THE INTERNATIONAL BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF UQQULLH

24 January 2012

Transmitted by email To all Deputy Trustees and Representatives of uqqullh Dear Bah Friends, In its 14 February 1997 message to the Deputy Trustees and Representatives of the institution of uqqullh, the Universal House of Justice refers to the noble mission assigned to those entrusted with the promulgation of the Right of God. The exalted character and vital importance of this high calling becomes apparent in the lofty purposes of the law of uqqullh. Of great import, then, must be the question of how such a weighty responsibility to promote this sacred and heavenly injunction1 can be fulfilled? Informing others of the Right of God acquires added urgency in this day as political upheaval and economic turmoil on various continents have shaken governments and peoples2 with increasing frequency and intensity. The role of uqqullh in providing the means to respond to the magnitude of the demands of a world in disarray3 should spur Deputy Trustees and Representatives to forge ahead, no matter how severe the crises engulfing the world around them,4 with greater efforts to acquaint the friends with the high aims of this mighty law. Preceded in priority only by the duty to recognize the one true God5 and to show forth constancy in His Cause,6 the law of uqqullh will provide the material resources essential for the advancement of the human race.7 Though assured it will expand and flourish in the centuries to come8, at this time these funds are directed to the vital task of raising the World Order of Bahullh, which is the essential prerequisite for the enduring resolution of the afflictions humanity is now experiencing.9 The communitys growing involvement in social action foreshadows the laws destined impact through the emergence of great collective enterprises designed to improve all aspects of life.10 What anxieties must fill the hearts, when such endeavours have not yet appeared, and all peoples witness the accelerated disintegration, fitful but relentless, of a world order lamentably defective?11 What institution can be trusted as societies are brought to the brink of revolution, and in notable cases over the edge?12 What assurance exists for the protection of resources, as financial structures once thought to be impregnable have tottered?13 Now that confidence has been shaken and a sense of security lost,14 where is the refuge from the uncertainty that grows with each passing day? Beyond its role as a powerful element in the growth of a world civilization,15 the law of uqqullh has a transformative effect on individuals, replacing such fears with Bahullhs assertion that payment of the uqq is in the best interests of the people themselves,16 that it purifies ones possessions, averts loss and disaster, conduces to prosperity and honour and imparts divine increase and blessing,17 and bestows a reward that would last forever.18 Indeed, all efforts to assess the incalculable favours19 of this mighty law fall short of its benefits and wisdoms beyond the ken of anyone but God, the Omniscient, the All-Informed.20 Assured that it will, in the centuries ahead, give rise to a transformation of society far beyond our present capacity to comprehend;21 it is clear why the Right of God is viewed with awe and wonderment.

P.O. Box 155 31001 Haifa, Israel Fax: 972 (4) 835 8280 Tel: 972 (4) 835 8568 / 835 8358 Email: huquq@bwc.org

To all Deputy Trustees and Representatives of uqqullh

24 January 2012 Page 2

Inspired by this majestic vision of the role of this law in the reconstruction of the world and the fulfilment of its peoples aspirations, our hearts are uplifted at the mention of those few whose responsibility it is to inform the friends of the privilege of offering that portion of their transitory possessions which belongs solely to God. Assigned a most challenging22 task that requires the utmost sensitivity and discretion,23 Deputy Trustees and Representatives are asked to devise strategies to bring the awesome message of this sacred law to the friends attention and to manifest qualities that motivate the friends to adhere wholeheartedly to its provisions. These strategies include translating and studying the Compilation on uqqullh; providing deepening sessions for individuals, groups, summer schools, or conferences; collaborating with Counsellors and Auxiliary Board members, National and Local Spiritual Assemblies, and Regional Bah Councils in the promulgation of the law; engaging in community activities with fellow believers; participating in training sessions; maintaining an accurate and well-organized system for receiving and transmitting uqqullh payments; and praying that the friends may observe this law and gain its promised benefits. Deputy Trustees and Representatives are urged to engage in individual and collective review of the attached reflection questions as a foundation for identifying lines of action to implement these strategies within the context of a community immersed in a culture of organic growth. While the systematic application of such strategies greatly assists the friends in understanding and applying the principles of the law of uqqullh, the personal approach and demeanour of Deputy Trustees and Representatives, as manifested in the intensity of their love of God, the radiance of their spirituality, and the degree of their devotion to the Blessed Beauty, undoubtedly exerts a beneficial influence that can be equally effective. Guided by the shining example of Trustees such as j Abul- asan-i-Ardikn, entitled Amn, the Trusted One, who, for forty-seven years served as a Trustee of uqqullh, Deputy Trustees and Representatives must exemplify such integrity,24 scrupulous care,25 truthfulness, trustworthiness, rectitude of conduct, and forbearance26 as to evoke within every heart an intense longing to observe this sacred law. It is love for Bahullh which will be the primary motive for the friends in obeying this law, but they will carry out their duty with greater assurance and promptitude the greater their confidence in and respect for those on whom has been conferred the responsibility of receiving this Right of God on your behalf.27 The beloved Masters eloquent description of the ideal characteristics for the followers of Bahullh sets the standard for all to follow. ye must conduct yourselves in such a manner that ye may stand out distinguished and brilliant as the sun among other souls. Should any one of you enter a city, he should become a centre of attraction by reason of his sincerity, his faithfulness and love, his honesty and fidelity, his truthfulness and loving-kindness towards all the peoples of the world, so that the people of that city may cry out and say: This man is unquestionably a Bah, for his manners, his behaviour, his conduct, his morals, his nature, and disposition reflect the attributes of the Bahs.28 How reassuring it must be for believers to perceive the dignity and uprightness emanating from these selfless traits in each one of you. The confidence of the friends in those who promote awareness of the law of uqqullh stands in vivid contrast to the widespread corruption, greed, dishonesty, and self-interest prevalent in todays materialistic civilization. The very presence of a Deputy Trustee or Representative stands as a beacon of certitude and hope in this day when all such noble qualities have nearly vanished.

To all Deputy Trustees and Representatives of uqqullh

24 January 2012 Page 3

May the nobility imbued in those who promulgate the law of uqqullh draw forth the aid of the Unseen Realm for their sacred mission of building up that vital, intimate link of confidence and love between the individual Bah and the Centre of his Faith through a trusted soul, which is a mark of this law.29 Ardently, and with lowliness and humility, we pray for His continued bestowal of divine guidance and heavenly blessings. With loving admiration and gratitude, The International Board of Trustees of uqqullh

Enclosure
1 2

Compilation on uqqullh, extract no. 94 Ri vn 2011 message from the Universal House of Justice to the Bahs of the World, par. 3 3 Ri vn 2008 message from the Universal House of Justice to the Bahs of the World, par. 6 4 20 October 2008 message from the Universal House of Justice to the Bahs of the World, par. 4 5 Compilation on uqqullh, extract no. 2 6 ibid. 7 Compilation on uqqullh, extract no. 96 8 ibid. 9 ibid., extract no. 112 10 ibid., extract no. 30 11 Ri vn 2011 message from the Universal House of Justice to the Bahs of the World, par. 3 12 ibid. 13 20 October 2008 message from the Universal House of Justice to the Bahs of the World, par. 3 14 ibid. 15 Compilation on uqqullh, extract no. 30 16 ibid., extract no. 7 17 ibid., extract no. 54 18 ibid., extract no. 89 19 ibid., extract no. 26 20 The Kitb-i-Aqdas, par. 97 21 Compilation on uqqullh, extract no. 98 22 ibid., extract no. 96 23 ibid. 24 ibid., extract no. 98 25 ibid. 26 ibid., extract no. 81 27 Letter from the Universal House of Justice to the Trustee of uqqullh, the Hand of the Cause of God Dr. Al-Mu ammad Varq dated 13 November 1992 28 `Abdul-Bah, quoted in The Advent of Divine Justice, pp. 25-26 29 Letter from the Universal House of Justice to the Trustee of uqqullh, the Hand of the Cause of God Dr. Al-Mu ammad Varq dated 28 June 1993