August 7. On this date in 1985, the Universal House of Justice wrote a letter "addressed primarily to those National Spiritual Assemblies whose communities include large numbers of materially poor people" emphasizing the "profound aspect to the relationship between a believer and the Fund" noting that "Giving to the Fund, therefore, is a spiritual privilege not open to those who have not accepted Bahá’u’lláh, of which no believer should deny himself. It is both a responsibility and a source of bounty. This is an aspect of the Cause which, we feel, is an essential part of the basic teaching and deepening of new believers. The importance of contributing resides in the degree of sacrifice of the giver, the spirit of devotion with which the contribution is made and the unity of the friends in this service; these attract the confirmations of God and enhance the dignity and self-respect of the individuals and the community."

August 7. On this date in 1985, the Universal House of Justice wrote a letter "addressed primarily to those National Spiritual Assemblies whose communities include large numbers of materially poor people" emphasizing the "profound aspect to the relationship between a believer and the Fund" noting that "Giving to the Fund, therefore, is a spiritual privilege not open to those who have not accepted Bahá’u’lláh, of which no believer should deny himself. It is both a responsibility and a source of bounty. This is an aspect of the Cause which, we feel, is an essential part of the basic teaching and deepening of new believers. The importance of contributing resides in the degree of sacrifice of the giver, the spirit of devotion with which the contribution is made and the unity of the friends in this service; these attract the confirmations of God and enhance the dignity and self-respect of the individuals and the community."

August 7. On this date in 1985, the Universal House of Justice wrote all National Spiritual Assemblies regarding the development of local and national Bahá’í funds stating "Giving to the Fund, therefore, is a spiritual privilege" and quoting Shoghi Effendi's words that "All, no matter how modest their resources, must participate."

The Universal House of Justice

7 August 1985

To National Spiritual Assemblies

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

This letter and the annexed memorandum of comments are addressed primarily to those National Spiritual Assemblies whose communities include large numbers of materially poor people but inasmuch as the principles expressed, as distinct from some of the procedures suggested, are of universal application, they are being sent to all National Assemblies.

There is a profound aspect to the relationship between a believer and the Fund, which holds true irrespective of his or her economic condition. When a human soul accepts Bahá’u’lláh as the Manifestation of God for this age and enters into the divine Covenant, that soul should progressively bring his or her whole life into harmony with the divine purpose—he becomes a co-worker in the Cause of God and receives the bounty of being permitted to devote his material possessions, no matter how meager, to the work of the Faith.

Giving to the Fund, therefore, is a spiritual privilege not open to those who have not accepted Bahá’u’lláh, of which no believer should deny himself. It is both a responsibility and a source of bounty. This is an aspect of the Cause which, we feel, is an essential part of the basic teaching and deepening of new believers. The importance of contributing resides in the degree of sacrifice of the giver, the spirit of devotion with which the contribution is made and the unity of the friends in this service; these attract the confirmations of God and enhance the dignity and self-respect of the individuals and the community.

To reemphasize the spiritual significance of contributing to the Faith by all members of the Bahá’í community, we quote the following extract from a letter of the Guardian to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Central and East Africa dated 8 August 1957:

All, no matter how modest their resources, must participate. Upon the degree of self-sacrifice involved in these individual contributions will directly depend the efficacy and the spiritual influence which these nascent administrative institutions, called into being through the power of Bahá’u’lláh, and by virtue of the Design conceived by the Center of His Covenant, will exert. A sustained and strenuous effort must henceforth be made by the rank and file of the avowed upholders of the Faith …

We assure you of our prayers at the Sacred Threshold for your guidance and confirmation as you labor to develop this aspect of Bahá’í life in your communities.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

[signed: The Universal House of Justice]

Development of the Local and National Funds of the Faith Some Comments and Suggestions

While the friends have the sacred obligation and privilege to contribute to the Fund, each Local and National Assembly also has the inescapable duty of educating itself and the believers in the spiritual principles related to Bahá’í contributions, to devise simple methods to facilitate the flow and receipt of contributions, and to formulate effective procedures to ensure the wise expenditure of the funds of the Faith. The following comments and suggestions have been compiled at the request of the Universal House of Justice and are being shared with National Spiritual Assemblies to assist them in these important tasks.

A primary requisite for all who have responsibility for the care of the funds of the Faith is trustworthiness. This, as Bahá’u’lláh has stressed, is one of the most basic and vital of all human virtues, and its exercise has a direct and profound influence on the willingness of the believers to contribute to the Fund.

Conditions vary from country to country and, therefore, in educating the believers and developing the Fund, each National Spiritual Assembly needs to tailor its actions to the conditions of its area of jurisdiction.

In many parts of the world gifts of produce and handicrafts may be a large potential source of regular donations and could well be encouraged, proper arrangements being made for their collection and sale and the disposition of the proceeds.

Pledges can be useful as a means of encouraging contributions and of bringing the financial needs of the Cause to the attention of the friends. This method can be particularly helpful in a situation where a Spiritual Assembly has a major task to perform, such as the building of a Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds or the establishment of a tutorial school, and needs to have some idea in advance of whether the funds for the project will be available. However, it would be entirely contrary to Bahá’í principles to bring any pressure to bear when calling for pledges or when endeavoring to collect them. Once a pledge has been given it is permissible to remind the donor, privately, of his expressed intention to contribute and to inquire courteously if it would be possible for him to honor his pledge, but Assemblies must be aware that such pledges are not an obligation in any legal sense; their redemption is entirely a matter of conscience. Lists of those making pledges must not be publicized.

The beloved Guardian has explained that the general and national interests of the Cause take precedence over local ones; thus contributions to local funds are secondary to those to national funds. However, the stability of the National Assembly rests on the firmness of the Local Spiritual Assemblies, and in the matter of educating the friends in the importance of the Fund, it is often most practical and efficacious to concentrate at first on the development of the local funds and the efficient operation of the Local Spiritual Assemblies. Then, once the friends understand the principle and learn from experience at a local level, they will the more easily understand the importance of the national fund and the work of the National Spiritual Assembly.

Regarding the local funds, it is suggested that until such time as the friends have developed the habit of contributing regularly and freely, any Local Spiritual Assembly which has a large community might appoint a small committee to assist the local treasurer in the discharge of his responsibilities. Such committees could be appointed after consultation with the Auxiliary Board member or assistant for the area. Great care must be taken in the appointment of the members of the committees; they must be both trustworthy and conscientious and must be imbued with awareness of the importance of maintaining the confidentiality of contributions to the funds. It is envisaged that these Treasury Committees would serve a number of functions:

*To render general assistance to the treasurer, as needed; for example, members of the committee could assist with issuing receipts or keeping accounts.

*To arrange for inspirational talks and discussions at Nineteen Day Feasts or at specially called meetings for the education of the friends in the spiritual and practical importance of contributing to the funds.

*To receive donations of money on behalf of the local treasurer and transmit these to him.

*To receive gifts of produce and handicrafts. The committee would be responsible for arranging for their sale and for handing over the proceeds to the local treasurer.

*To receive from the friends written pledges of their hope or intention of making a contribution to the local or national funds, whether in cash or in kind, and to assist in collecting them.

As to the national fund, in those areas where there are problems as a result of lack of banking facilities, unreliable mail systems and general difficulties of communication, it would be desirable for the National Spiritual Assembly to appoint a national committee to assist the national treasurer in a manner similar to that outlined above for Local Spiritual Assemblies. Further, it may even be necessary to subsidize, from the national fund, one or more trusted individuals, depending on the size of the national community, who would travel to rural areas to meet with the local Treasury Committees, assist them in the execution of their functions, explain the needs of the national fund, collect the donations to the national fund from the local areas and transmit them to the national treasurer.

In considering the above suggestions and their applicability to its national community, each National Assembly should also bear in mind the following points:

*It may find it valuable to study the methods being used already in those rural areas where notable success has been achieved in bringing about participation in sacrifice and giving.

*Voluntary service for the Faith could also be stressed. It has an effect on the Fund by reducing the cost of carrying out the work of the Faith, and should be undertaken with joy by the friends.

*It can be useful and helpful for both National and Local Spiritual Assemblies to make plans for financial self-sufficiency, set goals for levels of contributions, and share the news of progress towards such goals.

*Assemblies should take the members of their communities into their confidence and regularly inform them of the uses to which the Fund is put and the projects for which money is needed. 

August 6. On this date in 1996, the Universal House of Justice wrote Bahá’ís about the financial needs of training institutes.

August 6. On this date in 1996, the Universal House of Justice wrote Bahá’ís about the financial needs of training institutes.

The Universal House of Justice

6 August 1996

To the Bahá’ís of the World

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

We are greatly heartened by the news reaching us of the enthusiastic response of the friends to the Four Year Plan. Particularly encouraging are the efforts of National Spiritual Assemblies everywhere to establish training institutes and to systematically address the development of human resources. The number of national and regional institutes is rapidly increasing, and indications are that there may be more than one hundred operating in the world by the close of the first year of the Plan. We cherish the hope that from each of these centers of learning will issue forth ever-growing contingents of believers capable of carrying out a wide array of services to the Cause, creating thus in every country the capacity to sustain the process of entry by troops.

In some national communities, economic conditions are such that institutes can be financially self-supporting from the outset. But the majority of communities cannot meet the expenses associated with the operation of their training institutes. These expenses include materials for courses, teaching and office supplies, communications, maintenance of equipment, and sometimes transport of students and their food and lodging.

The most crucial item in the budgets of the institutes of many countries, however, is financial support for full- and part-time staff to coordinate training activities and to offer courses both at a central site and in the surrounding towns and villages. With this latter need in mind, we drew attention in the Riḍván message to Bahá’u’lláh’s call that the believers should center their energies on the propagation of the Faith of God and to His injunction that: “Whoso is worthy of so high a calling, let him arise and promote it. Whoso is unable, it is his duty to appoint him who will, in his stead, proclaim this Revelation.…” We then stated that deputizing a teacher serving an institute would be one way of fulfilling this responsibility and indicated that the friends could contribute to the Continental Bahá’í Fund, as well as the Local, National and International Funds, for this purpose.

In order to lend impetus to this vital development, we have now made a contribution of US$300,000 to be divided among the five Continental Funds according to the circumstances in each continent. Although this contribution is but a fraction of the amount called for, it is our hope that the friends, especially those with means, will follow suit and will give adequate attention to this area of urgent need. Since financial requirements vary from country to country, the Continental Counselors will be the best source of information on the level of deputization required for various regions throughout the world. We are asking them to keep their Auxiliary Board members informed so that they can advise those who wish to contribute to this pressing worldwide enterprise.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

[signed: The Universal House of Justice]

August 6. On this date in 1984, the Universal House of Justice wrote to a NSA stressing "the proper accounting for earmarked funds is very important." In practice, Bahá’í accounting is opaque. This sort of lack of transparency and accountability inevitably leads to financial scandal, as happened in the Bahá’í community in Italy in 2007, when Franco Ceccherini, the General Secretary of the NSA, was arrested for embezzlement after an investigation by Italian tax authorities.

August 6. On this date in 1984, the Universal House of Justice wrote to a NSA stressing "the proper accounting for earmarked funds is very important." In practice, Bahá’í accounting is opaque. This sort of lack of transparency and accountability inevitably leads to financial scandal, as happened in the Bahá’í community in Italy in 2007, when Franco Ceccherini, the General Secretary of the NSA, was arrested for embezzlement after an investigation by Italian tax authorities.

886. The Proper Accounting for Earmarked Funds is Very Important

"This question of the proper accounting for earmarked funds is very important. The account books of any Assembly should be designed in a way that will always clearly distinguish between earmarked funds and funds freely at the disposition of the Assembly, so that there will be no danger of the Assembly's inadvertently commingling them and spending earmarked funds for the wrong purpose."

(From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly, August 6, 1984: Ibid.)

The lack of transparency and accountability inevitably leads to financial scandal, as happened in the Bahá’í community in Italy in 2007, when Franco Ceccherini, the General Secretary of the NSA, was arrested for embezzlement after an investigation by Italian tax authorities.

On February 16, 1998, a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual Bahá’í about Huqúqu’lláh stated "You have asked as to where and how the House of Justice reports on its uses of the funds received through payment of Huqúqu’lláh. The House of Justice does not issue an accounting of the current expenditure of these funds."

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You have asked as to where and how the House of Justice reports on its uses of the funds received through payment of Huqúqu’lláh. The House of Justice does not issue an accounting of the current expenditure of these funds. However, there is no secret as to the uses to which the funds are put. The Sacred Texts affirm that the Huqúqu’lláh is to be paid to the Authority in the Faith to whom all must turn, and indicate that these funds may be "expended for the relief of the poor, the disabled, the needy, and the orphans, and for other vital needs of the Cause of God". Decisions concerning such factors as the timing, the methods of disbursement and the amount rest with the House of Justice.

In these days, as during the ministry of Shoghi Effendi, all funds received by the Head of the Faith are used to promote the interests of the Faith at the World Centre and worldwide. The Institution of Huqúqu’lláh Newsletter, issue no. 6, mentions that the funds are spent for such purposes as, "promotion of the teaching and proclamation of the Faith worldwide; care, maintenance and restoration of Bahá’í Holy Places; building up of the Bahá’í World Administrative Centre; support of the work of the many Bahá’í institutions and agencies; erection and restoration of Bahá’í Houses of Worship; establishment and support of new institutions; charitable and benevolent undertakings; and support of the worldwide manifold interests of the Faith."

The effective utilization of Huqúqu’lláh and other funds available to the House of Justice is manifest in the great developments taking place at the World Centre and throughout the Bahá’í world community, many of whose national budgets must be subsidized by the House of Justice, owing to the fact that the vast majority of the world’s Bahá’ís are poor and cannot adequately support their national funds….

The Huqúqu’lláh, as its name "The Right of God" implies, has a special character which distinguishes it from all other Bahá’í funds. Its nature and purpose, and the blessings with which payment of it has been endowed can be read in the compilation which has been issued on the subject….

In accordance with Bahá’í principle, contributions to the various Bahá’í funds, as well as payments of the Right of God, are offered confidentially and are receipted…. You may rest assured that at the Bahá’í World Centre a method of financial management has been instituted to keep scrupulous accounts and also to prevent any significant incidence of extravagance or, God forbid, malfeasance from occurring undetected and unchecked. It is a method that maintains both the confidentiality of individual contributions and the integrity of the use of all funds entrusted to the House of Justice.

(16 February 1998, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer)

July 25. On this date in 2006, the Universal House of Justice wrote "As you are aware, the obligation of believers to pay Huqúqu’lláh is set out in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, and it is offered to the Head of the Faith, now the House of Justice...Such an assurance from the House of Justice is, of course, sufficient for members of the Bahá’í community. At this time the House of Justice sees no need to present information on Huqúqu’lláh accounts to external audiences..."

July 25. On this date in 2006, the Universal House of Justice wrote "As you are aware, the obligation of believers to pay Huqúqu’lláh is set out in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, and it is offered to the Head of the Faith, now the House of Justice...Such an assurance from the House of Justice is, of course, sufficient for members of the Bahá’í community. At this time the House of Justice sees no need to present information on Huqúqu’lláh accounts to external audiences..."

As you are aware, the obligation of believers to pay Huqúqu’lláh is set out in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, and it is offered to the Head of the Faith, now the House of Justice. Disbursement of these funds is decided by the House of Justice and is presently directed to the vital task of raising the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, which is the essential prerequisite for the enduring resolution of the afflictions humanity is now experiencing.

The House of Justice ensures that detailed accounts of Huqúqu’lláh income and expenditures are maintained by the International Board of Trustees of Huqúqu’lláh and its Office of Huqúqu’lláh in the Holy Land. It monitors the functioning of the Institution of Huqúqu’lláh and is well satisfied that matters are being handled with the highest level of integrity.

Such an assurance from the House of Justice is, of course, sufficient for members of the Bahá’í community. At this time the House of Justice sees no need to present information on Huqúqu’lláh accounts to external audiences; if a situation arises in the future where there is public controversy over this issue, it will take whatever action it deems appropriate at that time.

(25 July 2006, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer)

July 18. On this date in 1994, the Universal House of Justice wrote "Concerning the Huqúqu’lláh, … the disposition of the Huqúqu’lláh is a prerogative reserved to the Center of the Faith. The Universal House of Justice is invested with a number of 'powers and duties' enumerated in its Constitution ... The funds collected from the payment of Huqúqu’lláh are expended in pursuit of these purposes, as the House of Justice deems appropriate."

July 18. On this date in 1994, the Universal House of Justice wrote "Concerning the Huqúqu’lláh, … the disposition of the Huqúqu’lláh is a prerogative reserved to the Center of the Faith. The Universal House of Justice is invested with a number of 'powers and duties' enumerated in its Constitution ... The funds collected from the payment of Huqúqu’lláh are expended in pursuit of these purposes, as the House of Justice deems appropriate."

Concerning the Huqúqu’lláh, … the disposition of the Huqúqu’lláh is a prerogative reserved to the Center of the Faith. The Universal House of Justice is invested with a number of "powers and duties" enumerated in its Constitution such as "preservation of the Sacred Texts", "advanc[ing] the interests of the Faith", "propagat[ing] and teach[ing] its Message", and so forth. The funds collected from the payment of Huqúqu’lláh are expended in pursuit of these purposes, as the House of Justice deems appropriate.

(18 July 1994, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer)

July 1. On this date in 1996, the Universal House of Justice responded to a question "on the provision for Huqúqu’lláh in Bahá’í wills."

July 1. On this date in 1996, the Universal House of Justice responded to a question "on the provision for Huqúqu’lláh in Bahá’í wills."

74. "Your … question centers on the provision for Huqúqu’lláh…"
Your … question centers on the provision for Huqúqu’lláh in Bahá’í wills. Your understanding that the obligation to pay Huqúqu’lláh arises during one’s lifetime and is normally to be carried out with lifetime giving is correct, although at the same time it is true that there may be cases where a believer dies without having made provision in his or her will for payment of the unpaid portion of Huqúqu’lláh, if any. The event of death does not remove from a believer the obligation to pay Huqúqu’lláh. Whatever portion is due to be paid is therefore a debt due from the believer’s estate at the time of his or her death. The cost of the funeral and burial, the payment of the debts of the deceased, and the payment of whatever portion of Huqúqu’lláh remains due are prior charges on the estate which must be met before arriving at the amount of the property which has to be divided in accordance with the provisions of the law of inheritance. Thus, whether or not a person makes a will or, having made a will, whether he or she makes provision in it for the payment of Huqúqu’lláh, the Huqúqu’lláh should be paid, like all debts, before the rest of the estate is divided.
In light of this, it is certainly advisable for a believer to make the necessary arrangements for payment of Huqúqu’lláh prior to his or her death, in order to avoid complications or confusions which could arise. It should be noted that the question of a legal wording to include provision in a will for the payment of Huqúqu’lláh after a believer has died is dependent upon so many factors, that it would be preferable to seek legal advice so that wording which is appropriate and in accordance with the laws governing inheritance can be used. Obviously, unless the believer leaves a clear accounting of his or her property and payment of Huqúqu’lláh to date, if any, it will not be possible for anyone to calculate accurately what remains to be paid at the time of death. While the application of the principles involved in payment of Huqúqu’lláh may well require subsidiary legislation by the House of Justice in the future, at the present time it falls to the executor or administrator of an estate to apply them to the extent possible, using his or her best judgment and taking into account the information available. Finally, while the payment of Huqúqu’lláh is each individual’s own responsibility, a believer may be referred to the nearest Representative of the Trustee of Huqúqu’lláh, who could advise him or her in the light of any specific circumstances.
(1 July 1996, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer)

July 1. On this date in 1993, the Universal House of Justice responded to an individual who had written inquiring about the degree of personal sacrifice when giving to the Fund.

 

July 1. On this date in 1993, the Universal House of Justice responded to an individual who had written inquiring about the degree of personal sacrifice when giving to the Fund.

Personal Sacrifice in Giving to the Fund
1 JULY 1993
To an individual Bahá’í
Dear Bahá’í Friend,
The Universal House of Justice was touched to receive your letter of 11 June 1993 which evinces such devotion to the Cause of God. It has asked us to send you the following reply.
The House of Justice has never gone to the extreme of telling the friends that now is the time to give their long-range savings to the Fund. It sets forth the needs of the Cause, and calls upon the believers to sacrifice, but the degree and manner of his sacrifice depends on each believer's own faith and good judgment in light of his responsibilities. Again and again in His Writings Bahá’u’lláh emphasizes the need for moderation in all things, and He upholds the importance of using wisdom in all we do and say.
Devoted believers in every age have found it challenging to decide how much of their worldly wealth they should give to the Cause of God, and how much they should use to meet their many responsibilities of life, such as educating their children, preparing for their old age so that they will not be a burden on others, and so forth. You will recall the story of the Muslim who asked Muḥammad whether he should tie up his camel or trust in God that it would not run away. Muḥammad's answer was that he should tie up the camel and trust in God! In this Dispensation, by the institution of Ḥuqúqu’lláh, Bahá’u’lláh has provided us with a measure. We are all obliged to pay that portion of our savings that is God's Right. What remains thereafter is ours to use at our own discretion, for the promotion of the work of the Cause and for helping others less fortunate than ourselves.
In the Hidden Words Bahá’u’lláh revealed:

O My Servant! The best of men are they that earn a livelihood by their calling and spend upon themselves and upo their kindred for the love of God, the Lord of all worlds.[3]

Furthermore, in the twelfth Glad-Tidings He stated:

The most despised of men in the sight of God are those who sit idly and beg. Hold ye fast unto the cord of material means, placing your whole trust in God, the Provider of all means. When anyone occupieth himself in a craft or trade, such occupation itself is regarded in the estimation of God as an act of worship; and this is naught but a token of His infinite and all-pervasive bounty.[4]

Thus to earn a livelihood is a spiritual obligation, and one should not consciously place oneself in a position where one would have to beg others for material support.
It is against this background of responsibility for oneself and one's family that each person must estimate the degree to which he or she can sacrifice for the Funds of the Faith. The range of options and decisions that the believers can make regarding the management of their personal finances without jeopardizing their future security are great, and can only be evaluated by each individual.
The House of Justice asks us to assure you of its prayers at the Sacred Threshold that you may be assisted with divine guidance and confirmations in all your devoted services on behalf of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.
With loving Bahá’í greetings, DEPARTMENT OF THE SECRETARIAT
Notes
1.↑ MUHJ, no. 18.4.
2.↑ ADJ, ¶78 (2006)
3.↑ HW, Persian, no. 82.
4.↑ TB, p. 26.

June 23. On this date in 1987, the Universal House of Justice wrote "If, as you say, you are not in a position ever to accumulate assessable property equivalent in value to 19 mithqáls in gold, then, as the texts explain, you have no obligation to pay Huqúqu’lláh. However, this does not mean that you may not contribute to this Fund if you wish to do so out of your love for Bahá’u’lláh and the generosity of your heart."

June 23. On this date in 1987, the Universal House of Justice wrote "If, as you say, you are not in a position ever to accumulate assessable property equivalent in value to 19 mithqáls in gold, then, as the texts explain, you have no obligation to pay Huqúqu’lláh. However, this does not mean that you may not contribute to this Fund if you wish to do so out of your love for Bahá’u’lláh and the generosity of your heart."

If, as you say, you are not in a position ever to accumulate assessable property equivalent in value to 19 mithqáls in gold, then, as the texts explain, you have no obligation to pay Huqúqu’lláh. However, this does not mean that you may not contribute to this Fund if you wish to do so out of your love for Bahá’u’lláh and the generosity of your heart.
(23 June 1987, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer)

June 21. On this date in 1956, Shoghi Effendi wrote "The institution of the National Fund, whose fundamental importance cannot be exaggerated, must receive a wider and fuller measure of support from the rank and file of the believers, in order that it may be enabled to provide more adequately than heretofore for the pressing material needs of the infant institutions of the Faith, now faced with such tremendous and inescapable responsibilities."

 

June 21. On this date in 1956, Shoghi Effendi wrote "The institution of the National Fund, whose fundamental importance cannot be exaggerated, must receive a wider and fuller measure of support from the rank and file of the believers, in order that it may be enabled to provide more adequately than heretofore for the pressing material needs of the infant institutions of the Faith, now faced with such tremendous and inescapable responsibilities."

June 19. On this date in 1992, the Universal House of Justice wrote "It is the ardent hope of the Universal House of Justice that the spirit of the Holy Year and the effect of obedience to the Law of Huqúqu’lláh will produce a quickening of the believers’ awareness of the sacred character of the funds of the Faith and of the essential part they play in carrying out the purpose of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation."

June 19. On this date in 1992, the Universal House of Justice wrote "It is the ardent hope of the Universal House of Justice that the spirit of the Holy Year and the effect of obedience to the Law of Huqúqu’lláh will produce a quickening of the believers’ awareness of the sacred character of the funds of the Faith and of the essential part they play in carrying out the purpose of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation."

It is the ardent hope of the Universal House of Justice that the spirit of the Holy Year and the effect of obedience to the Law of Huqúqu’lláh will produce a quickening of the believers’ awareness of the sacred character of the funds of the Faith and of the essential part they play in carrying out the purpose of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation.
(19 June 1992, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly)

June 12. On this date in 2006, the Universal House of Justice wrote "When funds are offered by a believer in honour of another Bahá’í, the donor should be informed that it cannot be accepted as a Huqúqu’lláh payment on behalf of the other believer. The donor can then be given the option of his providing these funds as a Huqúqu’lláh payment on his own behalf or as a contribution to the Bahá’í International Fund in honour of the other individual or of having the funds returned to him."

June 12. On this date in 2006, the Universal House of Justice wrote "When funds are offered by a believer in honour of another Bahá’í, the donor should be informed that it cannot be accepted as a Huqúqu’lláh payment on behalf of the other believer. The donor can then be given the option of his providing these funds as a Huqúqu’lláh payment on his own behalf or as a contribution to the Bahá’í International Fund in honour of the other individual or of having the funds returned to him."

When funds are offered by a believer in honour of another Bahá’í, the donor should be informed that it cannot be accepted as a Huqúqu’lláh payment on behalf of the other believer. The donor can then be given the option of his providing these funds as a Huqúqu’lláh payment on his own behalf or as a contribution to the Bahá’í International Fund in honour of the other individual or of having the funds returned to him.
(12 June 2006, memorandum from the Universal House of Justice to the Office of Huqúqu’lláh in the Holy Land)

June 11. On this date in 1993, an individual wrote the Universal House of Justice, inquiring about the degree of personal sacrifice when giving to the Fund.

June 11. On this date in 1993, an individual wrote the Universal House of Justice, inquiring about the degree of personal sacrifice when giving to the Fund.

Personal Sacrifice in Giving to the Fund
1 JULY 1993
To an individual Bahá’í
Dear Bahá’í Friend,
The Universal House of Justice was touched to receive your letter of 11 June 1993 which evinces such devotion to the Cause of God. It has asked us to send you the following reply.
The House of Justice has never gone to the extreme of telling the friends that now is the time to give their long-range savings to the Fund. It sets forth the needs of the Cause, and calls upon the believers to sacrifice, but the degree and manner of his sacrifice depends on each believer's own faith and good judgment in light of his responsibilities. Again and again in His Writings Bahá’u’lláh emphasizes the need for moderation in all things, and He upholds the importance of using wisdom in all we do and say.
Devoted believers in every age have found it challenging to decide how much of their worldly wealth they should give to the Cause of God, and how much they should use to meet their many responsibilities of life, such as educating their children, preparing for their old age so that they will not be a burden on others, and so forth. You will recall the story of the Muslim who asked Muḥammad whether he should tie up his camel or trust in God that it would not run away. Muḥammad's answer was that he should tie up the camel and trust in God! In this Dispensation, by the institution of Ḥuqúqu’lláh, Bahá’u’lláh has provided us with a measure. We are all obliged to pay that portion of our savings that is God's Right. What remains thereafter is ours to use at our own discretion, for the promotion of the work of the Cause and for helping others less fortunate than ourselves.
In the Hidden Words Bahá’u’lláh revealed:

O My Servant! The best of men are they that earn a livelihood by their calling and spend upon themselves and upo their kindred for the love of God, the Lord of all worlds.[3]

Furthermore, in the twelfth Glad-Tidings He stated:

The most despised of men in the sight of God are those who sit idly and beg. Hold ye fast unto the cord of material means, placing your whole trust in God, the Provider of all means. When anyone occupieth himself in a craft or trade, such occupation itself is regarded in the estimation of God as an act of worship; and this is naught but a token of His infinite and all-pervasive bounty.[4]

Thus to earn a livelihood is a spiritual obligation, and one should not consciously place oneself in a position where one would have to beg others for material support.
It is against this background of responsibility for oneself and one's family that each person must estimate the degree to which he or she can sacrifice for the Funds of the Faith. The range of options and decisions that the believers can make regarding the management of their personal finances without jeopardizing their future security are great, and can only be evaluated by each individual.
The House of Justice asks us to assure you of its prayers at the Sacred Threshold that you may be assisted with divine guidance and confirmations in all your devoted services on behalf of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.
With loving Bahá’í greetings, DEPARTMENT OF THE SECRETARIAT
Notes
1.↑ MUHJ, no. 18.4.
2.↑ ADJ, ¶78 (2006)
3.↑ HW, Persian, no. 82.
4.↑ TB, p. 26.