Guidance on making a will
13 December 2021
3 Masá’il 178 B.E.
GC-36134
Download as PDF
All believers in the United Kingdom
Dearly loved Friends,
In the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, Bahá’u’lláh instructs every believer to write a will:
Unto everyone hath been enjoined the writing of a will. The testator should head this document with the adornment of the Most Great Name, bear witness therein unto the oneness of God in the Dayspring of His Revelation, and make mention, as he may wish, of that which is praiseworthy, so that it may be a testimony for him in the kingdoms of Revelation and Creation and a treasure with his Lord, the Supreme Protector, the Faithful.
The Kitáb-i-Aqdas, p. 59
Thus, the writing of a will is a spiritual duty of great significance in that it is a statement of one’s Faith in Bahá’u’lláh – the Manifestation of God for today – and an opportunity to mention “that which is praiseworthy.” It can contain an expression of one’s wish to be buried in accordance with the Law of Bahá’u’lláh. Importantly, it ought to include an instruction to the executors of the will to ensure that any Ḥuqúqu’lláh owed at the time of one’s death is paid.
And while the making of a will is an opportunity to bequeath to family, friends, and others, it is also a moment to consider the needs of the Faith and to leave a bequest to the National Spiritual Assembly of monies, or other assets, which can be earmarked for any of the funds of the Faith, whether at the international, continental, or local level.
To assist you in the writing of a will, and in the fulfilment of this duty, we are sharing with you three documents, some of which have recently been updated. The three documents are as follows:
- Making your will
- Making your will (Persian language)
- Guidance notes for executors
- Guidance notes for executors (Persian)
- Notes for solicitors preparing wills for Bahá’ís
The National Assembly hopes that all of the believers, of whatever age, will avail themselves of the opportunity to write a will, in accordance with the instructions of Bahá’u’lláh, and to draw down the blessings and confirmations that such an act bestows.
With loving Bahá’í greetings,
Patrick O’Mara,
Secretary