous notions were erroneous.” So, although individual insights can be enlightening and helpful, they can also be misleading. The friends must therefore learn to listen to the views of others without being overawed or allowing their faith to be shaken, and to express their own views without pressing them on their fellow Bahá’ís. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a message dated 27 May 1966 to an individual believer; Online Baha’i Reference Library of the Baha’i World Center)

Service to the Cause of God: “Our part is to cling tenaciously to the revealed Word and to the Institutions that He has created to preserve His Covenant.” - 27 May 1966

Service to the Cause of God requires absolute fidelity and integrity and unwavering faith in Him. No good but only evil can come from taking the responsibility for the future of God’s Cause into our own hands and trying to force it into ways that we wish it to go regardless of the clear texts and our own limitations. It is His Cause. He has promised that its light will not fail. Our part is to cling tenaciously to the revealed Word and to the Institutions that He has created to preserve His Covenant.

It is precisely in this connection that the believers must recognize the importance of intellectual honesty and humility. In past dispensations many errors arose because the believers in God’s Revelation were overanxious to encompass the Divine Message within the framework of their limited understanding, to define doctrines where definition was beyond their power, to explain mysteries which only the wisdom and experience of a later age would make comprehensible, to argue that something was true because it appeared desirable and necessary. Such compromises with essential truth, such intellectual pride, we must scrupulously avoid.

If some of the statements of the Universal House of Justice are not detailed the friends should realize that the cause of this is not secretiveness, but rather the determination of this body to refrain from interpreting the teachings and to preserve the truth of the Guardian’s statement that “Leaders of religion, exponents of political theories, governors of human institutions … need have no doubt or anxiety regarding the nature, the origin, or validity of the institutions which the adherents of the Faith are building up throughout the world. For these lie embedded in the teachings themselves, unadulterated and unobscured by unwarrantable inferences, or unauthorized interpretations of His Word.” 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a message dated 27 May 1966 to an individual believer; Online Baha’i Reference Library of the Baha’i World Center)