49. QUESTION: Concerning the penalties for adultery, sodomy, and theft, and the degrees thereof.
ANSWER: The determination of the degrees of these penalties rests with the House of Justice.
50. QUESTION: Concerning the legitimacy or otherwise of marrying one’s relatives.
ANSWER: These matters likewise rest with the Trustees of the House of Justice.
51. QUESTION: With reference to ablutions, it hath been revealed, "Let him that findeth no water for ablution repeat five times the words ‘In the Name of God, the Most Pure, the Most Pure’": is it permissible to recite this verse in times of bitter cold, or if the hands or face be wounded?
ANSWER: Warm water may be used in times of bitter cold. If there are wounds on the face or hands, or there be other reasons such as aches and pains for which the use of water would be harmful, one may recite the appointed verse in place of the ablution.
52. QUESTION: Is the recitation of the verse revealed to replace the Prayer of the Signs obligatory?
ANSWER: It is not obligatory.
53. QUESTION: With reference to inheritance, when there are full brothers and full sisters, would half-brothers and half-sisters on the mother’s side also receive a share?
ANSWER: They receive no share.