The Universal House of Justice is the international governing council of the Bahá’í Faith. Bahá’u’lláh ordained the creation of this institution in His book of laws, the Kitáb-i-Aqdas.

The Universal House of Justice is a nine-member body, elected every five years by the entire membership of all national Bahá’í assemblies. Bahá’u’lláh conferred divine authority upon the Universal House of Justice to exert a positive influence on the welfare of humankind, promote education, peace and global prosperity, and safeguard human honour and the position of religion. It is charged with applying the Bahá’í teachings to the requirements of an ever-evolving society and is thus empowered to legislate on matters not explicitly covered in the Faith’s Sacred Texts.

Since its first election in 1963, the Universal House of Justice has guided the Bahá’í world community to develop its capacity to participate in building a prosperous global civilization. The guidance provided by the Universal House of Justice ensures unity of thought and action in the Bahá’í community as it learns to translate Bahá’u’lláh’s vision of world peace into reality.

“Inasmuch as for each day there is a new problem and for every problem an expedient solution, such affairs should be referred to the Ministers of the House of Justice that they may act according to the needs and requirements of the time.”

— Bahá’u’lláh

Exploring this topic

This collection of articles explores the origins, responsibilities and work of the Universal House of Justice, and the growth and development of the Bahá’í world community since its first election in 1963. It also includes a selection of important messages from the Universal House of Justice itself.

• A Unique Institution

• Development of the Bahá’í Community Since 1963

• The Seat of the Universal House of Justice

• Quotations – A small selection of extracts from the letters of the Universal House of Justice.

• Articles and Resources – A selection of readings, essays, and resource materials offering a deeper understanding of the Universal House of Justice.