Does the Free Baha’i community believe in Huququ’llah? I’ve read Free Baha’is talking against Huququ’llah and I also agree with you all upto certain extend. My point is why is Huququ’llah even required when Baha’u’llah and Abdu’l Baha emphasized the voluntary nature of contribution.
Answer:
Hi,
Allah’u’Abha!
The Free Baha’i community acknowledges the principle of Huququ’llah as outlined by Baha’u’llah and Abdu’l Baha, but we hold a unique viewpoint on its application. Baha’u’llah did indeed emphasize the voluntary nature of contributions in the Baha’i Faith, and this is a fundamental principle we uphold.
However, we have concerns about how Huququ’llah is administered by the Universal House of Justice (UHJ). Our interpretation is rooted in the teachings of Baha’u’llah and Abdu’l Baha, which suggest that Huququ’llah is meant for the well-being of individuals, especially the poor and needy.
Here are some relevant quotes from the Writings of Baha’u’llah and Abdu’l Baha:
Baha’u’llah stated, ‘The Lord, the Most High, hath ordained that the duty of Huququ’llah be laid upon the wealthy among His servants, and its recompense fixed at nineteen percent of their surplus wealth.’ (Kitab-i-Aqdas, Verse 89)
‘When the husband or wife dieth, it devolveth upon the other to pay unto the Lord, as the one hath paid, the whole Huququ’llah which had remained unpaid, together with the interest due thereon.’ (Kitab-i-Aqdas, Verse 91)
‘He that payeth the Huququ’llah at the fixed time, God shall bring him into the most great Paradise on the Day of Resurrection.’ (Baha’u’llah)
From these quotes, it is clear that Huququ’llah is intended for the betterment of the community, particularly those in need. However, we believe that the administration of Huququ’llah by the UHJ has strayed from this original purpose.
In our view, the Huququ’llah funds should be disbursed directly at the individual level to assist the poor and needy, in alignment with Baha’u’llah’s intent. Regrettably, the UHJ has not been transparent about the allocation of Huququ’llah funds and does not provide a detailed annual account. This lack of transparency and accountability has led to concerns within our community about the misuse of Huququ’llah money.
In conclusion, while we acknowledge the significance of Huququ’llah as a Baha’i principle, we emphasize that its application should be in accordance with the teachings of Baha’u’llah and Abdu’l Baha, with funds disbursed directly to individuals in need to fulfill the original intent of this noble concept.
Hope that answers your question.
Regards,
Team Free Baha’is
Reference : The Caravan, Volume 7, Edition 5
Free Baha'is of Canada 