Shoghi Effendi was asked several times during his ministry
to define the sphere of his operation and his infallibility. The replies he
gave and which were written on his behalf are most illuminating. He explains
that he is not an infallible authority on subjects such as economics and
science, nor does he go into technical matters since his infallibility is
confined to "matters which are related strictly to the Cause." He
further points out that "he is not, like the Prophet, omniscient at
will," that his "infallibility covers interpretation of the revealed
word and its application," and that he is also "infallible in the
protection of the Faith."
- The Universal House of Justice (From a letter dated 22 August 1977 written on
behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer)
