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Abstract: About the relationship between paragraph 97 of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas (fraction) and “Questions and Answers”, number 8 (minimum threshold). Notes: See also the original letter (recipient's name removed): uhj_huququllah_fraction_threshold.pdf. |
Relationship between two statements of Bahá'u'lláh regarding the calculation of Ḥuqúqu'lláh
by / on behalf of Universal House of Justice
2019-03-10Dear Bahá’í Friend,
The Universal House of Justice has received your email message of 2 January 2019, enquiring about the relationship between two statements of Bahá’u’lláh regarding the calculation of Ḥuqúqu’lláh—as appearing in paragraph 97 of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas and number 8 of “Questions and Answers” in The Kitáb-i-Aqdas: The Most Holy Book. We have been asked to convey the following.
As you are aware, “Questions and Answers”, number 8 states in relevant part: “The basic sum on which Ḥuqúqu’lláh is payable is nineteen mithqáls of gold. In other words, when money to the value of this sum hath been acquired, a payment of Ḥuqúq falleth due.” This provision explicitly establishes that if a person has possessions equal in value to at least nineteen mithqáls of gold, it is a spiritual obligation for him to pay Ḥuqúqu’lláh. Thus, one’s possessions must reach this “basic sum”, or minimum threshold, before the obligation to pay Ḥuqúqu’lláh arises. By contrast, paragraph 97 of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas provides: “Should anyone acquire one hundred mithqáls of gold, nineteen mithqáls thereof are God’s and to be rendered unto Him ....” This verse sets forth the fraction—nineteen percent of the sum—which a believer is to pay as Ḥuqúqu’lláh when his possessions have reached the basic sum.
With loving Bahá’í greetings,
Department of the Secretariat
The Universal House of Justice has received your email message of 2 January 2019, enquiring about the relationship between two statements of Bahá’u’lláh regarding the calculation of Ḥuqúqu’lláh—as appearing in paragraph 97 of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas and number 8 of “Questions and Answers” in The Kitáb-i-Aqdas: The Most Holy Book. We have been asked to convey the following.
As you are aware, “Questions and Answers”, number 8 states in relevant part: “The basic sum on which Ḥuqúqu’lláh is payable is nineteen mithqáls of gold. In other words, when money to the value of this sum hath been acquired, a payment of Ḥuqúq falleth due.” This provision explicitly establishes that if a person has possessions equal in value to at least nineteen mithqáls of gold, it is a spiritual obligation for him to pay Ḥuqúqu’lláh. Thus, one’s possessions must reach this “basic sum”, or minimum threshold, before the obligation to pay Ḥuqúqu’lláh arises. By contrast, paragraph 97 of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas provides: “Should anyone acquire one hundred mithqáls of gold, nineteen mithqáls thereof are God’s and to be rendered unto Him ....” This verse sets forth the fraction—nineteen percent of the sum—which a believer is to pay as Ḥuqúqu’lláh when his possessions have reached the basic sum.
With loving Bahá’í greetings,
Department of the Secretariat
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