The Will and Testament of `Abdu’l-Bahá

The Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá calls into being, outlines the features and sets in motion the processes of the Administrative Order of Bahá’u’lláh. It is a document which proclaims the fundamental beliefs of the Bahá’í community; reveals the twofold character of the Mission of the Báb; discloses the station of Bahá’u’lláh; establishes the institution of the Guardianship as a hereditary office and outlines its essential functions; provides the measures for the election of the Universal House of Justice, defines its scope and sets forth its relationship to the institution of the Guardianship; prescribes the obligations, and emphasises the responsibilities, of the Hands of the Cause of God; and extolls the virtues of the indestructible Covenant established by Bahá’u’lláh. It is identified by Shoghi Effendi as one of three charters informing the advancement of the Cause of God.