Dear Gilberto and Scott,
In an attempt to add some balance to the endless discussion about who determined that women should not serve on the Universal House of Justice; I offer the following from the Kitab-i-Aqdas, after your comments.
Gilberto: <> The UHJ which interprets the laws excludes women, while there are no theological
barriers to having women be ulema (scholars) muftis (those who issue fatwas or legal rulings) or judges. <>
SC: To my knowledge there are no theological barriers to Baha'i women being scholars or participating in decisions of a judicial nature within the prerogatives of a Local Spiritual Assembly [future *Local* House of Justice]
Scott: <> Actually it was a Universal House of Justice decision that ruled that women could not be on the UHJ.<>
SC: There was no arbitrary decision on the part of the Universal House of Justice to exclude women. That directive is from Baha'ullah, Himself...
"THE TABLET OF ISHRAQAT
THE EIGHTH ISHRAQ
This passage, now written by the Pen of Glory, is accounted as part of the Most Holy Book: The *men* of God's House of Justice have been charged with the affairs of the people. They, in truth, are the Trustees of God among His servants and the daysprings of authority in His countries. O people of God! That which traineth the world is Justice, for it is upheld by two pillars, reward and punishment. These two pillars are the sources of life to the world. Inasmuch as for each day there is a new problem and for every problem an expedient solution, such affairs should be referred to the House of Justice that the members thereof may act according to the needs and requirements of the time. They that, for the sake of God, arise to serve His Cause, are the recipients of divine inspiration from the unseen Kingdom. It is incumbent upon all to be obedient unto them. All matters of State should be referred to the House of Justice, but acts of worship must be observed according to that which God hath revealed in His Book." (Baha'u'llah, The Kitab-i-Aqdas, p. 91)
* my asterisks
Lovingly, Sandra
Lovingly, Sandra
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