"Ag{~COMBINING MACRON BELOW~}h{~COMBINING MACRON BELOW~}san" (plural of G{~COMBINING MACRON BELOW~}h{~COMBINING MACRON BELOW~}usn) 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 Shoghi Effendi, His eldest grandson, as the Guardian
and Head of the Faith.
This passage of the Aqdas, therefore, anticipates the succession of chosen
Ag{~COMBINING MACRON BELOW~}h{~COMBINING MACRON BELOW~}san 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 Ag{~COMBINING MACRON BELOW~}h{~COMBINING MACRON BELOW~}san ended before the Universal House of Justice had been
established (see note 67).