Universal House of Justice

The Universal House of Justice is the elected international governing body of the Baháʼí Faith, established in 1963. It guides the worldwide Baháʼí community and legislates on matters not explicitly covered in Baháʼí scripture.

Baháʼí Administrative Order: The system of elected and appointed institutions that organizes the Baháʼí Faith worldwide. The Universal House of Justice sits at the apex of this worldwide administrative system.
Baháʼu'lláh: The founder of the Baháʼí Faith, whose teachings and writings form its central scripture. His writings established the House of Justice as a future institution of Baháʼí governance.
Mason Remey: A prominent Baháʼí who claimed the Guardianship after Shoghi Effendi's death and was rejected by the mainstream community. His claim tested the community's understanding of succession and the limits of the House's authority.
Universal House of Justice statements on social issues: Public communications by the Universal House of Justice addressing social questions and the Baháʼí contribution to society. These statements show how its guidance extends beyond internal administration.
National Spiritual Assembly: The elected governing institution of the Baháʼí community in a country. National Spiritual Assemblies elect the Universal House of Justice and carry out its guidance nationally.
Kitáb-i-Aqdas: Baháʼu'lláh's book of laws, which sets out foundational provisions for Baháʼí institutions. It provides the scriptural basis for the House of Justice and its election.
Rúḥíyyih Khánum: A prominent Baháʼí and wife of Shoghi Effendi who helped guide the community during the interregnum. She was among the Hands of the Cause who stewarded the Faith before the first election.
Baháʼí social action: Community initiatives that apply Baháʼí principles to social and material development. Its guidance frames social action as learning and service rather than partisan politics.
Local Spiritual Assembly: The elected governing institution of a Baháʼí community in a locality. Local assemblies are the community-level institutions within the administrative order it oversees.
ʻAbdu'l-Bahá: Baháʼu'lláh's son and appointed interpreter, who led the Baháʼí community from 1892 to 1921. His writings clarified the institution's role and anticipated its eventual establishment.

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