Importance of Guardianship in Baha’i Faith

The Guardianship is closely linked to the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh, which is the source of authority in the Bahá’í Administrative Order.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá is the Center of this Covenant.

Guardians have extensive authority, including the right to interpret teachings, command, control, adjudicate, and settle disputes within the Faith.
Concept of Station:
“Station” refers to spiritual rank or status. For example, a Hand of the Cause has a station, while a member of the Universal House of Justice does not.

The station of Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá continues in the next world, whereas the station of the Guardians is limited to this world.
Relation of Authority to Station:
Authority is integral to the station and is attached to the position rather than the person. When a person becomes a Guardian, they are endowed with the authority described in the “Charter of the New World Order.”
Exalted Station of Guardians:
Guardians hold a high spiritual station and are considered signs of God and interpreters of the Word of God. They receive a portion of infallibility, meaning they are protected from error by God in matters related to the Faith.
Divine Guidance:
Guardians are believed to be under divine guidance and protection, ensuring they do not make mistakes in interpreting the teachings or in matters strictly related to the Cause.
Human Fallibility:
While Guardians are infallible in religious matters, they are like other humans in non-religious subjects and can make mistakes in those areas.
Authority and Judgment:
There is no authority to judge a Guardian’s decisions related to the Faith. Historical decisions by Guardians, such as those made by Shoghi Effendi, are seen as guided by divine will and necessary for the time.

Obedience to the Guardian:
Followers must accept and obey the interpretations and directives of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Guardians. Shoghi Effendi clarified that the Guardian’s infallibility is limited to matters related to the Faith and its teachings. In personal matters, their advice is not binding.
Hereditary Principle:
The hereditary principle in the Bahá’í Faith is not based on biological inheritance but on a system of succession where the head of state (or Guardian) chooses their successor. This successor may be a relative or a non-relative, provided they are spiritually qualified and appointed.
Primogeniture in Bahá’í Dispensation:
Shoghi Effendi mentioned the law of primogeniture to emphasize his appointment by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and to strengthen his position against opposition. However, the appointment is conditional on spiritual qualifications and formal appointment.

Actions taken by Guardians, even if controversial, were necessary and guided by the Will of God, reflecting the conditions and needs of the Faith at the time.