Baha'i units of Mass used in calculating dowry, etc.

[mithqal]

Mithqal

A unit of weight, equivalent to a little over 3 1/2 grammes,
used in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas with reference to quantities of
gold or silver for various purposes, usually in amounts of 9,
19 or 95 mithqals. The equivalents of these in the metric
system and in troy ounces (which are used in the
measurement of precious metals), are as follows:

9 mithqals = 32.775 grammes = 1.05374 troy ounces
19 mithqals = 69.192 grammes = 2.22456 troy ounces
95 mithqals = 345.958 grammes = 11.12282 troy ounces

This computation is based on the guidance of Shoghi
Effendi, conveyed in a letter written on his behalf, which
states "one mithqal consists of nineteen nakhuds. The
weight of twenty-four nakhuds equals four and three-fifths
grammes. Calculations may be made on this basis." The
mithqal traditionally used in the Middle East had consisted
of 24 nakhuds but in the Bayan this was changed to 19
nakhuds and Bahá'u'lláh confirmed this as the size of the
mithqal referred to in the Bahá'í laws (Q and A 23).

(Baha'u'llah, The Kitab-i-Aqdas p. 253)

[convert-me.com]

Thank you for the suggestion though it sounds too exotic.

I could not even understand from your post in what country and when this unit was used...

[mithqal]

Thank you for such a quick and kind response!

The unit is/was used generally among Middle Eastern and/or Arabic speaking lands and even parts of Africa such as Mali.

It is exotic and limited.

But as it is associated now with the Baha'i Faith (the second most geographically widespread world religion after Christianity); it will become used more often, if only to convert it to ISU in order for us to follow certain of our laws.

Specifically these are laws relating to setting the minimums and maximums of dowry, calculating a (totally voluntary) donation called "The Right of God" and a few less important measurements.

(Only Baha'is [in good standing, at that!]are allowed to contribute to the Baha'i Funds.)

Baha'is would be able (and encouraged) to come to this site for easy conversions.

[mithqal]

Among the main principles of the Baha'i Faith is the requirement for the worldwide adoption of a universal system of weights and measurements.

"A world script, a world literature, a uniform and universal system of currency, of weights and measures, will simplify and facilitate intercourse and understanding among the nations and races of mankind."
(Baha'u'llah, The Proclamation of Baha'u'llah, p. xi)

Baha'u'llah, the Prophet-Founder of the Baha'i Faith, passed away in 1892. Among his prophecies was that:

"A mechanism of world inter-communication will be devised, embracing the whole planet, freed from national hindrances and restrictions, and functioning with marvellous swiftness and perfect regularity."
(Baha'u'llah, The Proclamation of Baha'u'llah, p. xi)

I'm thinking it is a pretty good description of the internet. What do you think?

[convert-me.com]

Thank you for the information. I've added mithqal and nakhud to weight conversion page

[mithqal]

Wonderful! Thank you!

[JackPols]

I like to have seen discussion of this topic in this forum

[mithqal]

Sure, JackPols, express your thoughts. What you see here, is all the discussion on this topic so far.