Huququ'llah: The Right of God
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Source: Bahá'í Library Online (bahai-library.com), curated by Jonah Winters. Used by permission of the curator. Original citation: Bahá'u'lláh, Huququ'llah: The Right of God, Bahá’í World Centre, 2007-04, bahai-library.com.
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Huqúqu'lláh:

The Right of God

Bahá'u'lláh

Abdu'l-Bahá

Shoghi Effendi

Universal House of Justice

Universal House of Justice, Research Department

, compiler

Bahá’í World Centre, 2007-04

Contents

1.
Foundations of the Law of Huqúqu’lláh

2. Application of the Law of Huqúqu’lláh

3. Functions of the Trustees of Huqúqu’lláh and the Spiritual
Assemblies

4. Disbursement of Huqúqu’lláh
Funds

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1. Foundations of the Law of Huqúqu’lláh

Extracts from the Writings of
Bahá’u’lláh

1. "Magnified art Thou, O Lord of
the entire creation, the One unto Whom all…"

Magnified
art Thou, O Lord of the entire creation, the One unto Whom all things must
turn! With my inner and outer tongues I bear witness that Thou hast manifested
and revealed Thyself, sent down Thy signs, and proclaimed Thy testimonies. I
testify to Thy self-sufficiency from aught else except Thee, and Thy sanctity
above all earthly things. I entreat Thee by the transcendent glory of Thy Cause
and the supreme potency of Thy Word to grant confirmation unto him who desireth
to offer what Thou hast prescribed unto him in Thy Book and to observe that
which will shed forth the fragrance of Thine acceptance. Verily Thou art the
Almighty, the All-Gracious, the All-Forgiving, the All-Generous.

2. "Thine intention to pay a
visit to the blessed House is acceptable and…"

Thine
intention to pay a visit to the blessed House is acceptable and well-pleasing
in the sight of this Wronged One….

Say: O
people, the first duty is to recognize the one true God—magnified be His
glory—the second is to show forth constancy in His Cause and, after these,
one’s duty is to purify one’s riches and earthly possessions according to that
which is prescribed by God. Therefore it beseemeth thee to meet thine
obligation to the Right of God first, then to direct thy steps toward His
blessed House. This hath been brought to thine attention as a sign of favour.

3. "Should anyone acquire one
hundred mi
th
qáls of gold,…"

Should
anyone acquire one hundred mi
th
qáls of gold, nineteen mi
th
qáls
thereof are God’s and to be rendered unto Him, the Fashioner of earth and
heaven. Take heed, O people, lest ye deprive yourselves of so great a bounty.
This We have commanded you, though We are well able to dispense with you and
with all who are in the heavens and on earth; in it there are benefits and
wisdoms beyond the ken of anyone but God, the Omniscient, the All-Informed.
Say: By this means He hath desired to purify what ye possess and to enable you
to draw nigh unto such stations as none can comprehend save those whom God hath
willed. He, in truth, is the Beneficent, the Gracious, the Bountiful. O people!
Deal not faithlessly with the Right of God, nor, without His leave, make free
with its disposal. Thus hath His commandment been established in the holy
Tablets, and in this exalted Book. He who dealeth faithlessly with God shall in
justice meet with faithlessness himself; he, however, who acteth in accordance
with God’s bidding shall receive a blessing from the heaven of the bounty of
his Lord, the Gracious, the Bestower, the Generous, the Ancient of Days. He,
verily, hath willed for you that which is yet beyond your knowledge, but which
shall be known to you when, after this fleeting life, your souls soar
heavenwards and the trappings of your earthly joys are folded up. Thus
admonisheth you He in Whose possession is the Guarded Tablet.

(The
Kitáb-i-Aqdas, par. 97)

4. "Nothing that existeth in the
world of being hath ever been or will ever…"

Nothing
that existeth in the world of being hath ever been or will ever be worthy of
mention. However, if a person be graciously favoured to offer a pennyworth—nay,
even less—in the path of God, this would in His sight be preferable and
superior to all the treasures of the earth. It is for this reason that the one
true God—exalted be His glory—hath in all His heavenly Scriptures praised those
who observe His precepts and bestow their wealth for His sake. Beseech ye God
that He may enable everyone to discharge the obligation of Huqúq, inasmuch as the progress
and promotion of the Cause of God depend on material means. If His faithful
servants could realize how meritorious are benevolent deeds in these days, they
would all arise to do that which is meet and seemly. In His hand is the source
of authority and He ordaineth as He willeth. He is the Supreme Ruler, the
Bountiful, the Equitable, the Revealer, the All-Wise.

5.
"For a number of years Huqúq
was not accepted…."

For a
number of years Huqúq
was not accepted…. However, in recent years We have, in view of the exigencies
of the times, accepted the payment of the Huqúq, but have forbidden solicitation thereof.
Everyone must have the utmost regard for the dignity of the Word of God and for
the exaltation of His Cause. Were a person to offer all the treasures of the
earth at the cost of debasing the honour of the Cause of God, were it even less
than a grain of mustard, such an offering would not be permissible. All the
world hath belonged and will always belong to God. If one spontaneously
offereth Huqúq
with the utmost joy and radiance it will be acceptable, and not otherwise. The
benefit of such deeds reverteth unto the individuals themselves. This measure
hath been ordained in view of the necessity for material means, for "averse is
God from putting aught into effect except through its means". Thus instructions
were given to receive the Huqúq.

6. "The one true God—exalted be
His glory—hath ever been and will continue…"

The one
true God—exalted be His glory—hath ever been and will continue to be exalted
above every expression of praise and is sanctified from the world of existence
and all the riches therein. Whatsoever proceedeth from Him produceth a fruit
the benefits of which revert to the individuals themselves. Erelong will they
perceive the truth of that which the Tongue of Grandeur hath uttered aforetime
and will utter hereafter. And such benefits will indeed accrue if the Huqúq is offered with the utmost
joy and radiance and in a spirit of perfect humility and lowliness.

7. "O Zayn! Such souls as comply
with the injunction of God prescribed in…"

O Zayn!
Such souls as comply with the injunction of God prescribed in the Book are
regarded as most excellent in the estimation of God. There can be no doubt that
whatsoever is revealed from the heaven of divine commandment is by virtue of
His wisdom and is in the best interests of the people themselves. Moreover,
although these insignificant amounts are not worthy of mention, they are well
pleasing, since the donors offer them for the sake of God. If the offering be
but a single grain it is regarded as the crowning glory of all the harvests of
the world.

8. "Whoso is privileged to pay
the Right of God will be numbered with such…"

Whoso is
privileged to pay the Right of God will be numbered with such as have observed
the ordinances of the one true God—magnified be His glory—and have fulfilled
that which is set down by the All-Glorious Pen.

Time and
again have We written and commanded that no one should solicit such payment.
The offering of every person that voluntarily tendereth the Huqúqu’lláh with the utmost joy
and pleasure may be accepted, otherwise acceptance was not and is not
permissible. Those that are oblivious of their duty should be briefly reminded.
Deeds must be performed with willingness, and in all circumstances high regard
must be given to the dignity of the Cause of God. Formerly We have mentioned
that were a person to possess the whole world and would tender his possessions
at the cost of degrading the honour of the Cause, even to the extent of a grain
of mustard, it would be essential and imperative to refuse to accept such
wealth. Such is the Cause of God, eternal in the past, eternal in the future.
Well is it with them that act accordingly.

The
ordinance prescribing the payment of Huqúq is but a favour vouchsafed by the one true
God—exalted be His glory—and the benefits arising therefrom shall fall to the
donors themselves. It behoveth all to render thanks unto God, the Most Exalted,
Who hath graciously enabled them to meet the obligation of Huqúq. We held back the Pen for a
long period during which no instruction was issued in this respect, until such
time as the requirements of His inscrutable wisdom demanded the acceptance of Huqúq. "Averse is God from putting
aught into effect except through its means." It is essential for certain people
to receive aid, and others need attention and care, but all this must take
place by the leave of God, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting.

9. "And now concerning what thou
hast mentioned regarding the…"

And now
concerning what thou hast mentioned regarding the Huqúq. This hath been ordained
especially for the one true God—exalted be His glory—and should be forwarded to
the court of His Holy Presence. In His grasp is the source of authority. He
doeth what He pleaseth and ordaineth what He chooseth….

This
ordinance is binding upon everyone, and by observing it one will be raised to
honour inasmuch as it will serve to purify one’s possessions and will impart
blessing, and added prosperity. However, the people are as yet ignorant of its
significance. They continually endeavour to amass riches by lawful or unlawful
means in order to transmit them to their heirs, and this to what advantage, no
one can tell. Say: In this day the true Heir is the Word of God, since the
underlying purpose of inheritance is the preservation of the name and traces of
men. It is indubitably clear that the passing of centuries and ages will
obliterate these signs, while every word that hath streamed from the Pen of
Glory in honour of a certain individual will last as long as the dominions of earth
and heaven will endure.

10. "This is the Book of
Generosity which hath been revealed by the King of…"

This is
the Book of Generosity which hath been revealed by the King of Eternity. Whoso
adorneth himself with this virtue hath distinguished himself and will be
blessed by the All-Merciful from His exalted Kingdom of Glory. However, despite
his high rank and prominent position, were he to pass beyond the limits, he
would be regarded as among the prodigal by the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. Cling
ye unto moderation. This is the commandment that He Who is the All-Possessing,
the Most High hath enjoined upon you in His Generous Book. O ye that are the
exponents of generosity and the manifestations thereof! Be generous unto them
whom ye find in manifest poverty. O ye that are possessed of riches! Take heed
lest outward appearance deter you from benevolent deeds in the path of God, the
Lord of all mankind.

Say: I
swear by God! No one is despised in the sight of the Almighty for being poor.
Rather is he exalted, if he is found to be of them who are patient. Blessed are
the poor that are steadfast in patience, and woe betide the rich that hold back
Huqúqu’lláh
and fail to observe that which is enjoined upon them in His Preserved Tablet.

Say:
Pride not yourselves on earthly riches ye possess. Reflect upon your end and
upon the recompense for your works that hath been ordained in the Book of God,
the Exalted, the Mighty. Blessed is the rich man whom earthly possessions have
been powerless to hinder from turning unto God, the Lord of all names. Verily
he is accounted among the most distinguished of men before God, the Gracious,
the All-Knowing.

Say: The
appointed Day is come. This is the Springtime of benevolent deeds, were ye of
them that comprehend. Strive ye with all your might, O people, that ye may
bring forth that which will truly profit you in the worlds of your Lord, the
All-Glorious, the All-Praised.

Say:
Hold ye fast unto praiseworthy characteristics and goodly deeds and be not of
them that tarry. It behoveth everyone to cleave tenaciously unto that which is
conducive to the exaltation of the Cause of God, your Lord, the Mighty, the
Powerful.

Say:
Behold ye not the world, its changes and chances, and its varying colours?
Wherefore are ye satisfied with it and with all the things therein? Open your
eyes and be of them that are endued with insight. The day is fast approaching
when all these things will have vanished as fast as the lightning, nay even
faster. Unto this beareth witness the Lord of the Kingdom in this wondrous
Tablet.

Wert
thou to be enraptured by the uplifting ecstasy of the verses of God, thou
wouldst yield thanks unto thy Lord and say: "Praise be unto Thee, O Desire of
the hearts of them that hasten to meet Thee!" Rejoice then with exceeding
gladness, inasmuch as the Pen of Glory hath turned unto thee and hath revealed
in thy honour that which the tongues of creation and the tongues of
transcendence are powerless to describe.

11. "It is incumbent upon
everyone to discharge the obligation of…"

It is
incumbent upon everyone to discharge the obligation of Huqúq. The advantages gained from
this deed revert to the persons themselves. However, the acceptance of the
offerings dependeth on the spirit of joy, fellowship and contentment that the
righteous souls who fulfil this injunction will manifest. If such is the
attitude, acceptance is permissible and not otherwise. Verily thy Lord is the All-Sufficing,
the All-Praised.

12. "It is clear and evident that
the payment of the Right of God is…"

It is
clear and evident that the payment of the Right of God is conducive to
prosperity, to blessing, and to honour and divine protection. Well is it with them
that comprehend and recognize this truth and woe betide them that believe not.
And this is on condition that the individual should observe the injunctions
prescribed in the Book with the utmost radiance, gladness and willing
acquiescence. It behoveth you to counsel the friends to do that which is right
and praiseworthy. Whoso hearkeneth to this call, it is to his own behoof, and
whoso faileth bringeth loss upon himself. Verily our Lord of Mercy is the
All-Sufficing, the All-Praised.

13. "Huqúqu’lláh is indeed a great law.
It is incumbent…"

Huqúqu’lláh
is indeed a great law. It is incumbent upon all to make this offering, because
it is the source of grace, abundance, and of all good. It is a bounty which
shall remain with every soul in every world of the worlds of God, the
All-Possessing, the All-Bountiful.

14. "In this day it is incumbent
upon everyone to serve the Cause of God,…"

In this
day it is incumbent upon everyone to serve the Cause of God, while He Who is
the Eternal Truth—exalted be His glory—hath made the fulfilment of every
undertaking on earth dependent on material means. Hence it is enjoined upon
every individual to offer that which is the Right of God.

15. "Great God! In this glorious
Dispensation the treasures laid up by kings…"

Great
God! In this glorious Dispensation the treasures laid up by kings and queens
are not worthy of mention, nor will they be acceptable in the Presence of God.
However, a grain of mustard offered by His loved ones will be extolled in the
exalted court of His holiness and invested with the ornament of His acceptance.
Immeasurably exalted is His bounty, immeasurably glorified is His majesty.

16. "The benefits accruing from
benevolent works shall fall to the…"

The
benefits accruing from benevolent works shall fall to the individuals
concerned. In such matters only a word would suffice. Should anyone offer Huqúq with utmost joy and
radiance, manifesting a spirit of resignation and content, his offering shall
be acceptable before God, otherwise He can dispense with all the peoples of the
earth…. Well is it with them that have fulfilled that which is prescribed in
the Book of God. It is incumbent upon everyone to observe that which God hath
purposed, for whatsoever hath been set forth in the Book by the Pen of Glory is
an effective means for the purging, the purification and sanctification of the
souls of men and a source of prosperity and blessing. Happy are they that have
observed His commandments.

No
goodly deed was or will ever be lost, for benevolent acts are treasures
preserved with God for the benefit of those who act. Blessed the servant and
the maidservant who have fulfilled their obligation in the path of God our
Lord, the Lord of all worlds…. The Right of God must be paid whenever possible
and should be offered in a spirit of joy and radiance. Those that are unable to
pay will be invested with the ornament of His forgiveness.

17. "There can be no doubt that
whatsoever hath been revealed from the…"

There
can be no doubt that whatsoever hath been revealed from the All-Glorious Pen,
be it ordinances or prohibitions, conferreth benefits upon the believers
themselves. For example, among the commandments is that of the Huqúqu’lláh. If the people attain
the privilege of paying the Huqúq,
the one true God—exalted be His glory—will of a certainty confer blessing upon
them. Moreover, such payment will enable them and their offspring to benefit
from their possessions. As thou dost observe, large portions of people’s wealth
are lost to them as God causeth strangers, or heirs in comparison with whom
strangers would have been preferable, to lay hands on their possessions.

God’s
consummate wisdom is far beyond any description or fitting mention. Verily,
people see with their own eyes and yet deny; they are aware, yet they pretend
not to know. Had they observed the ordinance of God they would have attained
the good of this world and the next.

18.
"The question of the Huqúq
dependeth on the willingness…"

The
question of the Huqúq
dependeth on the willingness of the individuals themselves. From every true
believer who is willing to tender the Right of God spontaneously and with the
utmost joy and radiance, the offering is graciously acceptable, but not
otherwise. Verily, thy Lord is independent of all mankind. Consider thou that
which the All-Merciful hath revealed in the Qur’án: "O men! Ye are but paupers
in need of God, but God is the Self-Sufficient, the All-Praised."

[2]

At all
times one must have the utmost regard for the dignity and honour of the Cause
of God.

19. "Thou hast written that they
have pledged themselves to observe maximum…"

Thou
hast written that they have pledged themselves to observe maximum austerity in
their lives with a view to forwarding the remainder of their income to His
exalted presence. This matter was mentioned at His holy court. He said: Let
them act with moderation and not impose hardship upon themselves. We would like
them both to enjoy a life that is well-pleasing.

20. "There is a prescribed ruling
for the Huqúqu’lláh…."

There is
a prescribed ruling for the Huqúqu’lláh.
After the House of Justice hath come into being, the law thereof will be made
manifest, in conformity with the Will of God.

21. "Glorified art Thou, O my
compassionate Lord! I entreat Thee by the…"

Glorified
art Thou, O my compassionate Lord! I entreat Thee by the tumult of the ocean of
Thy holy utterance, and by the manifold tokens of Thy supreme sovereignty, and
the compelling evidences of Thy Divinity, and the hidden mysteries that lie
concealed within Thy knowledge, to give me Thy grace to serve Thee and Thy
chosen ones, and enable me to dutifully offer Thy Huqúq which Thou hast ordained in
Thy Book.

I am the
one, O my Lord, who hath set his affections on Thy realm of glory, and hath
clung tenaciously to the hem of Thy generosity. O Thou Who art the Lord of all
being and the Ruler of the kingdom of names, I beseech Thee not to deny me the
things Thou dost possess, nor to withhold from me that which Thou hast ordained
for Thy chosen ones.

I
implore Thee, O Lord of all names and Creator of the heavens, to assist me to
be steadfast in Thy Cause, through Thy strengthening grace, in such wise that
the vanities of the world may not suffer me to be shut out as by a veil, nor to
be hindered by the violent commotions of the wicked-doers who have risen up to
lead Thy people astray in Thy days. Destine for me then, O my heart’s Desire,
the good of this world and the world to come. Verily Thou art powerful to do as
Thou willest. No God is there but Thee, the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Generous.

Extracts from the Writings of
‘Abdu’l-Bahá

22. "O friends of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá!
The Lord, as a sign of His…"

O
friends of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá! The Lord, as a sign of His infinite bounties, hath
graciously favored His servants by providing for a fixed money offering (Huqúq), to be dutifully presented
unto Him, though He, the True One and His servants have been at all times
independent of all created things, and God verily is the All-Possessing,
exalted above the need of any gift from His creatures. This fixed money offering,
however, causeth the people to become firm and steadfast and draweth Divine
increase upon them.

(
Will
and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
(Wilmette: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1944,
1997 printing), p. 15)

23. "As preordained by the
Fountain-head of Creation, the temple of the world…"

As
preordained by the Fountain-head of Creation, the temple of the world hath been
fashioned after the image and likeness of the human body. In fact each
mirroreth forth the image of the other, wert thou but to observe with discerning
eyes. By this is meant that even as the human body in this world, which is
outwardly composed of different limbs and organs, is in reality a closely
integrated, coherent entity, similarly the structure of the physical world is
like unto a single being whose limbs and members are inseparably linked
together.

Were one
to observe with an eye that discovereth the realities of all things, it would
become clear that the greatest relationship that bindeth the world of being
together lieth in the range of created things themselves, and that
co-operation, mutual aid and reciprocity are essential characteristics in the
unified body of the world of being, inasmuch as all created things are closely
related together and each is influenced by the other or deriveth benefit
therefrom, either directly or indirectly.

Consider
for instance how one group of created things constituteth the vegetable
kingdom, and another the animal kingdom. Each of these two maketh use of
certain elements in the air on which its own life dependeth, while each
increaseth the quantity of such elements as are essential for the life of the
other. In other words, the growth and development of the vegetable world is
impossible without the existence of the animal kingdom, and the maintenance of
animal life is inconceivable without the co-operation of the vegetable kingdom.
Of like kind are the relationships that exist among all created things. Hence
it was stated that co-operation and reciprocity are essential properties which
are inherent in the unified system of the world of existence, and without which
the entire creation would be reduced to nothingness.

In
surveying the vast range of creation thou shalt perceive that the higher a
kingdom of created things is on the arc of ascent, the more conspicuous are the
signs and evidences of the truth that co-operation and reciprocity at the level
of a higher order are greater than those that exist at the level of a lower
order. For example, the evident signs of this fundamental reality are more
discernible in the vegetable kingdom than in the mineral, and still more
manifest in the animal world than in the vegetable.

And thus
when contemplating the human world thou beholdest this wondrous phenomenon
shining resplendent from all sides with the utmost perfection, inasmuch as in
this station acts of co-operation, mutual assistance and reciprocity are not
confined to the body and to things that pertain to the material world, but for
all conditions, whether physical or spiritual, such as those related to minds, thoughts,
opinions, manners, customs, attitudes, understandings, feelings or other human
susceptibilities. In all these thou shouldst find these binding relationships
securely established. The more this interrelationship is strengthened and
expanded, the more will human society advance in progress and prosperity.
Indeed without these vital ties it would be wholly impossible for the world of
humanity to attain true felicity and success.

Now
consider, if among the people who are merely the manifestations of the world of
being this significant matter is of such importance, how much greater must be
the spirit of co-operation and mutual assistance among those who are the
essences of the world of creation, who have sought the sheltering shadow of the
heavenly Tree, and are favoured by the manifestations of divine grace; and how
the evidences of this spirit should, through their earnest endeavour, their
fellowship and concord, become manifest in every sphere of their inner and
outer lives, in the realm of the spirit and divine mysteries and in all things
related to this world and the next. Thus there can be no doubt that they must
be willing even to offer up their lives for each other.

This is
the basic principle on which the institution of Huqúqu’lláh is established, inasmuch
as its proceeds are dedicated to the furtherance of these ends. Otherwise the
one true God hath ever been and will always be independent of all else beside
Him. Even as He hath enabled all created things to partake of His boundless
grace and loving-kindness, likewise is He able to bestow riches upon His loved
ones out of the treasuries of His power. However, the wisdom of this command is
that the act of giving is well-pleasing in the sight of God. Consider how
well-pleasing must this mighty act be in His estimation that He hath ascribed
it unto His Own Self. Rejoice ye then, O people of generosity!

We
earnestly hope that in this Most Great Cycle the wondrous attributes of the
All-Merciful may, through the infinite bounty and blessings of the King of
Glory, find expression in the lives of the servants of God in such wise that
the sweet savours thereof will shed fragrance upon all regions.

This
matter needeth further details, but We have treated it in brief.

24. "O my heavenly friends! It is
certain and evident that the Incomparable…"

O my
heavenly friends! It is certain and evident that the Incomparable One is always
praised for His absolute wealth, distinguished for His all-embracing mercy,
characterized by His eternal grace, and known for His gifts to the world of
existence. Nonetheless, in accordance with His inscrutable wisdom and in order
to apply a unique test to distinguish the friend from the stranger, He hath
enjoined the Huqúq
upon His servants and made it obligatory.

Those
who have observed this weighty ordinance have received heavenly blessings and
in both worlds their faces have shone radiantly and their nostrils have been
perfumed by the sweet savours of God’s tender mercy. One of the tokens of His
consummate wisdom is that the payment of the Huqúq will enable the donors to
become firm and steadfast and will exert a great influence on their hearts and
souls. Furthermore, the Huqúq
will be used for charitable purposes.

25. "The Blessed Beauty—may my
life be offered up for His Dust—hath…"

The
Blessed Beauty—may my life be offered up for His Dust—hath emphasized through
His decisive Word that the utmost honesty hath to be observed in matters
related to the Huqúq.
The institution of Huqúq
is sacred.

26. "Render thou thanks unto God,
for He hath graciously enabled thee to…"

Render
thou thanks unto God, for He hath graciously enabled thee to observe the
injunction set forth in His Most Holy Book, inasmuch as thou hast arisen to
fulfil the obligation of Huqúq,
and God hath accepted thy goodly deed.

Know
thou, moreover, that those who faithfully serve the All-Merciful will be
enriched by Him out of His heavenly treasury, and that the Huqúq offering is but a test
applied by Him unto His servants and maidservants. Thus every true and sincere
believer will offer Huqúq
to be expended for the relief of the poor, the disabled, the needy, and the
orphans, and for other vital needs of the Cause of God, even as Christ did
establish a Fund for benevolent purposes.

Extract from a Letter Written on
Behalf of Shoghi Effendi

27. "Great is the recompense that
God has ordained for the true and devoted…"

Great is
the recompense that God has ordained for the true and devoted souls, the pure
and detached beings who have spontaneously bequeathed a portion of their
earthly possessions to the Cause of God, either during their own lifetimes or
through their wills, and have had the privilege and honour of discharging their
obligations to Huqúqu’lláh.

Give
assurance on my behalf to the donors and to the survivors of those who have
ascended unto God, affirming that these efforts and donations are bound to
attract divine confirmations, heavenly blessings and incalculable favours, and
to promote the manifold interests of the International Bahá’í Community. Well
is it with them, inasmuch as God has enabled them to fulfil that which shall
elevate their stations in this world and in the world to come.

(23 June
1945, to an individual believer, translated from the Persian)

Extracts from Letters Written by
and on Behalf of the Universal House of Justice

28. "Such an exceptional
confluence of imminent achievements—the publication…"

Such an
exceptional confluence of imminent achievements—the publication of the
Kitáb-i-Aqdas, the progress of the building projects on Mount Carmel, the
conclusion of the Six Year Plan, the inception of the Holy Year—animates the
expectations of the Bahá’í world, sets the stage for mightier endeavours than
have already been attempted, and points us all to the opening of a new phase of
history. It seems fitting, then, that the sacred law which enables each one to
express his or her personal sense of devotion to God in a profoundly private
act of conscience that promotes the common good, which directly connects the
individual believer with the Central Institution of the Faith, and which, above
all, ensures to the obedient and the sincere the ineffable grace and abundant
blessings of Providence, should, at this favourable juncture, be embraced by
all who profess their belief in the Supreme Manifestation of God. With humility
before our sovereign Lord, we now announce that as of Riḍván 1992, the beginning of the
Holy Year, the Law of Huqúqu’lláh,
the Right of God, will become universally applicable. All are lovingly called
to observe it.

(Riḍván 1991, written by the
Universal House of Justice to the Bahá’ís of the world)

29. "And now, amid the eager
anticipations occasioned by the two major…"

And now,
amid the eager anticipations occasioned by the two major commemorative events

[3]

and by the imminent publication
of the Mother Book of the Bahá’í Revelation, the Law of Huqúqu’lláh takes effect as part
of the constant practice of the members of our entire world community. May the
promised divine bounties associated with the activation of this holy law be
showered upon the beloved of the Lord in every land.

(Riḍván 1992, written by the Universal
House of Justice to the Bahá’ís of the world)

30. "It is the ardent hope of the
Universal House of Justice that the spirit…"

It is
the ardent hope of the Universal House of Justice that the spirit of the Holy
Year and the effect of obedience to the Law of Huqúqu’lláh will produce a
quickening of the believers’ awareness of the sacred character of the funds of
the Faith and of the essential part they play in carrying out the purpose of
Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation.

(19 June
1992, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a National
Spiritual Assembly)

31. "The institution of Huqúqu’lláh will, during the
course…"

The
institution of Huqúqu’lláh
will, during the course of this Dispensation, contribute to the
spiritualization of humanity through the promotion of a new attitude to the
acquisition and use of material resources. It will provide the material
resources necessary for great collective enterprises designed to improve all
aspects of life, and will be a powerful element in the growth of a world civilization.

(12
January 2003, written by the Universal House of Justice to the Deputies and
Representatives of the institution of Ḥuqúqu’lláh)

32. "As to your fear over money,
the acquisition of wealth is not in itself a…"

As to
your fear over money, the acquisition of wealth is not in itself a fearsome
objective, it is a practical necessity. The problem with wealth arises from
inappropriate attitudes toward possessing and using it. In this regard, you may
find it helpful to read the Hidden Words (Persian) numbers 80, 81 and 82. As in
so many other aspects of personal life, Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings provide a means
for safeguarding us from the test of wealth by ordaining the law of Huqúqu’lláh, providing the
opportunity to contribute to the Bahá’í Funds, and encouraging philanthropic
endeavors for the well-being of all.

(7
October 2005, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an
individual believer)

2. Application of the Law of Huqúqu’lláh

Extracts from the Writings of
Bahá’u’lláh

33. "They that have kept their
promises, fulfilled their obligations,…"

They
that have kept their promises, fulfilled their obligations, redeemed their
pledges and vows, rendered the Trust of God and His Right unto Him—these are
numbered among the inmates of the all-highest Paradise. Thus from His mighty
Prison doth the Wronged One announce unto them this glad-tiding. Blessed are
the servants and maidservants that have performed their deeds and blessed is
the man that hath cleaved tenaciously unto praiseworthy acts and fulfilled that
which is enjoined upon him in the Book of God, the Lord of the worlds.

34. "The payment of the Right of
God is conditional upon one’s financial…"

The
payment of the Right of God is conditional upon one’s financial ability. If a
person is unable to meet his obligation, God will verily excuse him. He is the
All-Forgiving, the All-Generous.

35. "Question: Concerning the
basic sum on which…"

Question:
Concerning the basic sum on which Huqúqu’lláh
is payable.

Answer:
The basic sum on which Huqúqu’lláh
is payable is nineteen mi
th
qáls of gold. In other words, when money to
the value of this sum hath been acquired, a payment of Huqúq falleth due. Likewise Huqúq is payable when the value,
not the number, of other forms of property reacheth the prescribed amount. Huqúqu’lláh is payable no more
than once. A person, for instance, who acquireth a thousand mi
th
qáls of
gold, and payeth the Huqúq,
is not liable to make a further such payment on this sum, but only on what
accrueth to it through commerce, business and the like. When this increase,
namely the profit realized, reacheth the prescribed sum, one must carry out
what God hath decreed. Only when the principal changeth hands is it once more subject
to payment of Huqúq,
as it was the first time. The Primal Point hath directed that Huqúqu’lláh must be paid on the
value of whatsoever one possesseth; yet, in this Most Mighty Dispensation, We
have exempted the household furnishings, that is such furnishings as are needed,
and the residence itself.

(
The
Kitáb-i-Aqdas: The Most Holy Book
, Questions and Answers, no. 8)

36. "Question: Which is to take
precedence: the…"

Question:
Which is to take precedence: the Huqúqu’lláh,
the debts of the deceased or the cost of the funeral and burial?

Answer:
The funeral and burial take precedence, then settlement of debts, then payment
of Huqúqu’lláh.
Should the property of the deceased prove insufficient to cover his debts, the
remainder of his estate should be distributed among these debts in proportion
to their size.

(
The
Kitáb-i-Aqdas: The Most Holy Book
, Questions and Answers, no. 9)

37. "Question: The ordinance of Huqúqu’lláh is…"

Question:
The ordinance of Huqúqu’lláh
is revealed in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. Is the residence, with the accompanying
fixtures and necessary furnishings, included in the property on which Huqúq is payable, or is it
otherwise?

Answer:
In the laws revealed in Persian We have ordained that in this Most Mighty
Dispensation the residence and the household furnishings are exempt—that is,
such furnishings as are necessary.

(
The
Kitáb-i-Aqdas: The Most Holy Book
, Questions and Answers, no. 42)

38. "Question: If a person hath,
for example, a hundred…"

Question:
If a person hath, for example, a hundred túmáns, payeth the Huqúq on this sum, loseth half the
sum in unsuccessful transactions and then, through trading, the amount in hand
is raised again to the sum on which Ḥuqúq is due—must such a person pay Ḥuqúq or not?

Answer:
In such an event the Huqúq
is not payable.

(
The
Kitáb-i-Aqdas: The Most Holy Book
, Questions and Answers, no. 44)

39. "Question: If, after payment of Huqúq, this…"

Question:
If, after payment of Huqúq,
this same sum of one hundred túmáns is lost in its entirety, but subsequently
regained through trade and business dealings, must Huqúq be paid a second time or
not?

Answer:
In this event as well, payment of Huqúq
is not required.

(
The
Kitáb-i-Aqdas: The Most Holy Book
, Questions and Answers, no. 45)

40. "Question: May a person, in
drawing up his will, assign some…"

Question:
May a person, in drawing up his will, assign some portion of his
property—beyond that which is devoted to payment of Huqúqu’lláh and the settlement of
debts—to works of charity, or is he entitled to do no more than allocate a certain
sum to cover funeral and burial expenses, so that the rest of his estate will
be distributed in the manner fixed by God among the designated categories of
heirs?

Answer:
A person hath full jurisdiction over his property. If he is able to discharge
the Huqúqu’lláh,
and is free of debt, then all that is recorded in his will, and any declaration
or avowal it containeth, shall be acceptable. God, verily, hath permitted him
to deal with that which He hath bestowed upon him in whatever manner he may
desire.

(
The
Kitáb-i-Aqdas: The Most Holy Book
, Questions and Answers, no. 69)

41. "Question: If the deceased
hath not settled his obligation to…"

Question:
If the deceased hath not settled his obligation to Huqúqu’lláh, nor paid his other
debts, are these to be discharged by proportionate deductions from the
residence, personal clothing and the rest of the estate, or are the residence
and personal clothing set aside for the male offspring, and consequently the
debts must be settled from the rest of the estate? And if the rest of the
estate is insufficient for this purpose, how should the debts be settled?

Answer:
Outstanding debts and payments of Huqúq
should be settled from the remainder of the estate, but if this is insufficient
for the purpose, the shortfall should be met from his residence and personal
clothing.

(
The
Kitáb-i-Aqdas: The Most Holy Book
, Questions and Answers, no. 80)

42. "Question: When one’s wealth
exceeds nineteen, is it necessary…"

Question:
When one’s wealth exceeds nineteen, is it necessary for it to increase by a
further nineteen before Huqúq
is due again, or would it be due on any increase?

Answer:
Any amount added to nineteen is exempt from Huqúq until it reacheth a further
nineteen.

(
The
Kitáb-i-Aqdas: The Most Holy Book
, Questions and Answers, no. 90)

43. "Question: Regarding the
appointments of a place of business,…"

Question:
Regarding the appointments of a place of business, which are needed for
carrying on one’s work or profession: are they subject to the payment of Huqúqu’lláh, or are they covered
by the same ruling as the household furnishings?

Answer:
They are covered by the same ruling as the household furnishings.

(
The
Kitáb-i-Aqdas: The Most Holy Book
, Questions and Answers, no. 95)

44. "The minimum amount subject
to Huqúqu’lláh
is reached…"

The
minimum amount subject to Huqúqu’lláh
is reached when one’s possessions are worth the number of Váh

[4]

that is, whenever one owneth nineteen mi
th
qáls of gold, or acquireth
possessions attaining this value, after having deducted therefrom the yearly
expenses, the Huqúq
becometh applicable and its payment is obligatory.

45. "It hath been decreed by God
that a property which is not lucrative, that…"

It hath
been decreed by God that a property which is not lucrative, that is, yieldeth
no profit, is not subject to the payment of Huqúq. Verily He is the Ordainer,
the Bountiful.

Extracts from the Writings of
‘Abdu’l-Bahá

46.
"Thou hast enquired about the Huqúq.
From one’s annual…"

Thou
hast enquired about the Huqúq.
From one’s annual income, all expenses during the year are deductible, and on
what is left 19% is payable to the Huqúq.
Thus, a person hath earned £1,000 income out of his business. After deducting
his annual expenses of, say, £600, he would have a surplus of £400 on which Huqúq is payable at the rate of
19%. This would amount to £76 to be offered for charitable purposes to the Huqúq.

The Huqúq is not levied on one’s entire
possessions each year. A person’s wealth may be worth £100,000. How can he be
expected to pay Huqúq
on this property every year? For instance, whatever income thou hast earned in
a particular year, you should deduct from it your expenses during that year.
The Huqúq will
then be payable on the remainder. Possessions on which Huqúq was paid the previous year
will be exempt from further payment.

47.
"As to the Huqúq,
it is payable on whatever is left over…"

As to
the Huqúq, it
is payable on whatever is left over after deducting one’s yearly expenses.
However, any money or possession which is necessary in producing income for
one’s subsistence, and on which Huqúq
hath once been paid, is exempt from Huqúq. This exemption also applieth to a property on
which Huqúq
hath already been paid, and the income of which doth not exceed one’s needs….
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.

48.
"Huqúq is
applied on everything one possesseth…."

Huqúq
is applied on everything one possesseth. However, if a person hath paid the Huqúq on a certain property, and
the income from that property is equal to his needs, no Huqúq is payable by that person.

Huqúq
is not payable on agricultural tools and equipment, and on animals used in
ploughing the land, to the extent that these are necessary.

49.
"As to the way the Huqúq
must be paid: Having deducted…"

As to
the way the Huqúq
must be paid: Having deducted the expenses incurred during the year, any excess
of income derived from one’s property, profession or business is subject to the
payment of Huqúq.

Extracts from the Utterances of
‘Abdu’l-Bahá

50.
"Question: As to the matter of Huqúq,
does it mean…"

Question:
As to the matter of Huqúq,
does it mean 1/19th of one’s net income or one’s gross income? For example, in
America, there is a tax on the gross income, after certain exemptions are made.
How is the Huqúq
to be worked out?

Answer:
The substance of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s explanation was: After one has paid all his
necessary expenses 19% of what is left is then taken by him and given as Huqúq. For example, if a person
has 100 piastres left after all his expenses have been paid, then 19 piastres
are taken as Huqúq
for the Cause of God. This is done at the end of the year after he has
ascertained what his expenses are. For every hundred piastres, 19 are taken for
Huqúq.

He pays
this once, then there is no more Huqúq
to be paid on that sum. It is finished. Next year he will pay on the amount he
has left over in his possession after his expenses have been deducted, and
after the amount he paid Huqúq
on the previous year is also deducted.

For
example, at the end of the first year a man has 1000 piastres left after all
his expenses are paid, then 190 piastres are taken as Huqúq: at the end of the next year
after all expenses are determined, he may have 2000 piastres left. As he has
already paid Huqúq
on 1000 piastres the previous year this sum is deducted from the 2000 and he
pays Huqúq on
1000 piastres (or 190 piastres). The third year the net amount of what he owns
may be 2500 piastres, he deducts 2000 piastres from this amount and pays 19% on
500 piastres or 95 piastres. If at the end of the 4th year he has 2500
piastres, no Huqúq
is taken.

Question:
In the deduction of our necessary expenses, are contributions to the Ma
sh
riqu’l-A
dh
kár,
teaching and other activities of the Cause considered a part of Huqúq or should they be taken
separately?

Answer:
‘Abdu’l-Bahá replied that Huqúq
was separate and independent of these and came first. After that had been
determined then the other affairs could be looked after. He smiled and said
when Huqúq is
given ‘Abdu’l-Bahá will ascertain how much of it is for the Ma
sh
riqu’l-A
dh
kár,
how much for teaching and how much for the needy, etc.

(Interview
with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 26 November 1919, note in the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi
circa 1920. Questions posed in a letter from George O. Latimer, undated)

Extracts from Letters Written by
and on Behalf of Shoghi Effendi

51. "Regarding the Huqúqu’lláh … this is applied to
one’s…"

Regarding
the Huqúqu’lláh
… this is applied to one’s merchandise, property and income. After deducting
the necessary expenses, whatever is left as profit, and is an addition to one’s
capital, such a sum is subject to Huqúq.
When one has paid Huqúq
once on a particular sum, that sum is no longer subject to Huqúq, unless it should pass from
one person to another. One’s residence and the household furnishings are exempt
from Huqúq. Huqúqu’lláh is paid to the Centre
of the Cause.

(April/May
1927, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, translated
from the Persian)

52.
"You will find references to the Huqúq
in the book of…"

You will
find references to the Huqúq
in the book of Aqdas…. All matters not specifically provided by Bahá’u’lláh are
to be referred to the Universal House of Justice.

(Postscript
in the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi, appended to a letter dated 16 December
1927 written on his behalf to an individual believer)

53. "One mi
th
qál consists
of nineteen nu
kh
uds. The…"

One mi
th
qál
consists of nineteen nu
kh
uds. The weight of twenty-four nu
kh
uds
equals four and three-fifths grammes. Calculations may be made on this basis.

(17
November 1937, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer,
translated from the Persian)

54. "Concerning your question
whether the heirs to whom the principal…"

Concerning
your question whether the heirs to whom the principal residence, furniture and
clothing of the deceased are transferred by way of inheritance will be exempt
from the payment of Huqúq
or not, he said: Since the residence, furniture and the tools of trade have, in
accordance with the explicit Text, been granted exemption from the Huqúq, therefore when the transfer
of ownership takes place such possessions continue to be exempt.

(29
September 1942, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual
Assembly of Iran, translated from the Persian)

Extracts from Letters Written by
and on Behalf of the Universal House of Justice

55. "Some of the dear friends who
observe their Huqúqu’lláh…"

Some of
the dear friends who observe their Huqúqu’lláh
obligations have written asking about the relationship that exists between
contribution to the Funds and the payment of Huqúqu’lláh. That is, if a person
who intends to meet his Huqúqu’lláh
obligations offers contributions to other Funds and projects instead, would he
be exempted from the payment of Huqúqu’lláh
or not?

The Holy
Texts relevant to this matter are clear but, since this question has been
repeatedly asked by the friends, it was decided to elucidate it for their
information.

Payment
of Huqúqu’lláh
is a spiritual obligation binding on the people of Bahá. The injunction is laid
down in the Most Holy Book, and clear and conclusive explanations are embodied
in various Tablets.

Every devoted
believer who is able to meet the specified conditions, must pay the Huqúqu’lláh, without any
exception. Indeed according to the explicit Text of the Most Holy Book, failure
to comply with this injunction is regarded as a betrayal of trust, and the divine
call: "Whoso dealeth dishonestly

[5]

with God will in justice be
exposed", is a clear reference to such people.

The
Centre of the Covenant has affirmed the obligation of Huqúq in these words: "The Lord as
a sign of His infinite bounties hath graciously favoured His servants by
providing for a fixed money offering,

[6]

to be dutifully presented unto
Him, though He, the True One and His servants have been at all times
independent of all created things."

This
weighty ordinance, as testified by the Pen of Glory is invested with
incalculable benefit and wisdom. It purifies one’s possessions, averts loss and
disaster, conduces to prosperity and honour and imparts divine increase and
blessing. It is a sacrifice offered for and related to God, and an act of servitude
leading to the promotion of His Cause. As affirmed by the Centre of the
Covenant, Huqúq
offerings constitute a test for the believers and enable the friends to become
firm and steadfast in faith and certitude.

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.

(25
October 1970, written by the Universal House of Justice to the National
Spiritual Assembly of Iran, translated from the Persian)

56. "We are deeply touched by
your loving letter of 27 December 1972…"

We are
deeply touched by your loving letter of 27 December 1972 expressing the wish to
follow the Law of Huqúqu’lláh
with respect to your inheritance from your mother….

This Law
of the Aqdas stipulates that nineteen percent of one’s capital is payable as Huqúqu’lláh when such capital has
reached an amount of at least "nineteen mi
th
qáls in gold"…. In
determining the amount a believer should pay, he should first deduct any debts
and expenses he may have, and pay nineteen percent on the remainder of his
capital if it is equal to at least nineteen mi
th
qáls of gold.

…to
observe this Law of the Aqdas …, you should determine the total value of your
inheritance in cash and other assets less any expenses of debts you may have,
and consider the circumstances under which you may be able to pay Huqúqu’lláh on the net value of
your inheritance. The time and conditions of payment are left to each
individual.

For
example, if one’s assets include property or shares in addition to cash, he may
find it disadvantageous or inconvenient to pay nineteen percent of the value of
the non-cash assets until they are disposed of, at which time he would prefer
to fulfill this spiritual obligation. Any expenses that may be involved in
disposing of one’s assets should be deducted before calculating the net value
on which Huqúqu’lláh
is payable.

(21
January 1973, written by the Universal House of Justice to an individual
believer)

57. "The devoted believer who is
privileged to pay "the right of God", far…"

The
devoted believer who is privileged to pay "the right of God", far from seeking
excuses for evading this spiritual obligation, will do his utmost to meet it.
On the other hand, inasmuch as obedience to this Law is a matter of conscience,
and payment of Huqúqu’lláh
is a voluntary act, it would not be seemly to go beyond informing the … friends
of their spiritual obligation, and leaving to them to decide what they wish to
do about it.

The same
principle applies to those friends who spend lavishly on their families, who
purchase or build residences and furnish them far in excess of their needs, and
rationalize these expenditures in their desire to avoid payment of Huqúqu’lláh.

(26
February 1973, written by the Universal House of Justice to an individual
believer, translated from the Persian)

58. "…many details in the
computation of Huqúqu’lláh have…"

…many
details in the computation of Huqúqu’lláh
have been left by Bahá’u’lláh to the judgement and conscience of the individual
believer. For example, He exempts such household equipment and furnishings as
are needful, but He leaves it to the individual to decide which items are
necessary and which are not. Contributions to the funds of the Faith cannot be
considered as part of one’s payment of Ḥuqúqu’lláh; moreover, if one owes Huqúqu’lláh and cannot afford both
to pay it and to make contributions to the Fund, the payment of Huqúqu’lláh should take priority
over making contributions. But as to whether contributions to the Fund may be
treated as expenses in calculating the amount of one’s assets on which Huqúqu’lláh is payable, this is
left to the judgement of each individual in the light of his own circumstances.

(16
September 1979, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an
individual believer)

59. "It is clear from the
Writings that a person is exempt from paying…"

It is
clear from the Writings that a person is exempt from paying Huqúqu’lláh on his residence and
such household and professional equipment as are needful. It is left to the
discretion of the individual to decide which items are necessary and which are
not. It is obvious that the friends should not spend lavishly on residences and
furnishings and rationalize these expenditures in their desire to avoid payment
of Huqúqu’lláh.
No specific text has been found exempting capital used to earn income. The
Universal House of Justice leaves such matters to the consciences of individual
believers.

(9 April
1980, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer)

60. "Your second question asks
whether, where there is perfect understanding…"

Your
second question asks whether, where there is perfect understanding between
husband and wife and she is empowered to manage her husband’s property as well
as her own, she could pay the amount of Huqúqu’lláh applicable to all their possessions or,
since the husband owns a portion of the property, she should pay only the
amount of Huqúqu’lláh
on her own share of the property.

In
answering this question one should remember that the Huqúqu’lláh is payable on
possessions that are indisputably recognised as being one’s own and not on
property that one merely controls or uses. However, in cases similar to the one
you have mentioned above, it is incumbent on husband and wife to take counsel
together and to define precisely the limits of their personal belongings, then
they should either jointly or individually render to the Huqúq the amount they consider to
be their binding obligation.

(10
January 1982, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an
individual believer, translated from the Persian)

61. "As to the question raised by
Mr. …, kindly inform him that in a letter…"

As to
the question raised by Mr. …, kindly inform him that in a letter to an
individual believer the beloved Guardian explained that Huqúqu’lláh is payable only once
on a given property, whether personal or real, but should this property pass
from one person to another, such as through inheritance, it becomes again
subject to the payment of Huqúqu’lláh.
This in effect means that heirs receiving a share of their inheritance from an
estate must pay Huqúqu’lláh,
if the share they are receiving increases their wealth to a level calling for
the discharge of this sacred obligation.

(1 June
1983, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a National
Spiritual Assembly)

62. "As regards your question
concerning the principal residence and…"

As
regards your question concerning the principal residence and subsidiary rulings
relevant to it, we wish to let you know that in these days it is not deemed
advisable to enact detailed rulings for Huqúqu’lláh. Thus the friends are left free, and
whenever no definite rulings exist they may fulfil in each case that which they
understand from the texts, and may honour their Huqúqu’lláh obligations according
to their own judgement and the promptings of their own conscience.

(4 March
1984, written by the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer,
translated from the Persian)

63. "…if a believer has
calculated his liability to…"

…if a
believer has calculated his liability to Huqúqu’lláh and knows that he owes some, he should
pay this in preference to making any other contributions.

However,
during the course of the year a believer may well be making contributions to
various funds, or giving money to charity, just as he is spending his money on
a wide range of activities associated with his daily life. The … Universal
House of Justice leaves it to his judgement to follow either of the following
courses:

(a) To
treat such contributions as expenses. They would then reduce the balance of
savings he would have left at the end of the year on which Huqúqu’lláh is payable.

(b) To
consider that he should make such contributions only out of money on which Huqúqu’lláh has been paid.

This
ruling also leaves it open to the individual to treat some contributions in one
way and some in the other. The House of Justice leaves all such details to the
judgement and conscience of the individual believer.

(3
February 1987, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an
individual believer)

64. "If, as you say, you are not
in a position ever to accumulate assessable…"

If, as
you say, you are not in a position ever to accumulate assessable property
equivalent in value to 19 mi
th
qáls in gold, then, as the texts explain,
you have no obligation to pay Huqúqu’lláh.
However, this does not mean that you may not contribute to this Fund if you
wish to do so out of your love for Bahá’u’lláh and the generosity of your
heart.

(23 June
1987, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer)

65. "1. One believer cannot
discharge the obligation of another to pay…"

1. One
believer cannot discharge the obligation of another to pay Huqúqu’lláh.

2. It is
not permissible for a believer to earmark for any purpose a payment he makes to
Huqúqu’lláh,
nor may he make such payment in honour of anyone.

(22
March 1989, memorandum from the Universal House of Justice to a department at
the Bahá’í World Centre)

66. "Essentially, the Ḥuqúqu’lláh should be paid by a…"

Essentially,
the Huqúqu’lláh
should be paid by a believer during the course of his life whenever his surplus
property reaches the assessable level. A certain leeway is provided in the law,
inasmuch as reference is made to the annual expenses which should be deducted
before the liability to Huqúqu’lláh
is calculated. Ideally, when a Bahá’í dies, the only payment to Huqúqu’lláh which should need to
be provided for in his Will is such additional liability as may be found to
exist when his affairs are reckoned up as at the date of his death.

The House
of Justice hopes that as the believers acquaint themselves with the law of Huqúqu’lláh and start to pay it,
they will also learn not only how to calculate it during the course of their
lives but will thereby be enabled to understand how to provide for the payment
of the balance remaining at their deaths.

(1
October 1989, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a Board of
Trustees of Huqúqu’lláh)

67. "The House of Justice does
not envisage issuing any specific method of…"

The
House of Justice does not envisage issuing any specific method of calculation
for the use of the friends. They should be left free to work out their own
methods on the basis of the texts and examples already before them.

(1 July
1991, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to the Office of the
Treasurer of a National Spiritual Assembly)

68. "The Universal House of
Justice has received your letter of 28 December…"

The
Universal House of Justice has received your letter of 28 December 1991 in
which you pose a question related to calculating the property on which you are
due to pay Huqúqu’lláh.
The information provided by you is summarized as follows.

You have
in your possession a collection of items in the nature of heirlooms, some of
which are probably quite valuable, and which you call "The Family Museum". This
collection yields no income, and never has, apart from a few occasions on which
you have put it on display to raise money for charity. You wish to know whether
you should now have this collection valued so that you can include it in your
property for the purposes of computing your Huqúqu’lláh.

The
House of Justice has asked us to say that it is not necessary to bring such a
possession into account immediately. If it is sold, in whole or in part, then
the proceeds become assessable to Huqúqu’lláh.

(9
February 1992, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an
individual believer)

69. "The payment of Huqúqu’lláh is a personal obligation on…"

The
payment of Huqúqu’lláh
is a personal obligation on each Bahá’í, and it is for him to meet this
obligation in accordance with his own conscience; it cannot be demanded from
him by any of the institutions of the Faith. A part of this obligation is for a
Bahá’í to make provision in his will for the payment of whatever remains of his
debt to Huqúqu’lláh
at the end of his life. The Bahá’í law of intestacy, likewise, provides for the
payment of such a balance of Huqúqu’lláh
before the distribution of the estate to the heirs.

The Law
of Inheritance as revealed in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, which is applicable when the
deceased has left no will, is explicit in stating:

Division
of the estate should take place only after the Huqúqu’lláh hath been paid….

Likewise,
in relation to the making of a Will, Bahá’u’lláh has stated:

A
person hath full jurisdiction over his property. If he is able to discharge the
Huqúqu’lláh,
and is free of debt, then all that is recorded in his will, and any declaration
or avowal it containeth, shall be acceptable. God, verily, hath permitted him
to deal with that which He hath bestowed upon him in whatever manner he may
desire.

This
makes it clear that the responsibility of a testator to pay his debts and his Huqúqu’lláh have precedence over
his freedom to leave his property in whatever other manner he wishes.

(30
April 1992, memorandum from the Universal House of Justice to a department at
the Bahá’í World Centre)

70. "The question is whether the
property on which a person is obliged to…"

The
question is whether the property on which a person is obliged to compute his Huqúqu’lláh is all that he
possesses at the date on which the Law becomes applicable to him, or only on
such property as he amasses subsequent to that date.

Our
conclusion is that the property which is assessable to Huqúqu’lláh is all that a person
possesses on the date that the Law becomes applicable to him. This does not
mean, of course, that he must immediately pay the Huqúqu’lláh that is due, since to
do so might require him to dispose of many of his belongings and place him in a
very difficult situation. But the principle of computation is clear, and the Huqúqu’lláh due should ultimately
be paid.

(4 May
1992, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to the Trustee of Huqúqu’lláh, the Hand of the Cause
of God ‘Alí-Muhammad Varqá)

71. "You ask about the
applicability of the law of…"

You ask
about the applicability of the law of Huqúqu’lláh to the money that a believer spends on
"travelling for the Faith, living a little more generously" and so forth. Our
impression from answers given to other questions is that this is a matter for
the conscience of the individual. There is, in fact, a vast range of
expenditures which could, or could not, be included under the heading of normal
annual expenses which are to be set against income before arriving at the sum
assessable to Huqúqu’lláh.
In the specific case of contributions to the various funds of the Faith, the
Universal House of Justice has already stated that it is for the individual to
decide whether he will consider these as part of his normal expenditure or will
pay them out of his savings which have been cleared.

(14
February 1993, memorandum from the Universal House of Justice to the Office of Huqúqu’lláh in the Holy Land)

72. "The Office of Huqúqu’lláh in the Holy Land referred to…"

The
Office of Huqúqu’lláh
in the Holy Land referred to the Universal House of Justice the questions on
the law of Huqúqu’lláh
attached to your letter of 21 April 1993, and we have been instructed to send
you the following answers.

1.There
are, indeed, differences among a person’s debts in relation to the calculation
and payment of Huqúqu’lláh.
With regard to computation, debts are, naturally, to be offset against assets.
With regard to priority of payment, one should take into account the terms of a
loan. If a schedule of payments has been specified, and one will be able to
meet them from anticipated income when they are due, one should, of course, pay
one’s Huqúqu’lláh
in the meantime. If, however, one cannot meet the payment of both, the debt
must take precedence.

2.The
relative priority of the payment of Huqúqu’lláh and of contributing to the funds of the
Faith is made clear in section 105

[7]

of the compilation on Huqúqu’lláh.
The House of Justice does not wish to go beyond this at the present time.

3.Freedom
is left to each husband and wife to decide whether to comply with their
obligations to Huqúqu’lláh
jointly or separately because the House of Justice does not wish to interfere
with the right of each couple to decide how they wish to deal with their own
finances. One couple may prefer to own their property jointly; another may
prefer to keep their respective properties separate; or there may be various
combinations of these arrangements.

(8 July
1993, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual
believer)

73. "Your letters of 24 and 25
May 1993 and the booklet you sent were…"

Your
letters of 24 and 25 May 1993 and the booklet you sent were received by the
Office of Huqúqu’lláh.
The two questions you raised were referred to the Universal House of Justice,
which has now instructed us to send you the following reply.

1.Funds
being saved up for the purchase of a residence are not
in themselves
exempt
from Huqúqu’lláh.
Thus, if the person were to die before purchasing a residence, these savings
would be assessable to Huqúq.
However, … it is left to the individual, who is saving to buy a residence, to
decide whether to pay Huqúqu’lláh
on the money as he saves it, and then count the exemption when the residence is
actually purchased, or to postpone the inclusion of the savings in his
calculation of Huqúqu’lláh
until after the residence is purchased, at which time, of course, the value of
the residence becomes exempt.

2….computations
for Huqúqu’lláh
in practice should be made on the basis of the
accumulation
of savings,
not just on each year separately. Only in this way can one take account of
losses in one year which reduce one’s liability in the next, or compute the
profit or loss on the sale of an investment which was purchased in an earlier
year.

(8
October 1993, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an
individual believer)

74. "Your … question centers on
the provision for Huqúqu’lláh…"

Your …
question centers on the provision for Huqúqu’lláh in Bahá’í wills. Your understanding that
the obligation to pay Huqúqu’lláh
arises during one’s lifetime and is normally to be carried out with lifetime
giving is correct, although at the same time it is true that there may be cases
where a believer dies without having made provision in his or her will for
payment of the unpaid portion of Huqúqu’lláh,
if any. The event of death does not remove from a believer the obligation to
pay Huqúqu’lláh.
Whatever portion is due to be paid is therefore a debt due from the believer’s
estate at the time of his or her death. The cost of the funeral and burial, the
payment of the debts of the deceased, and the payment of whatever portion of Huqúqu’lláh remains due are prior
charges on the estate which must be met before arriving at the amount of the
property which has to be divided in accordance with the provisions of the law
of inheritance. Thus, whether or not a person makes a will or, having made a
will, whether he or she makes provision in it for the payment of Huqúqu’lláh, the Huqúqu’lláh should be paid, like
all debts, before the rest of the estate is divided.

In light
of this, it is certainly advisable for a believer to make the necessary
arrangements for payment of Huqúqu’lláh
prior to his or her death, in order to avoid complications or confusions which
could arise. It should be noted that the question of a legal wording to include
provision in a will for the payment of Huqúqu’lláh after a believer has died is dependent
upon so many factors, that it would be preferable to seek legal advice so that
wording which is appropriate and in accordance with the laws governing
inheritance can be used. Obviously, unless the believer leaves a clear
accounting of his or her property and payment of Huqúqu’lláh to date, if any, it
will not be possible for anyone to calculate accurately what remains to be paid
at the time of death. While the application of the principles involved in
payment of Huqúqu’lláh
may well require subsidiary legislation by the House of Justice in the future,
at the present time it falls to the executor or administrator of an estate to
apply them to the extent possible, using his or her best judgment and taking
into account the information available. Finally, while the payment of Huqúqu’lláh is each individual’s
own responsibility, a believer may be referred to the nearest Representative of
the Trustee of Huqúqu’lláh,
who could advise him or her in the light of any specific circumstances.

(1 July
1996, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual
believer)

75. "In Bahá’í law each
individual believer, whether man or…"

In
Bahá’í law each individual believer, whether man or woman, is responsible for
paying Huqúqu’lláh
on the property he or she owns or acquires; this presumes the right of
individual ownership of property. In the case of a married couple, however, the
Universal House of Justice has indicated that they may choose to pay their Huqúqu’lláh jointly, if they so
wish, and there is no prohibition against joint ownership, whether by a couple
or by two or more business partners. Each individual is under the obligation of
making a will. In the Questions and Answers no. 78 we read that, in the case of
intestacy, apart from used clothing, whatever there may be among the husband’s
possessions, whether jewellery or otherwise, belongs to the husband, "except
what is proven to have been gifts to the wife". Similarly, in a letter written
on behalf of the Guardian in Persian we find the following: "You have asked
concerning the division of furniture and property, after the completion of the
year of waiting…. The Guardian stated that whatever belonged to the wife and
constituted her personal property remains hers and that no one has any right to
interfere."

It is
clear, therefore, that the property of a husband and wife are regarded as
separate except insofar as one makes gifts to the other or they agree to own
all or part of the property jointly. In other words, it is for the husband and
wife themselves to decide how their property is held. An inheritance or gift
received by one spouse would remain the property of that individual unless he
or she decides otherwise.

It is
also possible for a husband and wife to enter into an agreement at the time of
marriage, or later, concerning the apportionment of their property.

The
status of the ownership of the property then affects what becomes of it in the
case of divorce or the death of one of the parties.

This is
a very brief summary of the situation. Undoubtedly in the years to come the
Universal House of Justice will be called upon to decide on specific issues of
detail as they arise. It must also be remembered that at the present time the
implementation of Bahá’í law in such matters is dependent upon the provisions
of the civil law, which takes precedence.

(15
October 1998, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an
individual believer)

76. "As to whether Huqúqu’lláh is acceptable from…"

As to
whether Huqúqu’lláh
is acceptable from Bahá’ís who have been deprived of their voting rights, the
House of Justice has stated:

After
considering precedents set by the beloved Guardian, we have come to the
conclusion that Huqúqu’lláh
is not acceptable from such believers…. Any believer who is under the sanction
of deprivation of administrative rights and who offers to pay Huqúqu’lláh should simply be told
that such a payment is not acceptable. If he remits a payment, it should be
returned to him.

(12
September 2000, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an
individual believer)

77. "The Universal House of
Justice has received your email letter dated 31…"

The
Universal House of Justice has received your email letter dated 31 January
2002, inquiring if a company, owned only by a Bahá’í, may make contributions to
the Fund and pay Huqúqu’lláh.

The
obligation to pay Huqúqu’lláh
rests on individual believers, not on corporate bodies, even if they are wholly
owned by Bahá’ís. On the other hand, if the owners of a company, which is
entirely Bahá’í-owned, wish their company to make a donation to Huqúqu’lláh, such a contribution
is acceptable. It does not, of course reduce the obligation of the individual
believers concerned to pay their own Ḥuqúqu’lláh.

With
regard to the Bahá’í Fund, it is entirely permissible for contributions to be
made to the Fund from a business which is owned solely by Bahá’ís.

(12
February 2002, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a
National Spiritual Assembly)

78. "Your memorandum refers to us
the question of a believer who sells his or…"

Your
memorandum refers to us the question of a believer who sells his or her
principal residence to move into a nursing home or a similar care facility. The
inquiry is whether the difference between the sale price of the residence and
the sum required to pay the nursing home fees should be subject to the Right of
God.

We have
decided that it should be left to the discretion of the individual concerned to
determine the course of action to be followed, having regard for his own
assessment of his personal circumstances and intentions, as well as his own
understanding of the text.

(12 July
2004, memorandum from the Universal House of Justice to the Office of Huqúqu’lláh in the Holy Land)

79. "…if one’s assets include
property or shares in addition to cash, the…"

…if
one’s assets include property or shares in addition to cash, the individual
might sustain financial loss or may face other difficulties in paying nineteen
percent of the value of the non-cash assets before they are disposed of, and he
may therefore prefer to pay the Huqúqu’lláh
once they are dispensed with. Any expenses that may be involved in disposing of
one’s assets should be deducted before calculating the net value on which Huqúqu’lláh is payable.

We also
remind you that Huqúqu’lláh
is payable on all that a person possesses on the date that the Law becomes
applicable to him. This does not mean, of course, that the Huqúqu’lláh payment that is due
must be made immediately, since to do so might require an individual to dispose
of many of his belongings and could place him in a difficult situation. The
principle of the computation, however, is clear, and the Huqúqu’lláh due should ultimately
be paid.

(10 May
2006, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual
believer, translated from the Persian)

80. "The basic principle is that
when a believer passes away, his principal…"

The
basic principle is that when a believer passes away, his principal residence,
as well as items such as necessary furnishings and tools of trade, remains
exempt when computing how much, if any, Ḥuqúqu’lláh remains to be paid on his estate.

Subject
to the terms of the will, a beneficiary may well receive some or all of these
items. Whether or not he is required to pay Huqúqu’lláh on these newly
acquired assets will depend on the purpose for which he uses them. If they are
used for purposes subject to exemption, such as his principal residence,
necessary furnishings, or tools of trade, he would be exempt from paying Huqúqu’lláh on them. However, if
he uses them for other purposes, such as converting them to cash, the exemption
would not apply.

(21 May
2006, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual
believer)

81. "When funds are offered by a
believer in honour of another…"

When
funds are offered by a believer in honour of another Bahá’í, the donor should
be informed that it cannot be accepted as a Huqúqu’lláh payment on behalf of
the other believer. The donor can then be given the option of his providing
these funds as a Huqúqu’lláh
payment on his own behalf or as a contribution to the Bahá’í International Fund
in honour of the other individual or of having the funds returned to him.

(12 June
2006, memorandum from the Universal House of Justice to the Office of Huqúqu’lláh in the Holy Land)

3. Functions of the Trustees of Huqúqu’lláh and the Spiritual
Assemblies

Extracts from the Writings of
Bahá’u’lláh

82. "He is the True, the
Faithful!…"

He is
the True, the Faithful!

O Abu’l-Hasan!

[8]

God willing thou art sustained
by His lordly favours and art occupied with such deeds as befit His Day. Regard
faith as a tree: its fruits and leaves, its branches and boughs are, and ever
have been, truthfulness, trustworthiness, rectitude of conduct, and
forbearance. Be assured of God’s sustaining grace, and engage thyself with
service to His Faith. We have designated thee a trustee of God, have bidden
thee to observe that which shall exalt the Cause of Him Who is the Lord of the
worlds, and have bestowed upon thee the right to receive Huqúqu’lláh. Consort with the
people in a spirit of amity and concord, and be unto them a loyal counsellor
and a loving companion. Content thyself then with that which We have ordained
for thee.

83.
"As to the question of Huqúq: Reference to this matter…"

As to
the question of Huqúq:
Reference to this matter is in no wise permissible. …it is entirely dependent
upon the willingness of the individuals themselves. They are well acquainted
with the commandment of God and are familiar with that which was revealed in
the Book. Let him who wisheth observe it, and let him who wisheth ignore it.
Verily, thy Lord is the Self-Sufficing, the All-Praised. Indeed, independence
of all things is as a door of guidance unto His faithful servants. Well is it
with them that have severed themselves from the world and have arisen to serve
His Cause. Verily, they are numbered with the people of Bahá at the court of
His resplendent Beauty.

84.
"O Abu’l Hasan!…"

O
Abu’l Hasan!

[9]

May my
Glory rest upon thee! Fix thy gaze upon the glory of the Cause. Speak forth
that which will attract the hearts and the minds. To demand the Huqúq is in no wise permissible.
This command was revealed in the Book of God for various necessary matters
ordained by God to be dependent upon material means. Therefore, if someone,
with utmost pleasure and gladness, nay with insistence, wisheth to partake of
this blessing, thou mayest accept. Otherwise acceptance is not permissible.

85.
"Whenever they make reference to the Huqúq,
let them…"

Whenever
they make reference to the Huqúq,
let them confine themselves to a mere word uttered for the sake of God and this
will suffice; coercion is unnecessary, inasmuch as God hath never wished that
those engaged in His service should experience any hardship. Verily He is the
Forgiving, the Merciful, the Gracious, the All-Bountiful.

86. "If a person is willing to
offer the Right of God, such offering should…"

If a
person is willing to offer the Right of God, such offering should be received
by the Trustees, to whom reference hath been made in the Book of God. This ordinance
hath, in view of certain considerations, been revealed from the heaven of
divine Revelation as a token of His grace. The advantages arising therefrom
shall fall to the individuals themselves. Verily He speaketh the truth and
there is none other God but Him, the Mighty, the Powerful.

Any
amount received by them will be transmitted. Great is the blessedness of them
that observe His bidding.

87. "Whoso desireth to offer Huqúqu’lláh with the utmost joy…"

Whoso
desireth to offer Huqúqu’lláh
with the utmost joy and eagerness should pay it to trustworthy persons like
unto thyself and obtain a receipt, so that whatsoever is effected may conform
to His sanction and permission. Verily He is the Knowing, the Wise.

88. "Payments for the Huqúqu’lláh cannot be handed over to…"

Payments
for the Huqúqu’lláh
cannot be handed over to every person. These words have been uttered by Him Who
is the sovereign Truth. The Huqúqu’lláh
should be kept in the custody of trusted individuals and forwarded to His holy
court through the Trustees of God.

89. "To discharge one’s
obligations is highly praiseworthy in the sight of…"

To
discharge one’s obligations is highly praiseworthy in the sight of God.
However, it is not permitted to solicit Huqúq from anyone. Beseech ye the one true God to
enable His loved ones to offer that which is the Right of God, inasmuch as the
observance of this injunction would cause one’s possessions to be purified and
protected and would become the means of attracting goodly gifts and heavenly
blessings.

90. "Someone must needs remind
the servants of God, that perchance they may…"

Someone
must needs remind the servants of God, that perchance they may be privileged to
meet their obligation of Huqúq,
thus attaining a sublime station and gaining a reward that would last for ever.
The payments for the Huqúq
should be kept in the custody of a trusted person and a report submitted so
that steps may be taken according to the good pleasure of God.

91. "O Amín! Upon thee be My
glory. It behoveth thee to…"

O Amín!
Upon thee be My glory. It behoveth thee to have the utmost regard for the
dignity of the Cause of God in all circumstances…. We exhort thee to keep thine
eyes directed to the horizon of dignity and, while being mindful of His sublime
words: "…yet warn them, for in truth warning will profit the believers",

[10]

to give the friends of God a
gentle reminder in a spirit of amity and concord. Indeed, whoever is graciously
enabled to fulfil this obligation, he will be reckoned among the sincere lovers
of God in the lucid Book; but if not, no one should contend with him.

In this
Day the glances of God—exalted be His glory—are directed towards the hearts of
men and to the goodly pearls treasured therein. This beseemeth the Lord and His
chosen ones—glorified be His majesty. It behoveth thee to pray on behalf of the
friends and loved ones of God, that He may graciously enable them to fulfil
that which is ordained in the Book, and that they may not be hindered by vain
imaginings and the transitory things of the world.

Extract from the Writings of
‘Abdu’l-Bahá

92. "A third requisite is the
promulgation of the…"

A third
requisite

[11]

is the promulgation of the divine commandments among the friends, such as the
Obligatory Prayers, Fasting, Pilgrimage, Ḥuqúqu’lláh and all the other ordinances.

Extract from a Letter Written on
Behalf of Shoghi Effendi

93.
"The paying of the Huqúq is a spiritual obligation;
the…"

The
paying of the Huqúq
is a spiritual obligation; the friends must not be obliged by the Assemblies to
pay it, but they should be encouraged to fulfil this spiritual obligation laid
upon them in the Aqdas.

(12
October 1946, to a National Spiritual Assembly)

Extracts from Letters Written by
and on Behalf of the Universal House of Justice

94. "Since the Huqúqu’lláh has, according to the injunction…"

Since
the Huqúqu’lláh
has, according to the injunction in the Book, been designated as one of the
institutions of the Cause, and inasmuch as the fulfilment of this obligation is
binding on the people of Bahá, therefore it is deemed appropriate that your
Spiritual Assembly should fully familiarize the dear friends in Persia with the
significance of this momentous responsibility and to promulgate gradually in
the entire community such ordinances related to Huqúqu’lláh as are laid down in
His perspicuous Book. Obviously in pursuance of the explicit Texts solicitation
of the Huqúqu’lláh
is not permissible, but it is the responsibility of those Trustees of the Cause
to address appeals of a general character to the dear friends, so that they may
become more informed about this essential obligation. God willing, through the
occasional reminders issued by your Assembly, they may gain the privilege and
honour of achieving this benevolent deed—a deed that draws forth heavenly
blessings, serves as a means of purifying the earthly possessions of the
devoted friends, and promotes the international activities of the people of
Bahá.

(27
October 1963, written by the Universal House of Justice to the National
Spiritual Assembly of Iran, translated from the Persian)

95. "Undoubtedly the friends are
illumined with the light of the fear of God…"

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.

(12
September 1969, written by the Universal House of Justice to the National
Spiritual Assembly of Iran, translated from the Persian)

96. "The continuing
responsibility for educating the believers in the law of…"

The
continuing responsibility for educating the believers in the law of Huqúqu’lláh is shared by all the
institutions of the Faith. But your deputies and their representatives, through
the close relationships which they are forming with individual believers, will
be able to advance their understanding of the spiritual and practical aspects
of this law in an especially effective way. The primary need at this time, we
believe, is … for the friends to be encouraged to understand and accept the
responsibility which rests on every true-hearted follower of the Faith to apply
the principles of the law to the specific details of his or her own condition.
The members of your institution, through wise and tactful comments and
explanations, can assist them to do this, while refraining from exerting, or
appearing to exert, any form of pressure.

A major
challenge now before those devoted friends who have been called to serve as
your deputies and representatives is the organization of their own work to
ensure a reliable system for the acceptance, receipting, custody and remittance
of the funds of Huqúqu’lláh.
It is love for Bahá’u’lláh which will be the primary motive for the friends in
obeying this law, but they will carry out their duty with greater assurance and
promptitude the greater their confidence in and respect for those on whom has
been conferred the responsibility of receiving this Right of God on your behalf.

(13
November 1992, written by the Universal House of Justice to the Trustee of Huqúqu’lláh, the Hand of the Cause
of God ‘Alí-Muhammad Varqá)

97. "The functions you have been
summoned to perform are vital. You are…"

The
functions you have been summoned to perform are vital. You are charged with the
responsibility to educate the believers in the law presented to them in the
Kitáb-i-Aqdas to render payment unto God of a specific portion of their
material assets. Your task is essentially spiritual, that of drawing the
attention of the friends to their obligations as followers of Bahá’u’lláh and
thus of playing a significant role in fostering the development of the
relationships of love and obedience which must bind the believer to his
Creator. In a world preoccupied with self-indulgence, you are called upon to
revive the hallowed concept of religious duty and obligation.

The work
in which you are engaged is most challenging. It concerns promulgation of a law
which is fundamental to the individual’s spiritual life, and the attitude with
which it is carried out is an essential feature of its observance. The
befitting discharge of your functions requires the utmost sensitivity and
discretion, to avoid undue pressure on believers to adhere to a law which is a matter
of conscience, and to find the proper mode of communication which provides
timely reminders while refraining from unproductive repetition.

Central
to the success of your endeavours is the extent to which you are able to create
and sustain a relationship of love and trust with the believers you are called
upon to assist, so that they will, through their association and interaction
with you, be motivated to adhere wholeheartedly to the law of Huqúqu’lláh and to partake of its
inestimable spiritual benefits.

These
are still early days in the worldwide development of the institution of Huqúqu’lláh, which will expand and
flourish in the centuries to come, and will provide material resources
essential for the advancement of the human race. How important, then, that such
an institution be distinguished by the impeccable probity with which it is
administered, and by the evident trustworthiness of those who serve it.
Assuredly your efforts will continue to be exerted in a manner that will
enhance the high reputation which the institution of Huqúqu’lláh has acquired in the
eyes of the believers.

(14
February 1997, written by the Universal House of Justice to the Deputies and
Representatives of the institution of Ḥuqúqu’lláh)

98. "One of the tasks of the
Representatives is to assist in educating the…"

One of
the tasks of the Representatives is to assist in educating the believers in the
law of Huqúqu’lláh
and its importance. Naturally, this process of education cannot be limited to
those whose possessions reach the amount to bring them within the obligation of
the law, since this fact is often known only to the individual concerned.
Children, also, should learn the law of the Right of God as part of their
Bahá’í education. Sometimes friends become so enthused with the concept of this
law that they express the wish to make contributions to the Huqúqu’lláh Fund, even though they
are not obliged to do so. The House of Justice has stated that it is
permissible for the Representatives to accept such contributions.

In other
words, if someone, out of their love for the Cause, makes a payment to Huqúqu’lláh, it is not for the
Representative to question whether or not that person is under obligation to
pay it; he should graciously accept it.

This, as
you can see, is quite different from actually encouraging Bahá’ís to pay more Huqúqu’lláh than the law of God
requires them to do, and such encouragement would be a departure from the
spirit of the law as Bahá’u’lláh has revealed it.

(13
September 1998, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an
individual believer)

99. "It is clear that, over the
past decade, more and more believers have…"

It is
clear that, over the past decade, more and more believers have become informed
of the significance of the law of Huqúqu’lláh,
and are following its provisions. You may well contemplate with satisfaction
the results of your labours, as you formulate your plans for the extension of
the influence of this mighty law to all segments of the worldwide Bahá’í
community. Your integrity, the scrupulous care with which you have handled the
funds entrusted to you, and your efficiency in providing receipts and
maintaining accurate records have all contributed to the confidence of the
believers in this institution and to the high prestige with which it is held in
the Bahá’í community.

In
carrying out your functions, you are assisting in the advancement of a process
which will, in the centuries ahead, give rise to a transformation of society
far beyond our present capacity to comprehend.

(12 January
2003, written by the Universal House of Justice to the Deputies and
Representatives of the institution of Ḥuqúqu’lláh)

100. "Furthermore, efforts at
fostering the development of institutions…"

Furthermore,
efforts at fostering the development of institutions operating at the World
Centre were especially evident in the continuing evolution of the institution
of Huqúqu’lláh
under the distinguished leadership of the Trustee, the Hand of the Cause of God
‘Alí-Muhammad
Varqá. Through his wise initiative and constant endeavour, Dr. Varqá has
inspired the education of the friends everywhere concerning the law of Huqúqu’lláh. In the decade since
the law was universally applied, a network of national and regional boards of
trustees has been brought into existence, which provides coordination and
direction to the service of an increasing number of deputies and
representatives. Knowledge of this great law has spread widely, and friends
from all continents are responding to it with a spirit of devotion, which the Trustee
hopes will touch those who have not yet availed themselves of the promised
blessings flowing from adherence to this law.

(Riḍván 2003, written by the
Universal House of Justice to the Bahá’ís of the world)

101. "With the approach of the
meeting …, which will mark your inaugural…"

With the
approach of the meeting …, which will mark your inaugural meeting as members of
the International Board of Trustees of Huqúqu’lláh, we have decided that it is now
appropriate to provide you with guidance about your work and the development of Huqúqu’lláh,
the Right of God, in the years ahead.

As
stated in our letter …, notifying you of your appointment, your duties are
those of the trusteeship of Huqúqu’lláh,
following in the path of the Chief Trustee of Huqúqu’lláh, the Hand of the Cause
Dr. ‘Alí-Muhammad Varqá….

A major
element of the duties to be undertaken by the Deputies and Representatives
throughout the world will continue to be the education of believers in the
Right of God. The required education should be accomplished in a moderate and
patient manner, so that the hearts of the believers are attracted to obedience
to the provisions of the law of Huqúqu’lláh
as part of their yearning to pursue the path of spiritual development
prescribed by Bahá’u’lláh. The most important features of the law should be
presented in as simple a form as possible, to avoid the dear friends obligated
to pay Huqúqu’lláh
from becoming inhibited about doing so by an unwarranted fear of its complexity
of application.

Under
all conditions, due attention should be given to preserving the dignity of the
Faith….

We ask
you to propose … details for a network of National or Regional Boards embracing
the entire worldwide community and to recommend the membership of these Boards.
In countries where there are a substantial number of believers obligated to pay
Huqúqu’lláh, a
National Board is appropriate. Regional Boards should be set up to cover other
groups of countries, with the expectation that each Regional Board will be
replaced by a number of National Boards in the future, as the Bahá’í community
grows.

The
members of these Boards will be appointed to serve for a term of three years
and will be eligible for reappointment. No specific date is set for the
appointment, so that a replacement can be approved whenever a Deputy is unable
to discharge the functions. We have decided that Counsellors should not be
eligible for membership to these Boards.

The
Regional and National Boards would have the function of appointing
Representatives, for a term of three years; as in the case of Deputies, when a
Representative is appointed to replace an existing member unable to carry out
the functions, the new appointee will serve for a full three years.

To the
extent possible the Representatives will not be required to receive and
transmit funds or to issue receipts…. This modification in the functions of the
Representatives means that their work will be educational….

(25
January 2005, written by the Universal House of Justice to the members of the
International Board of Trustees of Huqúqu’lláh)

102. "New developments have,
likewise, taken place at the World Centre. We…"

New
developments have, likewise, taken place at the World Centre. We have decided
that the time is propitious to bring into being an International Board of
Trustees of Huqúqu’lláh
to guide and supervise the work of Regional and National Boards of Trustees of Huqúqu’lláh throughout the world.
It will operate in close collaboration with the Chief Trustee, the Hand of the
Cause of God Dr. ‘Alí-Muhammad
Varqá, and will be able to benefit from his knowledge and counsel in carrying
out its duties. The three members now appointed to the International Board of
Trustees are Sally Foo, Ramin Khadem, and Grant Kvalheim. Their term of office
will be determined at a later date. The members of the Board will not transfer
their residence to the Holy Land but will utilize the services of the Office of
Huqúqu’lláh at
the World Centre in performing their functions.

(Riḍván 2005, written by the
Universal House of Justice to the Bahá’ís of the world)

103. "The Universal House of
Justice has received your email letter dated…"

The
Universal House of Justice has received your email letter dated 4 December 2005
concerning the permissibility of individuals paying Huqúqu’lláh via their National
Spiritual Assembly and has forwarded it to our Department for reply.

…the
believers may prefer to make their payments through the treasurers of their
National Assemblies, and the House of Justice has maintained the right of the
friends to pay their Huqúqu’lláh
in this way if they so choose.

(19
January 2006, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a National
Spiritual Assembly)

104. "The Institution of Huqúqu’lláh has steadily progressed…"

The
Institution of Huqúqu’lláh
has steadily progressed under the stewardship of the Hand of the Cause of God
Dr. ‘Alí-Muhammad
Varqá, appointed Trustee by Shoghi Effendi fifty years ago, culminating in the
establishment in 2005 of an international board designed to promote the
continued widespread application of this mighty law, a source of inestimable
blessings for all humanity.

(Riḍván 2006, written by the
Universal House of Justice to the Bahá’ís of the world)

4. Disbursement of Huqúqu’lláh Funds

Extracts from the Writings of
Bahá’u’lláh

105. "It is the binding command
of God that in every locality whatever hath…"

It is
the binding command of God that in every locality whatever hath been or will be
made available for the Huqúqu’lláh
should be submitted to His Holy Presence. Any instructions issued in this
respect should be observed accordingly, so that all matters may be
well-ordered.

106. "And now concerning the
poor, thou hast written to ask whether it is…"

And now
concerning the poor, thou hast written to ask whether it is permissible to pay
them out of the Right of God. This is conditional upon permission having been
granted. In each locality where the Right of God is being received, details of
it must be submitted to His exalted presence together with a statement
describing the position of the needy ones. Verily He doeth what He willeth and
ordaineth what He pleaseth. If permission were to be given universally it would
lead to strife and give rise to trouble.

Extract from the Writings of
‘Abdu’l-Bahá

107. "According to the explicit
text of the Most Holy Book the amounts offered…"

According
to the explicit text of the Most Holy Book the amounts offered for the Huqúq should be deposited in a
place and be disbursed, as necessary. However thou shouldst not require anyone
there to offer the Huqúq
unless someone is prepared to do so willingly and of his own free choice.

Extract from a Letter Written by
Shoghi Effendi

108. "In accordance with the
explicit text of the Will and Testament,…"

In
accordance with the explicit text of the Will and Testament, Huqúqu’lláh should be expended on
teaching the Cause of God in countries throughout the East and the West,
establishing institutions, building Bahá’í Temples and promoting benevolent
undertakings and the general weal.

(15
January 1933, to a National Spiritual Assembly, translated from the Persian)

Extracts from Letters Written by
and on Behalf of the Universal House of Justice

109. "‘Abdu’l-Bahá in one of His
Tablets has stated:…"

‘Abdu’l-Bahá
in one of His Tablets has stated: "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." The provision in His Will and Testament that the Huqúqu’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 in the Cause 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 Huqúqu’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 Ḥuqúqu’lláh at the present time.

(2 March
1972, written by the Universal House of Justice to the Hands of the Cause
residing in the Holy Land)

110. "Concerning the Huqúqu’lláh, … the disposition of the…"

Concerning
the Huqúqu’lláh,
… the disposition of the Huqúqu’lláh
is a prerogative reserved to the Center of the Faith. The Universal House of Justice
is invested with a number of "powers and duties" enumerated in its Constitution
such as "preservation of the Sacred Texts", "advanc[ing] the interests of the
Faith", "propagat[ing] and teach[ing] its Message", and so forth. The funds
collected from the payment of Huqúqu’lláh
are expended in pursuit of these purposes, as the House of Justice deems
appropriate.

(18 July
1994, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual
believer)

111. "You have asked as to where
and how the House of Justice reports on its…"

You have
asked as to where and how the House of Justice reports on its uses of the funds
received through payment of Huqúqu’lláh.
The House of Justice does not issue an accounting of the current expenditure of
these funds. However, there is no secret as to the uses to which the funds are
put. The Sacred Texts affirm that the Huqúqu’lláh is to be paid to the Authority in the
Faith to whom all must turn, and indicate that these funds may be "expended for
the relief of the poor, the disabled, the needy, and the orphans, and for other
vital needs of the Cause of God". Decisions concerning such factors as the
timing, the methods of disbursement and the amount rest with the House of
Justice.

In these
days, as during the ministry of Shoghi Effendi, all funds received by the Head
of the Faith are used to promote the interests of the Faith at the World Centre
and worldwide. The
Institution of

H

uqúqu’lláh Newsletter
, issue no. 6, mentions that the
funds are spent for such purposes as, "promotion of the teaching and
proclamation of the Faith worldwide; care, maintenance and restoration of
Bahá’í Holy Places; building up of the Bahá’í World Administrative Centre;
support of the work of the many Bahá’í institutions and agencies; erection and restoration
of Bahá’í Houses of Worship; establishment and support of new institutions;
charitable and benevolent undertakings; and support of the worldwide manifold
interests of the Faith."

The
effective utilization of Huqúqu’lláh
and other funds available to the House of Justice is manifest in the great
developments taking place at the World Centre and throughout the Bahá’í world
community, many of whose national budgets must be subsidized by the House of
Justice, owing to the fact that the vast majority of the world’s Bahá’ís are
poor and cannot adequately support their national funds….

The Huqúqu’lláh, as its name "The
Right of God" implies, has a special character which distinguishes it from all
other Bahá’í funds. Its nature and purpose, and the blessings with which
payment of it has been endowed can be read in the compilation which has been
issued on the subject….

In
accordance with Bahá’í principle, contributions to the various Bahá’í funds, as
well as payments of the Right of God, are offered confidentially and are
receipted…. You may rest assured that at the Bahá’í World Centre a method of
financial management has been instituted to keep scrupulous accounts and also
to prevent any significant incidence of extravagance or, God forbid,
malfeasance from occurring undetected and unchecked. It is a method that
maintains both the confidentiality of individual contributions and the
integrity of the use of all funds entrusted to the House of Justice.

(16
February 1998, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an
individual believer)

112. "As to the specific concern
that prompted your inquiry, the use of funds…"

As to
the specific concern that prompted your inquiry, the use of funds from Huqúqu’lláh, the disbursement of
which is entirely at the discretion of the Head of the Faith, entails a wide
range of applications that will eventually address various needs of society in
ways that will also contribute toward the solution of economic problems.
However, it is much too early in the worldwide observance of the Law, and is
not possible in the current state of the Bahá’í community or of society, for
the House of Justice to elaborate on these details. For the time being, the Huqúqu’lláh is used principally
for the work of the Bahá’í community, which, of course, includes its initial
efforts at social and economic development.

(8
September 1999, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an
individual believer)

113. "As you are aware, the
obligation of believers to pay…"

As you
are aware, the obligation of believers to pay Huqúqu’lláh is set out in the
Kitáb-i-Aqdas, and it is offered to the Head of the Faith, now the House of
Justice. Disbursement of these funds is decided by the House of Justice and is
presently directed to the vital task of raising the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh,
which is the essential prerequisite for the enduring resolution of the
afflictions humanity is now experiencing.

The
House of Justice ensures that detailed accounts of Huqúqu’lláh income and
expenditures are maintained by the International Board of Trustees of Huqúqu’lláh and its Office of Huqúqu’lláh in the Holy Land. It
monitors the functioning of the Institution of Huqúqu’lláh and is well satisfied
that matters are being handled with the highest level of integrity.

Such an
assurance from the House of Justice is, of course, sufficient for members of
the Bahá’í community. At this time the House of Justice sees no need to present
information on Huqúqu’lláh
accounts to external audiences; if a situation arises in the future where there
is public controversy over this issue, it will take whatever action it deems
appropriate at that time.

(25 July
2006, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual
believer)

Notes

2

Qur’án 35:15.

3

A reference to
the solemn occasion of the one hundredth anniversary of the Ascension of
Bahá’u’lláh and the celebration of the centenary of the inauguration of His
mighty Covenant.

4

Nineteen.

5

The word
"dishonestly" has been replaced with the word "faithlessly" in the authorized English
translation of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. See extract 3 in this compilation.

6

Huqúq.

7

In this
compilation, the statement appears as extract 58.

8

Known as
Jináb-i-Amín, Trustee of the Huqúq in the days
of Bahá’u’lláh.

9

Ibid.

10

Qur’án 51:55.

11

For them that
take counsel together, i.e., the members of the Spiritual Assemblies.

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Inventory #

BH09404[BRL_HUQUQ#001]
,
BH10068[BRL_HUQUQ#002x]
,
BH01747[BRL_HUQUQ#004x]
,
BH05250[BRL_HUQUQ#005x]
,
BH00676[BRL_HUQUQ#006x]
,
BH00072[BRL_HUQUQ#007x]
,
BH03018[BRL_HUQUQ#008x]
,
BH00722[BRL_HUQUQ#009x]
,
BH02886[BRL_HUQUQ#010]
,
BH00177[BRL_HUQUQ#011x]
,
BH00129[BRL_HUQUQ#012x]
,
BH01554[BRL_HUQUQ#013x]
,
BH08796[BRL_HUQUQ#014x]
,
BH08235[BRL_HUQUQ#015x]
,
BH00261[BRL_HUQUQ#016x]
,
BH00325[BRL_HUQUQ#017x]
,
BH00027[BRL_HUQUQ#018x]
,
BH00963[BRL_HUQUQ#019x]
,
BH01365[BRL_HUQUQ#020x]
,
BH02753[BRL_HUQUQ#021x]
,
AB00446[BRL_HUQUQ#023]
,
AB01016[BRL_HUQUQ#024x]
,
AB10178[BRL_HUQUQ#025x]
,
AB04325[BRL_HUQUQ#045x]
,
AB00324[BRL_HUQUQ#046x]
,
AB01909[BRL_HUQUQ#047x]
,
AB11145[BRL_HUQUQ#048x]
,
ABU0849[BRL_HUQUQ#049]
,
BH04864[BRL_HUQUQ#081x]
,
BH05026[BRL_HUQUQ#082x]
,
BH00886[BRL_HUQUQ#083x]
,
BH00261[BRL_HUQUQ#084x]
,
BH00473[BRL_HUQUQ#085x]
,
BH00542[BRL_HUQUQ#086x]
,
BH00508[BRL_HUQUQ#087x]
,
BH00302[BRL_HUQUQ#088x]
,
BH09310[BRL_HUQUQ#089x]
,
BH00886[BRL_HUQUQ#090x]
,
AB01545[BRL_HUQUQ#091x]
,
BH00074[BRL_HUQUQ#104x]
,
BH00145[BRL_HUQUQ#105x]
,
AB05229[BRL_HUQUQ#106x]
,
BH01747[BRL_HUQUQ#32x]
,
BH06789[BRL_HUQUQ#33x]
,
BH00169[BRL_HUQUQ#43x]
,
BH01075[BRL_HUQUQ#44x]

Language

English

Permission

&copy; BIC, public sharing permitted. See sources
1
,
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, and
3
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History

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-- Huququ'llah: The Right of God (Used by permission of the curator)