March 30

From an untranslated Tablet from ‘Abdu'l-Bahá it is stated that in the case of attack by robbers and highwaymen, a Bahá'í should not surrender himself but should try, as far as circumstances permit, to defend himself, and later on lodge a complaint with the government authorities. In addition, a letter written on behalf of the Guardian also indicates that in an emergency when there is no legal force at hand to appeal to, a Bahá'í is justified in defending his life. In another letter the Guardian has further pointed out that the assault of an irresponsible assailant upon a Bahá'í should be resisted by the Bahá'í, who would be justified, under such circumstances, in protecting his life. The Universal House of Justice does not wish at the present time to go beyond the guidelines given in the above mentioned statements. The question is basically a matter of conscience, and in each case the Bahá'í involved must use his judgement in determining when to stop in selfdefense lest his action deteriorate into retaliation. (From a letter dated 4 September 2001 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice contained in a memorandum from the World Center's Research Department dated 6 September 2004)