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{{short description|Socio-economic and spiritual law of the Baháʼí Faith}}
{{Bahá'í sidebar}}
{{Baháʼí sidebar}}
'''Huqúqu'lláh''' ({{lang-ar|ﺣﻘﻮﻕ ﺍﻟﻠﻪ}}, "Right of God"), sometimes called the '''Law of Huqúq''' is a [[Socioeconomics|socio-economic]] and [[Spirituality|spiritual]] law of the [[Kitáb-i-Aqdas]], a charter document of the [[Bahá'í Faith]], written by [[Bahá'u'lláh]]. In its most basic form, it states that Bahá'ís should make a 19% voluntary payment on any wealth in excess of what is necessary to live comfortably, after the remittance of any outstanding debt. The money is then disbursed to social and economic development projects, or similar [[Philanthropy|philanthropic]] purposes.
'''Ḥuqúqu'lláh''' ({{langx|ar|ﺣﻘﻮﻕ ﺍﻟﻠﻪ}}, "Right of God") is a voluntary wealth tax paid by adherents of the [[Baháʼí Faith]] to support the work of the religion.{{sfn|Hartz|2009|p=60}} Individuals following the practice calculate 19% of their [[discretionary income]] (after-tax income minus essential expenses) and send it to the head of the religion, which since 1963 has been the [[Universal House of Justice]].{{sfn|Garlington|2008}}{{sfn|Smith|2008}}

Ḥuqúqu'lláh is a [[Baháʼí laws|Baháʼí law]] established by [[Baháʼu'lláh]] in the ''[[Kitáb-i-Aqdas]]'' in 1873. It is separate and distinct from the general Baháʼí funds.{{sfn|Adamson|2009}} It provides for the financial security of the community by funding promotional activities and the upkeep of properties, and it is a basis for a future welfare program.{{sfn|Smith|2000}}{{sfn|Garlington|2008}}

The Ḥuqúqu'lláh payment is considered a way to purify one's possessions.{{sfn|Adamson|2009}} It is an individual obligation; nobody in the general community should know who has or has not contributed, nor should anyone be solicited individually for funds.{{sfn|Smith|2000}}{{sfn|Taherzadeh|1987}} Along with several other practices, it was initially only applicable to Baháʼís of the Middle East until 1992, when the authoritative English translation of the ''Kitáb-i-Aqdas'' was published and the Universal House of Justice made Ḥuqúqu'lláh universally applicable.{{sfn|Smith|2008}} A central office to receive payments was established at the [[Baháʼí World Centre]] in 1991,{{sfn|Smith|2000}} and payments are made to trustees appointed by the Universal House of Justice in every country or region.{{sfn|Adamson|2009}}

The obligation is similar to the [[Shia Islam|Shia]] practice of [[Khums]]: a 20% wealth tax payable to the [[Imamate in Shia doctrine|Imams]].{{sfn|Smith|2000}}{{sfn|Garlington|2008}}


==History==
==History==


===Gradual implementation===
===Gradual implementation===
:''See also: [[Bahá'í laws#Gradualism|Gradualism in Bahá'í laws]]''
{{See also|Baháʼí laws#Gradualism}}
Bahá'u'lláh wrote down the law of Huqúqu'lláh in the [[Kitáb-i-Aqdas]] in 1873, but he did not accept any payments initially. In 1878 he appointed the first trustee of the Huqúqu'lláh, who had the responsibility of receiving the ''Huqúq'' from the Bahá'ís in [[Iran]]. Later this was expanded to the Bahá'ís of the [[Middle East]]. In 1985 information about the ''Huqúq'' was distributed worldwide and in 1992 the law was made universally applicable. As the number of payments increased, deputies and representatives to receive the payments have been appointed. In 1991 the central office of Huqúqu'lláh was established at the [[Bahá'í World Centre]] in [[Haifa]], [[Israel]].<ref name="Cambridge">{{Cite book|last = Smith|first = Peter|year = 2008 |title = An Introduction to the Baha'i Faith|publisher = Cambridge University Press|place = Cambridge| pages=164}}</ref><ref name="smith">{{cite encyclopedia |last= Smith |first= Peter |encyclopedia= A concise encyclopedia of the Bahá'í Faith |title= Huqúqu'lláh |year= 2000 |publisher=Oneworld Publications |location= Oxford |isbn= 1-85168-184-1 |pages= 189–190}}</ref>
Baháʼu'lláh wrote down the law of Huqúqu'lláh in the [[Kitáb-i-Aqdas]] in 1873, but he did not accept any payments initially. He delayed the release of the ''Kitáb-i-Aqdas'' because of apprehension that the law of Huqúq might be difficult to implement, or that some would assume that the money was for his personal use.{{sfn|Taherzadeh|1987}} When copies were sent to Iran, they came with instructions that Huqúqu'lláh was not to be implemented, and it remained thus for about 5 years, during which time Baháʼu'lláh returned money to donors. In 1878 he appointed the first trustee of Huqúqu'lláh, who had the responsibility of receiving the ''Huqúq'', as it is known, from the Baháʼís in [[Iran]]. The majority of these donations were spent caring for the poor and needy of the community, or for teaching efforts.{{sfn|Taherzadeh|1987}} Baháʼu'lláh and his family led an austere life.


According to Baháʼí author [[Adib Taherzadeh]],{{sfn|Taherzadeh|1987|p=256}}
===Recipients===
{{blockquote
During the lifetime of [[Bahá'u'lláh]], the offerings were made directly to him, and following his death, to [[`Abdu'l-Bahá]]. In his [[Will and Testament of `Abdu'l-Bahá|Will and Testament]], `Abdu'l-Bahá provided that Huqúqu'lláh be offered after him "through the Guardian of the Cause of God".<ref name="smith covenant">{{cite encyclopedia |last= Smith |first= Peter |encyclopedia= A concise encyclopedia of the Bahá'í Faith |title= Covenant |year= 2000 |publisher= Oneworld Publications |location= Oxford |isbn= 1-85168-184-1 |pages= 114–5}}</ref> Since the election of the [[Universal House of Justice]], it is to this institution that payments are made.<ref name="Cambridge"/><ref name="Harper">{{cite book |last = Hatcher | first= W.S. |last2= Martin | first2= J.D. |year = 1998 |title = The Bahá'í Faith: The Emerging Global Religion |publisher = Harper & Row |location = San Francisco |isbn = 0-87743-264-3 | pages = 198}}</ref>
|text=During Baha'u'llah's Ministry the law of Huquq was applicable to only a very small number of Baha'is. The great majority of the community were poor and not eligible to pay the Huquq. Often the Trustee of Baha'u'llah was unable to fully cover the expenses of the Baha'i teachers and those in need.}}


Later the practice of Huqúqu'lláh was expanded to the Baháʼís of the [[Middle East]].
===Trustees===
* Hájí Sháh-Muhammad Manshádi, Amínu’l-Bayán (’trustee of the Bayán’; d. 1881)
* [[Hájí Amín]] (Abdu’l-Hasan Ardikání), Amín-i-Iláhi (‘trustee of God’; 1881-1928)
* Hájí Ghulám-Ridá, Amín-i-Amín (‘trustee of the trustee’; 1928–38)
* [[Valíyu'lláh Varqá]] (1938–55)
* [[`Alí-Muhammad Varqá]] (1955-2007)<ref name="smith" />


In 1985 information about the Huqúq was distributed worldwide and in 1992 the law was made universally applicable. As the number of payments increased, deputies and representatives to receive the payments have been appointed. In 1991 the central office of Huqúqu'lláh was established at the [[Baháʼí World Centre]] in [[Haifa]], [[Israel]].{{sfn|Smith|2008}}{{sfn|Smith|2000}}
==Timeline of the institution of Huqúqu'lláh==

The following is a basic timeline of the institution of '''Huqúqu'lláh'''.
===Timeline===
The following is a basic timeline related to Ḥuqúqu'lláh, including trustees.{{sfn|Smith|2000}}
* [[Kitáb-i-Aqdas|Revelation of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas]] (1873)
* [[Kitáb-i-Aqdas|Revelation of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas]] (1873)
* Amínu’l-Bayán (1878-1881)
* Amínu'l-Bayán (1878-1881)
* [[Hájí Amín]], Amín-i-Iláhi (1881-1928)
* [[Hájí Amín]], Amín-i-Iláhi (1881-1928)
* Hájí Ghulám-Ridá; Amín-i-Amín (1928-1938)
* Hájí Ghulám-Ridá; Amín-i-Amín (1928-1938)
* [[Valíyu'lláh Varqá]] (1938-1955)
* [[Valíyu'lláh Varqá]] (1938-1955)
* [['Alí-Muhammad Varqá]] (1955-2007)
* [[ʻAlí-Muhammad Varqá]] (1955-2007)
* Compilation Huqúqu'lláh (1985)
* Compilation Ḥuqúqu'lláh (1985)
* Central office of Huqúqu'lláh (1991)
* Central office of Ḥuqúqu'lláh (1991)
* Kitáb-i-Aqdas in English, Law of Huqúqu'lláh universally applicable (1992–present)
* Kitáb-i-Aqdas in English, Law of Ḥuqúqu'lláh universally applicable (1992–present)


==Purpose==
==Purpose==
The Huquq'ullah is not meant to be a donation, but is rather meant to be a claim by God for support of the interests of all people. It is partly used to equalize wealth across different parts of the world.<ref name="Harper"/> The payment of the Huquq'ullah is also meant to increase the spiritual link between the religion's central institutions and the individual.<ref name="Harper" /> This offering is to be considered separate from giving to the various Bahá’í funds and takes precedence over them.<ref name="smith" /> Furthermore, the Huquq'ullah should not be solicited by anyone, and no payments of it can be accepted unless the individual was doing so "with the utmost joy".<ref>{{cite book|last=Taherzadeh|first=Adib|title=The revelation of Baha'u'llah. Vol 4 : Mazra'ih & Bahji 1877-92|year=1988|publisher=George Ronald|location=UK|isbn=9780853981442|page=253}}</ref>
The Ḥuquq'ullah is not meant to be a donation, but is rather meant to be a claim by God for support of the interests of all people. It is partly used to equalize wealth across different parts of the world. The payment of the Ḥuquq'ullah is also meant to increase the spiritual link between the religion's central institutions and the individual. This offering is to be considered separate from giving to the various Baháʼí funds and takes precedence over them.{{sfn|Smith|2000}} Furthermore, the Ḥuquq'ullah should not be solicited by anyone, and no payments of it can be accepted unless the individual was doing so "with the utmost joy".{{sfn|Taherzadeh|1987|p=253}}


==Calculation==
==Calculation==
The payment of Huqúqu'lláh is based on the calculation of the value of the individual’s possessions, which includes one’s merchandise, property and income, after all necessary expenses have been paid. If a person has possessions or wealth in excess of what is necessary equal in value to at least nineteen [[mithqal|mithqál]]s of gold<ref name="Cambridge"/><ref>{{cite book | title = Daan and Other Giving Traditions in India: The Forgotten Pot of Gold | first = Sanjay | last = Agarwal | publisher = AccountAid India | year = 2010 | isbn = 8191085402 | pages = 103}}</ref><ref name="AC">{{cite book | title = The Baha’i Faith: A Guide For The Perplexed | first = Robert H. | last = Stockman | publisher = A & C Black | year = 2012 | pages = 186–189}}</ref> (2.2246 [[Troy ounce|ounces]] or 69 [[gram]]s<ref name="AC" />) it is a spiritual obligation to pay nineteen percent of the total amount,<ref name="Cambridge"/> once only, as Huqúqu'lláh. Thereafter, whenever an individual acquires more possessions or wealth from income by the amount of at least nineteen mithqáls of gold, one is to pay nineteen percent of this increase, and so on for each further increase.<ref name="smith" />
The payment of Ḥuqúqu'lláh is based on the calculation of the value of the individual's possessions, which includes one's merchandise, property and income, after all necessary expenses have been paid. If a person has possessions or wealth in excess of what is necessary equal in value to at least nineteen [[mithqal|mithqál]]s of gold{{sfn|Smith|2008}}<ref>{{cite book |title=Daan and Other Giving Traditions in India: The Forgotten Pot of Gold |first=Sanjay |last=Agarwal |publisher=AccountAid India |year=2010 |isbn=978-8191085402 |pages=103}}</ref>{{sfn|Stockman|2012|pp=186-189}} (2.2246 [[Troy ounce|ounces]] or 69 [[gram]]s{{sfn|Stockman|2012|pp=186-189}}) it is a spiritual obligation to pay nineteen percent of the total amount,{{sfn|Smith|2008}} once only, as Ḥuqúqu'lláh. Thereafter, whenever an individual acquires more possessions or wealth from income by the amount of at least nineteen mithqáls of gold, one is to pay nineteen percent of this increase, and so on for each further increase.{{sfn|Smith|2000}}


Certain categories of possessions are exempt from the payment of the Huqúqu'lláh, such as one’s residence, necessary household furnishings, business or professional equipment and furnishings, and others.<ref name="Cambridge"/><ref name="smith" /> [[Bahá'u'lláh]] has left it to the individual to decide which items are considered necessary and which are not. Specific provisions are outlined to cover cases of financial loss, the failure of investments to yield a profit and for the payment of the Huqúqu'lláh in the event of the person’s death.
Certain categories of possessions are exempt from the payment of the Ḥuqúqu'lláh, such as one's residence, necessary household furnishings, business or professional equipment and furnishings, and others.{{sfn|Smith|2008}}{{sfn|Smith|2000}} [[Baháʼu'lláh]] has left it to the individual to decide which items are considered necessary and which are not. Specific provisions are outlined to cover cases of financial loss, the failure of investments to yield a profit and for the payment of the Ḥuqúqu'lláh in the event of the person's death.{{cn|date=March 2021}}

==Role in succession of authority==
During the lifetime of [[Baháʼu'lláh]], the Ḥuqúqu'lláh offerings were made directly to him, and following his death, to [[ʻAbdu'l-Bahá]]. In his [[Will and Testament of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá|Will and Testament]], ʻAbdu'l-Bahá indicated that payments should go to the appointed Guardian and named [[Shoghi Effendi]] as the first of potentially many Guardians, following [[primogeniture]].{{sfn|Smith|2000|pp=114–5}} After Shoghi Effendi died without appointing a successor, the custodial [[Hands of the Cause]] headed the Faith until the first election of the [[Universal House of Justice]].{{sfn|Smith|2008}}{{sfn|Garlington|2008|p=54}}


==See also==
==See also==
*[[Bahá'í laws]]
*[[Baháʼí laws]]
*[[Socio-economic development (Bahá'í)]]
*[[Socio-economic development (Baháʼí)]]


==Notes==
==Notes==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


==Further reading==
==References==
===Baháʼí sources===
*{{Cite book
*{{Cite book |last=Adamson |first=Hugh C. |date=2009 |series=The A to Z Guide Series, No. 70 |chapter=Huqúqu'lláh |pages=240–241 |title=The A to Z of the Baháʼí Faith |publisher=Scarecrow Press |place=Plymouth, UK |isbn=978-0-8108-6853-3}}
|author = Compilations

|year = 1991
|title = Huqúqu'lláh - A Compilation, published in: Compilation of Compilations, Volume I
*{{Cite book |author=Compilations |year=1991 |title=Huqúqu'lláh - A Compilation, published in: Compilation of Compilations, Volume I |editor=Research Department of the Universal House of Justice |location=Baháʼí World Centre |publisher=Baháʼí Publications Australia |pages=489–527 |url=http://bahai-library.com/compilation_huququllah}}

|editor = Research Department of the Universal House of Justice
*{{cite book |last=Garlington |first=William |date=2008 |title=The Baha'i Faith in America |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |location=Lanham, Maryland |edition=Paperback |isbn=978-0-7425-6234-9 |page=54}}
|location = Bahá’í World Centre

|publisher = Bahá’í Publications Australia
*{{cite book |last=Hartz |first=Paula |date=2009 |title=World Religions: Baha'i Faith |edition=3rd |url=https://bahai-library.com/hartz_bahai_faith |publisher=Chelsea House Publishers |location=New York, NY |isbn=978-1-60413-104-8}}
|id =

|pages = 489–527
*{{cite book |author=Research Department of the Universal House of Justice |date=April 2007 |title=Huqúqu'lláh -- The Right of God |publisher=Baha'i Publications Canada and Palabra Publications |isbn=978-0888671301 |url=http://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/kitab-i-aqdas/#r=ka_en-preface}}
|url = http://bahai-library.com/compilation_huququllah

}}
*{{Cite encyclopedia |last=Smith |first=Peter |author-link=Peter Smith (historian) |year=2000 |title=Huqúqu'lláh |encyclopedia=A Concise Encyclopedia of the Baháʼí Faith |publisher=Oneworld Publications |location=Oxford, UK |isbn=1-85168-184-1 |pages=189–190}}
*{{cite book

|author=Research Department of the Universal House of Justice
*{{Cite encyclopedia |last=Smith |first=Peter |year=2008 |title=An Introduction to the Baha'i Faith |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-0-521-86251-6 |location=Cambridge |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=z7zdDFTzNr0C |pages=163–164}}
|year=April 2007

|title=Huqúqu’lláh - The Right of God
*{{cite book |last=Stockman |first=Robert H. |author-link=Robert Stockman |year=2012 |series=Guides for the Perplexed |title=The Bahaʼi Faith: A Guide For The Perplexed |publisher=A & C Black |isbn=9781441104472}}
|publisher=Baha'i Publications Canada and Palabra Publications

|isbn=088867130X
*{{cite book |last=Taherzadeh |first=Adib |year=1987 |title=The Revelation of Baha'u'llah: Volume four |publisher=George Ronald |location=Oxford, UK |isbn=0-85398-270-8 |pages=248–256}}
|url=http://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/kitab-i-aqdas/#r=ka_en-preface
}}
* Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. (March 1987, revised April 2002). ''[http://www.aqdasproject.com/kitab-i-aqdas/uhj/2002july30-revised.htm Development of the Institution of Huqúqu’lláh]''.
* Authorised English Translation of the Kitab-i-Aqdas
:*{{cite book
|author=Bahá’u’lláh; tr. Committees appointed by the Universal House of Justice
|authorlink=Bahá'u'lláh
|origyear=1873
|year=1992
|title=The Kitáb-i-Aqdas – The Most Holy Book, Authorised English Translation
|publisher=The Universal House of Justice
|url=http://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/kitab-i-aqdas/#r=ka_en-title
}}
* Other English Translations
:*{{cite book
|author=Baha'o'llah; tr. Anton Haddad
|authorlink=Bahá'u'lláh
|origyear=1873
|year=1900
|title=Kitab el Akdas - The Most Holy Book
|publisher=typescript
|url=http://bahai-library.com/pdf/b/bahaullah_kitab-i-aqdas_haddad.pdf
}}
:*{{cite book
|author=Bahā'-Allāh; tr. Earl E. Elder & William McE. Miller
|authorlink=Bahá'u'lláh
|origyear=1873
|year=1961
|title=Al-kitab al-aqdas or The most holy book
|publisher=The Royal Asiatic Society
|location=London
|url=http://www.worldcat.org/title/al-kitab-al-aqdas-or-the-most-holy-book/oclc/251953536&referer=brief_results
}}
:*{{cite book
|author=Bahá'u'lláh
|authorlink=Bahá'u'lláh
|origyear=1873
|year=1992
|title=The Kitáb-i-Aqdas: The Most Holy Book
|publisher=Bahá'í Publishing Trust
|location=Wilmette, Illinois, USA
|isbn=0-85398-999-0
|url=http://reference.bahai.org/en/t/b/KA/
}}


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.aqdasproject.com/kitab-i-aqdas/comprehensive/huququllah.htm Kitáb-i-Aqdas Project: Comprehensive Indices - Huqúqu'lláh]
*[http://bahai-library.com/bahaullah_kitab_aqdas_parallel Parallel Translation of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas]
*[http://www.aqdasproject.com/kitab-i-aqdas/comprehensive/huququllah.htm Kitáb-i-Aqdas Project: Comprehensive Indices - Huqúqu’lláh]
*[http://bahai-library.com/compilation_redistribution_wealth Redistribution of Wealth] - a compilation by the Baha'i World Centre
*[http://bahai-library.com/compilation_redistribution_wealth Redistribution of Wealth] - a compilation by the Baha'i World Centre
*[http://bahai-library.com/uhj_huququllah_questions Sixteen Questions about Huququ'llah] - by the Universal House of Justice (1991)
*[http://bahai-library.com/uhj_huququllah_questions Sixteen Questions about Huququ'llah] - by the Universal House of Justice (1991)
*[http://bahai-library.com/uhj_huququllah_transactions Examples of Huququ'llah Transactions] - by the Universal House of Justice (1991)
*[http://bahai-library.com/uhj_huququllah_transactions Examples of Huququ'llah Transactions] - by the Universal House of Justice (1991)
*[http://www.bahai.org.br/virtual/huquq1.htm Huqúqu'lláh] - Text of a talk given by the Trustee of Huququ'llah, Dr. Ali-Muhammad Varqa (1997)


{{DEFAULTSORT:Huququ'llah}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Huququ'llah}}
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[[Category:Bahá'í terminology]]
[[Category:Bahá'í terminology]]
[[Category:Philanthropy]]
[[Category:Philanthropy]]
[[Category:Religious taxation]]

Latest revision as of 14:55, 20 November 2024

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Ḥuqúqu'lláh (Arabic: ﺣﻘﻮﻕ ﺍﻟﻠﻪ, "Right of God") is a voluntary wealth tax paid by adherents of the Baháʼí Faith to support the work of the religion.[1] Individuals following the practice calculate 19% of their discretionary income (after-tax income minus essential expenses) and send it to the head of the religion, which since 1963 has been the Universal House of Justice.[2][3]

Ḥuqúqu'lláh is a Baháʼí law established by Baháʼu'lláh in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas in 1873. It is separate and distinct from the general Baháʼí funds.[4] It provides for the financial security of the community by funding promotional activities and the upkeep of properties, and it is a basis for a future welfare program.[5][2]

The Ḥuqúqu'lláh payment is considered a way to purify one's possessions.[4] It is an individual obligation; nobody in the general community should know who has or has not contributed, nor should anyone be solicited individually for funds.[5][6] Along with several other practices, it was initially only applicable to Baháʼís of the Middle East until 1992, when the authoritative English translation of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas was published and the Universal House of Justice made Ḥuqúqu'lláh universally applicable.[3] A central office to receive payments was established at the Baháʼí World Centre in 1991,[5] and payments are made to trustees appointed by the Universal House of Justice in every country or region.[4]

The obligation is similar to the Shia practice of Khums: a 20% wealth tax payable to the Imams.[5][2]

History

[edit]

Gradual implementation

[edit]
See also: Baháʼí laws § Gradualism

Baháʼu'lláh wrote down the law of Huqúqu'lláh in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas in 1873, but he did not accept any payments initially. He delayed the release of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas because of apprehension that the law of Huqúq might be difficult to implement, or that some would assume that the money was for his personal use.[6] When copies were sent to Iran, they came with instructions that Huqúqu'lláh was not to be implemented, and it remained thus for about 5 years, during which time Baháʼu'lláh returned money to donors. In 1878 he appointed the first trustee of Huqúqu'lláh, who had the responsibility of receiving the Huqúq, as it is known, from the Baháʼís in Iran. The majority of these donations were spent caring for the poor and needy of the community, or for teaching efforts.[6] Baháʼu'lláh and his family led an austere life.

According to Baháʼí author Adib Taherzadeh,[7]

During Baha'u'llah's Ministry the law of Huquq was applicable to only a very small number of Baha'is. The great majority of the community were poor and not eligible to pay the Huquq. Often the Trustee of Baha'u'llah was unable to fully cover the expenses of the Baha'i teachers and those in need.

Later the practice of Huqúqu'lláh was expanded to the Baháʼís of the Middle East.

In 1985 information about the Huqúq was distributed worldwide and in 1992 the law was made universally applicable. As the number of payments increased, deputies and representatives to receive the payments have been appointed. In 1991 the central office of Huqúqu'lláh was established at the Baháʼí World Centre in Haifa, Israel.[3][5]

Timeline

[edit]

The following is a basic timeline related to Ḥuqúqu'lláh, including trustees.[5]

Purpose

[edit]

The Ḥuquq'ullah is not meant to be a donation, but is rather meant to be a claim by God for support of the interests of all people. It is partly used to equalize wealth across different parts of the world. The payment of the Ḥuquq'ullah is also meant to increase the spiritual link between the religion's central institutions and the individual. This offering is to be considered separate from giving to the various Baháʼí funds and takes precedence over them.[5] Furthermore, the Ḥuquq'ullah should not be solicited by anyone, and no payments of it can be accepted unless the individual was doing so "with the utmost joy".[8]

Calculation

[edit]

The payment of Ḥuqúqu'lláh is based on the calculation of the value of the individual's possessions, which includes one's merchandise, property and income, after all necessary expenses have been paid. If a person has possessions or wealth in excess of what is necessary equal in value to at least nineteen mithqáls of gold[3][9][10] (2.2246 ounces or 69 grams[10]) it is a spiritual obligation to pay nineteen percent of the total amount,[3] once only, as Ḥuqúqu'lláh. Thereafter, whenever an individual acquires more possessions or wealth from income by the amount of at least nineteen mithqáls of gold, one is to pay nineteen percent of this increase, and so on for each further increase.[5]

Certain categories of possessions are exempt from the payment of the Ḥuqúqu'lláh, such as one's residence, necessary household furnishings, business or professional equipment and furnishings, and others.[3][5] Baháʼu'lláh has left it to the individual to decide which items are considered necessary and which are not. Specific provisions are outlined to cover cases of financial loss, the failure of investments to yield a profit and for the payment of the Ḥuqúqu'lláh in the event of the person's death.[citation needed]

Role in succession of authority

[edit]

During the lifetime of Baháʼu'lláh, the Ḥuqúqu'lláh offerings were made directly to him, and following his death, to ʻAbdu'l-Bahá. In his Will and Testament, ʻAbdu'l-Bahá indicated that payments should go to the appointed Guardian and named Shoghi Effendi as the first of potentially many Guardians, following primogeniture.[11] After Shoghi Effendi died without appointing a successor, the custodial Hands of the Cause headed the Faith until the first election of the Universal House of Justice.[3][12]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ Hartz 2009, p. 60.
  2. ^ a b c Garlington 2008.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g Smith 2008.
  4. ^ a b c Adamson 2009.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i Smith 2000.
  6. ^ a b c Taherzadeh 1987.
  7. ^ Taherzadeh 1987, p. 256.
  8. ^ Taherzadeh 1987, p. 253.
  9. ^ Agarwal, Sanjay (2010). Daan and Other Giving Traditions in India: The Forgotten Pot of Gold. AccountAid India. p. 103. ISBN 978-8191085402.
  10. ^ a b Stockman 2012, pp. 186–189.
  11. ^ Smith 2000, pp. 114–5.
  12. ^ Garlington 2008, p. 54.

References

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Baháʼí sources

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  • Adamson, Hugh C. (2009). "Huqúqu'lláh". The A to Z of the Baháʼí Faith. The A to Z Guide Series, No. 70. Plymouth, UK: Scarecrow Press. pp. 240–241. ISBN 978-0-8108-6853-3.
  • Garlington, William (2008). The Baha'i Faith in America (Paperback ed.). Lanham, Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield. p. 54. ISBN 978-0-7425-6234-9.
  • Smith, Peter (2000). "Huqúqu'lláh". A Concise Encyclopedia of the Baháʼí Faith. Oxford, UK: Oneworld Publications. pp. 189–190. ISBN 1-85168-184-1.
  • Taherzadeh, Adib (1987). The Revelation of Baha'u'llah: Volume four. Oxford, UK: George Ronald. pp. 248–256. ISBN 0-85398-270-8.
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