Articles and Resources

In His Will and Testament, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá provided further details about the operation of the Universal House of Justice, ordained by Bahá’u’lláh, and stated that after His own passing, the Bahá’ís must turn to His eldest grandson, Shoghi Effendi, whom He named Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith.

In this letter, dated 8 February 1934, and published as “The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh”, Shoghi Effendi explains how the administrative order will, as it begins to function with efficiency and vigour, come to be understood as the nucleus and pattern of a new world order.

The constitution of the Universal House of Justice was drafted soon after the body was first elected in 1963 and was completed and signed in 1972.

This document, prepared by the Universal House of Justice, describes the Institution of the Counsellors and explains some specific aspects of its functioning.

This document, which outlines the functions and purposes of Regional Bahá’í Councils, was enclosed with a letter dated 30 May 1997 to all National Spiritual Assemblies.

This letter of the Universal House of Justice to the followers of Bahá’u’lláh in the United States examines the Bahá’í teachings on the subject of individual liberties and responsibilities.

Dated 2 March 2013, this letter of the Universal House of Justice addresses various themes related to involvement in the life of society and politics.

The Bahá’í administrative order has been described by the Guardian “not only as the nucleus but the very pattern of the New World Order.” Within it, the Bahá’í International Community states, encouragement of diversity of opinion has important implications in the realms of both belief and action.

A list of further reading on this subject is available here.