The sources emphasize the central and divinely ordained role of the Guardianship within the Baháʼí Faith, particularly in conjunction with the Universal House of Justice, forming what are referred to as the "twin institutions". These institutions are considered divine in origin, essential in their functions, and complementary in their aim and purpose.
Here's a breakdown of what the sources say about Guardianship, its relationship with the Universal House of Justice, and the broader context of Baháʼí succession:
The Twin Institutions of Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice
Divine Origin and Purpose: Bahá’u’lláh, the Prophet of this age, and His Son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Center of the Covenant, unequivocally appointed these twin institutions as their successors. Their fundamental object is to ensure the continuity of divinely-appointed authority, safeguard the unity of followers, and maintain the integrity and flexibility of the Faith's teachings. They are destined to apply principles, promulgate laws, protect institutions, adapt the Faith to societal requirements, and consummate the founders' inheritance.
Complementary and Inseparable Roles: The Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice (UHJ) are described as inseparable institutions that act in conjunction to administer the Faith's affairs, coordinate activities, promote interests, execute laws, and defend subsidiary institutions. Each operates within a clearly defined sphere of jurisdiction, equipped with its own instruments for discharging responsibilities. Their powers, authority, rights, and prerogatives are not contradictory but supplement each other's authority and functions, being permanently and fundamentally united in their aims.
Distinguishing Feature: The administrative provisions and the matter of succession, as embodied in these twin institutions, provide "irrefutable evidences of Divine Guidance" that distinguish the Baháʼí Revelation and form the "strength of the unity of the Faith". Neither the Christian nor Islamic Dispensations offer a parallel to this system or its safeguards for preservation and advancement.
The Role and Importance of Guardianship
Source of Divine Guidance: After the Prophet's ascension, divine guidance flows through 'Abdu'l-Bahá (the Master) and then the Guardians. Shoghi Effendi, the First Guardian, stated that the "mighty stronghold shall remain impregnable and safe through obedience to him who is the Guardian of the Cause of God".
Head of the Universal House of Justice: The Guardian is designated as the "sacred head and the distinguished member for life" of the Universal House of Justice. He enhances the prestige and stabilizes the supreme position of the UHJ, safeguards its unity, assures the continuity of its labors, and provides "necessary guidance to define the sphere of the legislative action of its elected representatives".
Indispensable for Faith's Integrity: According to Shoghi Effendi, divorced from the institution of the Guardianship, the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh would be "mutilated," its integrity imperiled, and the stability of its entire fabric gravely endangered. The Guardianship provides the "hereditary principle" upheld by the Law of God and enables a long, uninterrupted view over generations.
Guardian's Authority and Limitations: While members of the House of Justice, Aghsán (His sons), Afnán (the Báb's kindred), and the Hands of the Cause of God are incumbent to show obedience, submissiveness, and subordination to the Guardian, the Guardian "cannot override the decision of the majority of his fellow-members". However, he "is bound to insist upon a reconsideration by them of any enactment he conscientiously believes to conflict with the meaning and to depart from the spirit of Bahá’u’lláh’s revealed utterances".
Succession of Guardians
Appointment by Predecessor: 'Abdu'l-Bahá's Will and Testament stipulates that the Guardian of the Cause of God is incumbent to appoint his successor during his own lifetime to prevent differences after his passing. If the firstborn descendant does not manifest spiritual truth or a goodly character, the Guardian must choose another branch to succeed him.
Line of Succession Presented in Sources:
Bahá’u’lláh (Prophet-founder, 1863-1892)
‘Abdu’l-Bahá (Son of Bahá’u’lláh, Center of the Covenant, 1892-1921) – Appointed by Bahá’u’lláh.
Shoghi Effendi (First Guardian, 1921-1957) – Appointed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
Charles Mason Remey (Second Guardian, 1957-1966) – Appointed by Shoghi Effendi. Shoghi Effendi's cablegrams regarding the formation of the International Bahá’í Council (an "embryonic International Institution" that would effloresce into the Universal House of Justice) indicated Mason Remey as its President, and since "Presidency of the Universal House of Justice (including presidency of its several preliminary and successive active states) and Guardianship are synonymous terms," this appointment made Remey the Second Guardian.
Joel Bray Marangella (Third Guardian, 1966-present) – Appointed by Charles Mason Remey on December 5, 1961.
Controversies and Criticisms Regarding the Current State of Guardianship and UHJ
The sources from "North-East Indian Baha'is" present strong criticisms against what they refer to as the "Haifan Baha'i Faith" and its Universal House of Justice:
Lack of a Living Guardian (Mainstream vs. Source's View): A significant point of contention highlighted is that "the large body of Bahá'ís don't believe this to be true" that there is a living Guardian today. This is viewed by the authors of the sources as a deviation from the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, which states that the Guardian is necessary to keep the Faith from deviating from the truth. Without a Guardian, the UHJ lacks its "sacred head," and the instructions in the Will and Testament are not being followed.
Illegitimacy of the Current Universal House of Justice: The sources assert that the current Universal House of Justice (UHJ) is "illegitimate," "bogus," and was "spuriously created by the former Hands of the Cause, without authority" and in "total contradiction" to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Will and Testament, which ordained the Guardian as its "sacred head". They contend that a legitimate Universal House of Justice will only be established "in the future and in due time, in accordance to the provisions of the Will and Testament of 'Abdu’l-Bahá".
Huququ'llah (Right of God):
Exclusive Right of the Guardian: The sources state that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Will and Testament clearly specifies that "only the Guardian is the right authority of the Cause, and the Guardians will be the sole lawful recipients of the Huququ’llah". Shoghi Effendi also confirmed that "the Huquq goes only to the Guardian".
Illegitimate Collection by UHJ: The "illegitimate UHJ" is accused of "wrong doing" by demanding and collecting Huququ’llah without authority, in contradiction to the Will and Testament. It allegedly used a selectively picked 13-word answer from a Tablet by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, adding its own words to claim authority, but has failed to provide substantiating references for this claim.
Current Guardian's Stance: The sources indicate that the current Guardian, Nosrat’u’llah Bahremand, considers that paying Huququ’llah is "not obligatory for the Bahá’is" presently.
Lack of Transparency: The UHJ is criticized for not providing annual financial reports for funds received (donations, Huququ’llah, etc.), leading to accusations of misappropriation for bureaucratic expansion and salaries rather than public welfare.
Rampant Immorality: The "Haifan Baha’i Faith" is criticized for "rampant immorality" and "moral failure" among its teachers and key administration members (counselors, NSA members), despite promoting moral classes through "Ruhi Books". This perceived moral failing, combined with what is seen as a lack of proper administrative action and the absence of a Guardian, has led to a loss of faith in the administrative order among some. Shoghi Effendi's instruction to take "immediate action" to protect the Faith and deprive offenders of voting rights is cited as a contrast to current practices.
In essence, the sources present the Guardianship as a cornerstone of the Baháʼí Administrative Order, divinely appointed to safeguard the Faith's unity and integrity, and as the rightful head of the Universal House of Justice. They then highlight a significant schism, presenting an "Orthodox Bahá'í Faith" perspective that asserts the ongoing lineage of Guardianship and views the current mainstream Universal House of Justice as illegitimate due to its lack of a Guardian and its deviation from foundational laws like the collection of Huququ'llah.
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