The Kitab-i-Aqdas appears to allow bigamy. This is explained
in Note 17 on page 59 of the "Synopsis and Codification": "The
text of the `Kitab-i-Aqdas' upholds monogamy, but as it appears also to permit
bigamy, the Guardian was asked for a clarification, and in reply his secretary
wrote on his behalf: `Regarding Bahá'í marriage: in the light of the Master's
Tablet interpreting the provision in the "Aqdas" on the subject of
the plurality of wives, it becomes evident that monogamy alone is permissible,
since, as `Abdu'l-Bahá states, bigamy is conditioned upon justice and as
justice is impossible, it follows that bigamy is not permissible, and monogamy
alone should be practised.'" This is an authoritative interpretation, and
as an interpretation states what is intended by the original text, it is
correct to say that the Kitab-i-Aqdas prohibits plurality of wives. This method
of establishing monogamy as the law of the Faith is one example of the process
referred to in the introduction to the "Synopsis and Codification"
whereby there is a progressive disclosure of the full meaning of the laws of
the Faith as the Dispensation unfolds.
- The Universal House of Justice (From a letter dated 23 March 1975
written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, quoted by the Research
Department of the Universal House of Justice in a Memorandum dated 27 June
1996)
