[1] The laws are based on authenticated texts from Baháʼu'lláh, the founder of the Baháʼí Faith, and also includes subsequent interpretations from ʻAbdu'l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi, and legislation by the Universal House of Justice.
"[3] Baháʼu'lláh, in both his initial role as Bábí leader, and then as the founder of his own religious system, condemned the antinomian tendencies of the community.
[3] The main source of Baháʼí law is the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, but it is supplemented by some supplementary texts written by Baháʼu'lláh, as well as further interpretations by ʻAbdu'l-Bahá, and Shoghi Effendi, heads of the religion after Baháʼu'lláh's death, as well as legislation by the Universal House of Justice, the international governing body of the Baháʼís.
[3] The writings of Baháʼu'lláh, ʻAbdu'l-Bahá, and Shoghi Effendi are considered fundamental and unchangeable, while the application of some of them depends on decisions by the Universal House of Justice.
Shoghi Effendi stated that certain other laws, such as those pertaining to punishment for capital crimes, that are dependent upon the existence of a predominantly Baháʼí society would only be applicable in the future.
[3][4] Furthermore, some laws and teachings are not intended to be applied at the present time and their application depends on future decisions by the Universal House of Justice.
These include the recitation of a daily obligatory prayer; the time of fasting; laws of inheritance; the abolishment of priests; the prohibition of such things as slavery, asceticism, and gambling; the condemnation of backbiting and idleness; the prohibition against and punishments for capital crimes including murder and arson; the requirement for each person to practice a profession; the necessity of educating of children; and the law of strict obedience to one's governments.
[6] Baháʼu'lláh's book of laws also includes general principles and exhortations to work with people of all religions with amity, and warns his followers to guard against such things as fanaticism and pride.
Along with obligatory prayer, it is one of the greatest obligations of a Baháʼí, and its chief purpose is spiritual; to reinvigorate the soul and bring the person closer to God.
[13] The requirements of Baháʼí marriage include that the partners be over the age of 15, and is dependent on the consent of the couple and all their living biological parents, so to strengthen the ties between the families.
Shoghi Effendi stated that preserving family unity is of utmost importance, and Baháʼís are counselled to balance their desire to serve the religion with their responsibilities as parents, spouses and children.
[15] The system of inheritance in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas is based on the provisions written by the Báb and provides for distribution of the deceased's estate among seven categories of heirs.
:[15] children, spouse, father, mother, brothers, sisters, and teachers, with higher categories obtaining a larger share.
[17] Baháʼís are forbidden to drink alcohol or to take drugs, except by a doctor's order, because God has given human beings reason which is taken away by intoxicants that lead the mind astray.
[20] Huqúqu'lláh, the "Right of God", is a law which requires Baháʼís to pay 19% of their surplus net-worth (i.e. those things that they do not need to live comfortably), after the discharge of all debts.
[22] The money collected is used by the Universal House of Justice for such things as the promotion of the religion, the upkeep of properties, and general charity.