Note 78

78. nine &mithqals of gold, to be doubled if they should repeat the offence # 49

A &mithqal is a unit of weight. The weight of the traditional &mithqal used in the Middle East is equivalent to 24 +P201 &nakhuds. However, the &mithqal used by the &Baha'is consists of 19 &nakhuds, "in accordance with the specification of the &Bayan" (Q and A 23). The weight of nine of these &mithqals equals 32.775 grammes or 1.05374 troy ounces.

In relation to the application of the fine, &Baha'u'llah clearly specifies that each succeeding fine is double the preceding one (Q and A 23); thus the fine imposed increases in geometrical progression. The imposition of this fine is intended for a future condition of society, at which time the law will be supplemented and applied by the Universal House of Justice.