Ḥuqúqu’lláh: A story of joyful giving
In this article, the Deputy Trustees of Huqúqu’lláh share a powerful quotation and an inspiring story to illustrate the profound spiritual benefits of Huqúqu’lláh, the Right of God. The following quotation from the Universal House of Justice and the story of young ‘Ana in Tonga highlight how the practice of Huqúqu’lláh can purify one's possessions and contribute to the spiritualisation of humanity.
Quotation from the Universal House of Justice
““… 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 endeavors. Beyond the bestowal of such spiritual benefits upon the individual, this law promotes the common good and contributes to the spiritualization 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 civilization.””
Story of ‘Ana in Tonga
The concept of Huqúqu’lláh was introduced to ‘Ana when she was just five years old through a children's book she used for drawing and colouring. As she grew older, around nine years old, discussions about Huqúqu’lláh became more frequent in her family, especially with her and her two younger brothers. Her parents shared with them the idea of giving out of pure love for God and obedience to His laws, irrespective of the amount.
One day, ‘Ana asked, “But how does God get the money? Where are we going to meet Him and present our gift?” Her parents found it challenging to explain the concept of offering Huqúqu’lláh to God via the Supreme Body, the Universal House of Justice. The first attempt to answer her question was a challenge and she kept saying “I still do not understand it.” So, the family decided to put any amount their hearts desired into an envelope and take it to the Representative of Huqúqu’lláh at the Bahá'í Centre. This practice became a regular part of their family conversations over the years.
The Ruhi curriculum for children’s classes, particularly grade two, played a significant role in explaining the theme of adhering to the Laws of God. It helped ‘Ana understand how vital the law of Huqúqu’lláh is to her spiritual development. Her father also explained the importance of using one's talents and capacities to earn money and offer a portion back to God.
‘Ana’s (purple top) first day of making her earrings and her friend of the Faith joining her learning together and sharing ideas.
‘Ana decided to start her journey early by making a few ‘kiekie’ Tongan handicrafts, but found it too challenging. She expressed a desire to learn sewing and become a seamstress, though financial constraints made this difficult. Eventually, she began making earrings, dedicating herself to improving her craft. She sold her earrings at the National Convention, contributing most of her earnings to the National Fund during the fundraising there. She then decided that the proceeds from her next set of earrings would be offered as her gift to Huqúqu’lláh.
Hard at work making earrings
Now, at eleven years old, ‘Ana has taken her understanding of the importance of Huqúqu’lláh to another level. She feels that her contributions are not enough and wants to sell more earrings in more places to increase her Huqúqu’lláh payment. Her parents remind her that God is pleased with her because at a very young age she gives out of pure love for God, uses her talents to obey His laws, and gives back to Him for the promotion of His Cause.
Ana’s first Huqúqu’lláh receipt
‘Ana and her brothers paying their Huquq
