the maintenance of world order and security, that Baháʼís should obey the laws with "joy and gladness", and that true liberty could be obtained through obedience to God's laws. Gradualism Baháʼu'lláh stated that the observance of the laws that he prescribed should be subject to "tact and wisdom", and that they should not cause "disturbance and dissension." Baháʼu'lláh thus provided for the progressive application of his laws. For example, certain Baháʼí laws are only applicable to Middle Eastern Baháʼís (such as the limit to the period of engagement), although any Baháʼí may practice such laws if they so decide. Other Baháʼí laws, such as the prohibition to drink alcohol, have also been applied gradually in countries where they go against social norms, particularly in the early years of the establishment of the Baháʼí Faith in those areas. Shoghi Effendi stated that certain other laws, such as those pertaining to punishment for capital crimes, that are dependent upon the existence of a predominantly Baháʼí society would only be applicable in the future. Furthermore, some laws and teachings are not intended to be applied at the present time and their application depends on future decisions by the Universal House of Justice. Individual conscience In Baháʼí literature the laws are not seen as a constricting code, or a ritual, but are described as the "choice wine", and a means to happiness. The laws are generally presented as a set of general principles and guidelines which each individual Baháʼí must apply to their own lives as they see fit. Baháʼí law and teachings do not include details on many aspects of life, and the successive heads of the religion have been reluctant to prescribe specific and detailed codes of Baháʼí behaviour; for example the heads of the religion have stated that details of Baháʼí behaviour, such as how to dress, are a matter of individual choice and not Baháʼí law. This is in contrast to the provisions of Islamic law. The practice of Baháʼí law is firmly placed on individual conscience, understanding and reasoning. The Baháʼí laws are not considered as binding to anyone until they become a Baháʼí, and becoming a Baháʼí is not conditional on a person's level of adherence to the laws; an individual is expected to gradually apply laws on a personal basis. Baháʼís are expected to follow the laws not because they will be punished for breaking them, but