We have your letter of March 2, 1972 asking if ... a pioneer
couple living in a remote area lacking police protection may have a weapon in
their possession for defending themselves as thieves have broken into their
house twice and robbed them.
A hitherto untranslated Tablet from 'Abdu'l-Bahá points out
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. A
statement in a letter written on behalf of the Guardian 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. Although we have advised certain National
Assemblies in countries facing increasing civil disorder the protection of
their families, we feel that in the circumstances you have outlined in your
letter it would be permissible for the pioneer family to keep a weapon in the
house, provided the law permits.
- The Universal House of Justice (From a letter dated March 20, 1972 to the National Spiritual Assembly of Honduras;
compilations: ‘Lights of Guidance’)
