Divorce law relating to fines
Law not presently binding for Bahá'ís in the West
[edit]"We...feel it is timely...to state those laws listed in the "Synopsis and Codification of the Kitab-i-Aqdas" which are not at present binding upon the friends in the western world...IV.C.2.b That part of the divorce law relating to fines payable to the House of Justice."
See also
[edit]Intercourse during period of waiting is forbidden and must pay 19 mithqáls of gold if one breaks the law
[edit]"QUESTION: If intercourse take place between a couple during their year of patience, and they become estranged again thereafter, must they recommence their year of patience, or may the days preceding the intercourse be included in the reckoning of the year? And once divorce hath taken place, is it necessary that a further period of waiting be observed?
"ANSWER: Should affection be renewed between the couple during their year of patience, the marriage tie is valid, and what is commanded in the Book of God must be observed; but once the year of patience hath been completed and that which is decreed by God taketh place, a further period of waiting is not required. Sexual intercourse between husband and wife is forbidden during their year of patience, and whoso committeth this act must seek God's forgiveness, and, as a punishment, render to the House of Justice a fine of nineteen mithqáls of gold.
- (Bahá'u'lláh, Kitáb-i-Aqdas, Questions and Answers, no. 11)
"If antipathy or resentment develop on the part of either the husband or the wife, divorce is permissible, only after the lapse of one full year. The beginning and end of the year of waiting must be testified by two or more witnesses. The act of divorce should be registered by the judicial officer representing the House of Justice. Intercourse during this period of waiting is forbidden and whoever breaks this law must repent and pay the House of Justice 19 mithqáls of gold."