"Ag̱ẖsán" (plural of G̱ẖusn) is the Arabic word for "Branches". This
term is used by Bahá’u’lláh to designate His male descendants. It has
particular implications not only for the disposition of endowments but
also for the succession of authority following the passing of Bahá’u’lláh
(see note 145) and of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Bahá’u’lláh, in the Book of His
Covenant, appointed ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, His eldest son, as the Centre of His
Covenant and the Head of the Faith. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, in His Will and
Testament, appointed Shoghi Effendi, His eldest grandson, as the Guardian
and Head of the Faith.
This passage of the Aqdas, therefore, anticipates the succession of chosen
Ag̱ẖsán and thus the institution of the Guardianship and envisages the
possibility of a break in their line. The passing of Shoghi Effendi in
1957 precipitated the very situation provided for in this passage, in that
the line of Ag̱ẖsán ended before the Universal House of Justice had been
established (see note 67).
67. revert to the people of Bahá #42
Bahá’u’lláh provides for the possibility that the line of Ag̱ẖsán would
terminate prior to the establishment of the Universal House of Justice. He
designated that in such a situation "endowments shall revert to the people
of Bahá". The term "people of Bahá" is used with a number of different
meanings in the Bahá’í Writings. In this instance, they are described as
those "who speak not except by His leave and judge not save in accordance
with what God hath decreed in this Tablet". Following the passing of
Shoghi Effendi in 1957, the Hands of the Cause of God directed the affairs
of the Cause until the election of the Universal House of Justice in 1963
(see note 183).
68. Shave not your heads #44
In some religious traditions it is considered desirable to shave one’s
head. The shaving of the head is forbidden by Bahá’u’lláh, and He makes it
clear that the provision contained in His Súriy-i-Hájj requiring pilgrims
to the Holy House in S̱ẖíráz to shave their heads has been superseded
through this verse of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas (Q and A 10).
69. it is not seemly to let the hair pass beyond the limit of the ears #44
Shoghi Effendi has made clear that, unlike the prohibition on shaving the
head, this law forbidding the growing of the hair beyond the lobe of the
ear pertains only to men. The application of this law will require
clarification by the Universal House of Justice.
70. Exile and imprisonment are decreed for the thief #45
Bahá’u’lláh states that the determination of the degree of penalty, in
accordance with the seriousness of the offence, rests with the House of
Justice (Q and A 49). The punishments for theft are intended for a future
condition of society, when they will be supplemented and applied by the
Universal House of Justice.
71. on the third offence, place ye a mark upon his brow so that, thus
identified, he may not be accepted in the cities of God and His countries
#45
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