Baha’i Holy Days: - shops or stores owned by Bahá'ís - 30 November 1975

The Universal House of Justice has received your letter of 17 November 1975 and in reply to your specific question, "May our Bahá'í-owned retail mattress store remain open in the care of our non-Bahá'í employees on the Holy Days when we refrain from working?", has instructed us to say that in shops or stores owned by Bahá'ís, the fact that they may have non-Bahá'ís in employment does not exempt the Bahá'í owners from closing their businesses on Bahá'í Holy Days. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (Letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, dated November 30, 1975, to an individual believer; Developing Distinctive Baha’i Communities, NSA of USA, 1998 edition)

Procedure to decide which correspondence of NSA to be kept due to their historical value - 26 November 1975

The Universal House of Justice has received your letter of 13th November, 1975 asking about the policy to be followed for keeping correspondence and we have been asked to reply as follows:

While it is within the jurisdiction of the National Spiritual Assembly to decide which papers in its files are not of long-term value and to have them destroyed you should always bear in mind the historical value of your files. Letters which at this time seem to be of little value could prove to be of great interest to future historians of the development of the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh in the... We suggest that when your secretary has sorted out from among your files the papers which she feels could be destroyed, you should appoint a committee composed of members of your National Assembly to go over them with their historical value in mind and submit a recommendation to your National Assembly. Obviously, those records or letters needed for legal purposes should be retained. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands, November 26, 1975; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

Those deprived of their voting rights can not attendthe Nineteen Day Feast - 24 November 1975

In reply to your memorandum of 16 November 1975 requesting elucidation of a statement from the Guardian published on page 367 of Volume IV of "Amr va Khalq", " later instructions of the beloved Guardian clearly forbid attendance at the Nineteen Day Feast by those deprived of their voting rights and the quotation published in "Amr va Khalq" should therefore be replaced by another statement by the Guardian. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (24 November 1975, memorandum to the International Teaching Centre)

Formation of a Local Spiritual Assembly – no reason to delay when “nine or more adult believers reside” – 13 November 1975

A Local Spiritual Assembly should be formed in any locality where nine or more adult believers reside. The fact that some of them are not well grounded in the Faith is not a reason for delaying formation of the Assembly, but is a matter to be dealt with separately."

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a Letter written by the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly, November 23, 1975: Teaching and Commitment, a compilation from the World Centre; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

The basic objective of teaching end enrolling new believers - 13 November 1975

It is reassuring to know that you understand that the basic objective of teaching is to promote the Cause of God -- not merely to increase numbers for numbers' sake. However, care should be exercised in applying this principle lest we become so rigid as to exclude from our rolls those waiting souls who have been touched by the spirit of the Faith without being very knowledgeable about all the Teachings.

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a Letter written by the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly, November 23, 1975: Teaching and Commitment, a compilation from the World Centre; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

Choice of inscriptions on gravestones - 13 November 1975

…that such inscriptions as a nine-pointed star and extracts from the Writings would be suitable. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (Letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, dated November 13, 1975, in Australian Local Spiritual Assembly Handbook, p. 345, par. 12.6.4; Developing Distinctive Baha’i Communities, NSA of USA, 1998 edition)  

Burial of a Baha’i youth involving non-Baha’i family - 13 November 1975

Concerning the burial of a Bahá'í youth, if the burial has not taken place and there is time to do so, the non-Bahá'í family should be advised that the deceased is a Bahá'í (assuming they do not already know it), and every effort should be made to induce the family to allow the body of their deceased Bahá'í relative to be buried according to the requirements of his Faith. However, if they remain adamant, or if the burial has already taken place, there is nothing which can be done except, perhaps, to say prayers for the deceased. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (Letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, dated November 13, 1975, in Australian Local Spiritual Assembly Handbook, p. 343, par. 12.5.5; Developing Distinctive Baha’i Communities, NSA of USA, 1998 edition) 

“biochemical homeopathy… is in conformity with the Bahá'í medical concept” - 12 November 1975

One of the friends of Persia wrote to Shoghi Effendi and asked this question: "Is it true that 'Abdu'l-Bahá has said that biochemical homeopathy, which is a form of food medicine, is in conformity with the Bahá'í medical concept?" The beloved Guardian's reply to this question in a letter dated 25th November, 1944 was as follows: "This statement is true, and the truth thereof will be revealed in the future." (The question and answer are translated from the Persian.)

The Universal House of Justice has also asked us to inform you that it does not wish the above statement to be circulated in isolation from the many and varied other texts in the Writings on medicine. However, you may share it with any of your friends who are interested. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 12 November 1975, written by the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Some Aspects of Heath, Healing, Nutrition and Related Matters)

Believers can serve both as Assistants and on administrative institutions - 10 November 1975

Appointment of a believer as a Board member's assistant does not require the resignation of the appointee from a Spiritual Assembly or a committee. The House of Justice leans towards "assistants" not retiring from administrative work, although in consultation with their Spiritual Assembly it may be quite in order; it would be preferable, however, for the suggestion to come from the appointee and not from the Spiritual Assembly. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (Written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, dated November 10, 1975, to a National Spiritual Assembly; compilation: Developing Distinctive Baha’i Communities, NSA of USA, 1998 edition)

“no requirements in Bahá'í administration for a new believer to sign an enrollment card” - 28 October 1975

There is no requirements in Bahá'í administration for a new believer to sign an enrollment card. It is for each National Spiritual Assembly to decide in the light of conditions in the territory under its jurisdiction how it wishes a declaration of faith to be made. For a number of reasons it has been found in most countries that an enrollment card is a simple and useful way of registering new believers, but this is not a universal requirement... 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany, October 28, 1975; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

Registration of Baha’i children upon reaching the age of fifteen - 28 October 1975

The way in which Bahá'í children should be registered upon reaching the age of fifteen is within the discretion of each National Spiritual Assembly; there is no objection to using for this purpose the general enrollment card, if such a card is adopted, or a new and separate one specially for Bahá'í children attaining the age of fifteen. It is important, however, that whatever method of enrollment is used or card adopted, it is clear to such children that they had been Bahá'ís up to that time, and that on attaining the age of spiritual maturity they are reaffirming their belief in Bahá'u'lláh.

The form and wording of an enrollment or registration card is also within the discretion of a National Spiritual Assembly. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated October 28, 1975; compilation: Developing Distinctive Baha’i Communities, NSA of USA, 1998 edition)

Letter of parental consent could contain no specific future spouse - 9 October 1975

Basically, Bahá'í Law pertaining to marriage requires that the parties intending to marry must obtain consent of all living natural parents. Further, the responsibility of the parents in giving their consent is unrestricted and unconditioned, but in discharging this duty they are responsible for their decision to God. Should the parents in their letter of consent, as you indicated, not name a specific future spouse, the House of Justice states that it could be accepted and it would be permissible to perform a Bahá'í marriage ceremony on the basis of such a letter. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer, October 9, 1975; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

National projects should be supported by Local Spiritual Assemblies and coordinated by Counsellors, Auxiliary Board members and their assistants at the local level - 7 October 1975

It is the hope of the Universal House of Justice that the excellent plans adopted will be implemented, however difficult and challenging the tasks may be. These nationally directed projects, however, should be supported by locally sponsored teaching activities carried out by Local Spiritual Assemblies. By combining the two levels of Bahá'í activity, and by seeking the collaboration of the Counselors in providing the guidance and stimulation of the Auxiliary Board members and their assistants at the local level, excellent results will be obtained and your high aspirations in the expansion and consolidation work will be fully realized. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (Letter dated October 7, 1975, to a National Spiritual Assembly, in an unpublished compilation prepared by the International Teaching Center; compilation: Developing Distinctive Baha’i Communities, NSA of USA, 1998 edition)

Books written by enemies of the Faith - 2 October 1975

In reply to your letter of September 20, 1975 the Universal House of Justice instructs us to say that the friends should be advised to ignore these books and any similar ones which might be written by enemies of the Faith. There should certainly be no attempt made to destroy or remove such books from libraries. On the other hand there is no need at all for the friends to acquire them and, indeed, the best plan is to ignore them entirely. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (Referring to Books by Hermann Zimmer and William Miller. Letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of Panama, October 2, 1975; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

“'Abdu'l-Bahá does not permit adverse criticism of individuals by name in discussion among the friends” - 23 September 1975

You ask in your letter for guidance on the implications of the prohibitions on backbiting and more specifically whether, in moments of anger or depression, the believer is permitted to turn to his friends to unburden his soul and discuss his problem in human relations. Normally, it is possible to describe the situation surrounding a problem and seek help and advice in resolving it, without necessarily mentioning names. The individual believer should seek to do this, whether he is consulting a friend, Bahá'í or non-Bahá'í, or whether the friend is consulting him.

'Abdu'l-Bahá does not permit adverse criticism of individuals by name in discussion among the friends, even if the one criticizing believes that he is doing so to protect the interests of the Cause. If the situation is of such gravity as to endanger the interests of the Faith, the complaint, as your National Spiritual Assembly has indicated, should be submitted to the Local Spiritual Assembly, or as you state to a representative of the institution of the Counsellors, for consideration and action. In such cases, of course, the name of the person or persons involved will have to be mentioned. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer, September 23, 1975; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

Military or paramilitary service - 14 September 1975

Whenever circumstances of military or paramilitary service arise the Bahá'í friends should do their utmost to avoid taking part. If, however, they are compelled to do so they should then do everything possible to ensure that they are engaged only in non-combatant services. When the question of National Service, such as you describe in Guyana, includes training in skills and professions useful to mankind, such as agriculture, the friends may certainly volunteer for such services, provided they are definitely assured that their training will not subject them alter to call up for military service in combatant roles.

If compelled to enter training of a military kind the friends should endeavour to be assigned to such non-combatant activities as stretcher bearing, the medical corps, administrative duties, and other essential departments of military organizations which would not involve them directly in the taking of life.

It is therefore for your National Spiritual Assembly to decide whether the National Service programme in Guyana is a permissible occupation for Bahá'í youth, and if so whether on a voluntary basis, or if under compulsion, what steps can be taken to enable Bahá'í youth to serve as non-combatants. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of Guyana, Surinam and French Guiana, September 14, 1975; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

The ”provision in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas regarding inheritance, in which the eldest son receives preferential treatment” - 24 July 1975

You mention the provision in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas regarding inheritance, in which the eldest son receives preferential treatment. As you no doubt know, the duty of making a will is enjoined upon all Bahá’ís, and in such a will a believer is free to bequeath his or her property in whatever way he or she wishes (see note 25 on page 60 of the Synopsis and Codification). Every system of law, however, needs to make provision for the disposal of a person’s property if he or she dies without having made a will, and it is in cases of intestacy that the specific provisions stated in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas are applied. These provisions give expression to the law of primogeniture, which, as ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá has stated, has invariably been upheld by the Law of God. In a Tablet to a follower of the Faith in Persia He wrote: “In all the Divine Dispensations the eldest son hath been given extraordinary distinctions. Even the station of prophethood hath been his birthright.” With the distinctions given to the eldest son, however, go concomitant duties. For example, with respect to the law of inheritance ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá has explained in one of His Tablets that the eldest son has the responsibility to take into consideration the needs of the other heirs. Similar considerations no doubt apply to the provisions that, in intestacy, limit the shares due to half-brothers and half-sisters of the deceased on his or her mother’s side; they will, of course, be due to receive inheritance from their own father’s estate. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 24 July 1975 to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Women)

Divorce and wife’s personal property - 24 July 1975

Your statement that “Gifts to a wife are included in the man’s property to be given away after his death” is incorrect. It is clear from the passage in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas that certain things that a husband buys for his wife are intended to be for the general household and certain are intended to be the wife’s personal property. These latter, that is to say the wife’s used clothing and gifts which have been made to her, are not included in the husband’s property. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 24 July 1975 to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Women)

“children of non-Bahá'ís or children one of whose parents is a Bahá'í - 31 August 1975

The Universal House of Justice has received your letter asking whether children of non-Bahá'ís or children one of whose parents is a Bahá'í are allowed to contribute to Bahá'í funds, and we have been asked to say that in both cases, if the child wishes to be a Bahá'í and his parents do not object, he may be treated as any other Bahá'í child. However, if the parents object to their child's being a Bahá'í, this contribution may be accepted for charitable purposes, including use for Bahá'í schools where both Bahá'ís and non-Bahá'ís are accepted as pupils. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice of India, August 31, 1975; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)