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’)