The Universal House of Justice is the supreme governing body of the Bahá’í Faith. The Bahá’ís consider the statements of the Universal House of Justice as sources of authority and cohesion.
It is through the Universal House of Justice that the Bahá’í teachings of God’s guidance flows out to all parts of the world. Bahá’u’lláh has assured us that He will continue to guide the Bahá’ís through the Universal House of Justice as long as the Bahá’í Dispensation lasts. Bahá’u’lláh has given us the fundamental laws and teachings of God for this age. However, He has said that we will also need other social rules that will be gradually introduced according to our changing needs. These social rules and regulations, Bahá’u’lláh says, will be ordained by the Universal House of Justice which will always be under the unerring guidance of God. Although the Universal House of Justice cannot change anything that has been revealed by Bahá’u’lláh, or alter any of the interpretations of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi , it can change its own decisions if circumstances require it.
The Universal House of Justice is one of the unique institutions of the Bahá’í Faith whose members are elected globally by the entire membership of all National Spiritual Assemblies across the world. Its membership consists of nine members elected every five years without nominations or campaigns.
The Universal House of Justice was first elected in 1963. The most recent election was in April 2018, with the participation of about 1,500 Bahá’ís representing 157 countries and territories.
Creation of the Universal House of Justice was ordained by Bahá’u’lláh who described its functions as following:
“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.– Baha’u’llah, Tablets of Baha’u’llah, pp. 128-129
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The Universal House of Justice, An official website of the Bahá’i Faith
The Universal House of Justice, A Unique Institution