"No objection to a Bahá'í being elected as a neighborhood captain serving on a neighborhood council provided…" - April 24, 1972

There is no objection to a Bahá'í being elected a Barrio Captain or serving on a Barrio Council provided:

1. He is not required to become a member of a political party.

2. Serve as a Barrio Captain or as a member of the Barrio Council Captain does not involve him in partisan politics.

3. That he does not campaign for election of office. There is no objection to allowing one's name to be placed in nomination if required by law. If nominations are not obligatory and the voter is allowed to write on the ballot paper and vote for the names of those he wishes to be elected, this procedure should be followed by the Bahá'ís.

It would be preferable, of course, if the election of members of a Barrio Council and Barrio Captains should be strictly in accordance with Bahá'í principles. We would appreciate knowing whether this can be done in... or whether it may be possible to amend the laws so that this procedure can be adopted in villages where the population is entirely or predominantly Bahá'ís. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated April 24, 1972 to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Philippines, ; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

The institution of the Hands of the Cause – “an auxiliary institution of the Guardianship” - 24 April 1972

... The institution of the Hands of the Cause of God was brought into existence in the time of Bahá'u'lláh and when the Administrative Order was proclaimed and formally established by 'Abdu'l-Bahá in His Will, it became an auxiliary institution of the Guardianship. The Auxiliary Boards, in their turn, were brought into being by Shoghi Effendi as an auxiliary institution of the Hands of the Cause. 

 - The Universal House of Justice  (From letter of the Universal House of Justice to the Continental Boards of Counsellors and National Spiritual Assemblies, April 24, 1972; ‘Messages from The Universal House of Justice, 1968-1973’; Compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

“permissible for the pioneer family to keep a weapon in the house” - March 20, 1972

We have your letter of March 2, 1972 asking if ... a pioneer couple living in a remote area lacking police protection may have a weapon in their possession for defending themselves as thieves have broken into their house twice and robbed them.

A hitherto untranslated Tablet from 'Abdu'l-Bahá 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. A statement in a letter written on behalf of the Guardian 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. Although we have advised certain National Assemblies in countries facing increasing civil disorder the protection of their families, we feel that in the circumstances you have outlined in your letter it would be permissible for the pioneer family to keep a weapon in the house, provided the law permits. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated March 20, 1972 to the National Spiritual Assembly of Honduras, ; compilations: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

The “use of the Greatest Name, the names of the Manifestations of God or the names of the Central Figures of our Faith in the lyrics of music” - March 20, 1972

We have found nothing in the text forbidding the use of the Greatest Name, the names of the Manifestations of God or the names of the Central Figures of our Faith in the lyrics of music. However, we feel that when they are used they should be used with reverence and respect, both in the manner in which they are incorporated in the lyrics and in the manner of representation. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated March 20, 1972; Developing Distinctive Baha'i Communities, NSA of USA, 1998 edition)

Smoking in relation to the fast - March 15, 1972

In one of His Tablets, 'Abdu'l-Bahá, after stating that fasting consists of abstinence from food and drink, further indicates that smoking is a form of "drink." In Arabic the verb "drink" applies equally to smoking.

In the East, therefore, the friends abstain from smoking during the hours of fasting, and friends from the East living in the West do likewise. But, as stated in our letter to the National Assembly of New Zealand, this application of the divine law has not been extended to the friends in the West for the present, and therefore it should not be made an issue. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (Letter dated March 15, 1972, to an individual believer; Developing Distinctive Baha'i Communities, NSA of USA, 1998 edition)

Huququ'lláh is now offered through the Universal House of Justice - March 2, 1972

'Abdu'l-Bahá in one of His Tablets has stated: "Disposition of the Huquq, wholly or partly, is permissible, but this should be done by permission of the authority in the Cause to whom all must turn." The provision in His Will and Testament that the Huququ'lláh "is to be offered through the guardian of the Cause of God..." is clearly in accord with this principle. In another Tablet 'Abdu'l-Bahá referred to the Universal House of Justice as "the authority to whom all must turn" and it is clear that in the absence of the Guardian it is the supreme and central institution of the Cause. Moreover, before 'Abdu'l-Bahá, Bahá'u'lláh had revealed the following: "There is a prescribed ruling for the Huququ'lláh. After the House of Justice hath come into being the law thereof will be made manifest, in conformity with the Will of God." In accordance with these explicit texts it is clearly within the jurisdiction of the Universal House of Justice to decide about the receipt and disbursement of Huququ'lláh at the present time. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 2 March 1972 to the Hands of the Cause residing in the Holy Land; The Compilation of Compilations vol. I)

Declaration of young people under 18 - March 1, 1972

Concerning the declaration of young people under the age of 18, ... we can accept a child of the age of 15 and over as a Bahá'í even if his parents do not consent and this remains true even though according to the law of Finland they cannot be officially transferred to the Bahá'í register. You should not, therefore, exclude such believers from the Nineteen Day Feasts. However, although such believers should not be swayed from their belief by their parents' objections, they should, in view of the stress that the Teachings place upon the respect due to parents and in view of the law in Finland, obey their parents as far as taking part in Bahá'í activities is concerned. Their aim should be to gradually awaken in their parents' hearts the same love for Bahá'u'lláh that has fired their own and not to antagonize their parents needlessly or contribute in any way to disharmony in their families at this crucial point in their development. 

- The Universal House of Justice (From a letter dated 1 March 1972 to the National Spiritual Assembly of Finland; The Compilation of Compilations vol. I)

Local Assemblies cannot be formed in prisons - February 9, 1972

... the Hands of the Cause residing in the Holy Land have shared with us a portion of the February 3rd letter of... referring to teaching in the prison in ...and to the formation of Local Assemblies in cell blocks, While this teaching work is commendable those who accept Bahá'u'lláh under these conditions cannot undertake administrative responsibilities, nor can Local Assemblies be formed in prisons. However, they may observe Nineteen Day Feasts, Bahá'í Holy Days, and other Bahá'í events. When they return to their own communities they may participate in administrative affairs as well." 
- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated February 9, 1972 to the National Spiritual Assembly of Ecuador, : Extract from a letter written to another National Spiritual Assembly, June 11, 1964; compilations: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

local Spiritual Assemblies – “nerve centres of the Bahá'í communities” - February 8, 1972 -

Great attention should be paid to the strengthening of local Spiritual Assemblies which must act as the nerve centres of the Bahá'í communities in the towns and villages, promote Bahá'í education of the youth and children, and increase cooperation and participation of the believers in Bahá'í community life. Travelling teachers and all who are actively engaged in spreading the Message should rededicate themselves to their vital work and set out with renewed enthusiasm. They should aim at assisting as large a number as possible of Bahá'í communities to stand on their own feet and become capable of carrying out the thrilling tasks which they are called upon to discharge in the Vineyard of God in this Day. 

- The Universal House of justice  (From a letter dated February 8, 1972 to the National Spiritual Assembly of India, February 8, 1972, section, "Visiting Teachers -- What They Are Supposed to Do"; (compilation: Lights of Guidance)

conditions for imposing limited sanctions - January 31, 1972

Limited sanctions (i.e. restrictions on one's eligibility to serve on institutions or participate in community events) are usually imposed in cases where the individual disrupts the unity of the community, or is mentally unfit and unable to exercise judgment or behave responsibly. The Universal House of Justice has clearly indicated that a National Spiritual Assembly may debar an individual from serving on a Local Spiritual Assembly without removing his administrative rights. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (Letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, dated January 31, 1972; Developing Distinctive Baha'i Communities, NSA of USA, 1998 edition)

Debarring an individual believer from serving on a Local Spiritual Assembly - January 31, 1972

It is also quite permissible for a National Spiritual Assembly to debar an individual believer from serving on a Local Spiritual Assembly without removing his or her voting rights and they may also debar a believer from attending the consultative part of a Nineteen Day Feast. You may also debar a believer from voting in elections without imposing all the other administrative sanctions involved in administrative expulsion. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 31 January 1972; Developing Distinctive Baha'i Communities, NSA of USA, 1998 edition)

Use of leaflets in teaching projects - December 9, 1971

The details of such matters are within the discretion of each National Spiritual Assembly to decide in the light of certain fundamental principles and in the context of the situation in each country.

In deciding such matter you should bear in mind not only the effectiveness of the project from the teaching point of view, but also its bearing upon the dignity of the Faith. Any leaflet used in such a way should be brief, contain the minimum of quotations from the Sacred Writings, and be designed primarily to arouse the interest of the reader so that he will request more information and should not, at that stage, be intended to convince or convert the reader. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter of the Universal House of Justice to National Spiritual Assembly of Australia, December 9, 1971; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

Care in maintaining purity and spiritual character of Baha’i elections - December 6, 1971

As you know very well, the method of Bahá'í elections is at complete variance with the methods and practices of elections in political systems. The beloved Guardian has pointed out to us that should we follow the method of the politicians in our Bahá'í elections, misunderstandings and differences will arise, chaos and confusion will ensue, mischief will abound and the confirmations of God will be cut off from that Bahá'í community. In view of these grave warnings, the utmost care must always be exercised so that the purity and spiritual character of Bahá'í elections are maintained and preserved. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 6 December 1971 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilation, Vol. III, Sanctity and Nature of Baha’i Elections)

Electioneering, either openly or secretly - December 6, 1971

When one sees some inexperienced or immature Bahá'ís indulge in electioneering, either openly or secretly, far from being tempted to imitate them, one should resolutely arise and through proper administrative channels and procedures assist in eradicating such tendencies and cleansing the Bahá'í community from such evil influences. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 6 December 1971 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilation, Vol. III, Sanctity and Nature of Baha’i Elections)

When to present the Baha’i point of view on issues under consideration by a government - November 21, 1971

It is perfectly in order for Bahá'í institutions to present the Bahá'í view or recommendations on any subject of vital interest to the Faith which is under the consideration of a government, if the governmental authority itself invites such a submission, or if it is open to receive recommendations. The Bahá'í Assemblies should, however, refrain from bringing pressure to bear on the authorities in such matters, either separately or in concert with others. The Bahá'ís will submit their views, if permissible, expressing them as cogently and forcefully as the occasion warrants, but will not go beyond this to the stage of pressing the authorities to adopt these views. Moreover, when considering whether or not it is wise to make such a submission on any particular matter, the Bahá'í Assembly concerned must take care that it will not diffuse the energies of the Community or divert its resources by making submissions unless the interests of Faith demand it. Likewise the Assembly must ensure that it does not, by any minute and detailed analysis of a situation, "needlessly alienate or estrange any government or people", or involve the Faith in "the base clamourings and contentions of warring sects, factions and nations." 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 21 November 1971 to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations vol. II, Teaching Prominent People)

Restoration of voting rights when only civil ceremony was 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; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

In high latitudes permissible to go by the clock – for Feasts, Holy Days, Fast - October 28, 1971

As to whether the celebrating of the Feasts, Holy Days and the Fast should follow the rising and the setting of sun, in the high latitudes it is permissible to go by the clock. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From letter dated 28 October 1971 to the National Teaching Committee of Iceland, published in Australian Bahá'í Bulletin, No. 213, May 1972; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

Use of non-Assembly member to record Minutes - 20 November 1973

In reply to your letter of November 7th, 1973 there is no objection whatsoever to a non-member of the National Spiritual Assembly typing your Minutes or such other confidential reports. Many National Spiritual Assemblies employ typists in their national offices who are intimately connected with all the work of the National Spiritual Assembly. Of course, the personal employed should enjoy the confidence of the National Spiritual Assembly. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands, November 20, 1973; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

Time for holding the Nineteen Day Feast - October 28, 1971

We have your letter of October 12, 1971 concerning the date for the holding of the Nineteen Day Feast. It is preferable that Nineteen Day Feasts be held on the first day of the Bahá'í month, but if it should be difficult to do so, it is permissible to hold it on a succeeding day of the Bahá'í month. The matter is left to the discretion of the Local Spiritual Assembly. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 28 October, 1971 to the National Teaching Committee of Ireland, included in Australian Bahá'í Bulletin, No. 213, May 1972; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)