Ḥuqúqu’lláh (حقوق الله, The Right of God, 
pronunciation; alternate pronunciation), is a law and spiritual obligation enjoined on Bahá’ís in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas,[1] the purpose of which is the purification of ones material wealth. An individuals first duties, Bahá’u’lláh says, is recognition of God, followed by steadfastness in His Cause. After these two obligations, one's duty is to "purify one’s riches and earthly possessions according to that which is prescribed by God."[2] In a talk titled Elements of Ḥuqúqu’lláh by Dr. ‘Alí-Muhammad Varqá in May, 1988 he stated this law is one of the most significant in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, but it cannot be enforced through pressure or intimidation, that it must be offered freely and with love by one eager to obey the will of Bahá’u’lláh. Dr. Varqá characterized the law as combining might and humility, power and humbleness together and stated that like prayer and fasting, it is one of Bahá’u’lláh's fundamental ordinances.[3]
In the Kitáb-i-Aqdas Bahá’u’lláh sets the percentage of wealth one is to donate at 19: "Should anyone acquire one hundred mithqáls of gold, nineteen mithqáls thereof are God’s and to be rendered unto Him, the Fashioner of earth and heaven."[1]. The minimum amount of wealth needed for Ḥuqúqu’lláh to be payable is nineteen mithqáls.[4] If Ḥuqúqu’lláh has already been paid, no future payments are due unless ones assets increase in value equivalent to nineteen mithqáls if gold.[5] Certain assets are exempt, and consideration is given in the case of losses, as described below.
To receive these funds Bahá’u’lláh established the institution of the Trusteeship of Ḥuqúqu’lláh. The first Trustee was Jináb-i-Sháh Muḥammad from Manshád, entitled Amínu’l-Bayán (Trustee of the Bayán). In 2005 a three member International Board of Trustees with fixed terms was established by the Universal House of Justice.[6] Boards are also appointed to manage Ḥuqúqu’lláh on a national level.[7]
Background[edit]
The concept of Ḥuqúqu’lláh and its establishment was first mentioned by the Báb in the Persian Bayán. Thereafter Bahá’u’lláh modified some of its content and included it in His Book of Laws (The Kitáb-i-Aqdas) revealed in 1873.[3] During the next five years no arrangements were made by Bahá’u’lláh to accept the payment of Ḥuqúqu’lláh from the Bahá’ís,[8] and those who tried to offer it were refused.[9] In 1878 Bahá’u’lláh established the Trusteeship of Ḥuqúqu’lláh and began accepting contributions from the believers in Persia. It was also at this same time that Bahá’u’lláh revealed the obligatory prayers.[8]
The law of Ḥuqúqu’lláh was mostly unknown to the Bahá’ís of the West until 1985 when the House of Justice had the text pertaining to the law translated into English in preparation for its eventual adoption.[10] The House of Justice wrote after the circulation of this law "stirred by reports (of) Western believers already spontaneously offering Ḥuqúqu’lláh on reading compilation, swelling ranks those who have long cherished privilege observe this law".[10] As part of the Six Year Plan (1986-1992) the House of Justice set a goal of translating the Kitáb-i-Aqdas into English, and emphasized the importance of Bahá’ís gaining knowledge of the laws revealed by Bahá’u’lláh.[3] In its message to the Bahá’í world at Riḍván, 1992 the Universal House of Justice announced the imminent publication of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, and made the law of Ḥuqúqu’lláh binding on all Bahá’ís.[11]
Spiritual Significance[edit]
The Law of Ḥuqúqu’lláh is spiritually significant for both the individual and society. In the the Kitáb-i-Aqdas Bahá’u’lláh has said: "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" and "he... who acteth in accordance with God’s bidding shall receive a blessing from the heaven of the bounty of his Lord". These two statements are interspersed with a warning to "Deal not faithlessly with the Right of God" and "He who dealeth faithlessly with God shall in justice meet with faithlessness himself".[1] Bahá’u’lláh in a number of Tablets has elaborated on the spiritual significance of Ḥuqúqu’lláh and stated that the benefits revert to the believers themselves.[list 1]
‘Abdu’l-Bahá in discussing the Law of Ḥuqúqu’lláh has explained it by drawing similarity between the physical body of man and the generality of mankind. Both have distinct limbs and components, but they are in fact inextricably linked and connected together.[12] Further ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stated that "co-operation, mutual aid and reciprocity are essential characteristics in the unified body of the world of being" and "The more this interrelationship is strengthened and expanded, the more will human society advance in progress and prosperity" and He concludes "This is the basic principle on which the institution of Ḥuqúqu’lláh is established."[12] Thus the House of Justice has written Ḥuqúqu’lláh is "expended for the relief of the poor, the disabled, the needy, and the orphans, and for other vital needs of the Cause of God".[13]
Collection and calculation[edit]
In a number of Tablets Bahá’u’lláh forbids the solicitation of Ḥuqúqu’lláh from the Bahá’ís,[list 2] He states it must be "entirely dependent upon the willingness of the individuals themselves".[14] However, general education regarding the law broadcast to all believers is acceptable.[8]
To calculate the payment of Ḥuqúqu’lláh the value of everything an individual possess, less any debt, expenses and certain exceptions listed below, is added together. If the value of this capital is equivalent to 19 mithqáls of gold or greater, a payment of 19% is due to Ḥuqúqu’lláh. Contributions made to the Bahá’í funds cannot be considered as part of one's payment to Ḥuqúqu’lláh.[15] The House of Justice has written that many details regarding the computation of Ḥuqúqu’lláh have been left to the discretion of the individual.[16]
19 mithqáls is equal to 2.224563 ounces of gold,[16] and as of February 26th, 2021 this was equivalent to $3,929 U.S. Dollars.[17] Ḥuqúqu’lláh is only due on whole units of 19 mithqáls.[18] Therefore if an individual calculated they earned an excess of $5,000 they would only be required to pay 19% of $3,929 (one unit of 19 mithqáls). In order for accurate payments to be made, records on what money has and has not been counted towards Ḥuqúqu’lláh would need to be kept. Future payments would only be necessary when one's wealth increased by another unit of 19 mithqáls or greater.[15]
Exemptions[edit]
Bahá’u’lláh stated that the residence and its necessary furnishing are exempt from the calculation of Ḥuqúqu’lláh,[19][20] as is the necessary place of business for ones profession[21] along with tools of trade.[22] Bahá’u’lláh has left it to the discretion of the individual to determine what items should be considered necessary.[16]
If after Ḥuqúqu’lláh has been paid money is lost and subsequently regained payment is not due again.[23][24] Real estate that accrues no profit is exempt.[25]
Use of funds[edit]
‘Abdu’l-Bahá has written:
| “ | Thus every true and sincere believer will offer Ḥuqúq 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.[26] | ” |
And from a letter by Shoghi Effendi translated into English:
| “ | In accordance with the explicit text of the Will and Testament, Ḥuqúqu’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.[27] | ” |
Chief Trustees[edit]
| Name | Served |
|---|---|
| Amínu’l-Bayán | 1878 - 1881 |
| Hájí Amín | 1881 - 1928 |
| Amín-i-Amín | 1928 - 1939 |
| Valíyu'lláh Varqá | 1939 - 1955 |
| ‘Alí-Muhammad Varqá | 1955 - 2007 |
Members of the International Board of Trustees[edit]
| Name | Served |
|---|---|
| Sally Foo | 2005 - 2013 |
| Ramin Khadem | 2005 - 2016 |
| Grant Kvalheim | 2005 - ???? |
| Marzia Rowhani-Dalal | ???? - 2019 |
| Rodrigo Tomas | ???? - 2016 |
| Ho Yuet Mee | ???? - ???? |
| Enos Makhele | ???? - 2024 |
| Manijeh Reyhani | ???? - 2024 |
| Adam Robarts | ???? - ???? |
| William Wieties | ???? - ???? |
External links[edit]
- Convert 2.224563 ounces of gold to USD, today's rate
- Huqúqu'lláh - A Compilation - Text from Compilation of Compilations Vol. I, pp. 489-527
- Examples of Huququ'llah Transactions - By the Universal House of Justice (1991)
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Bahá’u’lláh, The Kitáb-i-Aqdas.
- ↑ Bahá’u’lláh, quoted in Ḥuqúqu’lláh—The Right of God.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Elements of Ḥuqúqu’lláh. Talk given by Hand of the Cause of God Dr. ‘Alí-Muhammad Varqá at the Sixth International Convention on May 1, 1988. Published in A Workbook for Understanding, Appreciating and Applying the Law of Ḥuqúqu’lláh.
- ↑ The Kitáb-i-Aqdas, Questions and Answers #8
- ↑ The Kitáb-i-Aqdas, Questions and Answers #90
- ↑ Fatheazam, S. The Last Refuge: Fifty Years of the Universal House of Justice, p 46
- ↑ https://bahaicanada.bahai.ca/appointment-of-new-board-of-trustees-of-huququllah/
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 The Spiritual Significance of the Ḥuqúqu’lláh. A talk give by Mr Alí Nakhjavání at the World Centre on June 19, 1987. Published in A Workbook for Understanding, Appreciating and Applying the Law of Ḥuqúqu’lláh.
- ↑ Ḥuqúqu’lláh - Development of the Institution, A Workbook for Understanding, Appreciating and Applying the Law of Ḥuqúqu’lláh.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Introduction to A Workbook for Understanding, Appreciating and Applying the Law of Ḥuqúqu’lláh.
- ↑ The Universal House of Justice, Riḍván, 1992 message
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, quoted in Ḥuqúqu’lláh—The Right of God.
- ↑ The Universal House of Justice, quoted in Ḥuqúqu’lláh—The Right of God.
- ↑ Bahá’u’lláh, quoted in Ḥuqúqu’lláh—The Right of God.
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 A Workbook for Understanding, Appreciating and Applying the Law of Ḥuqúqu’lláh, page 53
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 The Universal House of Justice, 16 September 1979.#105
- ↑ https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=2.224563&From=XAU&To=USD
- ↑ The Universal House of Justice, #110
- ↑ Questions and Answers #8
- ↑ Questions and Answers #42
- ↑ Questions and Answers #95
- ↑ Shoghi Effendi, Quoted in Ḥuqúqu’lláh—The Right of God
- ↑ Questions and Answers #44
- ↑ Questions and Answers #45
- ↑ Questions and Answers #102
- ↑ Ḥuqúqu’lláh. Bahá’í Community of Canada. 1986. p. 28.
- ↑ Ḥuqúqu’lláh. Bahá’í Community of Canada. 1986. p. 48.
List of Tablets[edit]
- ↑ Spiritual significance:
- "...the source of grace, abundance, and of all good."
- "...a bounty which shall remain with every soul in every world of the worlds of God."
- "Well is it with him who ascendeth unto God, without any obligations to Huqúqu'lláh and to His servants."
- "...source of blessings, and the main-spring of God's loving-kindness and tender love vouchsafed unto men."
- "...its goodly results and the fruits thereof will last as long as the kingdom of earth and heaven will endure."
- "...means for the purging, the purification and sanctification of the souls of men and the source of prosperity and blessing."
- "...conducive to prosperity, to divine increase and to salvation."
- "...by observing it one will be raised to honour... it will serve to purify one's possessions and will impart blessing, and added prosperity."
- "...a unique test to distinguish the friend from the stranger..."
- "...causeth the people to become firm and steadfast and draweth Divine increase upon them."
- "It hath been and will always be conductive to divine increase, prosperity, dignity and honour..."
- "Whatsoever proceedeth from Him produceth a fruit the benefits of which revert to the individuals themselves... And such benefits will indeed accrue if the Ḥuqúq is offered with the utmost joy and radiance and in a spirit of perfect humility and lowliness."
- "In truth the benefits arising from the above-mentioned injunction revert to the individuals themselves."
- "The advantages gained from this deed revert to the persons themselves."
- "The advantages arising therefrom shall fall to the individuals themselves."
- "...a boundless grace vouchsafed unto whosoever is privileged in this day to render service to the Cause of God and to offer the Right of God."
- "...thereby reaping the benefit of their own deed."
- "...benevolent acts are treasures preserved with God for the benefit of those who act."
- "...hath benefits which are the prescribed lot of the individuals themselves."
- "...whatsoever hath been sent down from the heaven of divine commandment — magnified be His glory — is intended to confer benefits upon His servants."
- "Should they follow what is revealed by God, they would, in all circumstances, be protected under His bounty and blessed by His mercy."
- "If the people attain the privilege of paying the Ḥuqúq, the one true God—exalted be His glory—will of a certainty confer blessing upon them."
- ↑ Solicitation of Ḥuqúqu’lláh forbidden:
- "Reference to this matter is in no wise permissible..."
- "To demand the Ḥuqúq is in no wise permissible."
- "...but have forbidden solicitation thereof."
- "...no one should solicit such payment."
- "...it is not permissible to solicit or demand it."
- "...coercion is unnecessary..."
- "...no one is allowed to solicit payment of the Ḥuqúq."
- "...it is not permitted to solicit Ḥuqúq from anyone."
- "No one should demand the Ḥuqúqu’lláh."
- "Demanding the Ḥuqúq hath never been regarded with favour."
Bibliography[edit]
- Bahá’u’lláh (1873). The Kitáb-i-Aqdas: The Most Holy Book. Wilmette, Illinois, USA: Bahá’í Publishing Trust. ISBN 0853989990.
- Huqúqu'lláh, the Right of God. Bahá’í Pub. Trust. 2000. ISBN 8186953639.
- Universal House Of Justice (1987). Huququ'llah. Baha'i Distribution Service. ISBN 0900125659.
- Research Department Of The Universal House Of Justice. Right of God, The: Huququ'llah. Baha'i Publications Canada and Palabra Publications. ISBN 088867130X.
- Compilations (1991). Research Department of the Universal House of Justice (ed.). Compilation of Compilations, Volume I. Bahá’í World Centre: Bahá’í Publications Australia.
