Baha'u'llah states that the Baha'i law of Zakat follows "what hath been revealed in the Qur'an" (Q and A 107). Since such issues as the limits for exemption, the categories of income concerned, the frequency of payments, and the scale of rates for the various categories of Zakat are not mentioned in the Qur'an, these matters will have to be set forth in the future by the Universal House of Justice. Shoghi Effendi has indicated that pending such legislation the believers should, according to their means and possibilities, make regular contributions to the Baha'i Fund. (235:1)

162. It is unlawful to beg, and it is forbidden to give to him who beggeth.
In a Tablet Abdu'l-Baha expounds the meaning of this verse. He states that "mendicancy is forbidden and that giving charity to people who take up begging as their profession is also prohibited". He further points out in that same Tablet: "The object is to uproot mendicancy altogether. However, if a person is incapable of earning a living, is stricken by dire poverty or becometh helpless, then it is incumbent on the wealthy or the Deputies to provide him with a monthly allowance for his subsistence... By 'Deputies' is meant the representatives of the people, that is to say the members of the House of Justice." (235:2)

The prohibition against giving charity to people who beg does not preclude individuals and Spiritual Assemblies from extending financial assistance to the poor and needy or from providing them with opportunities to acquire such skills as would enable them to earn a livelihood (see note 56). (235:3)

163. A fine ... had formerly been prescribed ... for anyone who was the cause of sadness to another
Baha'u'llah abrogates the law of the Persian Bayan concerning the payment of a fine in reparation for causing sadness to one's neighbour. (235:4)

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