What is the divinely ordained structure for unity and safeguarding the Bahá’í Faith?

The divinely ordained structure for unity and safeguarding the Bahá’í Faith is centered on two inseparable, twin institutions: the Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice. These institutions are considered divine in origin, essential in their functions, and complementary in their aim and purpose.

Their fundamental objective is to ensure the continuity of divinely-appointed authority that flows from the source of the Faith, to safeguard the unity of its followers, and to maintain the integrity and flexibility of its teachings. This Administrative Order is unique and divinely conceived, blending truths from various governmental systems without their inherent objectionable features, and is founded upon God-given verities.

Key components and their roles in this structure include:

• The Guardianship:
  • Divine Guidance: Divine guidance flows through the Master (‘Abdu’l-Bahá) and then through the Guardians following the Prophet’s ascension.
  • Essential Role: The Guardianship is crucial for the integrity of the Faith; without it, the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh would be “mutilated,” its integrity imperiled, stability gravely endangered, and the necessary guidance for the legislative action of elected representatives would be withdrawn.
  • Head of the Universal House of Justice: The Guardian of the Cause of God is its sacred head and a distinguished member for life of that body. If he cannot attend deliberations, he must appoint a representative.
  • Right of Interpretation: The right of interpretation and explanation of the verses of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, after ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s ascension, falls exclusively within the authority of the Guardians. A legitimate Universal House of Justice will never infringe upon this sacred domain.
  • Appointment of Successor: It is incumbent upon the Guardian to appoint his successor during his lifetime to prevent differences from arising after his passing.
  • Authority and Obedience: The “mighty stronghold” of the Faith remains impregnable and safe through obedience to the Guardian. Members of the House of Justice, the Aghsan, the Afnan, and the Hands of the Cause of God are all required to show obedience, submissiveness, and subordination to the Guardian.
  • Direction of Hands of the Cause: The Hands of the Cause of God are nominated and appointed by the Guardian, are under his shadow, and must obey his command. This body operates under the Guardian’s direction, who continually urges them to spread divine teachings and guide peoples.
• The Universal House of Justice:
  • Under the Guardian’s Aegis: It is foreshadowed by the Founder of the Faith and formally established in ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Will and Testament. It is destined to assume, under the aegis of the Guardian, the dual sacred responsibility for the protection and propagation of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.
  • Distinct but Complementary: While it operates within its own clearly defined sphere, it is fundamentally united with the Guardianship in its aims and functions, supplementing its authority without infringing upon it.
  • Guardian’s Discretion: The Guardian has the right, at his discretion, to expel any member of the Universal House of Justice who commits a sin injurious to the common welfare, after which the people must elect another in their stead.

These twin institutions, working in conjunction with each other, administer the Faith’s affairs, coordinate its activities, promote its interests, execute its laws, and defend its subsidiary institutions. The foundations of this Divine Civilization are laid by Bahá’u’lláh, and its essential elements are disclosed in the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. The Kitáb-i-Aqdas and the Will and Testament are considered the chief repositories of these priceless elements, closely related and mutually confirming in purpose and method.

Deviation from this divinely ordained structure is warned against. Those who fail to turn towards God will face “grievous afflictions”. The perversity of the world will continue until “the appointed hour,” causing humanity to quake before the Divine Standard is unfurled. Furthermore, disobedience and revolt against the Guardian lead to grievous afflictions and plights. For any, within or without the company of the Hands of the Cause, who disobey and seek division, “the wrath of God and His vengeance will be upon him, for he will have caused a breach in the true Faith of God”.