The ‘Right of God’ bestows personal and social benefits
Ḥuqúqu’lláh (in English - the “Right of God”), is a form of payment instituted by Bahá’u’lláh Himself in the Most Holy Book, whereby a believer voluntarily renders a specified portion of his or her wealth to the Head of the Faith. Bahá’u’lláh states “This ordinance is binding upon everyone, and by observing it one will be raised to honour inasmuch as it will serve to purify one’s possessions and will impart blessing, and added prosperity.”
The Universal House of Justice has extolled Ḥuqúqu’lláh as follows:
In ordaining the mighty law of Ḥuqúqu’lláh, the Blessed Beauty has vouchsafed a favour unto His ardent lovers through which they can express their personal sense of devotion to God in a profoundly private act of conscience. This sacred law creates a direct and vital link between the individual believer and the Head of the Faith, enables the friends to become firm and steadfast, and, as the beloved Master affirms, exerts “a great influence on their hearts and souls”. Above all, when those privileged to pay the Right of God offer it in a spirit of joy, fellowship, and contentment, it will impart prosperity and protection, purify their worldly possessions, and enable them and their offspring to benefit from the fruits of their endeavours. Beyond the bestowal of such spiritual benefits upon the individual, this law promotes the common good and contributes to the spiritualisation of humanity through the promotion of a new attitude towards the acquisition and use of material resources necessary for great collective enterprises designed to improve all aspects of life. Indeed, the institution of Ḥuqúqu’lláh is a key instrument for constructing the foundation and supporting the structure of the New World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, serving as a powerful element in the growth of a world civilisation.
— From a letter written by the Universal House of Justice to the International Board of Trustees of Ḥuqúqu’lláh on 21 June 2016
Bahá’ís regard the payment of the Right of God as a privilege and will make strong efforts to discharge this obligation with joy and happiness during their lifetimes. The obligation to make this offering is not extinguished by death so if the Bahá’í has made payments during his or her lifetime, there will need to be a calculation of the residual amount that may be due for the period between the last payment and the date of death. Please look out for another article coming soon on how to make provision for Ḥuqúqu’lláh in one’s will.
“Bahá’í Aotearoa” intends to publish more quotations and information about Ḥuqúqu’lláh in coming months, so as to increase awareness of this sacred law and the bounties that flow from it.
An excellent resource for those who wish to study Ḥuqúqu’lláh is the compilation “Ḥuqúqu’lláh—The Right of God”, prepared by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. This is available from the Bahá’í Reference Library site at https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/compilations/huququllah-right-god/
