Dear Bahá'í Friend,
[412.1] The Universal House of Justice has received your letter dated
4 September 1984 in which you seek further clarification
about the qualitative difference between the Guardian's
prerogative of interpretation and the power of elucidation of
the Universal House of Justice, and raise questions about
other aspects of the Teachings. We are directed to convey the
following comments.
[412.2] As you are aware, the Universal House of
Justice has written three major messages which explain,
among other things, the duties and functions shared by the
Guardian and the Universal House of Justice, and those
functions that are unique to each specific Institution. These
messages are published in Wellspring of Guidance, pp. 44-56,
and pp. 81-91, and in Messages of the Universal House of
Justice 68-73, pp. 37-44.1 In relation to their specific
functions, Shoghi Effendi explained that "it is made
indubitably clear and evident that the Guardian of the Faith
has been made the Interpreter of the Word and that the
Universal House of Justice has been invested with the function
of legislating in matters not expressly revealed in the
teachings."2
[412.3] [The use of the term "elucidation" by the Universal
House of justice and the process by which it
is implemented are based on passages in the Will and Testament
of Abdu'l-Bahá and statements in the writings of the Guardian.
For example, in the Will and Testament, 'Abdu'l-Bahá states:
[412.3a] It is incumbent upon these members (of the Universal House Of Justice) to ... deliberate upon all problems which have caused difference, questions that are obscure and matters that are not expressly recorded in the Book . . . and bear upon daily transactions, . . . (p. 20)
[412.3c] ... regarding the nature and scope of the Universal Court of Arbitration, this and other similar matters will have to be explained and elucidated by the Universal House of Justice, to which, according to the Master's explicit Instructions, all important fundamental questions must be referred.... (Bahá'í Administration, P. 47)[412.4] In a letter dated 9 March 1965, the Universal House of Justice stresses the "profound difference" that exists between the "interpretations of the Guardian and the elucidations of the House of Justice in exercise of its function to 'deliberate upon all problems which have caused difference, questions that are obscure, and matters that are not expressly recorded in the Book."' (Wellspring of Guidance, p. 52) Among these is the outlining of such steps as are necessary to establish the World Order of Bahá'u'lláh on this earth. The elucidations of the Universal House of Justice stem from its legislative function, while the interpretations of the Guardian represent the true intent inherent in the Sacred Texts. The major distinction between the two functions is that legislation with its resultant outcome of elucidation is susceptible of amendment by the House of Justice itself, whereas the Guardian's interpretation is a statement of truth which cannot be varied.