Learned

In the Bahá’í Faith the terms learned and rulers are used to define and distinguish institutions and their responsibilities. In a letter written by the Universal House of Justice they describe the following institutions as falling within the definition of "learned" given by Shoghi Effendi. The Hands of the Cause of God, the Counsellors and the members of the Auxiliary Boards. They state that while each of these is a separate institution in itself, it is not incorrect to refer to them collectively as one institution. The House of Justice describes the distinguishing features of this learned arm in the following way:

“ The existence of institutions of such exalted rank, comprising individuals who play such a vital role, who yet have no legislative, administrative or judicial authority, and are entirely devoid of priestly functions or the right to make authoritative interpretations, is a feature of Bahá’í administration unparalleled in the religions of the past. ”

History

Bahá’u’lláh designated four individuals "Hands of the Cause of God" and said that through them "the light of fortitude hath shone forth." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá posthumously designated four believers Hands in Memorials of the Faithful and further outlined the function of this role, stating: "The obligations of the Hands of the Cause of God are to diffuse the Divine Fragrances, to edify the souls of men, to promote learning, to improve the character of all men and to be, at all times and under all conditions, sanctified and detached from earthly things".

Shoghi Effendi appointed further Hands of the Cause, and in 1968 the Universal House of Justice appointed the first Counsellors. The "Appointed Arm" has a dedicated building on the Arc known as the Seat of the International Teaching Center, from where activities are co-ordinated.