What is Chanda Shart-e-Awwal (subscription dues under the First Condition), and how much should be paid?

Chanda Shart-e-Awwal is a one-time subscription paid by the applicant under the First Condition of Wasiyyat, mandated by the Promised Messiah (as) in the booklet The Will. The purpose of this donation, in the words of the Promised Messiah (as), is:

“Hence, the first condition is that whoever desires to be buried in this graveyard should contribute towards the expenses of its maintenance according to his/her capacity.”

The Will

The guiding principle is that the prospective Musi should pay this Chanda according to their own capacity, so that the requirements of running and maintaining the cemetery can be met. The prospective Musi should therefore pay this Chanda in keeping with their income, their assets, and the needs of the Maqbarah Musian.

According to Rule 28 of the Wasiyyat Rules:

“It shall be obligatory for a prospective Musi to pay, in addition to the Wasiyyat amount, a contribution according to his financial status, for the maintenance of Bahishti Maqbarah, its garden, upkeep of the path and other incidental expenses. This contribution is known as Chanda Shart Awwal (contribution towards the First Condition).”

Al-Wasiyyat, Condition 1