authentication of texts in the Baha'i faith

General Rules for Authentication

• Nothing can be considered scripture for which an original text is not available.
• The degree of authenticity of every document will eventually need to be known and understood.
• Unauthenticated talks may continue to be used, but must be clearly distinguished from Bahá’í Scripture in the future.

Authenticated/Authoritative Texts

Writings and Talks of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

• Some Answered Questions: The original Persian text was read in full and corrected by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Himself.
• Tablets: Specific Tablets (like the one concerning "Knowledge and Deeds" published in Bahá’í World Faith) are identified as being sourced from authorized collections of Tablets.

Letters from Shoghi Effendi (The Guardian)

• Letters read and approved by Shoghi Effendi: Whatever letters were sent on his behalf from Haifa were all read and approved by him before mailing, without exception.
• Authoritative Text: Letters written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi concerning matters "related strictly to the Cause and interpretation of the teachings" constitute authoritative Bahá’í text.
• Authority vs. Exact Word: Messages conveyed by the Guardian's secretaries are authoritative, conveying his thoughts and instructions, but their words are not necessarily the same as his, and their authority is less because they use their own terms.

Correspondence from the Universal House of Justice (UHJ)

• Letters signed "The Universal House of Justice": Drafts containing newly formulated policies are consulted upon and approved during a meeting of the House of Justice.
• Secretariat Letters: All letters written over the signature of the Department of the Secretariat are authorized by the Universal House of Justice.
• Routine Correspondence: Correspondence dealing with previously enunciated policies or routine matters is prepared by the Secretariat, as delegated by the UHJ, and initialed by at least the majority of UHJ members before being dispatched.

Texts Not Fully Authenticated or Non-Binding

Writings and Talks of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

• The Promulgation of Universal Peace and Paris Talks: For many addresses, no original authenticated text has yet been found. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá did not read and authenticate all transcripts of His talks.
• ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in London: No original transcripts exist. It cannot be considered scripture, although it has value in Bahá’í Literature. A Persian verbatim record would be more reliable than one in English, as He was not always accurately interpreted.
• Foundations of World Unity and Bahá’í World Faith: The Research Department has not compiled a detailed listing of which specific extracts are authentic.

Letters written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi

• Personal Advice: Advice given on personal matters (e.g., about an individual's future) is not binding; the recipient is free to follow it or not.

Materials Prepared by the Research Department

• Status of Materials: Materials prepared by the Research Department, even if done at the direction of the UHJ, represent the views of that Department.
• Category Distinction: Such materials should never be taken to be in the same category as the elucidations and clarifications provided by the Universal House of Justice in its assigned functions.

(Authenticity of Texts by Universal House of Justice, Dt. 1996-10-22)

https://bahai-library.com/uhj_authenticity_some_texts