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66 Aghsan #42

Categories: NOTES
Sources: The Kitab-i-aqdas

Aghsan (plural of Ghusn) is the Arabic word for Branches. This

term is used by Baha'u'llah to designate His male descendants. It has

particular implications not only for the disposition of endowments but

also for the succession of authority following the passing of Baha'u'llah

(see note 145) and of 'Abdu'l-Baha. Baha'u'llah, in the Book of His

Covenant, appointed 'Abdu'l-Baha, His eldest son, as the Centre of His
<
r /> Covenant and the Head of the Faith. 'Abdu'l-Baha, in His Will and

Testament, appointed Shoghi Effendi, His eldest grandson, as the Guardian

and Head of the Faith.



This passage of the Aqdas, therefore, anticipates the succession of chosen

Aghsan and thus the institution of the Guardianship and envisages the

possibility of a break in their line. The passing of Shoghi Effendi in

1957 precipitated the very situation provided for in this passage, in that

the line of Aghsan ended before the Universal House of Justice had been

established (see note 67).



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