Bahai Library Online

Letters, mostly to individuals, written by or on behalf of the Universal House of Justice or one of its agencies. See Ridvan messages, Plans, and books in Documents from the UHJ.

Letters from the Universal House of Justice

  1. Universal House of Justice. 20,000 Martyrs, Source of Statements about (1984/2005). Two letters from the Research Department.
  2. Universal House of Justice. Abdu'l-Baha's talks can be used in devotional portion of Feast (2011-03-15). Letter confirming that it is permissible to use informal "talks" of Abdu'l-Bahá in the devotional portion of Feast.
  3. Universal House of Justice, Susan Maneck. Academic Methodologies (1997-09-21). Two letters to the House on the relationship between "materialistic methodologies" and "doctrinal heresy" in the academic fields, followed by the House's detailed response.
  4. Universal House of Justice. Administrative Order, Bahá'í (2000-08-13). A number of questions about the functioning of the Bahá'í Administrative Order.
  5. Universal House of Justice. Administrative Order, Suggestions about changes in (1995-05-18). Ways in which Bahá'ís may make suggestions for change within the Bahá'í administration, and the nature of internet discussions.
  6. Universal House of Justice. Adoption and Parent Consent (2003-09). Short compilation of extracts from letters written on behalf of the House on various matters relating to adoption.
  7. Universal House of Justice. African Americans in the United States (1996-04-01). Comments about what public role might be played by the Bahá'í Faith in America to ameliorate the difficulties faced by African-American males.
  8. Universal House of Justice. African religions; miracles; strange phenomena (1996-08-06). Five questions: the religion of Santeria; relationship to Sabaeanism; Yoruba-based new world religions; visions and miracles of the Virgin Mary and Fatima; UFOs, aliens, and genetic engineering.
  9. Universal House of Justice. Age Fifteen as the Age of Spiritual Maturity, The (1998-06-16). On the meaning of maturity and why 15 is considered the age that a believer can take control of his spiritual destiny.
  10. Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. Al-amr bi'l-ma'rúf wa'n-nahy 'an al-munkar" (Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice) (2013-06-25). Regarding the Islamic practice of "enjoining the good and forbidding the wrong."
  11. Universal House of Justice. Alcohol, Prohibition of (1997-03-30). Explanation of the prohibition on drinking alcohol; guidelines on how to approach and impose administrative sanctions on someone using it flagrantly.
  12. Universal House of Justice. Alcoholics Anonymous (1987-11-09). Three short letters concerning Bahá'í participation in Alcoholics Anonymous.
  13. Universal House of Justice. Ali Akbar Furutan, In Memoriam (2003-11-27). Obituary containing a brief biography of Ali Akbar Furutan, one of the longest surviving Hands of the Cause of God.
  14. Universal House of Justice. Amnesty International (1993-02-14). Bahá'ís may work with but should not hold membership in Amnesty International.
  15. Universal House of Justice. Animal Spirits (1995-03-09). Letter to an individual believer on the question if animals possess a surviving spiritual reality.
  16. Universal House of Justice. Announcing New Houses of Worship (2024-10-16). Announcement of two national Mashriqu’l-Adhkárs in Brasília, Brazil and Lilongwe, Malawi, plus a local Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in Batouri, Cameroon.
  17. Universal House of Justice. Anti-Semitism and the Holocaust, References in the Bahá'í Writings to (1998-09-24).
  18. Universal House of Justice. Apostle Paul, a (1998/2012). Whether Bahá'í Writings state that Paul was a "false teacher," the relationship between apostles Paul and Peter, and some Bahá'í teachings on Christianity.
  19. Universal House of Justice. Apparent Contradictions in the Bahá'í Writings, Reconciliation of (2002-05-28). On apparent contradictions, regarding Mírzá Abu'l-Fadl on Abraham and Zoroaster; 'Abdu'l-Bahá and a Baby Naming Ceremony; Minimum Age of Marriage; Smoking and Firmness in the Covenant; Corporal Punishment; Táhirih as "Woman Suffragette."
  20. Universal House of Justice. Applicability of the Laws and Ordinances of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas (2001-02-08). List of laws and ordinances of the Aqdas not yet universally applied (as of 2001).
  21. Universal House of Justice. Application of Bahá'í Laws (2000-02-23). On the application of Bahá’í law and how its procedures differ from civil law, with discussion of the examples of Huququ'llah, obligatory prayer, and fasting.
  22. Universal House of Justice, Ahang Rabbani. Aqa Husayn Ashchi's narrative (1996-06). A letter to the House requesting permission to translate and publish Aqa Husayn Ashchi's narrative and their response.
  23. Universal House of Justice. Arabic, Proper pronunciation of (1995-08-08). Discusses whether there are specific dialects and "manners" to use in speaking Arabic.
  24. Universal House of Justice. Arc Project: 1987 Open Letter (1987-08-31). Status of the Arc Project (Bahá'í World Center), 1987.
  25. Universal House of Justice. Arc Project: 1991 Open Letter (1991-09-11). Status of the Arc Project (Bahá'í World Center), 1991.
  26. Universal House of Justice. Arc Project: 1994 Open Letter (1994-01-04). Status of the Arc Project (Bahá'í World Center), 1994.
  27. Universal House of Justice. Archives, Bahá'í: Preserving and Safeguarding the Sacred Texts (1993 Fall). Includes estimated numbers of Tablets revealed, and numbers of Tablets archived at the Bahá'í World Center; prepared by the Archives Office on behalf of the House.
  28. Universal House of Justice. Armageddon and Megiddo / Mt. Carmel (2018-09-02). One-paragraph note saying that no reference has been found in the Bahá'í Writings tying "armageddon" with the town of Megiddo, with Mt. Carmel, or with the revelation of Bahá'u'lláh.
  29. Universal House of Justice. Aspects of the Bahá'í Teachings, Conditions for Membership, and Voting Rights: Seven various questions (1991-12-30). On Bahá'í status and community membership, spiritual primacy, Most Great Spirit, studying the Covenant, revelation of the Bab, civil elections, and definition of a pioneer. Includes short compilation "Conditions for Membership in the Bahá'í Community."
  30. Universal House of Justice. Associations for Bahá'í Studies (2008-04-24). Some explanation on when it is appropriate for a country to form an ABS organization.
  31. Universal House of Justice. Authenticity of prayer "O God! Refresh and gladden my spirit" (2006-06-05). Some details on the history of a popular prayer. Includes comments on the authenticity of published compilations of Abdu'l-Bahá's talks Some Answered Questions, Paris Talks, and The Promulgation of Universal Peace.
  32. Universal House of Justice. Authenticity of Prayers and Tablets (1992-09). List of some prayers and tablets which are not or might not be authentic; includes 2020 update on the prayer "Help me to refrain from every irregular inclination..."
  33. Universal House of Justice. Authenticity of Statement on Shaving the Beard (2022-09-20). Letter indicating that a quote about shaving of the beard is a mere pilgrim's note.
  34. Universal House of Justice. Authenticity of Texts (1996-10-22). Status of texts of Abdu'l-Bahá's talks, of the books Bahá'í World Faith and Foundations of World Unity, of letters from the Universal House of Justice versus its Secretariat, and of letters from the Guardian.
  35. Universal House of Justice. Authenticity of The Báb's Farewell Address to the Letters of the Living (2020-01-19). Memorandum of the Research Department of the Bahá'í World Center about the authenticity of the speech of the Báb to the Letters of the Living.
  36. Universal House of Justice. Authority and Centrality of the Universal House of Justice (2012). Issues inspired by Udo Schaefer's writings about limitations on infallibility and the House's spheres of jurisdiction.
  37. Universal House of Justice. Authority of the Hands of the Cause to direct the Faith and expel Covenant-breakers (1997-06-04). Authority of the Hands of the Cause assume control of the Faith and eject Covenant-breakers following Shoghi Effendi's passing.
  38. Universal House of Justice. Authority of the International Teaching Centre in Expelling Covenant-Breakers (1998-01-05). On the role of the Counsellors and the ITC in protecting the Faith, and the process of expelling a person whose behavior is in conflict with the Covenant.
  39. Universal House of Justice. Authorization of Translations and the Authority of Publications from the Research Department (1994-12-15). On the process by which new translations are authorized; the authority of translations by the Guardian; and the authority of publications of the Research Department.
  40. Universal House of Justice. Avoidance of Politics and Controversial Matters (2003-01-12). A short explanation that the aim of Bahá'ís is to reconcile viewpoints and heal divisions, but not become involved with disputes of the many conflicting elements of society around them. Includes introductory letter from the US NSA, and a compilation.
  41. Abdu'l-Bahá, Universal House of Justice. Research Department of the Universal House of Justice, comp. Babies, on the Naming of (1998?).
  42. Universal House of Justice. Bahá'í Attitude towards Celebration of Christmas (2002-11-29). A clarification on whether Baha’is are permitted to celebrate Christmas: believers should not be deterred from participating in festivities in which the religious meaning has, over time, given way to purely culturally-oriented practices.
  43. Universal House of Justice. Bahá'í Obligatory Prayer and the Mashriqu'l-Adhkár (1998-02-15). Obligatory prayer may be performed at home or in the Temple — in private or in public — but on condition that each believer recite it individually.
  44. Universal House of Justice. Bahá'í Perspective on the Concept of "Karma" (2006-09-05). Summary of the meaning of karma in Hinduism and Buddhism; Bahá'í views on karma and reincarnation as shown by selected passages in the Hidden Words and other Writings.
  45. Universal House of Justice. Geoffrey W. Marks, comp. Bahá'í studies Seminar in Cambridge, 30 September - 1 October 1978: Message to Participants (1996). Harmony of science and religion; faith and reason; spiritual scholarship; and the institution of review.
  46. Universal House of Justice. Bahá'í Teachings, Aspects of (1997-08-06). Authenticity of Statements; Mathnavi; Quranic quotations; Marriage Prayer; 'Sun' and 'Moon'; Hands of the Cause; Night of Power; Khatt-i-Badi; Sarcophagus for Bahá'u'lláh; International Bahá'í Library Building; Lunar Calendar and Holy Days; Leiden; Kings.
  47. Universal House of Justice. Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era Regarding the Explanation of Daniel 12:12: Beckwith's Allegations (1990-11-06). Responses to allegations Francis Beckwith makes in his booklet "Bahá'í" about changes to this book.
  48. Universal House of Justice. Balance in life, and pioneering versus getting an education (1994-09-04). Achieving balance and planning in "each important area of one's life," including balancing the need for education and a profession and pioneering.
  49. Universal House of Justice. Bible, Preferred English Translation of (1996-11-03). While Shoghi Effendi recommended the use of the King James translation of the Bible, Bahá'ís are yet welcome to use any translation they wish.
  50. Universal House of Justice. Biblical discrepancies in God Passes By (1993-02-15). Citation errors for quotations from Ezekiel in God Passes By.
  51. Universal House of Justice. Biblical Questions, Interpretation of: Ezekiel 10:19, Jeremiah 49:38 and Micah 7:12 (1998-05-12). Can certain passages from the Hebrew Bible be taken as prophetic references to the Bábí or Bahá'í Faiths?
  52. Universal House of Justice. Biblical Verses, Interpretation of (1986-01-07). Interpretation of Biblical verses. Includes chart showing all references in the Bahá'í writings to verses in the Book of Revelation.
  53. Bahá'u'lláh, Shoghi Effendi, Universal House of Justice. "Book of Names" Mentioned in the Tablet of Carmel, The (2003-03-23). Letter from the House and a compilation explaining "People of Bahá" and the line in the Lawh-i-Karmil "Ere long will God sail His Ark upon thee, and will manifest the people of Bahá who have been mentioned in the Book of Names."
  54. Universal House of Justice. Canadian National Convention functioning (1982). Reply to questions from an individual about the functioning of the National Convention in Canada with specific reference to the tellers report and the election of officers.
  55. Capital Punishment and Amnesty International (n.d.). Letter from the House to Amnesty International on the death penalty.
  56. Universal House of Justice. Cortesía, trans. Carta Sobre La Oracion para el Entierro Baha'i: Departamento de la Secretaria 1 de julio de 2001 (2001-07-01).
  57. Universal House of Justice. Carta Sobre Relaciones entre AEN, Comunidad e Individuo (1994-05-19).
  58. Universal House of Justice. Celestial Pavilion, Inmates of (2003).
  59. Universal House of Justice. Challenges for Bahá'í Youth in a Western Way of Life (2013-04-19). Difficulties young people might face in upholding Bahá'í ideals and standards of behaviour in the context of Western culture and sexual mores.
  60. Universal House of Justice. Challenging the Authority of the Universal House of Justice (1997-06-03). Does the Universal House of Justice have the authority to make authoritative interpretations? Does anyone has the right to challenge the authority or actions of the Universal House of Justice?
  61. Universal House of Justice. Pierre Daoust, trans. Changement du climat (2020). Traduction provisoire.
  62. Universal House of Justice. Childhood Abuse, and Revoking Parent's Right of Marriage Consent (1992-12-22). Guidance on therapy and recovery from sexual abuse. The abusing parent's right to consent to marriage can be revoked.
  63. Universal House of Justice. Childhood Abuse, Ritual (1994-10-23). Matters of psychology and healing relating to recovery from certain forms of childhood abuse.
  64. Universal House of Justice. Childhood Trauma, Recovering from (1992-09-09). Guidance for individuals who suffered traumatic childhood experiences at the hands of disturbed parents.
  65. Universal House of Justice. Children, Oppression of (1985). Discussion of the oppression of children at the hands of exploitative individuals and solace for those who have suffered such treatment.
  66. Universal House of Justice. Climate Change: Policies and Political Discourse (2017-11-29). Letter "to three individuals" on the science behind anthropogenic (human-caused) global warming, and how Bahá'ís might participate in activism and raising awareness of the issue while avoiding political divisiveness.
  67. Shoghi Effendi, Universal House of Justice. Research Department of the Universal House of Justice, comp. Community Functioning, Issues Concerning: Fostering the Development of Bahá'í Communities (2000). Extensive guidance on community development. Includes extracts from letters written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi on fostering the evolution of Bahá'í communities.
  68. Research Department of the Universal House of Justice, Abdu'l-Bahá, Mírzá Abu’l-Fadl Gulpáygání. Compilation of Extracts Regarding Arius (1991/1996). Collection of materials regarding an early Christian theologian who, in expounding that Christ was subordinate to God the Father, discarded the trinity and fractured the unity of the Church.
  69. Universal House of Justice. Concerns raised about the absence of a Guardian to succeed Shoghi Effendi (1998-01-06). On the lack of a Guardian to succeed Shoghi Effendi, the possibility of a member of his family expressing contrition and being admitted into the community, and the functions of Guardianship in his absence.
  70. Universal House of Justice. Condition of non-Bahá'í Relatives after Death, The (1991-08-28). Four questions: Do the non-Bahá'í parents of believers become Bahá'ís in the next world? What is the definition of "kin"? What is the requisite spiritual state of the believer? What conditions are associated with the divine bounty?
  71. Universal House of Justice. Cortesía, trans. Conferencia de los cuerpos continentales de consejeros 09-01-2001, A la (2001-01-09). Spanish translation of "Institution of the Counsellors: Letter to the Counsellors January 9 2001."
  72. Universal House of Justice. Confidencialidad en los Asuntos de las Asambleas Locales y Nacionales (1994-08-07).
  73. Universal House of Justice. Consultation, Portraits, Rakahs, Murtus, and Unknown Language (2009/2010/2018). Three replies from the Research Department to an individual, dated 2009, 2010 and 2018, on a variety of topics.
  74. Universal House of Justice. Contacting the Universal House of Justice; Obligatory Prayer, Greatest Name, Exemptions (1998-01-02). Procedures on contacting the Universal House of Justice; memorandum on obligatory prayer, reciting the Greatest Name, and exemptions from prayer.
  75. Universal House of Justice. Continental Boards of Counsellors, Letter to the Conference of (2010-12-28).
  76. Universal House of Justice. Continental Boards of Counselors, Elucidation of the Nature of (1972-04-24). The nature of the Institution of the Continental Boards of Counselors and its relationship to the Institution of the Hands of the Cause.
  77. Universal House of Justice. Covenant-Breakers in Bahá'í Historiography (1991-06). Bahá'í scholars may, when needed, use books by Covenant Breakers.
  78. Universal House of Justice. Covenant-Breakers, Encountering Online (1997-11-18). Actions Bahá'ís need or need not take upon meeting Covenant Breakers in online "chat rooms" or by email.
  79. Universal House of Justice. Covid-19 and Baha'i Burial (2020-04-08). As Bahá'í laws emphasize hygiene and protection, Bahá'ís may refrain from certain funeral and burial observances for those who have died from the coronavirus disease, in order to avoid exposure, and are encouraged to follow advice from health authorities.
  80. Universal House of Justice. Cultural Reconciliation in Canada (2000-06). The Universal House of Justice suggests to the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada that their efforts at unity and reconciliation should focus on culture rather than on race.
  81. Universal House of Justice. Cultural Reconciliation in Canada - questions (2001). Reply from the House of Justice to a request for a reexamination of the assumptions on which its letter to Canada of 5 September 1999 was based.
  82. Universal House of Justice. Dancing in the Haziratu'l-Quds (1987). Recreational dancing in a temple is not appropriate, but cultural and devotional dancing is acceptable.
  83. Universal House of Justice. Daniel's Prophecies (2007). Regarding the fulfilment of the Biblical prophecy of Daniel concerning 1,335 days, and modifications made to Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era.
  84. Universal House of Justice. Dating of Aṣl-i-Kullu'l-Khayr (Words of Wisdom) (2009-11-15). One-paragraph note about the date of revelation of Bahá'u'lláh's Tablet "Words of Wisdom".
  85. Universal House of Justice, National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United States. Deaths of Two Iranian Bahá'ís, 1997 (1997-08-18). Reports from the Universal House of Justice and the NSA of the United States on the deaths of Masha'llah Enayati and Shahram Reza'i.
  86. Universal House of Justice. Definition of the Word "Ungodly" (2001-09-10). Answer to a question inspired by the Hidden Word "Walk not with the ungodly and seek not fellowship with him" (Persian #57).
  87. Universal House of Justice. Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Nine Year Plan (2022-11-01). Matters relating to the Nine Year Plan (2022-2031), ethnic and cultural diversity, humanity's crisis of identity, prejudice, economic injustice, and Africa.
  88. Universal House of Justice. "Democratization" and the Bahá'í Administrative Order (2000-07-18). Letter regarding democracy, "Bahá'í democratization," theocracy, authority, and the Bahá’í Administrative Order.
  89. Universal House of Justice. "Devotional Meetings," Definition and Scope of (1991-09-19). Guidance on the structure and content of devotional gatherings.
  90. Universal House of Justice. Diacritics; meaning of "Self-subsisting" (1993-01-21). Two disparate topics: the translation style adopted by the Guardian and other considerations related to literary style and the sacred writings, and the meaning of the term "self-subsisting."
  91. Universal House of Justice. Dictionary Used by the Guardian (1997-12-08). Clarification/confirmation that the English dictionary used by Shoghi Effendi was Webster's (1934).
  92. Universal House of Justice. Difficulty of teachings on chastity (2013-04-23). Discusses the need of institutions not to pry but to encourage willful obedience with the teachings on chastity; also covers conditions for removal of administrative rights.
  93. Universal House of Justice. Disintegration of Society and the Development of a New Order (1996-05-13). On the disintegration of society and the development of a new order, and how the advancement of civilization and the development of human nature can continue.
  94. Universal House of Justice. Dissidence and Criticism by Bahá'ís and Scholars (1996-07-02). Response to a latter about the content and tone of some online discussions in email listservers in the mid-1990s.
  95. Universal House of Justice, National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United States. Dissimulation by Iranian Emigrants (1985-07-03). Letters from the House and the US NSA concerning Bahá'ís who were able to escape Iran in 1997 by denying their Faith.
  96. Universal House of Justice. Distinguishing Personal Correspondence of Secretaries from Letters on Shoghi Effendi's Behalf (2019-02-18). Distinguishing letters on behalf of Shoghi Effendi from personal correspondence of secretaries. Also addresses authenticity of two letters attributed as being on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, published in the 1997 version of Messages to the Antipodes.
  97. Universal House of Justice. "Double Crusade (2018-08-10). Comments on what the double crusade means, how it relates to the current series of Plans of the Faith, what should be done to carry it out, and the Advent of Divine Justice.
  98. Universal House of Justice. Pierre Daoust, trans. Droits et libertés individuels (2023). Translation of the letter "Individual Rights and Freedoms" by the Universal House of Justice (1988 Dec. 29): a commentary about individual rights and responsibilities in the Bahá’í Faith and its relevance with the present concepts on freedom of speech.
  99. Universal House of Justice. Early Bahá'í Census in Iran (2016-02-03). No systematic census was taken of the numbers of early believers, before the Guardian's call for such a count in 1923. Iran's own statistics in the 1920s count "several tens of thousands" of Bahá'ís.
  100. Universal House of Justice. Egypt, Bahá'í Community of, and Religious Identity (2006-12-21). Message to the Bahá'ís of Egypt in the wake of a Supreme Administrative Court decision in Cairo that upheld a discriminatory government policy regarding Bahá'ís and their identification cards. In both English and Arabic.
  101. Universal House of Justice. Electioneering (1996-08-18). On how to recognize and avoid "electioneering," and how to determine who to vote for in the Bahá'í administration.
  102. Universal House of Justice. Electoral Process, Bahá'í (2007-03-25). Refers to the responsibility of individual Bahá'ís in participating in Bahá'í elections and mentions the permissibility of discussing qualifications of membership without reference to personality
  103. Universal House of Justice. Electoral Process, Bahá'í: Clarifications, and Three Way Tie (2012-11-07). How to resolve a 3-way tie when 2 parties are minorities; when voting, should one consider age distribution, diversity, and gender.
  104. Universal House of Justice. Cortesía, trans. Elegibilidad de las Mujeres en la Casa Universal de Justicia (1988-05-31).
  105. Universal House of Justice. Eliminating Racial Prejudice and Activities of the Five Year Plan (2011-04-10). Letter indicating continuing applicability of the statement of the Guardian on racial prejudice despite the situation becoming more complex
  106. Universal House of Justice. English Sources and Authenticity of Fifteen Prayers in the Dutch Prayer Book Bahá'í Gebeden (2001-10-22).
  107. Universal House of Justice. Enrollments and limited growth of the Bahá'í community (2002-08-22). The lack of significant numerical growth in certain Western Bahá'í communities is related to the preceding decades of struggle, achievement and disappointment.
  108. Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. Epochs of the Formative Age (1996). On dating and defining the three major evolutionary "Ages" of Bahá'í history, and the five "epochs" within our current Age.
  109. Universal House of Justice. Establishment of Regional Bahá'í Councils in Certain Countries, Their Characteristics and Functions, The (1997-05-30). Outline of various policies governing the formation and functioning of Regional Bahá'í Councils.
  110. Universal House of Justice. Establishment of Regional Bahá'í Councils in the United States (1997-05-30). Announcement of the historic event of the founding of a new administrative level in the United States, the "Bahá'í Councils."
  111. Universal House of Justice. Establishment of Regional Councils: Introduction (1997-05-30). Nature, functioning, and establishment of the administrative bodies known as Regional Bahá'í Councils.
  112. Universal House of Justice. European Bahá'í Youth Conference in Innsbruck (1983-07-04). Challenges facing European Bahá'í Youth, followed by consolation to Bahá'í youth in light of the 1983 martyrdoms of young Bahá'ís in Iran.
  113. Universal House of Justice. Evolution, Diagram Illustrating the True Story of (1997-12-21). Explanation of the chart Cycle of Life prepared by Lua Getsinger.
  114. Universal House of Justice. Exemption from Obligatory Prayer for the Sick (2000-03-27).
  115. Universal House of Justice. Fadil-i-Mazandarani (1998-08-11). Was Fadil-i-Mazandarani declared a Hand of the Cause of God, and on determining if there were other Hands.
  116. Universal House of Justice. Falta de crecimiento y el cambio de cultura, La (2002-08-22).
  117. Universal House of Justice. Five Questions: Loss of Voting Rights, Mani, Magi, Five-Pointed Star, Joseph Smith (1991-01). Responses to various questions. Closes with quotations on Confucianism and Genesis.
  118. Universal House of Justice. Function of Interpretation, The (1982/1984). Two letters: difference between the authoritative interpretation of Abdu'l-Bahá and the Guardian vs. the divinely inspired legislation of the House of Justice, and the qualitative difference between interpretation and elucidations of the House of Justice.
  119. Universal House of Justice. Fundamental Verities (1996-11-12). Meaning of the phrase "fundamental verities of the Faith" in the writings of Shoghi Effendi.
  120. Universal House of Justice. Gaia Concept, The (1992-06-08). Overview of the Gaia hypothesis, a concept which regards the entire planet as a living organism.
  121. Universal House of Justice. Genetic Engineering (2000). Information about genetic engineering; the observation that the Writings make no mention of genetics
  122. Universal House of Justice. God the All-Humorous (1997-01-17). Did Bahá'u'lláh ever refer to God as the "All-Humorous"?
  123. Universal House of Justice. Goddess Religion, Ancient (1992-02-23). Ancient goddess religions and the role of the feminine in theology.
  124. Universal House of Justice. Grammatical Clarifications (2001-06-17). Letter and memorandum in response to questions about possible misprints in published extracts from letters of Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House of justice
  125. Universal House of Justice. Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice (2010).
  126. Universal House of Justice. Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice, The (1966-05-27). Passages from a letter on the relationship between the Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice, the timing of the election of the House, the lack of a will by or a successor to the Guardian, and the House's ability to function on its own.
  127. Universal House of Justice. Guardianship, Anticipation of, in the Kitab-i-Aqdas (1992-12-08). Did Bahá'u'lláh anticipate the Institution of the Guardianship in the Kitab-i-Aqdas?
  128. Universal House of Justice. Guardianship, The Universal House of Justice, and Infallibility (2009). The House is infallible even without the Guardian, because that the Guardian's chief function was interpretation and not legislation.
  129. Universal House of Justice. Handicapped facilities at the Bahá'í World Center pilgrimage sites (2000-02-21). Two letters giving an overview of wheelchair access to various points on pilgrimage tours.
  130. Hartmut Grossmann, Remarks of, Concerning the Timing of the Lesser Peace (2012-10-22). Responding to a talk given by an ex-member of the UHJ, this letter explains: statements of ex-members of the House are personal opinions only; and while we don't know the exact date of the Lesser Peace, the Guardian assures us that it will come.
  131. Abdu'l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, Universal House of Justice. Research Department of the Universal House of Justice, comp. Haziratu'l-Quds and Mashriqu'l-Adhkar, Functions and Importance of (1997). Two letters from the Universal House of Justice, statements from the Guardian, and compilations prepared by the Bahá'í World Center concerning the Bahá'í temples, their dependencies, and their uses.
  132. Universal House of Justice. Hidden Word #63; quote from Promulgation of Universal Peace (2010-08-22). Two minor questions regarding matters of translation: a passage from Hidden Words Persian #63, and a passage from PUP quoted in Portals to Freedom.
  133. Universal House of Justice. Historical Background of the Lawh-i-Aflákíyyih, Tablet of the Universe (2014-06-10). One-paragraph summary of the date and addressee of Abdu'l-Bahá's Lawḥ-i-Aflákíyyih / Lawḥ-i-Áfáqíyyih (Tablet of the Universe), with short list of scholarly references.
  134. Universal House of Justice. Holy Day Observances (1992-06-15). Do Tablets of Visitation need to be recited on holy days? Do participants need to face the Qiblih while one is being recited?
  135. Universal House of Justice. Homosexual Practices, Bahá'í Teachings on (1995-11-23). Overview of Bahá'í teachings towards homosexual practices, and how the community should approach homosexuals.
  136. National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United States. Homosexuality and Civil Rights (2011-01-03). Brief comments on the apparent contradiction between eliminating all prejudice, including against homosexuals, vs. the Bahá'í stance on marriage as being only between a man and a woman.
  137. Universal House of Justice. Homosexuality and Civil Rights (2010-10-27). Although sexual relations are to be restricted to marriage between a man and woman and Bahá’ís are not to take a position on issues such as civil marriage, Bahá'ís can defend homosexuals from discrimination.
  138. Universal House of Justice. Homosexuality in Uganda, Non-involvement of Bahá'ís in repression of (2010-12-22). Clarification of mis-reports about Bahá'í involvement in Ugandan repression of homosexuals. Also explains that letters sent written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi are all read by him, and have the same authority as letters written by him.
  139. Universal House of Justice. Homosexuality, Advice on (1994-05-03). Clarification to a Bahá'í woman in love with another Bahá'í woman that the Guardian's interpretations of the Bahá'u'lláh's teachings on homosexuality are infallible; concedes that homosexuality may have a "natural" genetic cause.
  140. Universal House of Justice. Homosexuality: Biological, or a Learned Behavior? (1993-07-05). Various topics related to homosexuality, with an especial focus on whether the Bahá'í writings teach that homosexuality is biologically based or is a "learned behavior."
  141. Universal House of Justice. How Individuals Can Improve Their Understanding of the Bahá'í Teachings (1994-08-01). On the inability of the finite human mind to fully grasp the import of the Teachings, and how individuals can improve their understandings, even while steeped in a climate of thinking which influences and biases their reading of scientific evidence.
  142. Human Rights in the Bahá'í Writings (2001-01-14). Brief compilation on human rights from the writings of Bahá'u'lláh, Abdu'l-Bahá, and Shoghi Effendi.
  143. Universal House of Justice. Humanitarian Responses to Global Conflicts (2015-01-13). A letter to and response from the House about why Bahá'ís do not condemn the 2014 attacks on Gaza, and principles to consider when addressing conflicts.
  144. Universal House of Justice. Huququ'llah Transactions, Examples of (1991-11-12). Information and examples about calculating Huququ'llah transactions.
  145. Universal House of Justice. Huququ'llah, Sixteen Questions about (1991-11-06). Sixteen detailed questions about Huququ'llah, submitted by a Bahá'í attorney.
  146. Universal House of Justice. Geoffrey W. Marks, comp. Husband and Wife, Relationship between (1996). The "functional" divisions between husband and wife in the Bahá'í Writings should be considered in the light of the general principle of equality between the sexes.
  147. Universal House of Justice. Identity of Man Who Asked "What is the object of life to a Bahá'í?" (2004-11-09). On the identity of the individual to whom Shoghi Effendi said "The object of life to a Bahá’í is to promote the oneness of mankind."
  148. Universal House of Justice. In Vitro Fertilization and Related Issues (2003-05-19). Short compilation of excerpts from the House on IVF, artificial insemination, surrogate motherhood, and the condition of the soul in relation to the various techniques to assist in the fertilization of the ovum.
  149. Universal House of Justice. Indian Nations and National Spiritual Assemblies (2002-01-13). American Indian nations are not fully sovereign and thus do not have their own National Spiritual Assemblies.
  150. Universal House of Justice. Infallibility and Historical Knowledge of the Guardian (2005). While the Guardian's infallibility applies to interpretation of revelation, it does not include historical and scientific knowledge.
  151. Universal House of Justice. Infallibility and Knowledge of Abdu'l-Baha (1982-04-28). Abdu'l-Bahá's infallibility, authority, and the extent to which his knowledge was historically contextualized.
  152. Universal House of Justice. Infallibility of the Universal House of Justice (2010).
  153. Universal House of Justice. Infallibility, Omniscience, and the Decision-making Role of the Universal House of Justice (1996-06-14). On the difference between infallibility and omniscience and whether the Universal House of Justice could reach a wrong decision,
  154. Universal House of Justice. Infertility and Medical Intervention, Station of Adoption, and Adoption and Parental Consent (2003-11-17). Compilation of passages from the Kitáb-i-Aqdas and from the Universal House of Justice on matters of having children in a family, with links to the letters "In Vitro Fertilization and Related Issues" and "Adoption and Parent Consent."
  155. International Teaching Centre. Institutos de Formación y el Crecimiento Sistemático, Los (2000-02).
  156. Universal House of Justice. Intellectual life and the future of Bahá'í studies (2013-07-24). Observations on the current state of intellectual pursuits in the Bahá'í community and guidance for the Association for Bahá'í Studies of North America and training institutes.
  157. International Teaching Centre. Intensive Growth: 2004 letter to all Continental Counsellors (2004-11-28).
  158. Zena Sorabjee, National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of India. Inter-religious gathering in New Delhi, and Address to Pope John Paul II (1999-12-12). Brief address by Counsellor Sorabjee to an inter-religious gathering organised by the Roman Catholic Church in New Delhi with with Pope John Paul II, and a short description of the event by the NSA of India, as shared by the House of Justice.
  159. Universal House of Justice. Interlinear Editions of the Bahá'í Writings (2015-03-08). Reasons why interlinear or "parallel editions" of the Writings, in which the original Arabic or Persian are presented side-by-side with an English translation, are not necessary.
  160. Universal House of Justice. International Youth Year, 1985 (1985-01). Two letters, giving words of inspiration and guidance for the International Youth Year, 1985.
  161. Universal House of Justice. Internet and Electronic Forums Used for Teaching (1999 Winter). Short letter about using electronic media for personal teaching activities.
  162. Bahá'í Internet Agency. Internet and Literature Review, The (2011-02-17). Guidance from the Bahá'í World Centre to two NSAs, that the process of "literature review" does not apply to the Internet for informal publications (like personal blogs), but it does apply for formal ones (like e-journals).
  163. Universal House of Justice. Internet Communications; Virgin Birth; Encyclopedia; Administrative Order (1996-02-16). Questions on email discussion groups and the Covenant, the Bahá'í stance on the Virgin Birth of Christ, the spirituality of administrating, the spiritual destiny of the American Bahá'í community, and the status of the Bahá'í Encyclopedia.
  164. Universal House of Justice. Internet Discussions, Character of (1995-05-19). Internet courtesy, discipline, and the need for Bahá'ís online to be a "spiritual leaven."
  165. International Teaching Centre. Internet Forums, Development and Monitoring of (1995-02-24). Guidance for Counsellors regarding participation in and monitoring of bulletin boards, chat rooms, and email lists.
  166. Universal House of Justice. Internet, Defending the Cause against Opponents on (2001-05-06). The nature of opposition to the Bahá'í Faith, and how to respond to it in internet media.
  167. Universal House of Justice. Internet: Creation of the newsgroup talk.religion.bahai (1997-10-14). Two letters, sent at different times and to different individuals, regarding the proposed newsgroup talk.religion.bahai.
  168. Universal House of Justice. Internet: Promoting the Bahá'í Faith via Personal Web Pages (1997-04-24). Bahá'ís may establish personal homepages on the Internet as a means of promoting the Faith.
  169. Universal House of Justice. Iranian Believers Throughout the World, Message to (1997). Inspirational discussion of the history of the Bahá'ís in Iran, including exhortations for the education of Persian children and youth.
  170. Universal House of Justice. Inayat Rawhani, trans. Iranian Expatriates, Letter to, following 1979 Iranian Revolution (1986). Letter of support and guidance to Iranians who had recently fled the Iranian Revolution, dated 10 February 1980.
  171. Universal House of Justice. Ishraqát, Tablet of, Date of Revelation (1996-02-09). Clues that could provide a date for the revelation of Bahá'u'lláh's "Tablet of Ishraqat." Includes part of Sen McGlinn's original query to which the House.
  172. Universal House of Justice. Israel, Teaching the Faith in (1995-06-23). Short overview of the policies on discussing the Bahá'í Faith in Israel; the prohibition of Bahá'ís from teaching the Bahá'í Faith to Israelis extends to internet discussions. Includes US State Dept. overview of the laws regarding proselytizing in Israel.
  173. Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. John the Baptist and Interpretation (1989-08-25). Various questions about the the Bahá’í position on John the Baptist, his station and teaching, and the function of interpretation.
  174. Kalimat Press and Distribution by Bahá'í Agencies (1999, 2005, 2006, 2008). While Bahá'ís are free to purchase and own books by Kalimat Press, the Bahá'í distribution services stopped carrying titles by this publisher.
  175. Universal House of Justice. Kitab-i-Aqdas and the Expulsion of Covenant Breakers (1997-06-04). Discussion of a reference in the Kitab-i-Aqdas to the possible end of the Guardianship, and the authority of the Hands of the Cause to expel Covenant-breakers.
  176. Universal House of Justice. Krishna, historiography of; Meaning of "Qayyúm" (1983-08-15). Two questions: historical information about Krishna, and the meaning of the term "qayyum".
  177. Universal House of Justice. Language of Revelation and Status of Guardian's Translations (1992-09-16). English translations as a "basis" for translations into other European languages;. Though Shoghi Effendi's writings are "authoritative," they do not make English a language of revelation.
  178. Universal House of Justice. Law, Application of (1991-12-09). Questions concerning the violation of Bahá'í and civil law, and the removal of administrative rights.
  179. Universal House of Justice. Laws of the Kitab-i-Aqdas, Further Application of (1999-12-28). Announcement to the Bahá'í world that all elements of the laws dealing with obligatory prayer and fasting are now applicable.
  180. Universal House of Justice. Laymen vs. Scholars in Bahá'í Studies (1996-03-14). No distinction should be drawn between "laypeople" and "scholars" in Bahá'í studies, and the pursuit of knowledge.
  181. Gerald C. Keil. Legacy of Verse 42 of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, The (2021). Explores the circumstances under which a reading of Verse 42 which indicates that the line of Aghsan might end prior to the establishment of the Universal House of Justice came to predominate. Includes a memorandum from the Research Department.
  182. Universal House of Justice. Legislating on Morality (1988-06-05). Areas in which the Universal House of Justice is refraining from legislating on, e.g. abortion and homosexuality.
  183. Universal House of Justice. Legislative Responsibilities of the Universal House of Justice Regarding Obligatory Prayers, Guardian's Statement on (1995-06-25). Brief note about which aspects of obligatory prayer the House may one day legislate on.
  184. Universal House of Justice. Letter on Racism in the United States (2020-07-22). Letter on need for American people to grasp the moment to create a reform of its social order related to racial prejudice, and the Bahá’í community’s distinctive contribution to the eradication of racism.
  185. Universal House of Justice. Letter on responding to attitude changes on homosexuality (2014-05-09). Challenges centrality of sexuality to life; confronts dichotomy of condemnatory and accepting attitudes against homosexuality; dissuades Bahá’ís from debating or coercing non-Bahá’ís and mentions occasions for standing up against oppression of homosexuals
  186. Universal House of Justice. Letters of Living, Dawn-Breakers, Quddús, Terraces (2000). Five unrelated questions: Identity of the Letters of the Living; "List of Illustrations" in the Dawn-Breakers; Status of the Writings of Quddus; Naming of the Terraces at the Arc; and The Bab's Tablets in the Dawn-Breakers.
  187. Universal House of Justice. Letters of the Quranic Dispensation and Letters of the Living (huruf) (2003). Some meanings of the term huruf ("letters") in Bahá'í texts, including Letters of the Bayan, Letters of the Living, and Letters of the Quranic Dispensation.
  188. Universal House of Justice. Letters Written on Behalf of the Guardian (2007). Three questions: Letters Written on Behalf of Shoghi Effendi; Status of Research Department Memoranda; Bahá'í Writings Based in Fact? Includes clarification on the authenticity of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's published talks.
  189. Universal House of Justice. Los Angeles, Living in (1996-01-31). Bahá'ís have not been advised to avoid living in Los Angeles, but should still recall the importance of pioneering and not congregating in insular communities.
  190. Universal House of Justice. Lot and His Daughters (2015-03-29). Discussion of two Bahá'í references on the Biblical story of Lot; an interpretation of a Bible verse is not inevitably dependent on the Biblical source being authentic or reliable.
  191. Universal House of Justice. Mark of the Beast and Implanted Computer Chips (1998-08-12). Concerns about implanted computer chips as the "Mark of the Beast," and the response of individual Bahá'ís to government.
  192. Universal House of Justice. Marking the Bicentenary of the Birth of Bahá'u'lláh (2017-10). Thoughts on the meaning of Bahá'u'lláh's life and current Bahá'í activities, inspired by the 200th anniversary of his birth.
  193. Universal House of Justice. Marshall Islands population statistics (1996-06-23). Populations of the Marshall Islands, and explanation of a directive by the Universal House of Justice that teachers travel to an island that was uninhabitable because of radiation.
  194. Universal House of Justice. Mason Remey and Those Who Followed Him (1997). Letter from the US NSA on the importance of commitment to the covenant, a letter from the UHJ on covenant-breaking, and the history "Mason Remey and Those Who Followed Him."
  195. Abdu'l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, Universal House of Justice. Materials Provided by the Bahá'í World Centre on Gender in the Writings, and Matters of Translation (2002-07-25). A collection of letters about gender pronouns in Writings, a compilation concerning the translations of Shoghi Effendi, the literary style of translation, and guidance on translating the Writings into indigenous languages.
  196. Abdu'l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, Universal House of Justice. Materials Provided by the Bahá'í World Centre on Universal Auxiliary Language (2002-08-15). A collection of resources on the International Auxiliary Language: compilation from the Bahá'í Writings, letter and memorandum from the Research Department, and two bibliographies listing citations from the Writings and from scholarship.
  197. Universal House of Justice. Meditation, Prayer, and Spiritualization (1983-09-01). Practicing personal spirituality and methods for achieving spiritual growth.
  198. International Teaching Centre. Meetings for women only (1997-09-02). It is acceptable and perhaps even sometimes necessary for Bahá'ís to hold gender-segregated meetings.
  199. Universal House of Justice. Mental Tests (1995-03-12). Meaning of the phrase "mental tests" in the writings of Abdu'l-Bahá and of Shoghi Effendi. Includes short compilation of relevant passages.
  200. International Teaching Centre. Message on clusters, institutes, and growth (2007-09-30). Message from the Counsellors on growth and enrollments.
  201. Universal House of Justice. Message on the occasion of the opening of the 2014 World Cup (2914-06-06). Letter in response to the Brazilian president's invitation for a statement on global peace and harmony, reflecting the Brazilian government's aim to leverage the World Cup to further the cause of peace and combat racial discrimination.
  202. Universal House of Justice. Message on World Peace (2019-01-18). Letter about important steps the world made towards world peace, and the current situation, in relation to the activities the Bahá'ís are involved with.
  203. Universal House of Justice. Message to the Conference of the Continental Boards of Counsellors on the Nine Year Plan (2021-12-30). Features of the new 9-Year Plan, "the first major undertaking in a sacred twenty-five-year venture, generational in its scope and significance," to be implemented Ridvan 2022.
  204. Universal House of Justice. Migrants and Refugees in Europe (2015-10-01). Principles to guide the response of the Bahá’í community to the dramatic social changes concerning the 2015 influx into Europe of people fleeing conflict in the Middle East, especially Syria.
  205. Universal House of Justice. Millennium Forum (2000-09-24).
  206. Universal House of Justice. Mirza Mihdi, (1998-10-14). Five unrelated questions about Mirza Mihdi; use of the title "Holy Family"; capitalization of personal pronouns; and the Guardian's use of English in his translations.
  207. Universal House of Justice. Mírzá Yahyá Azal, Designation of in the Writings of the Báb (2007).
  208. Universal House of Justice. Monogamy, Sexual Equality, Marital Equality, and the Supreme Tribunal (1996-06-27). Questions about monogamy, the Supreme Tribunal, and the Bahá'í concept of equality of the sexes in light of some Bahá'í laws and history which appear to undermine it
  209. Universal House of Justice. Music Lyrics, Singing, and Dancing at Feast (1994-03). Bahá'ís may incorporate music, singing, and dancing into the spiritual portions of the community devotional meetings.
  210. Universal House of Justice. Napoleon III and Queen Victoria, Responses to the Tablets of Baha'u'llah (1997-11-06). Do we know what Napoleon and Queen Victoria really said upon receiving tablets from Bahá'u'lláh?
  211. Universal House of Justice. National Convention, The (1992-12).
  212. Bahá'í World Centre. National Spiritual Assembly members who are women, Percentage of, 1953-2007 (1998/2008). Two letters from the House, with attached tables, showing the number of women serving on NSAs 1953-1993, 1987-1997, and 1997-2007. Includes graphs showing numbers and percent of women serving on NSAs by continental region.
  213. Universal House of Justice. New Race of Men and the meaning of "Tread Under", A (2013-09-13). The meaning of the phrase "A race of men ... will tread under all who are in heaven." Includes compilation on the topic.
  214. Universal House of Justice. New Religious Movements, Tolkien, Marriage (1994-07-06). Various questions: new religious movements; Indian Letter of the Living; J.R.R. Tolkien; eternality of the marriage bond; illumination of Bahá'u'lláh's tablets.
  215. Universal House of Justice. Nine-Pointed Star, The: History and Symbolism (1999-01-24). The history and the proper place and use of the nine-pointed star, a common Bahá'í symbol, in comparison and relation to the official five-pointed star and the Greatest Name symbols.
  216. Universal House of Justice. Nineteen-Day Feast, Scheduling the (2001-04-10). Two letters about the composition, structure, and scheduling of Nineteen-Day Feasts.
  217. Universal House of Justice. Non-Involvement in Partisan Politics (2013-03-02). Lengthy letter to the Bahá'ís of Iran, and copied to all NSAs, about how Bahá'ís can contribute to global civilization-building partly through the community's own growth and development, and through non-political involvement in society at large.
  218. Universal House of Justice. Notes on Letter from Shoghi Effendi re Parental Consent for Marriage (2021-03-14). Answers re a letter from the Guardian from 1929 on: the correct order of two excerpts from this letter; confirmation that he read and approved all letters written by his secretaries; this is one of few letters where a secretary offered a personal opinion.
  219. Universal House of Justice. NSA staff members answering correspondence; prayers of Abdu'l-Baha (2011-09-19). Two topics: the use by National Spiritual Assembly staff members to handle correspondence, and the authenticity of a prayer attributed to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá "O Lord! Open Thou the door, provide the means, prepare the way, and make safe the path..."
  220. Universal House of Justice. Nudity in Art (2008-07-30). There is no objection to artists depicting the human body from nude models, nor to Bahà’is acting as models; the main consideration is the intention of the artist.
  221. Universal House of Justice. Obligatory Prayer, Ablutions, and Repetition of the Greatest Name (2004-06-06). On recitation of the specific verses associated with the performance of ablutions for the medium Obligatory Prayer. Includes compilation of references regarding repetition of the Greatest Name 95 times per a Day.
  222. Universal House of Justice. Obligatory Prayer, Questions about (2000-11-28). Answers to four questions about reciting prayers at meetings; changing language gender; repetition of Greatest Name; and raising hands.
  223. Universal House of Justice, Bahá'u'lláh, Abdu'l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi. Obligatory Prayers and Ablutions (1991-01-02). Letter from the House on missing prayers due to ailment, an insecure environment, or an inability to speak. Followed by a brief compilation.
  224. Universal House of Justice. On "Simplified English" Translations of the Bahá'í Writings (1998-08-12). Explanation that it is not necessary or acceptable to produce simplified "dilutions" of Shoghi Effendi's translations of the Bahá’í Writings.
  225. Universal House of Justice. On the Betterment of the World and the Countering of Negative and Disunifying Forces (2020-11-24). On how individuals can contribute to the betterment of society in view of the present state of the world.
  226. Universal House of Justice. On the Calamitous State of World Affairs and the Material Sustainability of Communities (2020-12-03). On concerns about the affairs of the world and catastrophic events, and whether the global Bahá’í community should undertake projects to address the material sustainability of communities.
  227. Universal House of Justice. Orange Tree, Myth of (1997-12-26). Refutation of the "miracle" of an immortal orange tree growing at the site of the former House of the Bab
  228. Universal House of Justice. Participation in Politics and Social Activities (2013-12-24). Collaboration with political parties that are in opposition to a government is considered a form of involvement in politics. Bahá'ís must learn how to participate in civil activities while abstaining from partisanship.
  229. Universal House of Justice. Peace, Activism for (1987-06-17). Bahá'ís may be actively involved in peace processes but may not interfere excessively, since Bahá'í institutions will not be directly involved in effecting the political unity of nations.
  230. Universal House of Justice. Permissibility of Chinese New Year Celebrations and Cultural Prostrations (2019-06-04). Permissibility of observing Chinese New Year; prostrating is permissible for cultures in which prostrations do not signify submission or humiliation, but are merely gestures of respect or politeness.
  231. Universal House of Justice. Permissibility of Circulating Photographs of 'Abdu'l-Bahá Online (2024-01-29). Guidance and quotations regarding the use of images of Abdu'l-Baha in print, newsletters, and social media.
  232. Universal House of Justice. Permission to Change Pronouns in Private Prayer (2022-02-10). Bahá'u'lláh's permission to change the pronoun when reciting a prayer (e.g. from "him" to "me") should be applied only when it is recited in private and only by changing the third person to the first, where appropriate.
  233. Universal House of Justice. Persian Manuscript of Nabíl's History (Táríkh-i-Nabíl), The (2009-03-08). Answers to various questions, including: have any publications made use of the original manuscript used by Shoghi Effendi for The Dawn-Breakers; can scholars inspect the one surviving copy; does a corrected version or a "second manuscript" exist?
  234. Persian Translation of Arabic verses (2018). There are no authorized Persian translations of any of the Arabic Writings; personal translations are acceptable but should not be recited in Bahá’í gatherings; explanations in Persian may be shared for the sake of better understanding the Arabic.
  235. Universal House of Justice. Persian-speaking Believers in Anglophone Communities (1996-02). Some Persian expatriates feel deprived of participation in Bahá'í gatherings because of an inability to understand English.
  236. Universal House of Justice. Personal Websites, Audiences, and Use of Language on the Internet (2015-10-09). Letter to an NSA on strengthening the official Bahá'í presence on the Internet; individual initiatives vs. global audiences; use of the word "Bahá'í" in personal sites; the use of moderate and courteous language.
  237. Universal House of Justice. Photograph of Baha'u'llah on Website (1999). Source of a photo of Bahá'u'lláh publicly displayed on a non-Bahá'í website, and whether action can be taken to have it removed.
  238. Universal House of Justice. Photographs of Bahá'u'lláh; William Miller (1980-06-26). Two questions and a short compilation occasioned by William Miller's book The Bahá'í Faith: Its History and Teachings: reading books by covenant-breakers, and viewing photographs of Bahá'u'lláh.
  239. Universal House of Justice. Physical disability preventing genuflections of Long Obligatory Prayer (2000-10-08). How can a believer with physical disabilities say the Long Obligatory Prayer, which requires genuflections. Preceded by original question asked.
  240. Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. Physical Discpline of Children (1994-10-16). The Bahá'í concept of punishment within the overall context of justice and world order; the principle of reward in child-rearing; physical vs. moral and intellectual discipline.
  241. International Teaching Centre. Pilgrims Notes and the "Calamity" (1984-07-01). Status of Pilgrims' Notes and their discussion of the catastrophic events some Bahá'ís believe might occur around the turn of the millennium.
  242. Universal House of Justice. Pilgrims' Notes: Considerations for Sharing (2013-08-12). Some points to consider when sharing or publishing pilgrims notes.
  243. Universal House of Justice. Pilgrims' Notes Online (1997-12-14). No policy other than the exercise of wisdom currently exists regarding the publishing of pilgrims' notes on the internet.
  244. Universal House of Justice. Pioneering (2007-03-09). Short letter to the Bahá'ís of the world.
  245. Universal House of Justice. Pioneering or Education? (1968-10-09). To Bahá'í youth in every land: deciding whether to pioneer or continue with higher education.
  246. Universal House of Justice. Pioneering, Language, Arts, Example of 'Abdu'l-Bahá (1998-02-10). Pioneering; Serving parents; Serving where need is; Gardens; International Auxiliary Language; Arabic pronunciation; study of Persian; Some references in Writings of Bahá'u'lláh; Folk art; External affairs; Daily living; Abdu'l-Bahá as divine exemplar.
  247. Universal House of Justice. Cortesía, trans. Pioneria Internacional en le Plan de Cinco Años (2002-01-10).
  248. Universal House of Justice. Places Where the Manifestations of God Have Appeared; Equality of Men and Women (1986-10-27). The consistent portrayal of all known Manifestations of God as male and their historical emergence exclusively in the East; the equality of men and women; on soul mates.
  249. Universal House of Justice. Research Department of the Universal House of Justice, comp. Poets, Guidance to (1988-03-13). Guidance on the responsibilities of poets; includes an overview of Tablets addressed to poets.
  250. Universal House of Justice. Police Forces Bearing Arms, Bahá'í Enlistment in (1995-12). Two letters from the House on joining armed police forces, e.g. the Ulster Defence Regiment and the police force in Northern Ireland, and whether they would be allowed to bear arms. Also discussion of consummating marriage, and marrying an atheist.
  251. Universal House of Justice. Political Activity, Social Change, and Public Policy (2008-12-23). Letter to an individual Bahá’í regarding political activity, social change, and public policy.
  252. Universal House of Justice. Politics and Engagement in the Life of Society (2010-01-22). On which principles should guide Iranian believers in their participation in the life of society, and other themes related to political activism and social justice.
  253. Universal House of Justice. Possibility of a Woman Being Designated a Manifestation of God (1999-04-02). No elucidation in the writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá or Shoghi Effendi has been found for the passage "...were He to pronounce one of the leaves to be the manifestation of all His excellent titles."
  254. Universal House of Justice. Prayer "Make me a hollow reed," Source of (1999-10-26). The prayer "Oh, God, make me a hollow reed..." is neither by Abdu'l-Bahá nor George Townshend, and its author is unknown.
  255. Bahá'u'lláh. Prayer for Protection (1996-08-12). A short prayer, authoritatively translated on behalf of the Universal House of Justice.
  256. Bahá'u'lláh, Universal House of Justice. Bahá'í World Centre, trans. Prayer for Shaykh Kázim Samandar (Múnáját-i-Jináb-i-Samandarí) (2001-08-29). Brief prayer revealed by Bahá'u'lláh to aid in making decisions. Translation and accompanying letter by the Bahá'í World Centre.
  257. Universal House of Justice. Prayer for the Dead, Recitiation of (1999-02-09). Instructions on the correct way to recite this prayer.
  258. Universal House of Justice. Prayer of the Bab "God Sufficeth...," Two versions of (1996-02-14). The original text of the prayer "God Sufficeth" has not been found, and there may be two versions.
  259. Shoghi Effendi. Prayers of Shoghi Effendi (1994-12-11). Why the Guardian's prayers are not translated into English.
  260. Universal House of Justice, Susan Maneck. Primary Source Texts, Access to (1998-12-30). One scholar's query why the Bahá'í World Centre's copies of primary sources in Bábí and Bahá'í history are not available for study, followed by the House's response.
  261. Universal House of Justice. Progress of the Faith in the United States and South Carolina (2019-03-12). While growth may not be always apparent in local regions, efforts of clusters country-wide are showing overall progress.
  262. Universal House of Justice. Prophecy of Daniel; Modifications of Baha'u'llah and the New Era (1996-06-02). Regarding the fulfilment of the Biblical prophecy of Daniel concerning 1,335 days, and modifications made to Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era.
  263. Universal House of Justice. Proselytizing, Development, and the Covenant (1996). Teaching vs. proselytization; applying Bahá'í social teachings without becoming ensnared in prevailing cultural mores; and the uniqueness of the Bahá'í covenant.
  264. Universal House of Justice. Provisional Translations of Bahá'í Writings and their Publication (1999-06-30). Sent by the House to a number of NSAs, publishing trusts, and publishers to say that "favorable consideration has been given to allowing wider use of provisional translations..."
  265. Universal House of Justice. Provisional Translations, Policy Concerning (1994-11-26). Authorized vs. provisional translations of texts and the policies regarding their publication. Includes a compilation on "Policies and Procedures Concerning the Publication of Translations."
  266. Universal House of Justice. Publishing Letters from the Universal House of Justice (2005-02-07). Permission must be sought from the House before publishing any of their letters.
  267. Bahá'í International Archives, Universal House of Justice. Publishing, Bahá'í, Memorandum on: Materials to be Deposited with the Bahá'í World Centre Library (1998/2000). Overview of Literature Review, publishing, translations, and details of the requirement of sending copies of all materials to the World Center archives.
  268. Universal House of Justice. Qiblih, Determining the direction of (2010-07-15). Guidance on how best to ascertain the direction of the Qiblih, the focus to which the faithful turn in prayer. For Bahá’ís the Qiblih is the tomb of Bahá’u’lláh at Bahji, "the Heart and Qiblih of the Bahá’í world" — similar to the Ka'bah for Muslims.
  269. Universal House of Justice. Cortesía, trans. Quinta Epoca de la Edad Formativa de la Fe, Anuncio de la (2001-01-16).
  270. Universal House of Justice. Ranks and Functions in the Bahá'í Cause (1978-03-27). Different ranks of and interactive functioning of the Continental Board of Counsellors versus National Spiritual Assemblies.
  271. Universal House of Justice. Recognition of the Next Manifestation of God (1997-06-06). On concerns that a future Universal House of Justice might not recognize the next Manifestation of God.
  272. Universal House of Justice. Reflections on the First Century of the Formative Age (2023-11-28). Overview of the Faith's developments and activities during the previous century, including the Guardianship, global expansion, community building and development, participation in societal discourse, and construction of the Bahá'í World Centre.
  273. Universal House of Justice. Regarding Economic Life (2017-03-01). Themes of Bahá'u'lláh's teachings include the reorganization of human society, how to participate in the material affairs of society in a way consistent with divine precepts, and how collective prosperity can be advanced through justice and collaboration.
  274. Universal House of Justice. Regional Bahá'í Councils of the United States, Messages to (1997-12). In these two short letters, the House of Justice first sends greetings to the newly-formed United States' four Regional Bahá'í Councils, followed by the Councils' vow of firmness.
  275. Universal House of Justice. Reincarnation, Rebirth and the Progress of the Soul (1995-04-25). On reincarnation, the Soul and the Concept of “Return,” and The Mind and “Former Life Memories."
  276. Universal House of Justice. Relationship between two statements of Bahá'u'lláh regarding the calculation of Ḥuqúqu'lláh (2019-03-10). About the relationship between paragraph 97 of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas (fraction) and “Questions and Answers”, number 8 (minimum threshold).
  277. Universal House of Justice. Religious prejudice (2017-12-27). On the Bahá’í community's perspective on religious prejudice and what action it is taking to address this issue in the world.
  278. Universal House of Justice. Request for Designation as Martyr of Alonzo Twine (2015-03-23). In response to a request that Alonzo Twine, the first Bahá'í in the state of South Carolina, be named a Martyr to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh, the House replied that there are no criteria for them to make such designations.
  279. Universal House of Justice. Research Department, Functions of; Etymologies of three terms (1992). Two questions: (1) what is the function of the Research Department, and (2) etymologies of the three terms "world of exemplars," "'álam," and "barzakh." Includes translated excerpts of tablets of Bahá'u'lláh and Abdu'l-Bahá.
  280. Universal House of Justice. Responding to the War in Ukraine (2022-04-01). Actions Bahá'ís are taking in response to the invasion of Ukraine; the role of prayers and acts of service in bringing about a future without destructive weapons.
  281. Universal House of Justice. Resurrection and Return of Jesus (2008). The body of Christ; the burial of Christ; His return; and explaining the Bahá'í view to Christians.
  282. Universal House of Justice. Resurrection of Christ and the Bible (1987-09-14). Information on Bahá'í concepts related to the Resurrection of Christ.
  283. Universal House of Justice. Ridvan Message to the US National Spiritual Assembly (2007-04-19). Brief discussion of clusters and the low rate of enrollments in the United States.
  284. Universal House of Justice. Role of the Universal House of Justice: Interpretation and Elucidation (1998-08-27). On the regarding the role of the Universal House of Justice and its "interpretative function."
  285. Universal House of Justice. Ruhi Institutes and the Five-Year Plan (2011-12-12). Letter to all National Spiritual Assemblies about the role of the Ruhi Institute, coordination of clusters, education of children, and training institutes in the 2011-2016 5-Year Plan.
  286. Universal House of Justice. Sabaeans and African-based Religions in the Americas, The (2012). Overview by the Research Department about the religion of the Sabaeans [aka Sabeans], and some indigenous practices in the southern Americas such as Yoruba, Santeria, and Brazilian Candomble.
  287. Universal House of Justice. Salmani's My Memories of Baha'u'llah, Publication of (1982-12-02). Two letters, to a Bahá'í publisher and an individual, regarding the 1982 publication of My Memories of Bahá'u'lláh, an autobiography of Bahá'u'lláh's barber, Ustad Salmani.
  288. Universal House of Justice. Scholarly Activities, Development of (2009).
  289. Universal House of Justice. Scholars and the Administrative Order (1997-07-20). Letter to the House requesting guidance concerning a possible "atmosphere of distrust" among some academics, followed by a response which sets the problem in the context of the current intellectual and spiritual crisis afflicting society at large.
  290. Universal House of Justice. Schools owned by Bahá'ís and "Bahá'í schools" (1994-03-30). Are schools owned by or run by Bahá'ís always considered "Bahá'í" schools, and does the word "Bahá'í" always appear in their title?
  291. Universal House of Justice. Science and Religion, Quotations on (1997-08-13). Regarding a compilation on science and religion; includes a short list of references to science and religion.
  292. Universal House of Justice. Science and Sacred Scriptures (2016-02-21). On scientific findings vs. personal interpretation of the Sacred Writings, and a paragraph regarding evolution in the 2014 foreword of Some Answered Questions.
  293. Universal House of Justice. Secret of Divine Civilization Translation, Capital Punishment, and Other Questions (1991-06-20). On the capitalization of pronouns, reference to "we Muslims," works of Abdu'l-Bahá revealed during the time of Bahá'u'lláh, the first person to recognize Bahá'u'lláh, and designer of the temple in Ishqabad. Includes a compilation on capital punishment.
  294. Universal House of Justice. Geoffrey W. Marks, comp. Self-Defense, Guidance on (1996). Whether Bahá'ís may practice self-defense in times of danger, and whether American Bahá'ís should purchase firearms.
  295. Universal House of Justice. Self-Defense, the Ungodly, Infallibility, and Sexual Violence and Abuse (2004-09-06). Answers to a number of questions, with extracts from four letters of the House, on self-defense, the ungodly, infallibility, sexual violence, and abuse.
  296. Universal House of Justice. Servants in the Households of Baha'u'llah and the Bab (2000-02-02). Whether or not the servants of the Bab and Bahá'u'lláh were slaves, and a list of relevant sources for further research.
  297. Universal House of Justice. "Share your time with God" (2004-09-19). Source of the quotation "Share your time with God. Spend half of the day in search of livelihood," from a pilgrim's note.
  298. Universal House of Justice. Sin-covering Gaze (2001-01-21). Brief explanation of a possible source for a story of Christ told by Abdu'l-Bahá about encountering a dead dog and commenting on the beauty of its teeth; i.e., having a "sin-covering gaze."
  299. Universal House of Justice. Social Action, Public Discourse, and Non-involvement in Political Affairs (2017-04-27). Alternative courses of action to civil disobedience, circumscribed roles for protest, and the freedom that Bahá’ís have to engage in social action and public discourse, particularly in relation to the principle of non-involvement in political affairs.
  300. Universal House of Justice. Social media and non-involvement in politics (2019-12-01). Guidance on avoiding political involvement, exercising caution on social media, promoting unity, and focusing on spiritual transformation for societal betterment.
  301. Universal House of Justice. Socio-Political Order, Speaking on (2011). Extent to which Bahá'ís, in this case an academic political scientist, may give their views on politics.
  302. Universal House of Justice. Socrates in History and the Bahá'í Writings (1995-10-22). Historical facts known about Socrates, some of the difficulties inherent in endeavouring to unravel the historical Socrates, and quotations from the Bahá'í Writings.
  303. Universal House of Justice. Spiritual Growth, Essential Requisites for (1983-09-01). Letter to Europe; its historically-recent turn away from religion, six ways to improve spirituality, and the importance of prayer and meditation.
  304. Universal House of Justice. Spiritual Health of American Community (1991-03). Publication of a letter addressing an individual's concerns for the spiritual health of the American Bahá’í community, and suggestions for personal action. (Letter dated Dec. 24 1990, published March 1991.)
  305. Universal House of Justice. Star of the West: Use of, in Electronic Form (1999-03-03). Guidance on use of the publication Star of the West in electronic form as well as advice on how to describe the authoritativeness of the material
  306. Universal House of Justice. Station of Baha'u'llah: Three Letters (1991-1992). Three letters on the station of Bahá'u'lláh, the souls of the Manifestations, the varying intensities of their Revelations, the phrase "most precious Being," and on teaching the Faith to Christians.
  307. Universal House of Justice. Station of Bahá'u'lláh and the Significance of His Revelation, The (1992-10-15). As the soul is a mystery that the human mind cannot unravel, even more ineffable is the nature of the Manifestations of God, the relationships between them, and their relationship to God.
  308. Universal House of Justice. Stem Cells (2001-08-23). There is nothing in the Writings related to stem-cell research or therapy; individuals are free to come to their own conclusions.
  309. Universal House of Justice. Study of the Bahá'í Faith, Comment on Issues Related to the (2008). A follow-up to the "Issues Related to the Study of the Bahá'í Faith" letter.
  310. Universal House of Justice. Study of the Bahá'í Faith, Issues Related to the (1998-05). Letters from the House and the International Teaching Center, and compilation on the nature of opposition to the Faith from within academia, especially as conducted via the Internet.
  311. Universal House of Justice. Subud, Membership in (1995-06-29). Whether a person may be allowed to be a member of both the Bahá'í Faith and "Subud," an international spiritual movement that began in Indonesia in the 1920s.
  312. Universal House of Justice. Tablet of 'Abdu'l-Baha Concerning Arius (1998-03-17). Arius was an early Christian theologian whose rejection of the Trinity, Abdu'l-Bahá said, destroyed the unity of the Church.
  313. Universal House of Justice. Tablet of Ahmad and Tablet of the Holy Mariner (1996-12-02). Date of publications of translations of the Tablet of Ahmad and the Tablet of the Holy Mariner.
  314. Universal House of Justice. Tablet of Maqsud (2001-05-01). Date of the revelation of the Tablet of Maqsúd and its mention of "Two great powers."
  315. Universal House of Justice. Tablet of the Báb Lawh-i-Vasaya, "Will and Testament"; Titles of Mírzá Yahyá (2004-05-28). Two questions: on the Tablet of the Bab "Lawh-i-Vasaya: The Will and Testament"; the nature of the appointment and titles of Mírzá Yahyá. Includes two attachments: Tablet of the Bab Lawh-i-Vasaya and excerpt from Making the Crooked Straight.
  316. Universal House of Justice. Tablet of the Maiden: Commentary on its translation (1997/1998). Two letters on the mystical/symbolic content of "Tablet of the Maiden," with comments on the translation by Juan Cole.
  317. Universal House of Justice. Tablet on the Birth of the Greatest Name II (2004-07-14). Short letter about a tablet revealed in commemoration of Bahá'u'lláh's birthday.
  318. Universal House of Justice. Tablet to a Physician (Lawh-i-Tibb) (1989-06-08). Complete version of a letter which has been excerpted in various compilations.
  319. Universal House of Justice. Tablet to a Physician (Lawh-i-Tibb) (2000-04-20). On translations of Bahá'u'lláh's "Tablet of Medicine/Tablet to the Physician"; includes a partial provisional translation.
  320. Universal House of Justice. Tablet to Amir Khan and Tablet of the Holy Mariner (1996/2001/2007). Three letters about Abdu'l-Bahá'ís Tablet to Amír Khán; one letter about the Tablet of the Holy Mariner, the "Call of God," and Native American Prophets; short note from David Ruhe about Deganawida.
  321. Bahá'u'lláh, Universal House of Justice. Khazeh Fananapazir, trans. Tablet to Sháh-Muhammad-Amín (Amínu'l-Bayán) (Lawh-i-Amínu'l-Bayán): Excerpt (2003-04-07). Excerpt of a tablet revealed in honour of the first Trustee of Huquq’u’lláh, surnamed the “Trusted of the Bayán," with introductory letter from the House of Justice.
  322. Universal House of Justice. Tablets and Utterances of 'Abdu'l-Bahá Quoted in Compilations and Letters of the Universal House of Justice (2003-07-14). Discusses the authenticity of quotations included in letters from the Universal House of Justice, plus comments on pilgrims' notes.
  323. Universal House of Justice. Tablets to the Kings (1989-11-20). Two questions on the Tablets to the Kings: which ones were delivered and how, and the response of Queen Victoria.
  324. Universal House of Justice. Tahirih and Women's Suffrage (1990-01). Two letters on Táhirih's association with women's suffrage, and the authenticity of the words "You can kill me as soon as you like, but you cannot stop the emancipation of women".
  325. Universal House of Justice. Takfir, declaration of unbelief: includes excerpts from Risáliy-i-Siyasiyyih (2001-04-18). Questions from an individual about the Muslim practice of takfir, declaring someone an unbeliever, whether this is practiced in the Bahá'í Faith, and questions related to "church and state", followed by the House's response.
  326. Universal House of Justice. Tattoos, Permissibility of (2003).
  327. Universal House of Justice. Teaching the Bahá'í Faith and the Role of the Institutions (1996-04-22). On the "sacred obligation" of teaching the Bahá’í Faith, the role of the institutions in teaching, and on questioning vs. obeying the institutions.
  328. Universal House of Justice, Bahá'í International Community. Television Address of Iranian President Khatami (1998-07). Questions and answers about a historically unique television interview of Iranian President Khatami, given on CNN Wednesday, Jan 7, 1998.
  329. Universal House of Justice. Term Limits for Members of Spiritual Assemblies (2022-02-17). Quotations from Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House of Justice on matters regarding Bahá'í elections, and why there are no term limits for members of Bahá'í assemblies.
  330. Universal House of Justice. Texts, Sacred, Numbers and Classifications of (2002/2010/2013). Three letters, from 2002, 2010, and 2013, about numbers of Sacred Texts catalogued by the Bahá'í World Center and their classification into "authenticated," "revised," and "transcribed."
  331. Universal House of Justice. Texts, Sacred, Permission to Distribute Electronic Copies of (2000-05-08). Sacred Writings and anything produced by the Bahá'í World Center or the Bahá'í International Community may be electronically redistributed.
  332. Universal House of Justice. Theocracy and Separation of Church and State (1995-04-27). On theocracy in relation to the Bahá'í model of government, and issues relating to the development of the Bahá’í Administrative Order.
  333. Universal House of Justice. To the Believers in the Cradle of the Faith (2010-04-02). Regarding subjects such as family life, wealth, materialism, and justice.
  334. Universal House of Justice. To the Believers in the Cradle of the Faith (2009-11-24). Regarding the family and its role in the advancement of civilization.
  335. Universal House of Justice. To the Institute for Studies in Global Prosperity (2024-05-26). The Bahá’í response to conflicts and related humanitarian crises in the world; encouraging Bahá’í youth to contribute to peace and unity by avoiding political involvement, focusing on moral principles, and promoting constructive social change.
  336. Universal House of Justice. Training Institutes (1998-04). Overview of the efforts thus far made by the worldwide Bahá'í community to establish institutes; review their accomplishments to date and explores their possibilities for further development and potential effect on the process of entry by troops.
  337. International Teaching Centre. Training Institutes: Attaining a Higher Level of Functioning (2017-01). Assistance to Bahá'ís managing institutes, to help better implement the main sequence of courses, the youth spiritual empowerment and education programs, and matters related to the institutional capacity of training institutes.
  338. Universal House of Justice. Training Institutes: Letter to an individual (2001-05-31). Short letter to an individual on the importance of studying the Writings in group training institutes, rather than through independent study; however, both methods are encouraged.
  339. International Teaching Centre. Training Institutes and Systematic Growth (2000-02).
  340. Universal House of Justice. Translation and Review (1991-09-08). Whether certain scholars were authorized as translators, and that the institution of review is not being abrogated at this time.
  341. Universal House of Justice. Translation of Authoritative Bahá'í Texts into the Spanish Language (1993-01-06). Regarding issues related to the translation of authoritative Bahá’í Texts into the Spanish language and the establishment of an international body responsible for the direction and approval of such translation work.
  342. Universal House of Justice. Translation of Key Bahá'í Terms (2015-05-19). Arabic terms such as "Alláh-u-Abhá", "Yá Bahá’u’l-Abhá", “Mashriqu’l-Adhkár," "Ḥazíratu’l-Quds," and "Bahá" should generally not be translated into other languages, for translations are too inadequate.
  343. Universal House of Justice. Research Department of the Universal House of Justice, comp. Translation, brief compilation on (1999-08-03). A collection of letters from the House and the Guardian on policies regarding translation, provisional translations, and publication. Includes a compilation from the Research Dept. and a policy statement from the House.
  344. Universal House of Justice. Translations of the Bible Used by Abdu'l-Baha (1996-06-12). Which translations of the Bible were used by Abdu'l-Bahá.
  345. Universal House of Justice. Translations of the Qur'án and Introductory Books on the Bahá'í Faith, Recommendations Concerning (2002-08-19). On translations of the Qur'an, and introductory books on the Bahá'í Faith.
  346. Universal House of Justice. Transsexuality (2002-12-26). Brief overview of the subjects of transsexuality, the acceptability of sex-change surgery, marriage, and the counselling role of Bahá'í institutions.
  347. Universal House of Justice. Unity of Religions in This Century, Jews and the Crucifixion, and the Sacrifice of Ishmael, The (1990-11-06).
  348. Universal House of Justice. Universal House of Justice's Power of Elucidation, The (1996). Clarification about the qualitative difference between the Guardian's prerogative of interpretation and the power of elucidation of the Universal House of Justice.
  349. Universal House of Justice. Update of "Additional Tablets" by 'Abdu'l-Bahá; Permanency of URLs on bahai.org (2022-03-10). Answers to two questions: the PDF at bahai.org for "Additional Tablets, Extracts and Talks" will be updated, and website addresses (URLs) at bahai.org are permanent and can reliably be cited.
  350. Universal House of Justice. Usage of the Word "Negro" in Writings of Shoghi Effendi (2021-01-21). Brief letter about the historically evolving use of racial terminology, and avoiding offense.
  351. Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. Use of Masculine Pronouns and Images (2002-07-25). Overview of the use of gender terms in language, and a "cover letter" introduction to four compilations prepared by the Bahá'í World Centre which were attached to the cover letter.
  352. Universal House of Justice. Vaccination and Covid-19: Five Letters Regarding Issues of Vaccination in 2020 and 2021 (2020-2021). Five letters sent in 2020 and 2021 on contemporary issues regarding vaccination. While not all five directly mention Covid-19, they are all likely inspired by the topic. Prefaced by letter from the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States.
  353. Universal House of Justice. Various questions: Psychic powers, Persepolis, portrait of Mulla Husayn, etc. (2007-08-06). Answers to: psychic powers and "natural" healing; 'Abdu'l-Bahá's statement on Persepolis; inauthenticity of a portrait of Mullá Husayn; a passage on childhood; list of sites for future Houses of Worship; Prayer of the Báb; and a jungle story.
  354. Universal House of Justice. Various questions: Wordings in Promised Day is Come, Transliteration of vav, Pluralization and Case of Certain Words (2021-07-27). Answers on four topics: differences in wording in editions of The Promised Day Is Come; transliteration of the letter váv / wáw; the use of hybrid plurals, e.g. mullas; upper/lower case of certain words, e.g. "shah/Shah."
  355. Universal House of Justice. Views on Homosexuality (2013-04-22). On the need to overcome material nature including homosexuality; Bahá’ís not to judge or impose values and to treat those with a homosexual orientation sympathetically; no possibility for House to change Bahá’í marriage as between man and woman
  356. Universal House of Justice. Violation of Baha'i and Civil Law (1991-12-09). Role of Spiritual Assemblies in regulating behavior of Bahá'ís, removal of administrative rights, and treatment of Bahá'ís convicted of a criminal offense.
  357. Universal House of Justice. Violence Against Women and Children (1993-11-23). Bahá’í principles on violence, sexual abuse, family dynamics, gender equality, consultation, child discipline, and community protection.
  358. Universal House of Justice. Whether Bahá'u'lláh and the Báb Met, Indications in the Writings and Historical Records Relative to the Question (1985 Winter). Overview of sources indicating that Bahá'u'lláh and the Báb never met in person.
  359. Universal House of Justice. White Bahá'í Men as a sub-group combatting racism (2000-03-14). Use of the phrase "white Bahá'í men" in an anti-racism project in North Carolina.
  360. Universal House of Justice. Wills and Inheritance (1996-07-01). Five questions about the writing of Bahá'í wills. Includes a list of which laws are not at present binding upon the friends in the western world, and a compilation of "Extracts from Four Tablets by Abdu'l-Bahá Concerning the Question of Inheritance."
  361. Universal House of Justice. Withdrawal from the Faith (2001-04-04).
  362. Universal House of Justice. Withdrawal of Administrative Rights (1986-10-26). Spiritual Assemblies may remain in contact with those Bahá'ís who have had their Administrative Rights removed, but withdrawal of rights is a serious action and assemblies should in general should not initiate contact.
  363. Universal House of Justice. Wives of Baha'u'llah (1995-10-23). Information on Bahá'u'lláh's three wives, and a background to the Bahá'í teaching that people should be monogamous in the modern age.
  364. Universal House of Justice. Women on the House of Justice; meaning of "Umumi" (1997-03-30). Clarifies that 'Abdu'l-Bahá, in a tablet to Corinne True, indeed refers to the Universal House of Justice when affirming that membership is confined to men only. Includes a portion of Corinne True's original query to 'Abdu'l-Bahá.
  365. Universal House of Justice. Women on the Universal House of Justice (1988-05-31). Response to a paper presented at a Bahá'í Studies conference which raised the possibility that women could one day be eligible for membership on the Universal House of Justice.
  366. Universal House of Justice. Women Serving as Continental Counselors or in the International Teaching Centre, Percentage of: 1980-2010 (2013-01-23). Chart showing the percentage of women serving as members of the Continental Boards of Counsellors from 26 November 1980 — when the number of Boards was fixed at five — until November 2010.
  367. Universal House of Justice. Steve Cooney, comp. World Order, Evolution Towards: Notes on recent secondary literature, compilation, and two memoranda from the Bahá'í World Centre (1990/1995/2007). Two letters, "Request for Materials about the World Order of Bahá'u'lláh" and "World Government and the Universal House of Justice," and compilation "Extracts from Letters Written by and on Behalf of the House of Justice on Evolution Towards World Order."
  368. Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. Yá 'Aliyyu'l-A'lá (1991-10-03). On the meaning and correct transliteration of "Yá 'Aliyyu'l-A'lá" (O Thou Most High"), where it can be found, and if it is an invocation to the Báb.
  369. Universal House of Justice. Yá Alláhu'l-Mustagháth": Original Source, Correct Transliteration and Translation (2001-12-28). About an invocation revealed by the Báb, prescribed for recitation in times of trouble and difficulty.
  370. Universal House of Justice. Youth in Every Land, to (1966-06-10). Three fields of service open to young Bahá'ís: improving their personal character, teaching the Faith to others, and preparing for their later years through education.
  371. Universal House of Justice. Zoroaster, Date of (1979-05-13). Clarifications re the dates and bio information Bahá'í texts give for the prophet Zoroaster.
  372. Universal House of Justice. Zoroastrianism, Reference to, in All Things Made New (1999-03-27). A reference to the Zoroastrian text Dinkird, or "Acts of the Religion" (dín-kird) in John Ferraby's All Things Made New, and on the authenticity of the Zoroastrian scriptures.
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