puzzly

Hi All,

In a former post a discussion arose about the laws from the Aqdas not yet binding upon Baha'is in the west. I am curious to what the West in this instance means. These days the West and Westernism is a global phenomena. I mean is the culture in Japan now really so different from the States. So what does the West specifically mean?
I am from the UK. My wife is from the Philippines. The Philippines is certainly very western in character. What then?
And what about laws that would differ concerning us both. If say laws on dowry were applicable to my wife being from the Philippines and not to me from the UK.... well how would that play out? Also over the last ten years I have been working abroad and the nature of my work as such causes me to work globally. My daughter was born in Africa, her Mother in the Philippines and I am from the UK - she will be raised undoubtedly in a variety of countries over the years. When she comes of age and presuming there are still laws 'not applicable' how will they apply to her? Incidentally she holds two passports.

Blessings to all.

Dave

arthra

Well I recall when Huquq was instituted in the West..meaning US and Europe around what? Oh around 1992..

Previously Huquq was only instituted for the Persian believers.. so any way this implementation process was approved by the Universal House..similarly chanting the ninety five names of God after ablutions..

In the process of time and as the Baha'i world grows the laws of the Aqdas will gradually be implemeneted and instituted..Institutions will be there to help the Baha'is follow them but it will take time and guidance from the Universal House of Justice and only in that framework will this occur not haphazardly but when we are ready and the guidance is there..

Here is an excerpt from a paper that might help explain this process...

The laws were intended to be progressively applied as people developed the capacity to assume the requisite responsibilities, and so the Guardian and the Universal House of Justice gradually introduced provisions of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas as the Bahá'í community grew and matured. For example, following on the publication of Shoghi Effendi's Advent of Divine Justice' in 1939, alcohol consumption amongst Canadian Bahá'ís ceased to be a matter of personal decision and became one of adhering to the Bahá'í law (Van den Hoonaard 1996 170). The religious tax known as Huquq'llah became applicable to all Bahá'ís only in 1992. Virtually all Bahá'í law is binding on Bahá'ís of Middle Eastern origin while in developed communities elsewhere most Bahá'í law applies with the main exceptions of the dowry and the period of engagement prior to marriage (Walbridge 1996 24).

Source:

Food, Justice, and the Baha'i Faith

puzzly

Thanks for that.

I n reality however my question pertains more to a definition of the West or Western in particular in terms of how that would apply to my wife and child (see previous post).

Best,

Dave

arthra

Sorry I did not read your last response!

I would suggest addressing your question to the Local Spiritual Assembly as they know you and your family and can offer appropriate guidance.. The Assembly itself also can refer the matter to other authorities for furrther guidance..