In the Aqdas Bahá’u’lláh has given death as the penalty for
murder. However, He has permitted life imprisonment as an alternative. Both
practices would be in accordance with His Laws. Some of us may not be able to
grasp the wisdom of this when it disagrees with our own limited vision; but we
must accept it, knowing His Wisdom, His Mercy and His Justice are perfect and
for the salvation of the entire world. If a man were falsely condemned to die,
can we not believe Almighty God would compensate him a thousandfold, in the
next world, for this human injustice? You cannot give up a salutary law just
because on rare occasions the innocent may be punished.
- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter written
on behalf of Shoghi Effendi quoted by the Universal House of Justice in the 'Notes’ section of the Kitab-i-Aqdas)
