A new version of the Bahá’í Reference Library is now available. This ‘old version’ of the Bahá’í Reference Library will be replaced at a later date.
The new version of the Bahá’i Reference Library can be accessed here »
A new version of the Bahá’í Reference Library is now available. This ‘old version’ of the Bahá’í Reference Library will be replaced at a later date.
The new version of the Bahá’i Reference Library can be accessed here »
|
66. Aghsán # 42 |
|
|
“Aghsán” (plural of Ghusn) 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
197
Shoghi Effendi, His eldest grandson, as the Guardian and
Head of the Faith.
|
|
|
This passage of the Aqdas, therefore, anticipates the
succession of chosen Aghsán 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 Aghsán ended before the Universal House of
Justice had been established (see note 67).
|
Print Selection