Baha’i Faith Without a Living Guardian Is Just an Organization
The Bahá’í Faith, as envisioned by Bahá'u'lláh and 'Abdu’l-Bahá, is not merely an organization but a divinely ordained system with a living Guardian at its helm. The Guardianship is central to the Faith's identity, providing unerring guidance and ensuring the continuity of its teachings.
The Guardianship: A Divine Institution
'Abdu’l-Bahá's Will and Testament explicitly designates the Guardianship as a permanent institution, stating that the Guardian is the "sacred head and the distinguished member for life" of the Universal House of Justice. This arrangement ensures that the Faith remains true to its foundational principles and is protected from schism and misinterpretation.
The Discontinuation of the Guardianship
After the passing of Shoghi Effendi, the first Guardian, the Hands of the Cause, with the support of Ruhiyyih Khanum, declared the Guardianship to be terminated. They established the Universal House of Justice as the central governing body, a move that deviated from 'Abdu’l-Bahá's explicit instructions. This decision has led to concerns about the preservation of the Faith's unity and integrity.
The Consequences of a Headless Faith
Without a living Guardian, the Bahá’í Faith risks becoming a mere organization devoid of its spiritual essence. Reports indicate manipulation of numbers, decline in active participation, with National Spiritual Assemblies remaining vacant, feasts becoming mere social gatherings, and a noticeable decrease in the involvement of the younger generation. These developments suggest a weakening of the spiritual core of the Faith.
The Authority of the Guardian
The Guardian holds a unique position within the Bahá’í administrative order. Unlike members of the Universal House of Justice, the Guardian cannot be expelled or excommunicated. Conversely, the Guardian possesses the authority to remove any member of the Universal House of Justice if their actions are deemed contrary to the teachings of the Faith. This underscores the supreme authority of the Guardian in spiritual matters.
Key Points from the 1958 Letter by the LSA of Lucknow
In a letter dated 1958, the Local Spiritual Assembly of Lucknow emphasized the following points:
The Guardian holds a position of supreme authority, unparalleled by any other institution or individual within the Faith.
The Guardian's authority is absolute in spiritual matters, and he is not subject to removal or accountability.
The Guardian has the exclusive right to appoint Hands of the Cause without the need for election.
The Guardian's unique power is considered a "Divine Right," conferring upon him a superior authority over all other forms of governance.
Attempts to replace the Guardianship with a conciliar system contradict the spirit of the Faith and undermine its foundational principles.
Conclusion
The Guardianship remains a cornerstone of the Bahá’í Faith, ensuring the continuity and integrity of its teachings. The discontinuation of this institution has led to challenges in maintaining the unity and spiritual guidance intended by 'Abdu’l-Bahá. It is imperative for the Bahá’í community to reflect upon these developments and consider the implications for the future of the Faith.
The Orthodox Bahá’í Faith preserves the roots of the Bahá’í teachings and remains connected to the living Guardian with full authority. We invite you to learn more and join the Orthodox Bahá’í Faith to be part of a community that upholds the true spirit of the Bahá’í Faith.
Read the full letter from the Local Spiritual Assembly of Lucknow below:
https://bahaisofvaranasi.blogspot.com/2025/06/letter-from-lsa-of-lucknow-9th-nov-1957.html
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