Letter by Universal House of Justice to Bahá'ís of Egypt

The letter issued on December 21, 2006 is an inspiring example of how the Universal House of Justice guides, inspires and reveals the way to navigate the injustices of the world today. Most specifically, with regard how the Egyptian Bahá'ís should deal with the recent ruling of the Supreme Administrative Court in Cairo that ruled against a lower court that permitted Baha'i to obtain identification cards (a common right to which all native born Egyptians are entitled).

It calls for the Bahá'ís to continue to "...stand firm, persevere in your effort to win affirmation of this right. " Further, it examines how the arguments presented by the Judge missed the essence of the argument presented. Although the Egyptian constitution recognizes three religions: Islam, Christianity and Judaism, the Bahá'ís are only asking that they are not forced to lie or deny their Faith on the national ID card, a basic civil right of its citizens.

"The ruling was unreasonable not only because it is contrary to prescriptions set forth in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Egypt is a signatory, but more especially because the sacred scriptures of Islam extol tolerance as a precept of social stability."

Despite this setback, the Universal House of Justice inspires the community to reflect on how this action of the high court should be gleaned as a higher purpose and meaning. Quoting Bahá'u'lláh, they first describe the current state of justice in this time:

" 'Justice is, in this day, bewailing its plight, and Equity groaneth beneath the yoke of oppression. The thick clouds of tyranny have darkened the face of the earth, and enveloped its peoples.' "

Yet they continue to explain how this also precipitates a overall shift in the world:

"So grave a situation exists at a time of unprecedented change: opposite processes of chaos and of order interact in a spiral of turbulence that signals a transition in the spiritual and social agenda of the world as a whole. [...] Hence, you [Bahá'ís of Egypt] appreciate the global connotations of instances of oppression at home or abroad and accept the responsibility of striving, guided by the principles of the Faith and in collaboration with others whenever possible, to combat injustice, for the common good." (emphasis added)

When issues of injustice confront people as a whole, in part or in a family unit, it is essential to find a constructive way, a peaceful means and persevere towards a solution. In this case, the Bahá'í's are asked not to give up, nor to tear down the obstructions of justice, but instead to work, collaborate with other and to have faith that there lies a deeper sense of purpose in their overall plight. It is significant that in this day especially, when so many calls of injustice can be raised for the silent ones, the underprivelged and the oppressed.

May the friends in Egypt have strength, patience and courage to continue...