Synopsis and Codification of the Kitab-i-Aqdas
Exported from Holy-Writings.com on 2026-06-18 - 1 clipping

Synopsis and Codification of the Laws and Ordinances of the Kitab-i-Aqdas
The Most Holy Book of Baha'u'llah

=================================
 This etext is based on:
 "Synopsis and Codification of the Laws and Ordinances of the Kitab-i-Aqdas"  
 
 Copyright (C) Universal House of Justice 1973
 All Rights Reserved

 Availability of this etext in no way modifies the copyright status of the above publication.
 This etext is freely available through anonymous internet file-sharing.
=================================

<pv>

     Think not that We have revealed unto you a mere code of laws.
     Nay, rather, We have unsealed the choice Wine with the fingers
     of might and power. To this beareth witness that which the Pen
     of Revelation hath revealed. Meditate upon this, O men of
     insight!
                                                 Kitab-i-Aqdas

 <pvii>

	CONTENTS
                                                        
 Page                                              
   ix   Preface   
   1    Introduction                                              
   11   Passages from the Kitab-i-Aqdas translated by Shoghi Effendi        
   29   List of publications in which the above passages may be found           
   31   Synopsis and Codification of the Laws and Ordinances of the Kitab-i-Aqdas       
   55   Notes to the Synopsis and Codification                                            

 <pix>

	PREFACE 

	This Synopsis and Codification offers a concise and comprehensive presentation of the laws, ordinances, exhortations and other subjects which appear in both the Kitab-i-Aqdas itself and in the Questions and Answers which forms an appendix to that Book. Not all details are included, nor is it possible to give in such a circumscribed form an impression of the loftiness and magnificence of the language of Baha'u'llah. In order to provide readers with at least some intimation of this splendour of theme and language, there are included as a prelude to the Synopsis and Codification, and in the order in which they appear in the Kitab-i-Aqdas, those passages which have been translated into English by the Guardian of the Faith. It will be the formidable task of future translators to match the beauty and accuracy of Shoghi Effendi's rendition.

	A number of additional details, explanations and references are given in notes.<p1>

	INTRODUCTION 

	One hundred years ago, in a room overlooking a dusty square in the ancient seaport of 'Akka, was penned a Book that will come to be recognized as the charter of world civilization. Its Author, Baha'u'llah, had for more than a quarter of a century endured tribulation upon tribulation. His Forerunner had been martyred; His young Son, the Purest Branch, and some twenty-thousand believers, men, women and children, had given their lives that the new Revelation might live. He Himself had been tortured, imprisoned, despoiled of His worldly goods, betrayed by His half-brother, and had been subjected, with His family and a small band of followers, to successive exiles and finally to incarceration in the pestilential Turkish prison-city of 'Akka. His enemies, determined to obliterate His Cause, had all unwittingly served to fulfil the ancient purpose of God by bringing to the Holy Land the One Who was destined to establish the Kingdom of God on earth. With His arrival the time for the revelation of the Law of that Kingdom had come.

	The circumstances surrounding the revelation of this Book, designated by its Author the Kitab-i-Aqdas (The Most Holy Book), are recounted by Shoghi Effendi in God Passes By, his history of the first hundred years of the Baha'i era. Having dwelt upon the world- shaking significance of Baha'u'llah's proclamation of His Faith, which had opened in 1867 with the revelation of the Suriy-i-Muluk (Tablet to the Kings), he continues, 

	"Unique and stupendous as was this Proclamation, it proved to be but a prelude to a still mightier revelation of the creative power of its Author, and to what may well rank as the most signal act of His ministry -- the promulgation of the <p2> Kitab-i-Aqdas. Alluded to in the Kitab-i-Iqan; the principal repository of that Law which the Prophet Isaiah had anticipated, and which the writer of the Apocalypse had described as the 'new heaven' and the 'new earth,' as 'the Tabernacle of God,' as the 'Holy City,' as the 'Bride,' the 'New Jerusalem coming down from God,' this 'Most Holy Book,' whose provisions must remain inviolate for no less than a thousand years, and whose system will embrace the entire planet, may well be regarded as the brightest emanation of the mind of Baha'u'llah, as the Mother Book of His Dispensation, and the Charter of His New World Order.

	"Revealed soon after Baha'u'llah had been transferred to the house of 'Udi Khammar[1] (circa 1873), at a time when He was still encompassed by the tribulations that had afflicted Him, through the acts committed by His enemies and the professed adherents of His Faith, this Book, this treasury enshrining the priceless gems of His Revelation, stands out, by virtue of the principles it inculcates, the administrative institutions it ordains and the function with which it invests the appointed Successor of its Author, unique and incomparable among the world's sacred Scriptures. For, . . . the Kitab-i-Aqdas, revealed from first to last by the Author of the Dispensation Himself, not only preserves for posterity the basic laws and ordinances on which the fabric of His future World Order must rest, but ordains, in addition to the function of interpretation which it confers upon His Successor, the necessary institutions through which the integrity and unity of His Faith can alone be safeguarded."
 [1 This house was later joined to the adjacent house of 'Abbud, by which name both are now known.]

	"The laws and ordinances that constitute the major theme of this Book, Baha'u'llah, moreover, has specifically characterized as 'the breath of life unto all created things,' as 'the mightiest <p3> stronghold,' as the 'fruits' of His ' Tree,' as 'the highest means for the maintenance of order in the world and the security of its peoples,' as 'the lamps of His wisdom and loving-providence,' as 'the sweet smelling savour of His garment,' as the 'keys' of His 'mercy' to His creatures. 'This Book,' He Himself testifies, 'is a heaven which We have adorned with the stars of Our commandments and prohibitions.'. . . 'Say, O men! Take hold of it with the hand of resignation. . . By My life! It hath been sent down in a manner that amazeth the minds of men. Verily, it is My weightiest testimony unto all people, and the proof of the All-Merciful unto all who are in heaven and all who are on earth.' And again: 'Blessed the palace that savoureth its sweetness, and the perceiving eye that recognizeth that which is treasured therein, and the understanding heart that comprehendeth its allusions and mysteries. By God! Such is the majesty of what hath been revealed therein, and so tremendous the revelation of its veiled allusions that the loins of utterance shake when attempting their description.' And finally: 'In such a manner hath the Kitab-i-Aqdas been revealed that it attracteth and embraceth all the divinely appointed Dispensations.... So vast is its range that it hath encompassed all men ere their recognition of it. Erelong will its sovereign power, its pervasive influence and the greatness of its might be manifested on earth.' "

	"For a number of years," Baha'u'llah states in one of His Tablets, "petitions reached the Most Holy Presence from various lands begging for the laws of God, but We held back the Pen ere the appointed time had come. Thereupon the Day-Star of the laws and ordinances shone forth from above the horizon of the will of God, as a token of His grace unto the peoples of the world. He, verily, is the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Generous." Not until twenty years from the intimation of His Revelation received by Him in the Siyah-Chal of Tihran did Baha'u'llah reveal the "Mother Book" of His Dispensation. In another Tablet He indicates that even after its revelation the Aqdas <p4> was withheld by Him for some time before it was sent to the friends in Persia. 

	Shoghi Effendi recounts how

    "The formulation by Baha'u'llah, in His Kitab-i-Aqdas, of
    the fundamental laws of His Dispensation was followed, as
    His Mission drew to a close, by the enunciation of certain
    precepts and principles which lie at the very core of His Faith,
    by the reaffirmation of truths He had previously proclaimed,
    by the elaboration and elucidation of some of the laws He had
    already laid down, by the revelation of further prophecies and
    warnings, and by the establishment of subsidiary ordinances
    designed to supplement the provisions of His Most Holy
    Book. These were recorded in unnumbered Tablets, which He
    continued to reveal until the last days of His earthly life...."

	Among such works is the Questions and Answers which constitutes an appendix to the Kitab-i-Aqdas and contains the answers revealed by Baha'u'llah to questions posed by one of His disciples about the laws. Notwithstanding the volume of His writings on His laws and ordinances, Baha'u'llah has, as Shoghi Effendi points out, deliberately left gaps to be filled subsequently by the Universal House of Justice.

	Concerning the implementation of the laws themselves Baha'u'llah wrote in one of His Tablets: "Indeed the laws of God are like unto the ocean and the children of men as fish, did they but know it. However, in observing them one must exercise tact and wisdom.... Since most people are feeble and far-removed from the purpose of God, therefore one must observe tact and prudence under all conditions, so that nothing might happen that could cause disturbance and dissension or raise clamour among the heedless. Verily, His bounty hath surpassed the whole universe and His bestowals encompassed all that dwell on earth. One must guide mankind to the ocean of true understanding in a spirit of love and tolerance. <p5> The Kitab-i-Aqdas itself beareth eloquent testimony to the loving providence of God."

	This divinely-purposed delay in the revelation of the basic laws of God for this age, and the subsequent gradual implementation of their provisions, illustrate the principle of progressive revelation which applies, as Baha'u'llah Himself explained, even within the ministry of each Prophet. "Know of a certainty that in every Dispensation the light of Divine Revelation hath been vouchsafed to men in direct proportion to their spiritual capacity. Consider the sun. How feeble its rays the moment it appeareth above the horizon. How gradually its warmth and potency increase as it approacheth its zenith, enabling meanwhile all created things to adapt themselves to the growing intensity of its light. How steadily it declineth until it reacheth its setting point. Were it all of a sudden to manifest the energies latent within it, it would no doubt cause injury to all created things.... In like manner, if the Sun of Truth were suddenly to reveal, at the earliest stages of its manifestation, the full measure of the potencies which the providence of the Almighty hath bestowed upon it, the earth of human understanding would waste away and be consumed; for men's hearts would neither sustain the intensity of its revelation, nor be able to mirror forth the radiance of its light. Dismayed and overpowered, they would cease to exist."

	'Abdu'l-Baha followed this principle and concentrated His energies on the widespread dissemination of His Father's teachings and the elucidation of the far-reaching principles that they enshrined. At the same time He revealed interpretations which are of fundamental importance in understanding the laws of the Aqdas, culminating in the writing of His Will and Testament, "that immortal Document wherein He delineated the features of the Administrative Order which would arise after His passing, and would herald the establishment of that World Order, the advent of which the Bab had announced, and the laws and principles of which Baha'u'llah had already formulated."<p6>

	During the thirty-six years of his Guardianship, Shoghi Effendi fixed the pattern and laid the foundations of the Administrative Order of Baha'u'llah, set in motion the implementation of the Divine Plan of 'Abdu'l-Baha for the spread of the Faith throughout the world, and, as these twin processes of administrative consolidation and widespread expansion progressed, started to apply and enforce, gradually and according to the progress of the Cause, those laws of the Kitab-i-Aqdas that in his estimation it was timely and practicable to apply and which were not in direct conflict with the civil law. At his instance the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Egypt prepared a codification of the Baha'i laws of personal status relative to marriage, divorce and inheritance.

	The Guardian explained that an essential prelude to the publication of the Most Holy Book was the preparation of a synopsis and codification of its Laws and Ordinances. This would be followed in due time by a complete translation of the Book itself, made by a competent body of experts, and copiously annotated with detailed explanations. Such annotations will undoubtedly have to contain references to the many Tablets of Baha'u'llah which supplement the Aqdas, to the interpretations penned by 'Abdu'l-Baha as well as those from the writings of Shoghi Effendi, and will need to elucidate certain passages of the Book or to amplify its religious, cultural and historical references. It is clear that such a Book, rich in allusion and referring to laws and practices of previous Dispensations, could easily be misconstrued by anyone unfamiliar with such laws and practices, insufficiently versed in the Teachings of Baha'u'llah and not thoroughly informed of His fundamental purposes. In particular, inadequate translations could be seriously misleading. During His own lifetime Baha'u'llah commented upon a translation of the Aqdas made by one of the believers: "Although the intention of the translator was good, such an action in these days will lead to differences and is therefore not permissible."<p7>

	Shoghi Effendi, towards the end of his life, adopted as one of the goals of the Ten Year Crusade the codification of the laws and ordinances of the Kitab-i-Aqdas, and he himself worked upon it, leaving an outline of a synopsis and codification in English, and notes in Persian. This constituted a great part of the task which the Universal House of Justice included as a goal of the Nine Year Plan and which it then completed according to the patten he had set. 

	The number of laws at present binding upon Baha'is is not increased by the publication of this work. When the Universal House of Justice deems it advisable it will inform the friends what additional laws are binding upon them, and will provide whatever, guidance and supplementary legislation will be necessary for their application. Certain laws, however, as pointed out by the beloved Guardian, "have been formulated in anticipation of a state of society destined to emerge from the chaotic conditions that prevail today." 

	In this Most Holy Book Baha'u'llah declares: "By My life, if you knew what We have desired for you in revealing Our holy laws, you would offer up your souls for this sacred, mighty and lofty Cause." " This Book is none other than the ancient Lamp of God for the whole world and His undeviating Path amongst men. Say, it is verily the Dayspring of divine knowledge, did ye but know it, and the Dawning-place of the commandments of God, could ye but comprehend it." "Say, this is the spirit of the Scriptures breathed into the Pen of Glory, causing all creation to be dumbfounded, except those who are stirred by the vitalizing fragrance of My tender mercy and the sweet savours of My bounty which pervade all created things."

	THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE
	Haifa
	Ridvan 130
(	April 1973 A.D.)

<p9>

	PASSAGES FROM THE
	KITAB-I-AQDAS

	Translated into English
	by
	SHOGHI EFFENDI

<p11>

	1. The first duty prescribed by God for His servants is the recognition of Him Who is the Dayspring of His Revelation and the Fountain of His laws, Who representeth the Godhead in both the Kingdom of His Cause and the world of creation. Whoso achieveth this duty hath attained unto all good; and whoso is deprived thereof, hath gone astray, though he be the author of every righteous deed. It behoveth every one who reacheth this most sublime station, this summit of transcendent glory, to observe every ordinance of Him Who is the Desire of the world. These twin duties are inseparable. Neither is acceptable without the other. Thus hath it been decreed by Him Who is the Source of Divine inspiration. 

	They whom God hath endued with insight will readily recognize that the precepts laid down by God constitute the highest means for the maintenance of order in the world and the security of its peoples. He that turneth away from them, is accounted among the abject and foolish. We, verily, have commanded you to refuse the dictates of your evil passions and corrupt desires, and not to transgress the bounds which the Pen of the Most High hath fixed, for these are the breath of life unto all created things. The seas of Divine wisdom and Divine utterance have risen under the breath of the breeze of the All-Merciful. Hasten to drink your fill, O men of understanding! They that have violated the Covenant of God by breaking His commandments, and have turned back on their heels, these have erred grievously in the sight of God, the All-Possessing, the Most High.

	O ye peoples of the world! Know assuredly that My commandments are the lamps of My loving providence among My servants, <p12> and the keys of My mercy for My creatures. Thus hath it been sent down from the heaven of the Will of your Lord, the Lord of Revelation. Were any man to taste the sweetness of the words which the lips of the All-Merciful have willed to utter, he would, though the treasures of the earth be in his possession, renounce them one and all, that he might vindicate the truth of even one of His commandments, shining above the Dayspring of His bountiful care and loving-kindness.

	Say: From My laws the sweet smelling savour of My garment can be smelled, and by their aid the standards of Victory will be planted upon the highest peaks. The Tongue of My power hath, from the heaven of My omnipotent glory, addressed to My creation these words: "Observe My commandments, for the love of My beauty." Happy is the lover that hath inhaled the divine fragrance of his Best-Beloved from these words, laden with the perfume of a grace which no tongue can describe. By My life! He who hath drunk the choice wine of fairness from the hands of My bountiful favour, will circle around My commandments that shine above the Dayspring of My creation.

	Think not that We have revealed unto you a mere code of laws. Nay, rather, We have unsealed the choice Wine with the fingers of might and power. To this beareth witness that which the Pen of Revelation hath revealed. Meditate upon this, O men of insight!

	2. Whenever My laws appear like the sun in the heaven of Mine utterance, they must be faithfully obeyed by all, though My decree be such as to cause the heaven of every religion to be cleft asunder. He doth what He pleaseth. He chooseth; and none may question His choice. Whatsoever He, the Well-Beloved, ordaineth, the same is, verily, beloved. To this He Who is the Lord of all creation beareth Me witness. Whoso hath inhaled the sweet fragrance of the All-Merciful, and recognized the Source of this utterance, will <p13> welcome with his own eyes the shafts of the enemy, that he may establish the truth of the laws of God amongst men. Well is it with him that hath turned thereunto, and apprehended the meaning of His decisive decree.

	3. We have commanded you to pray and fast from the beginning of maturity; this is ordained by God, your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers. He has exempted from this those who are weak from illness or age, as a bounty from His Presence, and He is the Forgiving, the Generous.

	4. We have enjoined upon you fasting during a brief period, and at its close have designated for you Naw-Ruz as a feast... The traveller, the ailing, those who are with child or giving suck, are not bound by the fast. Abstain from food and drink, from sunrise to sundown, and beware lest desire deprive you of this grace that is appointed in the Book.

	5. The Lord hath ordained that in every city a House of Justice be established wherein shall gather counsellors to the number of Baha, and should it exceed this number it does not matter... It behoveth them to be the trusted ones of the Merciful among men and to regard themselves as the guardians appointed of God for all that dwell on earth. It is incumbent upon them to take counsel together and to have regard for the interests of the servants of God, for His sake, even as they regard their own interests, and to choose that which is meet and seemly. Thus hath the Lord your God, the Gracious, the Pardoner, commanded you. Beware lest ye put away that which is clearly revealed in His Tablet. Fear God, O ye that perceive.

	6. O ye servants of the Merciful One! Arise to serve the Cause of God, in such wise that the cares and sorrows caused by them that have disbelieved in the Dayspring of the Signs of God may not <p14> afflict you. At the time when the Promise was fulfilled and the Promised One made manifest, differences have appeared amongst the kindred of the earth and each people hath followed its own fancy and idle imaginings.

	Whoso layeth claim to a Revelation direct from God, ere the expiration of a full thousand years, such a man is assuredly a lying imposter. We pray God that He may graciously assist him to retract and repudiate such claim. Should he repent, God will, no doubt, forgive him. If, however, he persisteth in his error, God will, assuredly, send down one who will deal mercilessly with him. Terrible, indeed, is God in punishing! Whosoever interpreteth this verse otherwise than its obvious meaning is deprived of the Spirit of God and of His mercy which encompasseth all created things. Fear God, and follow not your idle fancies. Nay, rather follow the bidding of your Lord, the Almighty, the All-Wise.

	Be not dismayed, O peoples of the world, when the day-star of My beauty is set, and the heaven of My tabernacle is concealed from your eyes. Arise to further My Cause, and to exalt My Word amongst men. We are with you at all times, and shall strengthen you through the power of truth. We are truly almighty. Whoso hath recognized Me, will arise and serve Me with such determination that the powers of earth and heaven shall be unable to defeat his purpose.

	The peoples of the world are fast asleep. Were they to wake from their slumber, they would hasten with eagerness unto God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. They would cast away everything they possess, be it all the treasures of the earth, that their Lord may remember them to the extent of addressing to them but one word. Such is the instruction given you by Him Who holdeth the knowledge of things hidden, in a Tablet which the eye of creation hath not seen, and which is revealed to none except His own Self, the omnipotent Protector of all worlds. So bewildered are they in the <p15> drunkenness of their evil desires, that they are powerless to recognize the Lord of all being, Whose voice calleth aloud from every direction: "There is none other God but Me, the Mighty, the All-Wise."

	Say: Rejoice not in the things ye possess; tonight they are yours, tomorrow others will possess them. Thus warneth you He Who is the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. Say: Can ye claim that what ye own is lasting or secure? Nay! By Myself, the All-Merciful. The days of your life flee away as a breath of wind, and all your pomp and glory shall be folded up as were the pomp and glory of those gone before you. Reflect, O people! What hath become of your bygone days, your lost centuries? Happy the days that have been consecrated to the remembrance of God, and blessed the hours which have been spent in praise of Him Who is the All-Wise. By My life! Neither the pomp of the mighty, nor the wealth of the rich, nor even the ascendancy of the ungodly will endure. All will perish, at a word from Him. He, verily, is the All-Powerful, the All-Compelling, the Almighty. What advantage is there in the earthly things which men possess? That which shall profit them, they have utterly neglected. Ere long, they will awake from their slumber, and find themselves unable to obtain that which hath escaped them in the days of their Lord, the Almighty, the All-Praised. Did they but know it, they would renounce their all, that their names may be mentioned before His throne. They, verily, are accounted among the dead.

	7. Lament not in your hours of trial, neither rejoice therein; seek ye the Middle Way which is the remembrance of Me in your afflictions and reflection over that which may befall you in future. Thus informeth you, He Who is the Omniscient, He Who is Aware.

	8. Unto every father hath been enjoined the instruction of his son and daughter in the art of reading and writing and in all that hath <p16> been laid down in the Holy Tablet. He that putteth away that which is commanded unto him, the Trustees are then to take from him that which is required for their instruction, if he be wealthy, and if not the matter devolveth upon the House of Justice. Verily, have We made it a shelter for the poor and needy. He that bringeth up his son or the son of another, it is as though he hath brought up a son of Mine; upon him rest My Glory, My loving kindness, My Mercy, that have compassed the world.

	9. O ye Men of Justice! Be ye in the realm of God shepherds unto His sheep and guard them from the ravening wolves that have appeared in disguise, even as ye would guard your own sons. Thus exhorteth you the Counsellor, the Faithful.

	10. Let not your hearts be perturbed, O people, when the glory of My Presence is withdrawn, and the ocean of My utterance is stilled. In My presence amongst you there is a wisdom, and in My absence there is yet another, inscrutable to all but God, the Incomparable, the All-Knowing. Verily, We behold you from Our realm of glory, and shall aid whosoever will arise for the triumph of Our Cause with the hosts of the Concourse on high and a company of Our favoured angels.

	O peoples of the earth! God, the Eternal Truth, is My witness that streams of fresh and soft-flowing waters have gushed from the rocks, through the sweetness of the words uttered by your Lord, the Unconstrained; and still ye slumber. Cast away that which ye possess, and, on the wings of detachment, soar beyond all created things. Thus biddeth you the Lord of creation, the movement of Whose Pen hath revolutionized the soul of mankind.

	Know ye from what heights your Lord, the All-Glorious is calling? Think ye that ye have recognized the Pen wherewith your Lord, the Lord of all names, commandeth you? Nay, by My life! Did ye but know it, ye would renounce the world, and would <p17> hasten with your whole hearts to the presence of the Well-Beloved. Your spirits would be so transported by His Word as to throw into commotion the Greater World - how much more this small and petty one! Thus have the showers of My bounty been poured down from the heaven of My loving-kindness, as a token of My grace; that ye may be of the thankful.

	11. Beware lest the desires of the flesh and of a corrupt inclination provoke divisions among you. Be ye as the fingers of one hand, the members of one body. Thus counselleth you the Pen of Revelation, if ye be of them that believe.

	Consider the mercy of God and His gifts. He enjoineth upon you that which shall profit you, though He Himself can well dispense with all creatures. Your evil doings can never harm Us, neither can your good works profit Us. We summon you wholly for the sake of God. To this every man of understanding and insight will testify.

	12. Enter into wedlock, O people, that ye may bring forth one who will make mention of Me...

	13. O kings of the earth! He Who is the sovereign Lord of all is come. The Kingdom is God's, the omnipotent Protector, the Self- Subsisting. Worship none but God, and, with radiant hearts, lift up your faces unto your Lord, the Lord of all names. This is a Revelation to which whatever ye possess can never be compared, could ye but know it.

	We see you rejoicing in that which ye have amassed for others and shutting out yourselves from the worlds which naught except My guarded Tablet can reckon. The treasures ye have laid up have drawn you far away from your ultimate objective. This ill beseemeth you, could ye but understand it. Wash from your hearts all earthly defilements, and hasten to enter the Kingdom of your <p18> Lord, the Creator of earth and heaven, Who caused the world to tremble and all its peoples to wail, except them that have renounced all things and clung to that which the Hidden Tablet hath ordained.

	This is the Day in which He Who held converse with God hath attained the light of the Ancient of Days, and quaffed the pure waters of reunion from this Cup that hath caused the seas to swell. Say: By the one true God! Sinai is circling round the Dayspring of Revelation, while from the heights of the Kingdom the Voice of the Spirit of God is heard proclaiming: "Bestir yourselves, ye proud ones of the earth, and hasten ye unto Him." Carmel hath, in this Day, hastened in longing adoration to attain His court, whilst from the heart of Zion there cometh the cry: "The promise is fulfilled. That which had been announced in the holy Writ of God, the most Exalted, the Almighty, the Best-Beloved, is made manifest."

	O kings of the earth! The Most Great Law hath been revealed in this Spot, this scene of transcendent splendour. Every hidden thing hath been brought to light, by virtue of the Will of the Supreme Ordainer, He Who hath ushered in the Last Hour, through Whom the Moon hath been cleft, and every irrevocable decree expounded.

	Ye are but vassals, O kings of the earth! He Who is the King of Kings hath appeared, arrayed in His most wondrous glory, and is summoning you unto Himself, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting. Take heed lest pride deter you from recognizing the Source of Revelation, lest the things of this world shut you out as by a veil from Him Who is the Creator of heaven. Arise, and serve Him Who is the Desire of all nations, Who hath created you through a word from Him, and ordained you to be, for all time, the emblems of His sovereignty.

	By the righteousness of God! It is not Our wish to lay hands on your kingdoms. Our mission is to seize and possess the hearts of men. Upon them the eyes of Baha are fastened. To this testifieth the <p19> Kingdom of Names, could ye but comprehend it. Whoso followeth his Lord, will renounce the world and all that is therein; how much greater, then, must be the detachment of Him Who holdeth so august a station! Forsake your palaces, and haste ye to gain admittance into His Kingdom. This, indeed, will profit you both in this world and in the next. To this testifieth the Lord of the realm on high, did ye but know it.

	How great the blessedness that awaiteth the king who will arise to aid My Cause in My Kingdom, who will detach himself from all else but Me! Such a king is numbered with the companions of the Crimson Ark - the Ark which God hath prepared for the people of Baha. All must glorify his name, must reverence his station, and aid him to unlock the cities with the keys of My Name, the omnipotent Protector of all that inhabit the visible and invisible kingdoms. Such a king is the very eye of mankind, the luminous ornament on the brow of creation, the fountain-head of blessings unto the whole world. Offer up, O people of Baha, your substance, nay your very lives, for his assistance.

	O Emperor of Austria! He Who is the Dayspring of God's Light dwelt in the prison of 'Akka, at the time when thou didst set forth to visit the Aqsa Mosque.[1] Thou passed Him by, and inquired not about Him, by Whom every house is exalted, and every lofty gate unlocked. We, verily, made it* a place whereunto the world should turn, that they might remember Me, and yet thou hast rejected Him Who is the Object of this remembrance, when He appeared with the Kingdom of God, thy Lord and the Lord of the worlds. We have been with thee at all times, and found thee clinging unto the Branch and heedless of the Root. Thy Lord, verily, is a witness unto what I say. We grieved to see thee circle round Our Name, whilst unaware of Us, though We were before thy face. Open thine eyes, that thou mayest behold this glorious Vision, and <p20> recognize Him Whom thou invokest in the daytime and in the night season, and gaze on the Light that shineth above this luminous Horizon.
 [1 Jerusalem.]

	Say: O King of Berlin! Give ear unto the Voice calling from this manifest Temple: Verily, there is none other God but Me, the Everlasting, the Peerless, the Ancient of Days. Take heed lest pride debar thee from recognizing the Dayspring of Divine Revelation, lest earthly desires shut thee out, as by a veil, from the Lord of the Throne above and of the earth below. Thus counselleth thee the Pen of the Most High. He, verily, is the Most Gracious, the All- Bountiful. Do thou remember the one[1] whose power transcended thy power, and whose station excelled thy station. Where is he? Whither are gone the things he possessed? Take warning, and be not of them that are fast asleep. He it was who cast the Tablet of God behind him, when We made known unto him what the hosts of tyranny had caused Us to suffer. Wherefore, disgrace assailed him from all sides, and he went down to dust in great loss. Think deeply, O King, concerning him, and concerning them who, like unto thee, have conquered cities and ruled over men. The All-Merciful brought them down from their palaces to their graves. Be warned, be of them who reflect.
 [1 Napoleon III]

	We have asked nothing from you. For the sake of God We, verily, exhort you, and will be patient as We have been patient in that which hath befallen Us at your hands, O concourse of kings!

	Hearken ye, O Rulers of America and the Presidents of the Republics therein, unto that which the Dove is warbling on the Branch of Eternity: There is none other God but Me, the Ever-Abiding, the Forgiving, the All-Bountiful. Adorn ye the temple of dominion with the ornament of justice and of the fear of God, and its head with the crown of the remembrance of your Lord, the <p21> Creator of the heavens. Thus counselleth you He Who is the Dayspring of Names, as bidden by Him Who is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. The Promised One hath appeared in this glorified Station, whereat all beings, both seen and unseen, have rejoiced. Take ye advantage of the Day of God. Verily, to meet Him is better for you than all that whereon the sun shineth, could ye but know it. O concourse of rulers! Give ear unto that which hath been raised from the Dayspring of Grandeur: Verily, there is none other God but Me, the Lord of Utterance, the All-Knowing. Bind ye the broken with the hands of justice, and crush the oppressor who flourisheth with the rod of the commandments of your Lord, the Ordainer, the All-Wise.

	O Spot[1] that art situate on the shores of the two seas! The throne of tyranny hath, verily, been established upon thee, and the flame of hatred hath been kindled within thy bosom, in such wise that the Concourse on high and they who circle around the Exalted Throne have wailed and lamented. We behold in thee the foolish ruling over the wise, and darkness vaunting itself against the light. Thou art indeed filled with manifest pride. Hath thine outward splendour made thee vainglorious? By Him Who is the Lord of mankind! It shall soon perish, and thy daughters and thy widows and all the kindreds that dwell within thee shall lament. Thus informeth thee the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.
 [1 Constantinople.]

	O banks of the Rhine! We have seen you covered with gore, inasmuch as the swords of retribution were drawn against you; and you shall have another turn. And We hear the lamentations of Berlin, though she be today in conspicuous glory.

	Let nothing grieve thee, O Land of Ta,+ for God hath chosen thee to be the source of the joy of all mankind. He shall, if it be His Will, bless thy throne with one who will rule with justice, <p22> who will gather together the flock of God which the wolves have scattered. Such a ruler will, with joy and gladness, turn his face towards, and extend his favours unto, the people of Baha. He indeed is accounted in the sight of God as a jewel among men. Upon him rest forever the glory of God, and the glory of all that dwell in the kingdom of His revelation.
 [1 Tihran.]

	Rejoice with great joy, for God hath made thee "the Dayspring of His light," inasmuch as within thee was born the Manifestation of His Glory. Be thou glad for this name that hath been conferred upon thee - a name through which the Day-star of grace hath shed its splendour, through which both earth and heaven have been illumined.

	Ere long will the state of affairs within thee be changed, and the reins of power fall into the hands of the people. Verily, thy Lord is the All-Knowing. His authority embraceth all things. Rest thou assured in the gracious favour of thy Lord. The eye of His loving- kindness shall everlastingly be directed towards thee. The day is approaching when thy agitation will have been transmuted into peace and quiet calm. Thus hath it been decreed in the wondrous Book.

	14. Say: O leaders of religion! Weigh not the Book of God with such standards and sciences as are current amongst you, for the Book itself is the unerring balance established amongst men. In this most perfect balance whatsoever the peoples and kindreds of the earth possess must be weighed, while the measure of its weight should be tested according to its own standard, did ye but know it.

	The eye of My loving-kindness weepeth sore over you, inasmuch as ye have failed to recognize the One upon Whom ye have been calling in the daytime and in the night season, at even and at morn. Advance, O people, with snow-white faces and radiant hearts, unto the blest and crimson Spot, wherein the Sadratu'l-Muntaha <p23> is calling: "Verily, there is none other God beside Me, the Omnipotent Protector, the Self-Subsisting!"

	O ye leaders of religion! Who is the man amongst you that can rival Me in vision or insight? Where is he to be found that dareth to claim to be My equal in utterance or wisdom? No, by My Lord, the All-Merciful! All on the earth shall pass away; and this is the face of your Lord, the Almighty, the Well-Beloved.

	We have decreed, O people, that the highest and last end of all learning be the recognition of Him Who is the Object of all knowledge; and yet, behold how ye have allowed your learning to shut you out, as by a veil, from Him Who is the Dayspring of this Light, through Whom every hidden thing hath been revealed. Could ye but discover the source whence the splendour of this utterance is diffused, ye would cast away the peoples of the world and all that they possess, and would draw nigh unto this most blessed Seat of glory.

	Say: This, verily, is the heaven in which the Mother Book is treasured, could ye but comprehend it. He it is Who hath caused the Rock to shout, and the Burning Bush to lift up its voice, upon the Mount rising above the Holy Land, and proclaim: "The Kingdom is God's, the sovereign Lord of all, the All-Powerful, We have not entered any school, nor read any of your dissertations. 

	We have not entered any school, nor read any of your dissertations. Incline your ears to the words of this unlettered One, wherewith He summoneth you unto God, the Ever-Abiding. Better is this for you than all the treasures of the earth, could ye but comprehend it. 

	Whoso interpreteth what hath been sent down from the heaven of Revelation, and altereth its evident meaning, he, verily, is of them that have perverted the Sublime Word of God, and is of the lost ones in the Lucid Book.<p24>

	15. The Lord hath granted leave to whosoever desireth it that he be instructed in the divers tongues of the world that he may deliver the Message of the Cause of God throughout the East and throughout the West, that he make mention of Him amidst the kindreds and peoples of the world in such wise that hearts may revive and the mouldering bone be quickened.

	16. Adorn your heads with the garlands of trustworthiness and fidelity, your hearts with the attire of the Fear of God, your tongues with absolute truthfulness, your bodies with the vesture of courtesy. These are in truth seemly adornings unto the temple of the cord of servitude unto God, the True One, for thereby your stations shall be made manifest, your names written and preserved, your ranks raised and your memory exalted in the Preserved Tablet. Beware lest the dwellers on earth hinder you from this glorious and exalted station. Thus have We exhorted you in most of our Epistles and now in this, Our Holy Tablet, above which hath beamed the Day-star of the Laws of the Lord, your God, the Powerful, the All-Wise.

	When the ocean of My presence hath ebbed and the Book of My Revelation is ended, turn your faces toward Him Whom God hath purposed, Who hath branched from this Ancient Root. Consider the pettiness of men's minds. They ask for that which injureth them, and cast away the thing that profiteth them. They are, indeed, of those that are far astray. We find some men desiring liberty, and priding themselves therein. Such men are in the depths of ignorance.

	Liberty must, in the end, lead to sedition, whose flames none can quench. Thus warneth you He Who is the Reckoner, the All-Knowing. Know ye that the embodiment of liberty and its symbol is the animal. That which beseemeth unto such <p25> restraints as will protect him from his own ignorance, and guard him against the harm of the mischief-maker. Liberty causeth man to overstep the bounds of propriety, and to infringe on the dignity of his station. It debaseth him to the level of extreme depravity and wickedness.

	Regard men as a flock of sheep that need a shepherd for their protection. This, verily, is the truth, the certain truth. We approve of liberty in certain circumstances, and refuse to sanction it in others. We, verily, are the All-Knowing.

	Say: True liberty consisteth in man's submission unto My commandments, little as ye know it. Were men to observe that which We have sent down unto them from the Heaven of Revelation, they would, of a certainty, attain unto perfect liberty. Happy is the man that hath apprehended the Purpose of God in whatever He hath revealed from the Heaven of His Will, that pervadeth all created things. Say: The liberty that profiteth you is to be found nowhere except in complete servitude unto God, the Eternal Truth. Whoso hath tasted of its sweetness will refuse to barter it for all the dominion of earth and heaven.

	17. Consort with all religions with amity and concord, that they may inhale from you the sweet fragrance of God. Beware lest amidst men the flame of foolish ignorance overpower you. All things proceed from God and unto Him they return. He is the source of all things and in Him all things are ended. 

	18. Blessed is the man that hath acknowledged his belief in God and in His signs, and recognized that "He shall not be asked of His doings." Such a recognition hath been made by God the ornament of every belief, and its very foundation. Upon it must depend the acceptance of every goodly deed. Fasten your eyes upon it, that haply the whisperings of the rebellious may not cause you to slip.

	Were He to decree as lawful the thing which from time immemorial <p26> had been forbidden, and forbid that which had, at all times, been regarded as lawful, to none is given the right to question His authority. Whoso will hesitate, though it be for less than a moment, should be regarded as a transgressor.

	Whoso hath not recognized this sublime and fundamental verity, and hath failed to attain this most exalted station, the winds of doubt will agitate him, and the sayings of the infidels will distract his soul. He that hath acknowledged this principle will be endowed with the most perfect constancy. All-honour to this all-glorious Such is the teaching which God bestoweth on you, a teaching that will deliver you from all manner of doubt and perplexity, and enable you to attain unto salvation in both this world and in the next. He, verily, is the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Bountiful.

	19. O concourse of divines! When My verses were sent down, and My clear tokens were revealed, We found you behind the veils. This, verily, is a strange thing... We have rent the veils asunder. Beware lest ye shut out the people by yet another veil. Pluck asunder the chains of vain imaginings, in the name of the Lord of all men, and be not of the deceitful. Should ye turn unto God, and embrace His Cause, spread not disorder within it, and measure not the Book of God with your selfish desires. This, verily, is the counsel of God aforetime and hereafter... Had ye believed in God, when He revealed Himself, the people would not have turned aside from Him, nor would the things ye witness today have befallen Us. Fear God, and be not of the heedless... This is the Cause that hath caused all your superstitions and idols to tremble...

	O concourse of divines! Beware lest ye be the cause of strife in the land, even as ye were the cause of the repudiation of the Faith in its early days. Gather the people around this Word that hath made the pebbles to cry out: "The Kingdom is God's, the Dawning-Place of all signs!"... Tear the veils asunder in such wise that <p27> the inmates of the Kingdom will hear them being rent. This is the command of God, in days gone by, and for those to come. Blessed the man that observeth that whereunto he was bidden, and woe betide the negligent.

	20. Happy are ye, O ye the learned ones in Baha. By the Lord! Ye are the billows of the Most Mighty Ocean, the stars of the firmament of Glory, the standards of triumph waving betwixt earth and heaven. Ye are the manifestations of steadfastness amidst men and the daysprings of Divine Utterance to all that dwell on earth. Well is it with him that turneth unto you and woe betide the froward. This day, it behoveth whoso hath quaffed the Mystic Wine of Everlasting Life from the Hands of the loving-kindness of the Lord his God, the Merciful, to pulsate even as the throbbing artery in the body of mankind, that through him may be quickened the world and every crumbling bone.

	When the Mystic Dove will have winged its flight from its Sanctuary of Praise and sought its far-off goal, its hidden habitation, refer ye whatsoever ye understand not in the Book to Him Who hath branched from this mighty Stock.

	21. The world's equilibrium hath been upset through the vibrating influence of this most great, this new World Order. Mankind's ordered life hath been revolutionized through the agency of this unique, this wondrous System - the like of which mortal eyes have never witnessed. 

	Immerse yourselves in the ocean of My words, that ye may unravel its secrets, and discover all the pearls of wisdom that lie hid in its depths. Take heed that ye do not vacillate in your determination to embrace the truth of this Cause - a Cause through which the potentialities of the might of God have been revealed, and His sovereignty established. With faces beaming with joy, hasten ye unto Him. This is the changeless Faith of God, eternal in the past, <p28> eternal in the future. Let him that seeketh, attain it; and as to him that hath refused to seek it - verily, God is Self-Sufficient, above any need of His creatures.

	Say: This is the infallible Balance which the Hand of God is holding, in which all who are in the heavens and all who are on the earth are weighed, and their fate determined, if ye be of them that believe and recognize this truth. Say: Through it the poor have been enriched, the learned enlightened, and the seekers enabled to ascend unto the presence of God. Beware, lest ye make it a cause of dissension amongst you. Be ye as firmly settled as the immovable mountain in the Cause of your Lord, the Mighty, the Loving.<p29>

	LIST OF PUBLICATIONS 
	IN WHICH THE ABOVE PASSAGES 
	MAY BE FOUND

1.  Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah CLV (any edition)
2.  Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah CLV (any edition)
3.  The Baha'i Community p. 40 (National Spiritual Assembly of
    the Baha'is of the U.S.A., 1963)
4.  The Baha'i Community p. 40 (National Spiritual Assembly of
    the Baha'is of the U.S.A., 1963)
5.  Baha'i Administration p. 21 (Baha'i Publishing Trust, Wilmette,
    5th edition 1945)
6.  Star of the West Volume XIV p. 112 (Committee for the
    National Spiritual Assembly of America, 1923), Gleanings
    from the Writings of Baha'u'llah CLXV and LXXI
7.  Star of the West Volume XIV p. 112
8.  Star of the West Volume XIV p. 112
9.  Star of the West Volume XIV p. 112
10. Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah LXXII
11. Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah LXXII
12. Baha'i Marriage Certificate issued by the National Spiritual
    Assembly of the Baha'is of the British Isles
13. Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah CV, The Promised Day
    Is Come pp. 37, 36 and 26 (B.P.T.Wilmette, 1941), Citadel of
    Faith pp. 18-19 (B.P.T. Wilmette, 1965), The Promised Day
    Is Come pp. 40 and 37, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah
    LVI<p30>

14. Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah XCVIII, Epistle to the
    Son of the Wolf pp. 129 -- 130 (B.P.T. Wilmette, 1941)
15. Star of the West Volume XIV p. 113
16. Star of the West Volume XIV p. 113, The World Order of
    Baha'u'llah p. 134 (B.P.T. Wilmette, 1938), Gleanings from
    the Writings of Baha'u'llah CLIX
17. Star of the West Volume XIV p. 114
18. Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah XXXVII
19. The Promised Day Is Come pp. 84-85
20. Star of the West Volume XIV p. 114, The World Order of

     Baha'u'llah p. 134
21. Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah LXX<p31>

	SYNOPSIS AND CODIFICATION 
	OF THE LAWS AND ORDINANCES 
	OF THE KITAB-I-AQDAS

[Page 32 intentionally blank.]<p33>

                         SUMMARY OF CONTENTS

I.    THE APPOINTMENT OF 'ABDU'L-BAHA AS THE SUCCESSOR OF

      BAHA'U'LLAH AND INTERPRETER OF HIS TEACHINGS
      A. Turn towards Him
      B. Refer to Him

II.   ANTICIPATION OF THE INSTITUTION OF THE GUARDIANSHIP

III.  THE INSTITUTION OF THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

IV.   LAWS, ORDINANCES AND EXHORTATIONS

      A. Prayer
      B. Fasting
      C. Laws of Personal Status
      D. Miscellaneous Laws, Ordinances and Exhortations

V.    SPECIFIC ADMONITIONS, REPROOFS AND WARNINGS

VI.   MISCELLANEOUS SUBJECTS

[Page 34 intentionally blank.]<p35>

                  SYNOPSIS AND CODIFICATION

I. THE APPOINTMENT OF 'ABDU'L-BAHA AS THE SUCCESSOR OF
   BAHA'U'LLAH AND INTERPRETER OF HIS TEACHINGS

  A. The faithful are enjoined to turn their faces towards the

     One " Whom God hath purposed, Who hath branched from this
     Ancient Root."
  B. The faithful are bidden to refer whatsoever they do not

     understand in the Baha'i writings to "Him Who hath.
     branched from this mighty Stock."

II.  ANTICIPATION OF THE INSTITUTION OF GUARDIANSHIP

III. THE INSTITUTION OF THE HOUSE OF JUSTICE

     A. The House of Justice is formally ordained.
     B. Its functions are defined.
     C. Its revenues are fixed.

IV.  LAWS, ORDINANCES AND EXHORTATIONS

     A. Prayer[2]
       (1) The sublime station occupied by the Obligatory
           Prayers in the Baha'i Revelation.
       (2) The Qiblih:[3]
           (a) Identified by the Bab with "the One Whom God
               will make manifest".
           (b) The appointment made by the Bab is confirmed
               by Baha'u'llah.
           (c) Baha'u'llah ordains His resting-place as the
               Qiblih after His passing.
           (d) Turning to the Qiblih is mandatory while reciting
               the Obligatory Prayers.<p36>

       (3) The Obligatory Prayers are binding on men and
           women on attaining the age of maturity, which is
           fixed at 15.

       (4) Exemption from offering the Obligatory Prayers is
           granted to:
           (a) Those who are ill.
           (b) Those who are over 70.
           (c) Women in their courses provided they perform
               their ablutions[4] and repeat a specifically revealed
               verse[5] 95 times a day.

       (5) The Obligatory Prayers should be offered individually.

       (6) The choice of one of the three Obligatory Prayers is
           permissible.[6]

       (7) By "morning", "noon" and "evening", mentioned
           in connection with the Obligatory Prayers, is meant
           respectively the intervals between sunrise[7] and noon,
           between noon and sunset, and from sunset till two
           hours after sunset.

       (8) The recital of the first (long) Obligatory Prayer, once
           in twenty-four hours is sufficient.

           (g) It is preferable to offer the third (short) Obligatory
               Prayer while standing.

      (10) Ablutions:[4]
           (a) Ablutions must precede the recital of the Obligatory Prayers.
           (b) For every Obligatory Prayer fresh ablutions
               must be performed.<p37>

           (c) Should two Obligatory Prayers be offered at
               noon one ablution for both prayers is sufficient.
           (d) If water is unavailable or its use harmful to the
               face or hands, the repetition, five times, of a
               specifically revealed verse[8] is prescribed.
           (e) Should the weather be too cold the use of warm
               water is recommended.
           (f) If ablutions have been performed for other
               purposes, their renewal prior to the recital of the
               Obligatory Prayer is not required.
           (g) Ablutions are essential whether a bath has been
               taken previously or not.

      (11) Determining the times fixed for Prayer:
           (a) Reliance on clocks is permissible in determining
               the times for offering the Obligatory Prayers.
           (b) In countries situated in the extreme north or
               south, where the duration of days and nights
               varies considerably, clocks and timepieces should
               be relied upon, without reference to sunrise or
               sunset.

      (12) In case of danger,[9] whether when travelling or not,
           for every Obligatory Prayer not offered a prostration
           and the recital of a specific verse is enjoined, to be
           followed by the repetition, eighteen times, of another
           specific verse.[10]

       (13) Congregational Prayer[2] is forbidden except the
            Prayer for the Dead.

       (14) The recital, in its entirety, of the Prayer for the Dead[11] is
            prescribed except for those unable to read, who are
            commanded to repeat the six specific passages in that
            Prayer.<p38>

       (15) The Obligatory Prayer to be thrice repeated, three
            times a day, at morn, noon and evening, has been
            superseded by three Obligatory Prayers subsequently
            revealed.[12]

       (16) The Prayer of the Signs has been annulled, and a specifically
            revealed verse substituted for it. The recital of
            this verse is not however obligatory.[13]

       (17) Hair, sable, bones and the like do not nullify one's
            prayer.[14]

    B. Fasting

        (1) The sublime station occupied by fasting in the Baha'i
            Revelation.

       (2) The period of fasting commences with the termination of the
           Intercalary Days, and ends with the Naw-Ruz Festival.[15]

       (3) Abstinence from food and drink,[16] from sunrise to
           sunset, is obligatory.

       (4) Fasting is binding on men and women on attaining
           the age of maturity, which is fixed at 15.

       (5) Exemption from fasting is granted to:
           (a) Travellers
               i.  Provided the journey exceeds 9 hours.
               ii. Those travelling on foot, provided the
                   journey exceeds 2 hours.
              iii. Those who break their journey for less
                   than 19 days.
               iv. Those who break their journey during
                   the Fast at a place where they are to stay
                   19 days are exempt from fasting only for
                   the first three days from their arrival.<p39>

                v. Those who reach home during the Fast
                   must commence fasting from the day of
                   their arrival.

           (b) Those who are ill.
           (c) Those who are over 70.
           (d) Women who are with child.
           (e) Women who are nursing.
           (f) Women in their courses, provided they perform
               their ablutions and repeat a specifically revealed
               verse 95 times a day.[5]
           (g) Those who are engaged in heavy labour, who
               are advised to show respect for the law by using
               discretion and restraint when availing themselves
               of the exemption.

       (6) Vowing to fast (in a month other than the one prescribed
           for fasting) is permissible. Vows which profit
           mankind are however preferable in the sight of God.

    C. Laws of Personal Status

       (1) Marriage:

           (a) Marriage is highly recommended but not obligatory.

           (b) Plurality of wives is forbidden.[17]

           (c) Marriage is conditioned upon both parties having attained
               the age of maturity which is fixed at 15.

           (d) Marriage is conditioned on the consent of both
               parties and their parents, whether the woman be
               a maiden or not.<p40>

           (e) It is incumbent upon both parties to recite a
               specifically revealed verse indicating their being
               content with the will of God.[18]

           (f) Marriage with one's step-mother is forbidden.

           (g) All matters related to marriage with one's kindred are
               to be referred to the House of Justice.

           (h) Marriage with unbelievers is permitted.
           (i) Betrothal:
               i.   The period of engagement must not exceed 95 days.
               ii.  It is unlawful to become engaged to a girl before
                    she reaches the age of maturity.

           (j) The Dowry:
               i.   Marriage is conditioned on payment of a dowry.
               ii.  The dowry is fixed at 19 mithqals[19] of pure gold
                    for city-dwellers, and 19 mithqals of silver for
                    village-dwellers, depending on the permanent residence
                    of the husband, and not of the wife.
               iii. It is forbidden to pay more than 95 mithqals.
               iv.  It is preferable that a man content himself
                    with the payment of 19 mithqals of silver.
               v.   If the full payment of dowry is not possible the
                    issue of a promissory note is permissible.<p41>

           (k) Should either party, following the recital of the
               specifically revealed verse and the payment of
               the dowry, take a dislike to the other, before the
               marriage is consummated, the period of waiting[20] is
               not necessary prior to a divorce. The taking back of
               the dowry, however, is not permitted.

           (l) The husband must fix for his wife the time of his
               return when intending to travel. If, for a legitimate
               reason, he is prevented from returning at
               the appointed time, he must inform her and
               strive to return to her. If he fails to fulfil either
               condition, she must wait 9 months, after which
               she may remarry, though it is preferable for her
               to wait longer. If news of his death or murder
               reaches her, and the news is confirmed by general
               report or by 2 reliable witnesses, she may remarry
               after the lapse of 9 months.

           (m) If the husband departs without informing his
               wife of the date of his return, and is aware of the
               law prescribed in the Kitab-i-Aqdas, the wife may
               remarry after waiting a full year. If the husband
               is unaware of this law, the wife must wait until
               news of her husband reaches her.

           (n) Should the husband, after the payment of the
               dowry, discover that the wife is not a virgin, the
               refund of the dowry and of the expenses incurred
               may be demanded.

           (o) If the marriage has been conditioned on virginity
               the refund of the dowry and of the expenses
               incurred may be demanded and the marriage invalidated.<p42>

               To conceal the matter, however, is highly meritorious
               in the sight of God.

       (2) Divorce:

           (a) Divorce is strongly condemned.

           (b) If antipathy or resentment develop on the part of
               either the husband or the wife, divorce is permissible,
               only after the lapse of one full year. The
               beginning and end of the year of waiting must be
               testified by two or more witnesses. The act of
               divorce should be registered by the judicial
               officer representing the House of Justice. Intercourse
               during this period of waiting is forbidden
               and whoever breaks this law must repent and
               pay the House of Justice 19 mithqals[19] of gold.

           (c) A further period of waiting after divorce has
               taken place is not required.

           (d) The wife who is to be divorced as a result of her
               unfaithfulness forfeits the payment of the expenses
               during the waiting period.

           (e) Remarrying the wife whom one has divorced is
               permissible, provided she has not married another person.
              If she has, she must be divorced before her former husband
              can remarry her.

           (f) If at any time during the waiting period affection
               should recur, the marriage tie is valid. If this
               reconciliation is followed by estrangement and
               divorce is again desired, a new year of waiting
               will have to be commenced.

           (g) Should differences arise between husband and
               wife while travelling, he is required to send her
               home, or entrust her to a dependable person, who<p43>

               will escort her there, paying her journey and her
               full year's expenses.

           (h) Should a wife insist on divorcing her husband
               rather than migrate to another country, the year
               of waiting is to be counted from the time they
               separate, either while he is preparing to leave, or
               upon his departure.

           (i) The Islamic Law regarding remarriage with the
               wife whom one has previously divorced is abrogated.[21]

       (3) Inheritance:[1]

  [1] The method of dividing the estate is to be applied in cases of
    intestacy. See item (o) in this section and note 25.

           (a) Inheritance falls into the following categories:

               (1) children        1,080 out of 2,520 shares
               (2) husband or wife   390    "   2,520   "
               (3) father            330    "   2,520   "
               (4) mother            270    "   2,520   "
               (5) brother           210    "   2,520   "
               (6) sister            150    "   2,520   "
               (7) teacher[22]        90    "   2,520   "

           (b) The share of the children, as allotted by the Bab is
               doubled by Baha'u'llah, and an equal portion
               correspondingly reduced from each of the remaining
               beneficiaries.

           (c) i.     In cases where there is no issue the share
                      of the children reverts to the House of
                      Justice to be expended on orphans and
                      widows and for whatever will profit
                      mankind.<p44>

               ii.    If the son of the deceased be dead and
                      leave issue, these will inherit the share of
                      their father. If the daughter of the deceased
                      be dead and leave issue, her share will have
                      to be divided into the seven categories specified
                      in the Most Holy Book.

           (d) Should one leave offspring but either part or all of
               the other categories of inheritors be nonexistent,
               two thirds of their shares reverts to the offspring
               and one third to the House of Justice.

           (e) Should none of the specified beneficiaries exist
               two thirds of the inheritance reverts to the nephews
               and nieces of the deceased. If these do not exist
               the same share reverts to the aunts and
               uncles; lacking these to their sons and daughters.
               In any case the remaining third reverts to the
               House of Justice.

           (f) Should one leave none of the aforementioned
               heirs, the entire inheritance reverts to the House
               of Justice.

           (g) The residence and the personal clothing of the
               deceased father pass to the male not to the female
               offspring.[23] If there be several residences the
               principal and most important one passes to the
               male offspring. The remaining residences will
               together with the other possessions of the deceased
               have to be divided among the heirs. If there be
               no male offspring two thirds of the
               principal residence and the personal clothing of
               the deceased father will revert to the female
               issue and one third to the House of Justice. In the<p45>

               case of the deceased mother all her used clothing
               is to be equally divided amongst her daughters.
               Her unworn clothing, jewels and property must
               be divided among her heirs, as well as her used
               clothing if she leaves no daughter.

           (h) Should the children of the deceased be minors
               their share should either be entrusted to a reliable
               person or to a company for purposes of investment,
               until they attain the age of maturity. A
               share of the interest accrued should be assigned
               to the trustee.

           (i) The inheritance should not be divided until
               after the payment of the Huququ'llah[24] (The
               Right of God), of any debts contracted by the
               deceased and of any expenses incurred for a befitting
               funeral and burial.

           (j) If the brother of the deceased is from the same
               father he will inherit his full allotted share. If he
               is from another father he will inherit only two
               thirds of his share, the remaining one third reverting
               to the House of Justice. The same law is
               applicable to the sister of the deceased.

           (k) In case there are full brothers or full sisters,
               brothers and sisters from the mother's side do not
               inherit.

         (l) A non-Baha'i teacher does not inherit. If there
             should be more than one teacher the share allotted
             to the teacher is to be equally divided among
             them.

           (m) Non-Baha'i heirs do not inherit.[25]

           (n) Aside from the wife's used clothing and gifts of
               jewellery or otherwise which have been proven<p46>
               to have been given her by her husband, whatever
               the husband has purchased for his wife are to be
               considered as the husband's possessions to be
               divided among his heirs.
           (o) Any person is at liberty to will his possessions as
               he sees fit provided he makes provisions for the
               payment of Huququ'llah and the discharge of his
               debts.

    D. Miscellaneous Laws, Ordinances and Exhortations

       (I) Miscellaneous Laws and Ordinances:

           (a) Pilgrimage[26]
           (b) Huququ'llah[24]
           (c) Endowments
           (d) The Mashriqu'l-Adhkar[27]
           (e) Duration of the Baha'i Dispensation[28]
           (f) Baha'i Festivals[29]
           (g) The Nineteen Day Feast
           (h) The Baha'i Year
           (i) The Intercalary Days
           (j) The age of maturity
           (k) Burial of the dead[30]
           (l) Engaging in a trade or profession is made obligatory
               and is exalted to the rank of worship
           (m) Obedience to government
           (n) Education of children
           (o) The writing of a testament
           (p) Tithes[32]
           (q) Repetition of the Greatest Name 95 times a day[33]
           (r) The hunting of animals[34]<p47>

           (s) Treatment of female servants[35]
           (t) The finding of lost property[36]
           (u) Disposition of treasure trove
           (v) Disposal of objects held in trust[37]
           (w) Manslaughter[38]
           (x) Definition of just witnesses[39]
           (y) Prohibitions:
               i.      Interpretation of the Holy Writ
               ii.     Slave trading
               iii.    Asceticism
               iv.     Monasticism
               v.      Mendicancy[40]
               vi.     Priesthood
               vii.    Use of pulpits
               viii.   The kissing of hands
               ix.     Confession of sins[41]
               x.      Plurality of wives[17]
               xi.     Intoxicating drinks
               xii.    Opium
               xiii.   Gambling
               xiv.    Arson[42]
               xv.     Adultery[42]
               xvi.    Murder[42]
               xvii.   Theft[42]
               xviii.  Homosexuality[43]
               xix.    Congregational prayer, except for the
                       dead[2]
               xx.     Cruelty to animals
               xxi.    Idleness and sloth
               xxii.   Backbiting
               xxiii.  Calumny
               xxiv.   Carrying arms unless essential<p48>

               xxv.    Use of public pools in Persian baths[44]
               xxvi.   Entering a house without the owner's
                       permission
               xxvii.  Striking or wounding a person
               xxviii. Contention and conflict
               xxix.   Muttering sacred verses in the street
               xxx.    Plunging one's hand in food[45]
               xxxi.   Shaving one's head
               xxxii.  Growth of men's hair beyond the lobe of
                       the ear

       (2) Abrogation of specific laws and ordinances of previous
           Dispensations, which prescribed:

           (a) Destruction of books
           (b) Prohibition of the wearing of silk
           (c) Prohibition of the use of gold and silver utensils
           (d) Limitation of travel
           (e) Offering priceless gifts to the Founder of the
               Faith
           (f) Prohibition on questioning the Founder of the
               Faith
           (g) Prohibition against remarrying one's divorced
               wife[21].
           (h) Penalizing whoever causes sadness to his neighbour
           (i) Prohibition of music
           (j) Limitations upon one's apparel and beard
           (k) Uncleanliness of divers objects and peoples[46]
           (l) Uncleanliness of semen
           (m) Uncleanliness of certain objects for purposes of
               prostration<p49>

       (3) Miscellaneous Exhortations:

           (a) To associate with the followers of all religions
               with fellowship
           (b) To honour one's parents
           (c) Not to wish for others what one does not wish
               for one's self
           (d) To teach and propagate the Faith after the ascension
               of its Founder
           (e) To assist those who arise to promote the Faith
           (f) Not to depart from the Writings or to be misled
               by those who do
           (g) To refer to the Holy Writ when differences
               arise
           (h) To immerse one's self in the study of the Teachings
           (i) Not to follow one's idle fancies and vain imaginations
           (j) To recite the holy verses at morn and at eventide
           (k) To recite the holy verses melodiously
           (l) To teach one's children to chant the holy verses
               in the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar
           (m) To study such arts and sciences as benefit mankind
           (n) To take counsel together
           (o) Not to be indulgent in carrying out the statutes
               of God
           (p) To repent to God of one's sins
           (q) To distinguish one's self through good deeds
               i.      To be truthful
               ii.     To be trustworthy<p50>

               iii.    To be faithful
               iv.     To be righteous and fear God
               v.      To be just and fair
               vi.     To be tactful and wise
               vii.    To be courteous
               viii.   To be hospitable
               ix.     To be persevering
               x.      To be detached
               xi.     To be absolutely submissive to the Will of God
               xii.    Not to stir up mischief
               xiii.   Not to be hypocritical
               xiv.    Not to be proud
               xv.     Not to be fanatical
               xvi.    Not to prefer one's self to one's neighbour
               xvii.   Not to contend with one's neighbour
               xviii.  Not to indulge one's passions
               xix.    Not to lament in adversity
               xx.     Not to contend with those in authority
               xxi.    Not to lose one's temper
               xxii.   Not to anger one's neighbour

           (r) To be closely united
           (s) To consult competent physicians when ill
           (t) To respond to invitations
           (u) To show kindness to the kindred of the Founder
               of the Faith[47]
           (v) To study languages for the furtherance of the Faith
           (w) To further the development of cities and countries
               for the glorification of the Faith<p51>

           (x) To restore and preserve the sites associated with
               the Founders of the Faith
           (y) To be the essence of cleanliness:
               i.      To wash one's feet
               ii.     To perfume one's self
               iii.    To bathe in clean water
               iv.     To cut one's nails
               v.      To wash soiled things in clean water
               vi.     To be stainless in one's dress
               vii.    To renew the furnishings of one's house[48]

V.  SPECIFIC ADMONITIONS, REPROOFS AND WARNINGS
    Addressed to:

    1. The entire human race
    2. Crowned heads of the world[49]
    3. The concourse of ecclesiastics[50]
    4. The Rulers of America and Presidents of the Republics therein[51]
    5. William I, King of Prussia[52]
    6. Francis Joseph, Emperor of Austria[53]
    7. The people of the Bayan
    8. Members of parliaments throughout the world

VI. MISCELLANEOUS SUBJECTS

    1. The transcendent character of the Baha'i Revelation
    2. The exalted station of the Author of the Faith
    3. The supreme importance of the Kitab-i-Aqdas, "The

       Most Holy Book"
    4. The doctrine of the "Most Great Infallibility"[54]
    5. The twin duties of recognition of the Manifestation

       and observance of His Laws, and their inseparability[55]<p52>

    6. The end of all learning is the recognition of Him Who

       is the Object of all knowledge[56]
    7. The blessedness of those who have recognized the

       fundamental verity "He shall not be asked of His
       doings"[57]
    8. The revolutionizing effect of the "Most Great

       Order"[58]
    9. The selection of a single language and the adoption of

       a common script for all on earth to use: one of two
       signs of the maturity of the human race[59]
   10. Prophecies of the Bab regarding "He Whom God

       will make manifest"
   11. Prediction relating to opposition to the Faith
   12. Eulogy of the king who will profess the Faith and

       arise to serve it[60]
   13. The instability of human affairs[61]
   14. The meaning of true liberty[62]
   15. The merit of all deeds is dependent upon God's acceptance
   16. The importance of love for God as the motive of

       obedience to His Laws[63]
   17. The importance of utilizing material means
   18. Eulogy of the learned among the people of Baha[64]
   19. Assurance of forgiveness to Mirza Yahya should he

       repent[65]
   20. Apostrophe addressed to Tihran[66]
   21. Apostrophe addressed to Constantinople and its

       people[67]
   22. Apostrophe addressed to the "banks of the Rhine"[68]<p53>

   23. Condemnation of those who lay false claim to esoteric

       knowledge
   24. Condemnation of those who allow pride in their

       learning to debar them from God
   25. Prophecies relating to Khurasan[69]
   26. Prophecies relating to Kirman[70]
   27. Allusion to Shaykh Ahmad-i-Ahsa'i[71]
   28. Allusion to the Sifter of Wheat[72]
   29. Condemnation of Haji Muhammad-Karim Khan[73]
   30. Condemnation of Shaykh Muhammad-Hasan[74]
   31. Allusion to Napoleon III[75]
   32. Allusion to Siyyid-i-Muhammad-i-Isfahani[76]
   33. Assurance of aid to all those who arise to serve the

       Faith[77]

[Page 54 intentionally blank.]<p55>

	NOTES AND REFERENCES

	At the end of each note, in brackets, is given the
	number of the page of the Synopsis and Codification
	to which reference is made.

[Page 56 intentionally blank.]<p57>

	NOTES AND REFERENCES

1. In the Kitab-i-Aqdas Baha'u'llah ordains both the Universal
   House of Justice and the Local Houses of Justice. In many of
   His laws He refers simply to "the House of Justice" leaving
   open for later decision which level or levels of the whole
   institution each law would apply to. (p. 35)

2. Congregational prayer, in the sense of formal prayer which is
   to be recited in accordance with a prescribed ritual, is forbidden
   in the Baha'i Faith, with the exception of the Prayer for the Dead
   (see note II). Thus the three Daily Obligatory Prayers are to
   be recited privately, not in congregation. There is no prescribed
   way for the recital of the many other Baha'i prayers,
   and the friends are free to use them in gatherings or individually
   as they please, "But," as the Guardian explains, "although the
   friends are thus left free to follow their own inclination, . . .
   they should take the utmost care that any manner they practise
   should not acquire too rigid a character, and thus develop into
   an institution. This is a point which the friends should always
   bear in mind, lest they deviate from the clear path indicated in
   the Teachings." (pp. 35, 37, 47)

3. The Qiblih: the Point of Adoration, i.e. Bahji, 'Akka. (p. 35)

4. Ablutions: washing the hands and face in preparation for
   prayer. (pp. 36, 37)
5. The specifically revealed verse, which is to be repeated 95
   times a day between one noon and the next, is "Glorified be
   God, the Lord of Splendour and Beauty." (pp. 36, 39)

6. These three Obligatory Prayers are published in Prayers and
   Meditations of Baha'u'llah, Nos. CLXXXI, CLXXXII and
   CLXXXIII. (p. 36)<p58>

7. 'Abdu'l-Baha has stated that when saying the morning Obligatory Prayer
   it is permissible to do so as early as dawn. (p. 36)

8. The specifically revealed verse to be recited five times under
   certain circumstances in place of ablutions is: "In the Name of
   God, the Most Pure, the Most Pure." (p. 37)

9. "Danger" here refers to a condition of insecurity which makes

     the saying of the Obligatory Prayers impossible. When asked
     whether this provision meant that obligatory prayer was to be
     completely suspended during travel, Baha'u'llah replied that
     this referred only to insecurity, and that if one could find a
     secure place in which to say the prayer one should do so. (p . 37)

10. In place of every Obligatory Prayer that has been missed the
    believer is to kneel and, bowing his forehead to the ground,
    say "Glorified be God, the Lord of Might and Majesty, of Grace and
    Bounty", or only "Glorified be God". After the requisite number
    of prostrations he is to sit cross-legged and repeat eighteen
    times "Glorified be God, the Lord of the kingdoms of earth and
    heaven." (p. 37)

11. The Prayer for the Dead is published in Prayers and Meditations of

     Baha'u'llah, No. CLXVII. It is the only Baha'i obligatory
     prayer which is to be recited in congregation; it is to be recited
     by one believer while all present stand. There is no requirement
     to face the Qiblih when reciting this prayer. (p. 37)

12. The original Obligatory Prayer referred to had been revealed
    separately from the Kitab-i-Aqdas. The three Obligatory
    Prayers which superseded it are those which are now in use.
    Shortly after the Ascension of Baha'u'llah, the text of the superseded
    prayer was stolen by the Covenant-breakers. (p. 38)

13. In Islam a special prayer was ordained to be said in times of
    natural phenomena which cause fear, such as earthquakes.
    This has been annulled, and in its place a Baha'i may say
    "Dominion is God's, the Lord of the seen and the unseen, the Lord
    of creation". (p. 38)

14. Baha'u'llah states that hair, sable, bones and the like do not
    nullify one's prayer, and points out that the belief that they did
    so was evolved by the 'ulama (Muslim religious leaders) and
    was not a teaching of the Qur'an. (p. 38)

15. As the Bab did not specifically define the place for the Intercalary
    Days in the calendar, the Babis were at a loss as to how
    they should regard them. The Kitab-i-Aqdas resolved this
    problem. For further details see the section on the Baha'i
    calendar in any volume of The Baha'i World. (p. 38)

16. In one of His Tablets 'Abdu'l-Baha, after stating that fasting
    consists of abstinence from food and drink, categorically says
    that smoking is a form of "drink". (In Arabic the verb "drink"
    applies equally to smoking.) (p. 38)

17. The text of the Kitab-i-Aqdas upholds monogamy, but as it
    appears also to permit bigamy, the Guardian was asked for a
    clarification, and in reply his secretary wrote on his behalf:
    "Regarding Baha'; marriage; in the light of the Master's
    Tablet interpreting the provision in the Aqdas on the subject of
    the plurality of wives, it becomes evident that monogamy
    alone is permissible, since, as 'Abdu'l-Baha states, bigamy is
    conditioned upon justice, and as justice is impossible, it follows
    that bigamy is not permissible, and monogamy alone should
    be practised." (pp. 39, 47)

18. The specifically revealed verse is "We will all, verily, abide
    by the Will of God." (p. 40)

19. A mithqal is a weight designated by the Bab and is equivalent
    to a little over 3 1/2 grammes. (pp. 40, 42)

20. See section IV.C.(2)(b) on page 42 for the definition of the
    period of waiting. (p. 41)<p60>

21. This refers to a law of Islam which decreed that under certain
    conditions a man could not remarry his divorced wife unless
    she had married and been divorced by another man. This provision
    has been abolished by the Aqdas. (pp. 43, 48)

22. When asked by an individual believer whether the term
    "teacher", referred to as one of the heirs, meant a specific
    individual teacher or teachers, or whether the term could be
    applied generally, i.e. to education and learning, the Guardian
    replied that the manner in which the law will be applied in this
    respect will be determined by the Universal House of Justice.
    (p. 43)

23. It has been explained by 'Abdu'l-Baha that the residence and
    personal clothing of the deceased father go to the eldest son, or
    if he has predeceased his father, to the second son, and so on.
    (p. 44)

24. Huququ'llah (The Right of God). If a person has possessions
    equal in value to at least 19 mithqals in gold, it is a spiritual
    obligation for him to pay 19% of the total amount, once only,
    as Huququ'llah. Certain categories of possessions, such as one's
    residence, are exempt from this. Thereafter, whenever his income,
    after all expenses have been paid, increases the value
    of his possessions by the amount of at least 19 mithqals of gold,
    he is to pay 19% of this increase, and so on for each further
    increase. (pp. 45, 46)

25. In a letter to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of
    India the Guardian's secretary wrote on his behalf: "Although
    in the Questions and Answers Baha'u'llah has specifically stated
    that non-Baha'is have no right to inherit from their Baha'i
    parents or relatives, yet this restriction applies only to such
    cases when a Baha'i dies without leaving a will and when,
    therefore, his property will have tO be divided in accordance<p61>

    with the rules set forth in the Aqdas. Otherwise, a Baha'i is free
    to bequeath his property to any person, irrespective of religion,
    provided however, he leaves a will, specifying his wishes. As
    you see therefore it is always possible for a Baha'i to provide
    for his non-Baha'i wife, children or relatives by leaving a will.
    And it is only fair that he should do so." (p. 45)

26. In the Kitab-i-Aqdas Baha'u'llah specifically ordains pilgrimage
    to the Most Great House in Baghdad and to the House of the
    Bab in Shiraz. Details concerning these pilgrimages are given
    in other Tablets. In a Tablet to an individual believer 'Abdu'l-Baha
    commented on the general subject of visits to holy places:
    "You have asked about visiting holy places and the observance
    of marked reverence toward these resplendent spots. Holy
    places are undoubtedly centres of the outpouring of Divine grace,
    because on entering the illumined sites associated with martyrs and
    holy souls, and by observing reverence, both physical and spiritual,
    one's heart is moved with great tenderness. But there is no obligation
    for everyone to visit such places, other than the three, namely: the
    Most Holy Shrine, the Blessed House in Baghdad and the venerated
    House of the Bab in Shiraz. To visit these is obligatory if one can
    afford it and is able to do so, and if no obstacle stands in one's way.
    Details are given in the Tablets. These three Holy Places are consecrated
    to pilgrimage. But as to the other resting places of martyrs
    and holy souls, it is pleasing and acceptable in the sight of God if a
    person desires to draw nigh unto Him by visiting them; this, however,
    is not a binding obligation." (p. 46)

27. The Mashriqu'l-Adhkar (The Dawning-Place of the Praise of
    God) comprises a central House of Worship and, clustered
    around it, a number of dependencies which, in the words of
    Shoghi Effendi, "shall afford relief to the suffering, sustenance
    to the poor, shelter to the wayfarer, solace to the bereaved, and
    education to the ignorant." Within the central edifice there<p62>

    shall be read, chanted or sung only the words of the Sacred
    Scriptures of the revealed religions, or hymns based upon those
    words. "Blessed is he", wrote Baha'u'llah in the Kitab-i-Aqdas,
    "who directeth his steps towards the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar at the hour
    of dawn, communing with Him, attuned to His remembrance, imploring His
    forgiveness. And having entered therein, let him sit in
    silence to hearken to the verses of God, the Sovereign, the Almighty,
    the All-Praised." (p. 46)

28. Concerning the duration of the Baha'i Dispensation see the
    quotation No. 6 on page 14. (p. 46)

29. In the Kitab-i-Aqdas Baha'u'llah establishes the festivals of
    Ridvan (on the first, ninth and twelfth days of which work is to
    be suspended), the Declaration of the Bab, the Birthday of the
    Bab, the Birthday of Baha'u'llah, and Naw-Ruz. In the days
    of Baha'u'llah the Martyrdom of the Bab was also commemorated
    and 'Abdu'l-Baha added the observance of the Ascension
    of Baha'u'llah as a corollary to these Holy Days, making nine
    in all. In addition to these nine days, the Day of the Covenant
    and the Anniversary of the Passing of 'Abdu'l-Baha are commemorated,
    but work is not suspended on these two days. See
    also the section on the Baha'i calendar in any volume of The
    Baha'i World. (p. 46)

30. Briefly the law for the burial of the dead states that it is forbidden
    to carry the body for more than one hour's journey from
    the place of death; that the body should be wrapped in a
    shroud of silk or cotton, and on its finger should be placed a
    ring bearing the inscription "I came forth from God, and return
    unto Him, detached from all save Him, holding fast to His Name, the
    Merciful, the Compassionate"; and that the coffin should be of
    crystal, stone or hard fine wood. A specific Prayer for the Dead
    is ordained, to be said before interment (see note II). It has been
    explained by 'Abdu'l-Baha and the Guardian that this law<p63>

    prohibits cremation of the dead. The formal prayer and the
    ring are meant to be used for those who have attained the age
    of maturity. (p. 46)

31. If a person is unable to earn his own living it is incumbent upon

     the House of Justice and the wealthy to provide for him. (p. 46)

32. In respect to tithes Baha'u'llah has ordained that what is
    prescribed in the Qur'an should be followed. In general the law
    imposes an obligation to give a portion of one's assets for the
    relief of the poor, for various other charitable purposes, and to
    aid the Faith of God. The details of the application of this law
    are left to the Universal House of Justice to decide in future,.
    and the Guardian has stated that in the meantime the believers
    may contribute regularly and according to their means to the
    Baha'i Fund. (p. 46)

33. The believer should perform his ablutions (see note 4), seat
    himself, and then repeat "Allah-u-Abha" ninety-five times.
    (p. 46)

34. Baha'u'llah warns against hunting to excess and prescribes
    laws prohibiting the eating of game if it is found dead in a trap
    or net. (p. 46)

35. Baha'u'llah states that a man may employ a maiden for domestic
    service. This was not permissible under Shi'ih Muslim
    practice unless the employer married her. (p. 47)

36. Concerns the ruling laid down to trace the owner of lost

     property. (p. 47)

37. Refers to the exchange of property held in trust in order to

     protect the owner against loss. (p. 47)

38. Deals with the question of compensation in case a person kills

     another without intention to do so. (p. 47)

39. When something is to be proved on the testimony of two just
    witnesses, the criterion for determining the justice of a witness
    is his reputation, irrespective of whether he is a Baha'i. (p. 47)<p64>

40. Baha'u'llah forbids both begging and giving to beggars, but
    exhorts the wealthy and the House of Justice to help the needy,
    and referring to the House of Justice He says, "Verily have We
    made it a shelter for the poor and needy." (cf. note 31). (p. 47)

41. Baha'u'llah prohibits confession to, and seeking absolution of
    one's sins from, a human being, and enjoins the sinner, when
    alone, to repent before God, for it is He Who forgives. In this
    connection the Guardian's secretary wrote on his behalf to an
    individual believer: "We are forbidden to confess to any
    person, as do the Catholics to their priests, our sins and
    shortcomings, or to do so in public, as some religious sects do.
    However, if we spontaneously desire to acknowledge we have been
    wrong in something, or that we have some fault of character,
    and ask another person's forgiveness or pardon, we are quite
    free to do so." (p. 47)

42. Punishments for arson, adultery, murder and theft are specified
    in the Aqdas, but they are intended for a future condition of
    society, when they will be supplemented and applied by the
    Universal House of Justice. (p. 47)

43. In a letter to an individual believer, the Guardian's secretary
    wrote on his behalf: "No matter how devoted and fine the
    love may be between people of the same sex, to let it find expression
    in sexual acts is wrong. Immorality of every sort is
    really forbidden by Baha'u'llah, and homosexual relationships
    He looks upon as such, besides being against nature." (p. 47)

44. In Persian public baths it was formerly the custom for everyone
    to wash in the same water. (p. 48)

45. The prohibition against plunging one's hand in food refers to
    the manner of eating. (p. 48)

46. See God Passes By page 154. (p. 48)

47. In the Kitab-i-Aqdas Baha'u'llah writes that the injunction to<p65>

    show kindness to His Family does not give them a share in the
    properties of men. (p. 50)

48. Baha'u'llah states that the law requiring the renewal of the
    furnishings of one's house after nineteen years applies only if
    one is able to do so. 'Abdu'l-Baha has explained that the purpose
    of the law is that one should change those furnishings
    that become old, lose their lustre and provoke repugnance. It
    does not apply to such things as scarce or treasured articles,
    antiques or jewelry. (p. 51)

49. See page 17, No. 13 (p. 51)

50. See page 22, No. 14, and page 26, No. 19. (p. 51)

51. See page 20, No. 13 . (p. 51)

52. See page 20, No. 13. (p. 51)

53. See page 19, No. 13. (p. 51)

54. See Some Answered Questions Chapter XLV and God Passes By
    page 214. (p. 51)

55. See page II, No. I. (p. 51)

56. See page 23, No. 14. (p. 52)

57. See page 25, No. 18. (p. 52)

58. See page 27, No. 21. (p. 52)

59. See God Passes By page 211. The other sign of maturity is cited
    in The Promised Day Is Come page 72. (p. 52)

60. See page 19, No. 13. (p. 52)

61. See page 15, No. 6. (p. 52)

62. See page 24, No. 16. (p. 52)

63. See page 12, No. I. (p. 52)

64. See page 27, No. 20. (p. 52)

65 . See God Passes By page 215. (p. 52)

66. See page 21, No. 13. (p. 52)<p66>

67. See page 21, No. 13. (p. 52)

68. See page 21, No. 13. (p. 52)

69. See God Passes By page 215. (p. 53)

70. See God Passes By page 215. (p. 53)

71. See The Dawn-Breakers Chapter I, and page 201 (B.P.T.
    Wilmette, 1962). (p. 53)

72. Mulla Muhammad Ja'far-i-Isfahani. See The Dawn-Breakers
    page 99. (p. 53)

73. See the Kitab-i-Iqan pages 184-191 (B.P.T. Wilmette editions).
    (p. 53)

74. Shaykh Muhammad-Hasan-i-Najafi, one of the leading Shi'ih
    ecclesiastics, who rejected the Bab. (p. 53)

75. See page 20, No. 13. (p. 53)

76. See God Passes By pages 164-169. (p. 53)

77. See page 16, No. 10. (p. 53)
-- Synopsis and Codification of the Kitab-i-Aqdas