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Baha’i Studies Bulletin Vol I #2 September 1982 pp60-1
Dear Lady Blomfield,
Shoghi Effendi has read your letter . . . . with reference to your question concerning capital punishment, Baha’u’llah in the “Kitab-i-Aqdas” revealed the following (A rough rendering of the passage in question is being given) “If a man purposely kills a man, kill him. Hold to the laws of God with all your strength and forsake the laws of fools. But if you concemn such a man to perpetual imprisonment, this is permitted you according to the Book. Verily God gives judgment in whatever He desires.” Thus, according to the explicit tex of the Aqdas, capital punishment is permitted, but also an alternative has been definitely provided whereby the rigours of such a condemnation can be seriously mitigated. Baha’u’llah has given us choice, and has therefore left us free to use our own discretion with certain limitations imposed by his law.
1935-01-19 to Lady Blomfield re capital punishment
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