Debt
Relation between (non-commercial) debtor and creditor[edit]
It is not to God's good pleasure if someone is able to settle his debts but does not do so; but this depends upon the means to pay back the debt[edit]
"In connection with the demands for payment of which thou hast written in thy letter, it is manifestly clear that anyone who hath the ability to settle his debts, and yet neglecteth to do so, hath not acted in accordance with the good pleasure of the one true God. Those who incur debts should strive to settle them with all diligence and application. God's binding commandments with respect to trustworthiness, uprightness and the honouring of rights have been recorded in clear and perspicuous language in all the sacred Books, Tablets, Scriptures and holy Writings. Well is it with him whom the fleeting vanities of the world have not deprived of a lasting adornment, and whom avarice and negligence have not shut out from the illumination of the sun of trustworthiness. These matters, however, depend on the existence of ability, for the making of a demand is contingent upon ability to meet it. By the Lord of the Book, the former is not permissible in the absence of the latter. To this testifieth the Verse: "Respite thy debtor till he findeth means to pay." [Note: Qur'an 2:280]"
- (Bahá'u'lláh, Tablet translated from the Arabic, Trustworthiness: A Cardinal Bahá'í Virtue, no. 2047)
A creditor should allow a delay if there is difficulty in discharging a debt, and remitting the debt as alms is even better[edit]
"If any one find difficulty in discharging a debt, then let there be a delay until it be easy for him: but if ye remit it as alms it will be better for you, if ye knew it."
- (Qur'án, Rodwell, 2:279)
"If there be any debtor under a difficulty of paying his debt, let his creditor wait till it be easy for him to do it; but if ye remit it as alms, it will be better for you, if ye knew it."
- (Qur'án, Sale, 2:279 (Rodwell numbering))
(A person who would grant a loan on terms that bears no interest and repayable whenever the borrower pleases is someone showing such consideration toward his fellow man and tender solicitude)[edit]
"One can seldom find a person who would manifest such consideration towards his fellow-man, his countryman or towards his own brother and would show such tender solicitude for him as to be well-disposed to grant him a loan on benevolent terms.+F2 [Such loans as bear no interest and are repayable whenever the borrower pleases.]
- (Bahá'u'lláh, Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh, p. 133)
Assembly behavior toward those with debts or financial misconduct[edit]
Voting rights should not be deprived for a person who (merely) cannot or will not liquidate his debts[edit]
"Your Assembly should not deprive him of his voting rights...because he cannot, or will not, liquidate his debts. If once the precedent is established that a Baha'i can be deprived of his voting rights on such grounds as these, you can see for yourself where it would lead."
- (Letter written of behalf of Shoghi Effendi, dated June 20, 1954, Developing Distinctive Baha'i Communities, 15.29)
Grave faults such as lying and dishonorable conduct regarding money cannot be overlooked and may lead to removal of voting rights[edit]
"Regarding Mr. ...: it was with the approval of the Guardian that his name was removed from the voting list. It is very bad for the Cause to have a member of the Community, actively, in the public eye, teaching the Faith, and at the same time showing dishonest characteristics. We cannot possibly say that because a person also has many virtues, faults as grave as lying and dishonourable conduct regarding money, can be overlooked! This means that we tolerate as representatives of our Faith people who flagrantly disobey its laws and fundamental teachings. This does not mean there is no hope for Mr. ...; let him change his conduct, if he really loves the Cause, and then a way will be opened for him to again be active. But the change must be real and obvious; mere protestations will serve no purpose. "
See also[edit]
To-dos for this page[edit]
- On need to discharge debts upon someone's passing before paying Huququ'llah (e.g., from https://bahai-library.com/compilation_huququllah_right_god )
- Other quotes, including from the Qur'an, and Star of the West re: Esfandiyar
