Huqúqu'lláh
Socio-economic and spiritual law of the Baháʼí Faith / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Ḥuqúqu'lláh (Arabic: ﺣﻘﻮﻕ ﺍﻟﻠﻪ, "Right of God") is a voluntary wealth tax paid by adherents of the Baháʼí Faith to support the work of the religion.[1] Individuals following the practice calculate 19% of their discretionary income (after-tax income minus essential expenses) and send it to the head of the religion, which since 1963 has been the Universal House of Justice.[2][3]
Ḥuqúqu'lláh is a Baháʼí law established by Baháʼu'lláh in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas in 1873. It is separate and distinct from the general Baháʼí funds.[4] It provides for the financial security of the community by funding promotional activities and the upkeep of properties, and it is a basis for a future welfare program.[5][2]
The Ḥuqúqu'lláh payment is considered a way to purify one's possessions.[4] It is an individual obligation; nobody in the general community should know who has or has not contributed, nor should anyone be solicited individually for funds.[5][6] Along with several other practices, it was initially only applicable to Baháʼís of the Middle East until 1992, when the authoritative English translation of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas was published and the Universal House of Justice made Ḥuqúqu'lláh universally applicable.[3] A central office to receive payments was established at the Baháʼí World Centre in 1991,[5] and payments are made to trustees appointed by the Universal House of Justice in every country or region.[4]
The obligation is similar to the Shia practice of Khums: a 20% wealth tax payable to the Imams.[5][2]