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The subfield of Bahai Scripture examines the corpus of authoritative texts in the Baha'i Faith and the frameworks through which they are interpreted. Central to this study is the concept of Progressive Revelation, which holds that God's will is revealed progressively through a series of Manifestations, each building upon previous dispensations. The Baha'i scriptural canon includes the Writings of the Bab, Baha'u'llah, Abdu'l-Baha, Shoghi Effendi, and the Universal House of Justice, each with distinct authority and scope.
The Baha'i Covenant is the foundational interpretive framework that ensures unity and prevents schism. It designates Abdu'l-Baha as the authorized interpreter of Baha'u'llah's Writings, and subsequently Shoghi Effendi as the Guardian and interpreter. This line of authoritative interpretation is considered essential for understanding the true meaning of scripture. The Covenant also establishes the Universal House of Justice as the supreme governing body with authority to legislate on matters not explicitly revealed.
Within this framework, Baha'i Law emerges as a key area of scriptural study. The legal texts, primarily from Baha'u'llah's Kitab-i-Aqdas, are interpreted through the lens of the Covenant and applied by the Universal House of Justice. Scholars also examine the relationship between scripture and the Baha'i Administrative Order, which is rooted in the Writings and provides the structure for communal life.
The study of Bahai Scripture also involves textual criticism and historical analysis of the original Arabic and Persian texts. However, the dominant paradigm remains the authoritative interpretation established by the Covenant, which distinguishes Baha'i scriptural studies from purely academic approaches. The Universal House of Justice continues to issue elucidations and legislation, shaping the ongoing development of Baha'i scriptural understanding.