Study materials give deep insight into Ḥuqúqu’lláh
As friends across Aotearoa engage in the study of Unit 3 of Ruhi Book 11 on the Right of God, the Trustee of the Board of Ḥuqúqu’lláh for Micronesia and Polynesia has shared a number of suggestions for connecting participants with the Institution of Ḥuqúqu’lláh, and to further resources available through its Representatives.
These suggestions are offered as optional resources for tutors of Book 11 Unit 3, providing opportunities for participants to deepen their understanding of the sacred law of Ḥuqúqu’lláh and to explore questions that may arise through their study.
The Micronesian and Polynesian Board of Trustees oversees financial and educational matters related to Ḥuqúqu’lláh in their territories, while Representatives operate at the grassroots. In New Zealand, there are currently 18 Representatives appointed by the Board, whose task is solely the education of the friends about this sacred law.
Institute tutors can connect study circle participants with the Institution of Ḥuqúqu’lláh by inviting their local Representative to attend a study circle session. This could provide an opportunity for a short presentation about the Institution of Ḥuqúqu’lláh, or for a question-and-answer session addressing questions that have arisen through the friends’ study of Book 11.3. If a tutor does not know who their local Representative is, they can contact the Board of Trustees at rightofgod@bahai.org.nz to request their name and contact details.
Questions the friends may have about aspects of the law of Ḥuqúqu’lláh that are not covered in the unit can also be directed to the local Representative. If the Representative is unable to answer a query, it can be referred to the Board, which, if needed, is able to seek further guidance from the International Board of Trustees through the Office of Ḥuqúqu’lláh in the Holy Land.
Representatives also have access to audio-visual resources and inspiring stories connected with the law of Ḥuqúqu’lláh, which can be shared with study circle participants. They can also provide access to the compilation Ḥuqúqu’lláh: The Right of God.
Continuing the exploration
Tutors may also wish to encourage participants to continue enhancing their knowledge of the “mighty” law of Ḥuqúqu’lláh through study programmes facilitated by Representatives. These include:
Family Life and Ḥuqúqu’lláh (8–10 hours) – Designed for parent study groups, drawing attention to the need to rear children who see their own welfare as inseparable from the welfare of others. The programme aims to help families consider the forces acting upon them and identify small steps they can take to create conditions within the family that develop appropriate attitudes towards material wealth and its utilisation.
Work, Wealth and Service (8–10 hours) – A study programme for young adults focused on important principles of the Bahá’í Faith: the Bahá’í attitude towards wealth; the importance of acquiring a craft, trade or profession for financial independence and to perform service for the good of humanity; combining work and service; eliminating extremes of wealth and poverty; and working towards a more equitable society.
A New Attitude Conversation Cards (9–10 hours) – Study of materials concerned with developing a new attitude towards our economic life through applying the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, and understanding the role of Ḥuqúqu’lláh in contributing “to the spiritualization of humanity through the promotion of a new attitude to the acquisition and use of material resources”.
Writing of a Will and Ḥuqúqu’lláh and Wills Workshops (2 hours each) – Exploring the importance for Bahá’ís of writing a Will and providing for Ḥuqúqu’lláh in one’s Will, as well as the duty of the executor to ensure that any balance due to Ḥuqúqu’lláh by the deceased is paid from the estate and how the executor undertakes this duty.
The 12 Lessons on Ḥuqúqu’lláh (The Right of God) (8–10 hours) – Facilitated by Representatives and focusing on the spiritual significance of the law and its calculations.
Through these connections and resources, participants studying Book 11.3 have further opportunities to explore the spiritual significance of Ḥuqúqu’lláh, seek answers to questions arising from their study, and continue their learning alongside those appointed to assist with education about this sacred law.
