Baha'u'llah states that the determination of the degree of penalty, in
accordance with the seriousness of the offence, rests with the House of
Justice (Q and A 49). The punishments for theft are intended for a future
condition of society, when they will be supplemented and applied by the
Universal House of Justice.
71. on the third offence, place ye a mark upon his brow so that, thus
identified, he may not be accepted in the cities of God and His countries
#45
The mark to be placed on the thief's forehead serves the purpose of
warning people of his proclivities. All details concerning the nature of
the mark, how the mark is to be applied, how long it must be worn, on what
conditions it may be removed, as well as the seriousness of various
degrees of theft have been left by Baha'u'llah for the Universal House of
Justice to determine when the law is applied.
72. Whoso wisheth to make use of vessels of silver and gold is at liberty
to do so. #46
In the Bayan the Bab allowed the use of gold and silver utensils, thus
abrogating the Islamic condemnation of their use which stems not from an
explicit injunction of the Qur'an but from Muslim traditions. Baha'u'llah
here confirms the Bab's ruling.
73. Take heed lest, when partaking of food, ye plunge your hands into the
contents of bowls and platters. #46
This prohibition was defined by Shoghi Effendi as "plunging one's hand in
food". In many parts of the world it has been customary to eat with the
hands from a communal bowl.