Ḥuqúqu’lláh

(The Right of God) 

And the Bahá’í Fund

 

This website is designed by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Azerbaijan to educate believers on the spiritual principles of Bahá’í contributions. This is different from the law of Ḥuqúqu’lláh (The Right of God). Friends interested in learning about Ḥuqúqu’lláh are advised to consult with the Ḥuqúqu’lláh representative in their community.

​

We can, however, share with you a few points.  The Kitáb-i-Aqdas makes Ḥuqúqu’lláh binding on Bahá’ís over the age of 15 whose income, after expenses, reaches 19 mithqáls of gold. A mithqál is equal to approximately 3.642 grams; thus, this figure can be calculated by multiplying 19 by 3.642 by the price of gold per one gram. Once an individual’s income reaches this amount, it is obligatory to contribute 19 percent of net income as The Right of God. The amount of Ḥuqúqu’lláh is due to the Universal House of Justice, through the Institution of Ḥuqúqu’lláh. Bahá’ís around the world are encouraged to consult their Ḥuqúqu’lláh representatives on this sacred law.

​

Payments for the Ḥuqúqu’lláh cannot be handed over to every person. These words have been uttered by Him Who is the sovereign Truth. The Ḥuqúqu’lláh should be kept in the custody of trusted individuals and forwarded to His holy court through the Trustees of God.    

‑Bahá’u’lláh

​

As binding as Ḥuqúqu’lláh is on each believer, participation in the Bahá’í Fund is strictly voluntary in nature. The education material provided on this website is to inspire the Bahá’ís to take steps in their journey to develop capacities for generosity and sacrifice, impart a vision for grass roots change, enhance individual self-respect and dignity, build community, and show love to all of humanity. In this connection, the Universal House of Justice has made it clear that contributions towards the Bahá’í Fund is both a responsibility and a source of bounty.

 

The words “generosity” or “sacrifice” do not appear in the Holy Verses of God when it comes to the the law of Ḥuqúqu’lláh, because the payment is set by the Kitáb-i-Aqdas at nineteen percent of one’s remaining income after paying all necessary expenses. It does not fluctuate by one’s sense of generosity or sacrifice. Indeed, when someone pays their Ḥuqúqu’lláh it is not out of generosity, but rather because of their loving obedience and humble submission to the law of the Most Holy Book. The Universal House of Justice distinguishes between the two institutions and advises the friends to fulfill the law of Ḥuqúqu’lláh before deciding on their generous and sacrificial contributions to the Bahá’í Fund. Furthermore, contributions to the Fund are not deductible from one’s income when calculating Ḥuqúqu’lláh payments.

 

Contributions to the funds of the Faith cannot be considered as part of one’s payment of Ḥuqúqu’lláh; … if one owes Ḥuqúqu’lláh and cannot afford both to pay it and to make contributions to the Fund, the payment of Ḥuqúqu’lláh should take priority over making contributions. But as to whether contributions to the Fund may be treated as expenses in calculating the amount of one’s assets on which Ḥuqúqu’lláh is payable; this is left to the judgement of each individual in the light of his own circumstances. 

‑The Universal House of Justice

 

To offer contributions towards this end [in support of the activities of the Spiritual Assembly] is one of the pressing requirements of the Cause of God, is deemed highly essential, and is of fundamental importance. Next to the payment of the Ḥuqúq it is the obligation of every Bahá’í.

‑Shoghi Effendi

 

Prayer for offering Ḥuqúqu’lláh

​

Magnified art Thou, O Lord of the entire creation, the One unto Whom all things must turn. With my inner and outer tongues I bear witness that Thou hast manifested and revealed Thyself, sent down Thy signs, and proclaimed Thy testimonies. I testify to Thy self-sufficiency from aught else except Thee, and Thy sanctity above all earthly things. I entreat Thee by the transcendent glory of Thy Cause and the supreme potency of Thy Word to grant confirmation unto him who desireth to offer what Thou hast prescribed unto him in Thy Book and to observe that which will shed forth the fragrance of Thine acceptance. Verily Thou art the All-Mighty, the All-Gracious, the All-Forgiving, the All-Generous.

‑Bahá’u’lláh

​

​