Understanding the Role of Guardianship in Bahai Faith: Insights from Shoghi Effendi

 

According to the First Guardian of the Bahai Faith, Shoghi Effendi, the Appointment of Guardianship is a very important part of the religion. The Appointment of Guardianship means that someone is chosen by the previous Guardian to be the leader and interpreter of the Bahai teachings. This person cannot be elected by a vote, but only appointed by the previous Guardian. Also, this appointment must follow the rules of Aqdas, which is the holy book of the Bahai Faith.

 

“It should be stated, at the very onset, in clear and unambiguous language, that these twin institutions (Guardianship and UHJ) of the Administrative Order of Baha’u’llah should be regarded as divine in origin, essential in their functions and complementary in their aim and purpose. Their common, fundamental object is to ensure the continuity of that divinely-appointed authority which flows from the Source of our Faith, to safeguard the unity of its followers, and to maintain the integrity and flexibility of its teachings. Acting in conjunction with each other, these two inseparable institutions administer its affairs, coordinate its activities, promote its interests, execute its laws and defend its subsidiary institutions. Severally, each operates within a clearly defined sphere of jurisdiction, equipped with its own attendant institutions-instruments designed for the effective discharge of its particular responsibilities and duties. Each exercises, within the limitations imposed upon it, its powers, authority, rights, and prerogatives. These are neither contradictory, nor do they detract in the slightest degree from the position which each of these institutions occupies. Far from being incompatible or mutually destructive, they supplement each other’s authority and functions, and are permanently and fundamentally united in their aims." (World Order of Bahá’u’lláh , p 148)

 

The appointment of a Guardian is crucial for the integrity of the Bahai Faith. Abdul Baha has stated it in clear terms in his will and testament that without the institution of Guardianship, the Faith's integrity would be imperilled, the stability of the entire fabric would be gravely endangered, and the means required to enable it to take an uninterrupted view over a series of generations would be completely lacking.

 

Moreover, the Universal House of Justice is also essential for the functioning of the Bahai Faith. This institution fills in the gaps that the author of the Kitab-e-Aqdas has deliberately left in the body of His legislative and administrative ordinances. According to Baha’u’llah, "It is incumbent upon the members of the House of Justice to take counsel together regarding those things which have not outwardly been revealed in the Book, and to enforce that which is agreeable to them." However, everything that is not expressly recorded in the Kitab-i-Aqdas must be referred to the Universal House of Justice, and "Whoso doth deviate therefrom is verily of them that love discord, hath shown forth malice, and turned away from the Lord of the Covenant."

 

The Guardian is the interpreter of the word of God and UHJ must submit to the Guardian:

 

The Guardian is the interpreter of the word of God, according to 'Abdu'l-Bahá, and the members of the Universal House of Justice must show their obedience, submissiveness, and subordination to the Guardian of the Cause of God.

 

In the absence of Guardian who is the Head of the Baha’i Faith?

Whom does UHJ submit to?

Who monitors the work of UHJ members and removes the one who goes against the faith?

 

Here are some points which clearly explains why the UHJ cannot function with a living Guardian:

 

- The guardian is the authoritative interpreter of the Bahai scriptures and writings, and without him, the UHJ would not have a clear guidance on how to apply them to the changing conditions of the world.

 

- The guardian is the head of the UHJ and has the right to appoint and remove its members, and without him, the UHJ would not have a legitimate source of authority and leadership.

 

- The guardian is the protector of the Bahai Faith and its unity, and without him, the UHJ would not have a strong defence against schisms, deviations, and oppositions.

 

- The guardian is the link between the past and future guardians, and without him, the UHJ would not have a continuity of vision and direction for the Bahai Faith.

 

- The guardian is the canter of the covenant and the successor of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, and without him, the UHJ would not have a faithful adherence to the will and testament of Bahá'u'lláh.

 

- The guardian is the exemplar of the Bahai life and virtues, and without him, the UHJ would not have a role model and inspiration for their service and sacrifice.

 

- The guardian is the source of infallibility and guidance for the UHJ, and without him, the UHJ would not have a guarantee of correctness and wisdom in their decisions and actions.

 

- The guardian is the representative of Bahá'u'lláh on earth, and without him, the UHJ would not have a direct connection and communication with the founder of the Bahai Faith.

 

- The guardian is the promoter of the Bahai teachings and principles, and without him, the UHJ would not have a dynamic and effective way of spreading the message of Bahá'u'lláh to humanity.

 

- The guardian is the fulfiller of the prophecies and promises of Bahá'u'lláh, and without him, the UHJ would not have a hope and assurance of achieving the ultimate goal of the Bahai Faith.

 

 

To conclude, the Bahai Faith relies on two essential institutions: the Appointment of Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice. Together, they manage the affairs, coordinate the activities, promote the interests, execute the laws, and defend the subsidiary institutions of the Faith. Without them, the Faith would lose its integrity, stability, and guidance. However, a living Guardian is necessary for the UHJ to function properly and legitimately. One has to investigate the truth and study the teachings and instructions of Baha’u’llah and 'Abdu’l-Bahá (especially the Will and Testament of 'Abdu’l-Bahá) to understand this.

 

Any rational person who reads the Will and Testament of 'Abdu’l-Bahá would agree that the UHJ cannot operate without a living Guardian. Then how is it that it is operating now?

 

Who Created Schism?

Those who formed a headless UHJ or those who adhered to the Will and Testament of 'Abdu’l-Bahá, investigated the truth, and accepted the Guardianship of the second Guardian Charles Mason Remey who was appointed by Shoghi Effendi.