Note 66

66. &Aghsan # 42

"&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 Covenant and the Head of the Faith. &Abdu'l-Baha, in His Will and Testament, appointed +P197 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).