You have asked, however, for specific rules of conduct to
govern the relationships of husbands and wives. This the House of Justice does
not wish to do, and it feels that there is already adequate guidance included
in the compilation on this subject; for example, the principle that the rights
of each and all in the family unit must be upheld, and the advice that loving
consultation should be the keynote, that all matters must be settled in harmony
and love, and that there are times when the husband and wife should defer to
the wishes of the other. Exactly under what circumstances such deference should
take place is a matter for each couple to determine. If, God forbid, they fail
to agree, and their disagreement leads to estrangement, they should seek
counsel from those they trust and in whose sincerity and sound judgement they
have confidence, in order to preserve and strengthen their ties as a united
family.
- The Universal House of Justice (From a message dated 16 May 1982 written on behalf of the Universal
House of Justice; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Preserving Baha’i
Marriages)
