Istijlál, 07 Mulk (Dominion), 182 B.E.

Quotes for Reflection

The people of Bahá, under the jurisdiction of whatsoever state or government they may be residing, should conduct themselves with honesty and sincerity, trustworthiness and rectitude. They should concern themselves with men’s hearts, and hold themselves aloof from the fluctuations and limitations of the contingent world. They are neither thirsty for prominence, nor acquisitive of power; they are neither adepts at dissimulation and hypocrisy, nor are they seekers after wealth and influence; they neither crave for the pomp and circumstance of high office, nor do they lust after the glory of titles and ranks. They are averse to affectation and ostentation, and shrink from the use of coercive force; they have closed their eyes to all but God, and set their hearts on the firm and incontrovertible promises of their Lord; they have severed the bonds of earthly expectations and attachments, and connected their lives to the One Peerless Beloved. Oblivious to themselves, they have occupied their energies in working towards the good of society; and, steadfastly adhering to the sound and wholesome principles of God’s Faith, they have turned their backs on the morbid imaginings, the incoherent theories, and pernicious ideas of the victims of caprice and folly. While vigilantly refusing to accept political posts, they should whole-heartedly welcome the chance to assume administrative positions; for the primary purpose of the people of Bahá is to advance the interests and promote the welfare of the nation, not to further the devious ends and designs of the profligate and shameless. Such is the method of the Bahá’ís; such is the conduct of all spiritually illumined souls; and aught else is manifest error. — Shoghi Effendi ¹

Question for Consideration

From a Bahá’í perspective, how should a person behave toward the government with jurisdiction over the area where they reside?

Perplexity Pro Response ²

A Bahá’í is expected to show loyal, law‑abiding cooperation with whatever government has jurisdiction where they live, while avoiding partisan struggle and using every lawful means to promote the common good. [2] [3]

Core attitude to government

• Show unqualified loyalty and obedience to the “considered judgment” and laws of the state in which you reside, so long as these do not force you to deny your faith or violate its essential spiritual principles. [2] [3] [4]
• Avoid any form of rebellion, sedition, or activity aimed at subverting or undermining the government. [2] [3]
• Make clear that obedience does not mean endorsing the government’s political program; a Bahá’í may disagree inwardly but still obey the law and speak respectfully. [3] [4]

Non‑partisanship and political posts

• Refrain from partisan politics, factional disputes, and identifying the Faith with any party, ideology, or political camp, since these are seen as major causes of disunity. [3] [5] [6] [7]
• “Vigilantly refusing to accept political posts,” Bahá’ís are encouraged instead to accept non‑partisan administrative or civil‑service roles that serve the whole population and do not require partisan campaigning or compromising Bahá’í principles. [1]

Political vs administrative roles (illustration)

Type of role	Bahá’í stance (in current guidance)	Reason
Party official, campaign strategist, partisan legislator	Avoid	Involves partisanship and conflict of parties. [3] [5]
Neutral civil servant, technical administrator, non‑political public employee	Encouraged if principles can be upheld	Serves welfare of the nation without partisan struggle. [1] [3] [7]

Personal conduct and motive

• Exhibit honesty, sincerity, trustworthiness, rectitude, chastity, and freedom from corruption or bribery in any governmental role; public service must be done in a spirit of service, not self‑advancement. [1] [3]
• Shun thirst for prominence, power, wealth, and titles, and “hold themselves aloof from the fluctuations and limitations of the contingent world,” focusing instead on service to society and the love of God. [1]
• Work “towards the good of society” and the “welfare of the nation,” seeing good government and just administration as part of humanity’s collective well‑being. [1] [3] [5]

Limits of obedience

• Obedience to government is “sacred” but not “sheep‑like”: if a state orders a Bahá’í to deny their faith, commit injustice, or violate essential spiritual obligations, the believer must remain faithful to God, even at personal cost.[4] [8] [9]
• Even in such cases, Bahá’ís still avoid violence or sedition; their response is principled non‑compliance in matters of conscience, coupled with continued respect for social order as far as conscience allows. [4] [9]

In sum, from a Bahá’í perspective one should be a loyal, obedient, non‑partisan, law‑abiding citizen who serves and improves the state in every upright way available, yet reserves ultimate allegiance for God and His moral law. [1] [2] [3] [6]

Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity

• What are exceptions to Bahá’í obedience to government?
• How do Bahá’ís balance obedience with their principles?
• Why do Bahá’ís avoid political involvement?
• What are examples of Bahá’í non-participation in politics historically?
• Can Bahá’ís hold non-political government positions?

​Citations

1. Trustworthiness: A Cardinal Bahá’í Virtue. Compiled by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice, Revised August 1990 – Bahá’í Reference Library
2. Political Non-Involvement and Obedience to Government | Bahá’í Library Online
3. Lights of Guidance: Shun Politics Like the Plague and be Obedient to the Government in Power | bahai.works
4. Star of the West, Volume 14, Number 8, page 245 | bahai.works
5. Non-involvement in politics | Bahaipedia
6. Bahá’í Involvement in Politics | Uplifting Words
7. Politics | Bahai9
8. Civil disobedience and Baha’i | reddit, r/bahai
9. Obedience to Government | Bahá’í Reference Library

Footnotes

1. Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Trustworthiness: A Cardinal Bahá’í Virtue.” Bahá’í Reference Library, Revised August 1990. https://www.bahai.org/r/572488818 ↩︎
2. Perplexity Pro. “Obedience to Government.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. February 11, 2026. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/the-people-of-baha-under-the-j-uJ0TOqvCQQajZ3fZITlVPA#0 ↩︎

‘Idál, 06 Mulk (Dominion), 182 B.E.

Quotes for Reflection

The responsibilities of the members of the Spiritual Assemblies that are engaged in teaching the Cause of God in Eastern lands have been clearly laid down in the holy Texts.

These bid them to work towards the improvement of morals and the spread of learning; to strive to eradicate ignorance and unenlightenment, eliminate prejudice, and reinforce the foundation of true faith in people’s hearts and minds; to seek to develop self-reliance and avoidance of blind imitation; to aim to enhance the efficient management of their affairs, and observe purity and refinement in all circumstances; to show their commitment to truthfulness and honesty, and their ability to conduct themselves with frankness, courage and resolution.

They similarly enjoin them to lend their support to agricultural and industrial development, to consolidate the foundations of mutual assistance and cooperation, to promote the emancipation and advancement of women and support the compulsory education of both sexes, to encourage application of the principles of consultation among all classes, and to adhere in all dealings to a standard of scrupulous integrity.

They further impress upon them the virtue of trustworthiness and godliness, of purity of motive, kindliness of heart, and detachment from the fetters of this material world. They call upon them so to sanctify themselves that they will rise above the corrupt and evil influences that exercise so powerful a sway over the Western world, and charge them to abide by the counsel of moderation at all times and under all conditions. They urge them to make detailed inquiry into the various branches of contemporary learning—arts and sciences alike—and to concentrate their attention on serving the general interests of the people; to deepen themselves by attentive study of the sacred Texts, and to apply the divine guidance they contain to the circumstances, needs and conditions of society today; to refrain from entering into the tangled affairs of political parties and to have neither concern for, nor involvement in, the controversies of politicians, the wranglings of theologians or any of the ailing social theories current amongst men.

They finally exhort them to be sincerely obedient, in both thought and word, to the laws duly enacted by the government of the realm, and to distance themselves from the methods, concepts and illgrounded arguments of extreme traditionalists and modernists alike; to accord honour, veneration and respect to—and endorse the efforts of—exponents of the arts and sciences, and to esteem and revere those who are possessed of extensive knowledge and scholarly erudition; to uphold the right of freedom of conscience; and to abstain from criticizing and disparaging the manners, customs and beliefs of other individuals, peoples and nations.

These are among the most pressing requirements for the nations of the East. These are the basic, the binding, the inescapable responsibilities of the trustees of the Merciful, the representatives of the Bahá’í communities, the members of the Spiritual Assemblies. — Shoghi Effendi ¹

Question for Consideration

How can Bahá’ís today honor their responsibilities as outlined by Shoghi Effendi in his letter written one hundred years ago to members of Spiritual Assemblies in Eastern Lands?

Perplexity Pro Response ²

Bahá’ís today can honor these responsibilities by consciously translating each major theme of Shoghi Effendi’s letter into concrete patterns of individual, community, and institutional life within the current framework of action of the worldwide Bahá’í community. Below are some practical ways this can happen. [1] [2]

Improve morals and spread learning

• Participate actively in children’s classes, junior youth groups, study circles, and devotional gatherings, seeing them as primary instruments for moral education and the “spread of learning” for all ages. [3] [4]
• Shape the content and atmosphere of these activities so they cultivate qualities like truthfulness, justice, and service, not merely transmit information. [4] [5]
• Encourage every believer to be both a learner and a teacher, fostering a culture where gaining knowledge and sharing it with others is a natural part of Bahá’í life. [5] [6]

Eradicate ignorance, prejudice, and blind imitation

• Use study circles and community conversations to investigate reality together, questioning inherited prejudices of race, gender, nationality, class, and religion in the light of the Writings. [4] [7]
• Promote habits of consultation in families, youth groups, and Assemblies so that decisions rest on collective investigation and principle, not on personality or tradition. [2] [7]
• Build friendships across lines of difference, consciously including those of various backgrounds in community activities as a means of healing long‑standing social divides. [4] [7]

Strengthen faith, self‑reliance, purity, and integrity

• Help the community link spiritual practices (prayer, fasting, study of the Writings) with concrete acts of service, so faith is continually confirmed by experience, not mere profession. [2] [4]
• Encourage economic and social self‑reliance—avoiding dependency and consumerism—by simple living, honest work, and sacrificial contribution to the Fund, under the Assembly’s wise guidance. [1] [6]
• Adopt clear community norms of honesty, refusal of corruption, and chastity, and ensure Assemblies lovingly but firmly protect these standards in personal and collective affairs. [1] [2]

Support social and economic development

• Read Shoghi Effendi’s call to assist “agricultural and industrial development” today as a summons to appropriate, locally led social action—small, learning‑based projects that respond to genuine needs (literacy, environmental care, health, livelihoods, etc.). [4] [8]
• Draw on the capacities raised through the training institute—service, cooperation, consultation—to initiate or support such endeavors, however modest, with a view to long‑term community transformation. [4] [6]
• Collaborate respectfully with like‑minded individuals and organizations, ensuring that Bahá’í contributions remain principled, non‑partisan, and focused on the common good. [1] [4]

Promote the advancement of women and education of both sexes

• Ensure that women and men participate equally in all aspects of community life—teaching plans, consultation, administration, and social action—so equality is visible in practice. [1] [7]
• Make the education of girls and boys a top community priority: support parents, establish or strengthen children’s classes, and help families overcome barriers (economic, cultural, or logistical) to schooling. [3] [4]
• In community discourse, explicitly connect equality and universal education with the progress of families, communities, and nations, as the Writings repeatedly affirm. [4] [5]

Practice true consultation and community‑building

• Train Assemblies, families, and groups in the principles of Bahá’í consultation—detachment, courteous expression, attentive listening, and unity of action after decision.[2] [7]
• Use consultation not only for internal Bahá’í matters but also to examine community needs and plan outreach and service in a spirit of mutual assistance and cooperation. [4] [8]
• Encourage believers to “go to [Assemblies] as a child would to its parents,” so that these institutions can truly help, advise, and protect, and so trust deepens between individuals and institutions. [2] [7]

Maintain non‑involvement in partisan politics

• Educate the friends about why the Faith prohibits engagement in partisan politics yet calls for full concern with the welfare of society, public discourse, and obedience to government. [1] [9]
• Support believers in avoiding partisan identification and public political disputes—especially online—while encouraging them to participate constructively in non‑partisan civic life where appropriate. [1] [4]
• When consulted by the friends, Assemblies can help them navigate complex political environments with wisdom, ensuring unity of the community is safeguarded. [2] [7]

Obedience to government and respect for knowledge

• Foster in the community a clear, serene attitude of loyalty and obedience to just laws, seeking legal pathways where rights need to be defended rather than resorting to confrontation. [1] [9]
• Encourage youth and adults to excel in fields of arts and sciences, to pursue higher education where possible, and to see their professions as arenas of service to humanity. [4] [10]
• Publicly and privately, show respect and cooperation toward scholars, scientists, educators, and cultural workers, recognizing them as allies in the advancement of civilization. [1] [10]

Guard freedom of conscience and avoid disparagement

• Ensure Bahá’í spaces—devotionals, study circles, children’s classes—are open and welcoming to people of any or no religious background, with no pressure to convert and full respect for each person’s conscience. [1] [4]
• Consciously refrain from criticizing other religions, cultures, or nations, instead emphasizing shared values and the unifying vision of Bahá’u’lláh. [1] [7]
• When engaging in discourse (in person or online), model a language of courtesy, humility, and genuine listening, even with those who strongly disagree. [2] [4]

Deepen in the Writings and learn from experience

• Systematically study the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, and the Universal House of Justice in the programs of the training institute, Feasts, and special deepenings, always asking how to apply them to present‑day realities. [2] [10]
• Read Shoghi Effendi’s early letters on Spiritual Assemblies and the Constitution and messages of the Universal House of Justice to better understand the high standard of conduct expected of Bahá’í institutions. [1] [2] [10]
• Adopt a posture of continual learning: plan, act, reflect, consult, and adjust, so that over time the community’s endeavors more faithfully mirror the “basic, binding, inescapable responsibilities” he described. [4] [8]

In essence, Bahá’ís today honor Shoghi Effendi’s century‑old guidance when their individual lives, their community‑building efforts, and their institutional action together foster moral transformation, the spread of learning, social progress, and the unity of the human family, in a spirit of purity, trustworthiness, and loving service. [1] [4] [6]

Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity

• What specific duties for teaching in Eastern lands are in Shoghi Effendi’s 1926 letter?
• How do Local Spiritual Assemblies promote children’s education?
• What are the obligations of Hands of the Cause of God?
• What are the key principles for electing Spiritual Assembly members?
• How did Shoghi Effendi guide National Spiritual Assembly formation?

​Citations

1. The Constitution of the Universal House of Justice | The Bahá’í Faith
2. The National Spiritual Assembly | Bahá’í Reference Library
3. Core Curriculum for Spiritual Education | National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States
4. Education | Bahaipedia
5. Foundations for a Spiritual Education: Research of the Bahá’í Writings | Bahá’í Library Online
6. Shoghi Effendi: Guide for a New Millennium | Bahá’í Library Online
7. Local Spiritual Assembly | Bahai9
8. The Universal House of Justice: Significance, Origin, Authority, and Election | Bahá’í Library Online
9. 7 December 1969 – [To an individual] | Bahá’í Reference Library
10. Bahá’í Administration: Selected Messages 1922–1932 by Shoghi Effendi | Bahá’í Reference Library

Footnotes

1. Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Trustworthiness: A Cardinal Bahá’í Virtue.” Bahá’í Reference Library, Revised August 1990. https://www.bahai.org/r/224162417 ↩︎
2. Perplexity Pro. “Bahá’í Responsibilities.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. February 10, 2026. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/the-responsibilities-of-the-me-cDhL2BVmRrucsByYEopBlg#0 ↩︎

Fidál, 05 Mulk (Dominion), 182 B.E.

Quotes for Reflection

This is the day for excellence of character and conduct. We should all adorn ourselves with these ornaments of the Kingdom while still in this world of being, so that we may render fit service to the Threshold of the Most Merciful. — Shoghi Effendi ¹

Question for Consideration

What behaviors are associated with “excellence of character and conduct” and enable one to “render fit service to the Threshold of the Most Merciful”?

Perplexity Pro Response ²

Excellence of character and conduct, in this context, means consistently living the virtues that make a person a trustworthy, selfless, and spiritually minded servant of humanity and of God. These qualities are seen as the “ornaments” that enable one to offer service that is truly worthy of “the Threshold of the Most Merciful.” [1]​

Core inner qualities

These are repeatedly named as foundations of a saintly character and “the highest and most laudable of all acts”: [1]​

• Truthfulness and sincerity in word, intention, and action. [1]​
• Trustworthiness and honesty in all affairs, spiritual and material. [1]​
• Purity of heart while communing with God, and reliance on Him in all circumstances. [1]​
• Patience, forbearance, resignation, and even thankfulness in trials. [1]​
• Contentment with what God decrees and detachment from worldly wealth and status. [1]​

Such a person “arrayeth [himself] with the mantle of a saintly character” and is adorned with “holy and goodly deeds.” [1]​

Moral rectitude and integrity

Excellence of conduct is described as uprightness that penetrates every aspect of life. [1]​

• Rectitude, justice, and fairness in judgement and dealings, even when no one is watching. [1]​
• Absolute avoidance of deceit, hypocrisy, corruption, bribery, and exploitation. [1]​
• Fulfilling one’s obligations and debts with diligence and scruple. [1]​
• Chastity, purity, and freedom from base motives in relationships and work. [1]​
• Consistency of word and deed: “lest ye walk in the ways of them whose words differ from their deeds.” [1]​

Such integrity is called a “citadel of strength” for the faithful and “the bedrock of His Faith and the foundation of all virtues and perfections.” [1]​

Spirit of service to others

Rendering “fit service” means turning these inner virtues outward in sincere, practical service. [1]​

• Working “for the betterment of the world and [to] live together in concord and harmony,” shunning contention and strife. [1]​
• Choosing occupations and services whose benefits “accrue to the nation as a whole,” and treating one’s work itself as worship when done with trustworthiness. [1]​
• Serving in public or private positions with detachment, modesty in one’s livelihood, and a constant desire to promote the common good rather than personal gain. [1]​
• Being known in one’s city for sincerity, faithfulness, love, honesty, fidelity, and loving-kindness toward all. [1]​

This kind of service is described as the “hosts of goodly deeds and a praiseworthy character” by which God’s Cause is assisted and hearts are conquered. [1]​

Distinctive daily behavior

The writings link “excellence of character and conduct” to specific, observable habits. [1]​

• Speaking with truthfulness and courtesy; avoiding backbiting, mockery, or harshness. [1]​
• Showing kindness, generosity, and goodwill, even toward those who oppose or wrong one. [1]​
• Exhibiting moderation, dignity, and refinement; avoiding frivolity, ostentation, and behaviour that lowers human dignity. [1]​
• Practising consultation, fairness, and cooperation in family, community, and work. [1]​
• Being punctual, industrious, and competent, so that one’s reliability itself becomes a testimony. [1]​

The aim is that people who meet such a person say, in effect, “This one’s manners and conduct reflect spiritual attributes.” [1]​

How this enables “fit service”

The same passage that contains your quotation states that what is needed is “excellence of character and conduct, and compliance with the laws…these are the magnets that attract divine confirmation.” When a person: [1]​

• Cultivates these virtues inwardly,
• Manifests them consistently in outward conduct, and
• Directs them toward the welfare of others,

their actions become a channel for divine grace, and their service—however humble—becomes “fit” to be laid at the Threshold of the Most Merciful. [1]​

​Citations

1. Trustworthiness: A Cardinal Bahá’í Virtue. Compiled by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice, Revised August 1990 – Bahá’í Reference Library

Footnotes

1. Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Trustworthiness: A Cardinal Bahá’í Virtue.” Bahá’í Reference Library, Revised August 1990. https://www.bahai.org/r/642660976 ↩︎
2. Perplexity Pro. “This Is the Day for Excellence of Character and Conduct.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. February 9, 2026. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/this-is-the-day-for-excellence-3zWSzIJWQaeULjoImE141A#0 ↩︎

Kamál, 04 Mulk (Dominion), 182 B.E.

Quotes for Reflection

None can deny that the flame of faith and love which His mighty hand kindled in many hearts has, despite our bereavement, continued to burn as brightly and steadily as ever before. Who can question that His loved ones, both in the East and the West, notwithstanding the insidious strivings of the enemies of the Cause, have displayed a spirit of unshakable loyalty worthy of the highest praise? What greater perseverance and fortitude than that which His tried and trusted friends have shown in the face of untold calamities, intolerable oppression, and incredible restrictions? But such staunchness of faith, such an unsullied love, such magnificent loyalty, such heroic constancy, such noble courage, however unprecedented and laudable in themselves, cannot alone lead us to the final and complete triumph of such a great Cause. Not until the dynamic love we cherish for Him is sufficiently reflected in its power and purity in all our dealings with our fellow-men, however remotely connected and humble in origin, can we hope to exalt in the eyes of a self-seeking world the genuineness of the all-conquering love of God. Not until we live ourselves the life of a true Bahá’í can we hope to demonstrate the creative and transforming potency of the Faith we profess. Nothing but the abundance of our actions, nothing but the purity of our lives and the integrity of our character, can in the last resort establish our claim that the Bahá’í spirit is in this day the sole agency that can translate a long-cherished ideal into an enduring achievement. — Shoghi Effendi ^{1 2}

Question for Consideration

What is the “Bahá’í spirit” Shoghi Effendi speaks of that “in this day the sole agency that can translate a long-cherished ideal into an enduring achievement”?

Perplexity Pro Response ³

The “Bahá’í spirit” in this passage is the distinctive inner orientation of a person whose heart and conduct are truly shaped by the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh: a spirit of selfless love for God and humanity, expressed in purity of life, integrity of character, unity-building service, and complete consecration to the Cause of God. [2] [3]

How Shoghi Effendi describes this spirit

• It is a spirit that shows itself not in words or claims, but in “the abundance of our actions,” “the purity of our lives,” and “the integrity of our characters.” [2] [4]
• It is animated by “love and loving-kindness,” such that “the stranger may find himself a friend, the enemy a true brother,” transcending all prejudice and division. [2]
• It is characterized by serving “the Cause of God with our heart and soul,” so that the motive behind our acts is pure devotion, not ego or self-interest. [3]

What makes it “the sole agency” today

• Shoghi Effendi states that “the thing the world needs today is the Bahá’í spirit,” describing people as “craving for love, for a high ideal” and for a unity that only such a spirit can generate. [3]
• He explains that this spirit, grounded in love of God and consequently in love of humanity, “produces a greater unity,” because it empowers people “to bear with each other, to be patient and forgiving.” [3]
• In the same letter you quoted, he links this spirit directly to the “success of the Cause” and “the hope, the salvation of mankind,” meaning that only a transformed inner life, widely diffused, can turn ideals of peace and justice into lasting social reality. [2]

Core qualities contained in the “Bahá’í spirit”

• Love: A deep, God-centered love that overflows in compassion and kindness toward every soul. [2] [3]
• Truthfulness and trustworthiness: Described in Bahá’í texts as foundational virtues, necessary if believers are to “become a means for the exaltation of the Cause and the education of the human race.” [1]
• Unity: A universal outlook that sees all as “the companions of God” and strives to be “the lump that must leaven the peoples of the world.” [1]
• Sacrificial service: A readiness to “tread faithfully His path,” to accept difficulties and “emerge from every difficulty spiritually stronger and wiser,” for the good of humanity and the advancement of the Faith. [2] [5]

Putting it together

So the “Bahá’í spirit” here is not a vague feeling, but a spiritual condition in which:

• The believer’s inner life is illumined by love of God and love of humanity.
• This love expresses itself in trustworthy, truthful, pure, and selfless conduct.
• The believer lives and serves in such a way that the Bahá’í ideals of unity, justice, and peace begin to take concrete, enduring form in the world. [1] [2] [3]

Only such a lived, collective spirit, Shoghi Effendi is saying, can “in this day” carry humanity’s long-cherished ideals—universal peace, brotherhood, justice—out of aspiration and into lasting achievement. [2] [4]

Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity

• What is the full context of this Shoghi Effendi quote?
• How does Shoghi Effendi define the paramount duty of every Bahá’í?
• What book contains this quote on Bahá’í character?
• What are examples of Bahá’í applying purity and integrity in actions?
• What are similar quotes by Shoghi Effendi on Bahá’í virtues?

​Citations

1. Trustworthiness: A Cardinal Bahá’í Virtue. Compiled by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice, Revised August 1990 | Bahá’í Reference Library
2. Bahá’í Administration: Part Two – Letters from Shoghi Effendi, January 21, 1922–July 17, 1932 | Bahá’í Reference Library
3. Living the Life | Bahá’í Library Online
4. Triumph of the Cause | Bahá’í Quotes
5. Unfolding Destiny | Bahá’í Library Online

Footnotes

1. Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Trustworthiness: A Cardinal Bahá’í Virtue.” Bahá’í Reference Library, Revised August 1990. https://www.bahai.org/r/386252912 ↩︎
2. Effendi, Shoghi. Baháʾí Administration: Selected Messages, 1922-1932. 7. Ed. 1928. Reprint, Wilmette, Ill: Baháʾí Pub. Trust, 1974, 68. https://www.bahai.org/r/698194032. ↩︎
3. Perplexity Pro. “Bahá’í Spirit as the Sole Agency.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. February 8, 2026. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/nothing-but-the-abundance-of-o-vCyICdF1SG.2C5ZJ6qo9RQ#0 ↩︎

Jamál, 03 Mulk (Dominion), 182 B.E.

Quotes for Reflection

The employment that the Bahá’ís accept, the tasks and duties that they perform, should be of a kind whose benefits accrue to the nation as a whole and not such as are a means of profit to a small circle of high officials and a few select individuals. Further, the beloved friends and members of the Assemblies should, in the manifold circumstances of their lives and in all their multifarious dealings and pursuits, by their deeds, their bearing and demeanour, seek to demonstrate to their fellow-countrymen the excellence of this sacred Cause, to vindicate its truth, and give living testimony to its potency and the sublimity of its spirit. It is thus that the friends should proceed, not confining themselves to the delivery of the message, to explanations, expositions and elucidations. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Chief Interpreter of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, has written:

Wherefore it is incumbent upon all Bahá’is to ponder this very delicate and vital matter in their hearts, that, unlike other religions, they may not content themselves with the noise, the clamour, the hollowness of religious doctrine. Nay, rather, they should exemplify in every aspect of their lives those attributes and virtues that are born of God and should arise to distinguish themselves by their goodly behaviour. They should justify their claim to be Bahá’ís by deeds and not by name. He is a true Bahá’í who strives by day and by night to progress and advance along the path of human endeavour, whose most cherished desire is so to live and act as to enrich and illuminate the world, whose source of inspiration is the essence of divine virtue, whose aim in life is so to conduct himself as to be the cause of infinite progress. Only when he attains unto such perfect gifts can it be said of him that he is a true Bahá’í. For in this holy Dispensation, the crowning glory of bygone ages and cycles, true faith is no mere acknowledgement of the unity of God, but rather the living of a life that will manifest all the perfections and virtues implied in such belief. (Translated by Shoghi Effendi and published in “The Bahá’í World”, vol. 2, “1926–1928” (New York: Bahá’í Publishing Committee, 1928), p. xvi)

See how firm and strongly-worded is this statement of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s, and how demanding its requirements! Notwithstanding, it is only when the Bahá’is are able fully and befittingly to distinguish their characters by the adornment of these divine virtues that they will appear before the eyes of the world in a worthy and appropriate manner and that the name of Bahá’u’lláh will set the universe ablaze. — Shoghi Effendi ¹

Question for Consideration

What behaviors does ‘Abdu’l-Bahá state that exemplify the character of a “true Bahá’í?”

Perplexity Pro Response ²

‘Abdu’l‑Bahá describes a “true Bahá’í” in terms of specific, active qualities of life and character, not merely belief. [1]

From the passage you quoted, the behaviors and inner qualities that exemplify a true Bahá’í include: [1]

• Striving “by day and by night” to make progress in all forms of human endeavor, showing constant effort and diligence. [1]
• Making it one’s “most cherished desire” to live and act in such a way as to “enrich and illuminate the world,” i.e., living for service and upliftment rather than self‑interest. [1]
• Taking “the essence of divine virtue” as one’s source of inspiration, letting spiritual virtues guide motives, decisions, and actions. [1]
• Aiming in life “so to conduct himself as to be the cause of infinite progress,” helping others and society to advance materially and spiritually. [1]
• Refusing to be content with “the noise, the clamour, the hollowness of religious doctrine,” but instead “exemplify[ing] in every aspect of their lives those attributes and virtues that are born of God.” [1]
• “Distinguish[ing] themselves by their goodly behaviour” so clearly that their deeds, demeanor, and way of life validate their claim to be Bahá’ís. [1]
• “Justify[ing] their claim to be Bahá’ís by deeds and not by name,” making conduct, not labels or words, the proof of faith. [1]

‘Abdu’l‑Bahá then concludes that only when someone has attained “such perfect gifts” of character and action can it truly be said of him that he is a Bahá’í, because in this Dispensation “true faith is no mere acknowledgement of the unity of God, but rather the living of a life” manifesting all the perfections and virtues implied in that belief. [1]​

Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity

What questions would further one’s understanding about this topic?

Questions that help are usually self‑reflective, practical, and specific to daily life. Here are some you could ponder, journal about, or use in consultation with others.

About motives and purpose

• In my work and studies, am I primarily seeking personal gain, or to “enrich and illuminate the world”?
• In what concrete ways do my daily choices show that service to humanity is my aim in life?
• When I plan my time, how much of it is intentionally devoted to the progress and well‑being of others?

About effort and striving

• What does “striving by day and by night” look like for me this week, in realistic but stretching terms?
• Where have I become complacent in my spiritual or practical efforts, and what one step could I take to advance?
• Are there talents or capacities I’m not using in the path of human endeavour?

About deeds versus words

• If someone only observed my behavior (not my words), would they recognize anything of the Bahá’í teachings?
• Where do my words and actions most clearly differ, and why?
• What is one area in which I can quietly replace speaking about ideals with consistently living them?

About virtues and character

• Which one or two divine virtues (for example, truthfulness, justice, kindness, trustworthiness) most need strengthening in my character right now?
• How does my way of interacting at home, at work, and online “distinguish” me by goodly behavior?
• When under pressure or provocation, which virtues tend to disappear first, and how can I prepare better?

About impact on others and society

• Who or what is being uplifted, healed, or supported by the way I live? Can I name specific people or situations?
• How does my employment or chosen field benefit the wider community, not just a “small circle” of people?
• In what ways can my participation in society better reflect rectitude of conduct, fairness, and freedom from prejudice?

About spiritual foundations

• How often do I consciously draw on prayer and the Writings as a “source of inspiration” before acting?
• Do my good deeds flow from love of God and love for His creatures, or mostly from habit, social approval, or fear of blame?
• What helps me remember that true faith is “the living of a life,” not only inner belief?

Any of these can be turned into a regular practice by choosing one question a day, writing a brief answer, and then identifying a single, practical action flowing from it.

​Citations

1. Trustworthiness: A Cardinal Bahá’í Virtue. Compiled by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice, Revised August 1990 – Bahá’í Reference Library

Footnotes

1. Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Trustworthiness: A Cardinal Bahá’í Virtue.” Bahá’í Reference Library, Revised August 1990. https://www.bahai.org/r/828299887 ↩︎
2. Perplexity Pro. “Protection from Defilement.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. February 7, 2026. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/the-employment-that-the-bahais-iQ1gdjlpTLuCxWFAfCbCdQ#0 ↩︎

Jalál, 02 Mulk (Dominion), 182 B.E.

Quotes for Reflection

These are the days for rendering the divine Cause victorious and effective aid! The victory of God’s Faith is dependent upon teaching; and teaching is conditional upon righteous actions and goodly deeds and conduct. The foundation-stone of a life lived in the way of God is the pursuit of moral excellence and the acquisition of a character endowed with qualities that are well-pleasing in His sight. The Bahá’ís should adorn themselves with this holy raiment; with this mighty sword they should conquer the citadels of men’s hearts. People have grown weary and impatient of rhetoric and discourse, of preaching and sermonizing. In this day, the one thing that can deliver the world from its travail and attract the hearts of its peoples is deeds, not words; example, not precept; saintly virtues, not statements and charters issued by governments and nations on socio-political affairs. In all matters, great or small, word must be the complement of deed, and deed the companion of word: each must supplement, support and reinforce the other. It is in this respect that the Bahá’ís must seek distinction over other peoples and nations, whom the Pen of the Most High has epitomized in the following words: “Their words are the pride of the world, and their deeds are the shame of the nations.” — Shoghi Effendi ¹

Question for Consideration

How is the victory of God’s Faith through teaching conditional upon one’s words and actions?

Perplexity Pro Response ²

The victory of God’s Faith through teaching is conditional on words and actions because only when speech is authenticated by conduct do hearts open, trust is established, and the divine message becomes credible and transformative. [2] [3]

Why deeds are the condition for teaching

• Shoghi Effendi states that “the victory of God’s Faith is dependent upon teaching; and teaching is conditional upon righteous actions and goodly deeds and conduct.” This makes personal character a prerequisite for effective proclamation, not an optional ornament. [1]
• When a believer’s life reflects moral excellence and virtues “well-pleasing in His sight,” their very being becomes a proof of the Faith and a silent form of teaching that attracts souls even before words are spoken. [1] [3]

The unity of word and deed

• Bahá’u’lláh warns the friends “lest ye walk in the ways of them whose words differ from their deeds” and urges that “your acts be a guide unto all mankind,” showing that deeds are the true measure of one’s message. The coherence of what we say and what we do is itself a spiritual argument. [3]
• He further affirms that “it behoveth the people of Bahá to render the Lord victorious through the power of their utterance and to admonish the people by their goodly deeds and character, inasmuch as deeds exert greater influence than words,” explaining that both speech and conduct are needed, but that action carries the greater weight. [3]

Why the age demands example, not rhetoric

• Shoghi Effendi notes that “people have grown weary and impatient of rhetoric and discourse, of preaching and sermonizing,” and that in this day what can “deliver the world from its travail and attract the hearts of its peoples is deeds, not words; example, not precept.” The victory of the Cause, then, depends on a community whose life stands in contrast to the prevailing insincerity and hypocrisy. [1] [2]
• In such a context, Bahá’ís “conquer the citadels of men’s hearts” with “this mighty sword” of a chaste, trustworthy, and selfless life, making their teaching efforts effective because seekers witness a pattern of life that answers the world’s disillusionment. [1] [2] [4]

How word and deed work together in teaching

• Shoghi Effendi explains that “in all matters, great or small, word must be the complement of deed, and deed the companion of word: each must supplement, support and reinforce the other,” and that it is precisely in this harmony that Bahá’ís must seek distinction. Teaching that is only action can lack clarity, while teaching that is only speech lacks power. [1] [2]
• An illustration: a believer who serves their neighborhood with consistency and kindness (deed) and, when asked, gently explains that this spirit of service is inspired by Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings (word) unites both, allowing the Cause to be “rendered victorious” because the message is embodied, intelligible, and trustworthy. [3] [4]

The inner spiritual logic

• Bahá’u’lláh states that “the essence of faith is fewness of words and abundance of deeds; he whose words exceed his deeds, know verily his death is better than his life,” indicating that authentic faith naturally overflows in action. Where there is such authenticity, teaching arises as an organic expression of inner belief. [3]
• Thus the “victory of God’s Faith” is not merely numerical growth but the establishment of a new pattern of life; since that pattern is communicated primarily through character and conduct, teaching in this dispensation is “conditional upon righteous actions and goodly deeds and conduct,” making the believer’s life itself the primary vehicle of divine confirmation. [1] [3]

Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity

• What additional quotes about teaching and deeds are by Shoghi Effendi?
• What are other quotations by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the compilation A Chaste and Holy Life?
• How do Bahai teachings emphasize deeds over words?
• What are key Bahai principles for righteous conduct?
• What are examples of Bahai service through good deeds?

​Citations

1. Trustworthiness: A Cardinal Bahá’í Virtue. Compiled by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice, Revised August 1990 – Bahá’í Reference Library
2. A Chaste and Holy Life: The Power of Example | Bahá’í Reference Library
3. Words and Deeds | Reflections on the Baha’i Faith
4. 3 Ways Our Deeds Define Us | Baha’i Blog

Footnotes

1. Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Trustworthiness: A Cardinal Bahá’í Virtue.” Bahá’í Reference Library, Revised August 1990. https://www.bahai.org/r/270482031 ↩︎
2. Perplexity Pro. “Words Must Complement Deeds.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. February 6, 2026. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/these-are-the-days-for-renderi-h.KufaQDSNeaeafVrkwaBQ#0 ↩︎

Istiqlál, 01 Mulk (Dominion), 182 B.E.

Quotes for Reflection

If it should happen that one of the friends be called upon to serve his country and people in some capacity, he should apply himself to his work with heart and soul, and discharge his duties with perfect honesty, trustworthiness and godliness. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ¹

Question for Consideration

How would one behave when applying oneself heart and soul in service to one’s country and people?

Perplexity Pro Response ²

Applying oneself “with heart and soul” in service to one’s country and people, in the spirit of ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá, means approaching that service as an act of worship to God, carried out with integrity, detachment, and genuine love for all. [1]​[2]​

Inner attitude

To serve with heart and soul is to see your work not as a career step or a way to gain status, but as a sacred trust from God and a means to benefit people. [1]​[2]​
It implies purity of motive: choosing policies, actions, and daily decisions based on justice, compassion, and the common good, not on party advantage or personal gain. [1]​[3]​

Character in action

‘Abdu’l‑Bahá links such service to “perfect honesty, trustworthiness and godliness,” and the Bahá’í writings detail how this looks in practice. [1]​

• Absolute truthfulness in speech; no manipulation, exaggeration, or misleading promises, even when this is politically costly. [1]​
• Refusal of bribery, corruption, favoritism, or use of public office for private benefit; contentment with one’s lawful salary. [1]
• Careful, competent, hardworking performance of one’s duties, avoiding laziness, waste of public resources, or “slack or desultory” work. [1]​
• A steady effort to be fair and impartial, defending the rights of the poor and vulnerable and not yielding to pressure from the powerful. [1]​

An illustration: someone in a government office who could easily speed a contract for a friend refuses to do so, follows transparent procedures, documents every step, and explains the decision honestly even if it costs them that friendship. [1]​

Relationship to government and law

To serve heart and soul also means loyal obedience to just laws and being a “well‑wisher” of the government and its institutions, helping them function with order and stability. [4]​[5]​
At the same time, such a person avoids partisan wrangling, intrigue, and subversive movements, focusing instead on constructive contributions that improve the life of the whole population. [4]​[6]​

Spirit toward the people

Service is defined as caring for people’s real welfare, not merely their approval. [2]​[3]​

• Courtesy, kindness, and humility in dealing with every person, regardless of class, race, political view, or religion. [1]​[7]​
• Readiness to listen, consult, and learn from others, seeing them as partners in building a better society. [8]​
• Willingness to sacrifice comfort, time, and even popularity when conscience and justice demand it. [1]​[9]​

Daily spiritual discipline

Finally, applying oneself “with heart and soul” requires an ongoing inner work that sustains the outer service. [1]​[10]​

• Regular prayer and reflection to purify motives and seek divine assistance. [8]​
• Examining one’s conduct, repenting of lapses in honesty or fairness, and striving to grow in virtues like patience, courage, and detachment. [1]​
• Remembering that the real measure of one’s public service is not praise or promotion, but the degree to which it promotes unity, justice, and the upliftment of people’s lives. [1]​

Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity

• What is the full text of Tablets of the Divine Plan?
• What are Bahai principles on loyalty to government?
• What are examples of Bahais serving in government roles?
• How do Bahais balance faith with national service?
• What is the context of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s writing during World War I?

​Citations

1. Trustworthiness: A Cardinal Bahá’í Virtue. Compiled by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice, Revised August 1990 – Bahá’í Reference Library
2. Service to the Community | Bahai.works
3. Living A Life of Service | Baha’i Blog
4. Loyalty to government | Bahaipedia
5. Baha’i view on Loyalty to Government vs Pacifism | Uplifting Words
6. Relationship to Government | Bahá’í Libary Online
7. Service to Humanity: Ascension of Abdul-Baha | Bahá’ís of Beaverton
8. Prayer, Worship and Service to Humanity | Uplifting Words
9. Letters of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá | Bahá’í Library Online
10. The Greatest Divine Bounty: A Confident Heart | BahaiTeachings.org

Footnotes

1. Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Trustworthiness: A Cardinal Bahá’í Virtue.” Bahá’í Reference Library, Revised August 1990.  https://www.bahai.org/r/712619119 ↩︎
2. Perplexity Pro. “In Service to One’s Country and People.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. February 4, 2026. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/if-it-should-happen-that-one-o-WqYeyMZ8Q.itSu0YnwPS.w#0 ↩︎

Istijlál, 19 Sulțán (Sovereignty), 182 B.E.

Quotes for Reflection

How foolish and ignorant must a man be, how base his nature, and how vile the clay of which he is fashioned, if he would defile himself with the contamination of bribery, corruption and perfidy towards the state! Truly, the vermin of the earth are to be preferred to such people! — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ¹

Question for Consideration

What can be done to protect oneself from those situations that increase the risk of defiling oneself “with the contamination of bribery, corruption and perfidy towards the state”?

Perplexity Pro Response ²

One can reduce the risk of falling into bribery and corruption by building strong inner safeguards of character, setting clear outer boundaries in work and public life, and choosing environments and practices that reinforce integrity. [1]

Inner safeguards

• Cultivate truthfulness and integrity as non‑negotiable habits in all areas of life, because a truthful person “will be protected from all moral afflictions” and will shrink from every evil deed. [1]
• Strengthen the “fear of God” or moral conscience as the “greatest commander,” and see upright character and pure deeds as its “hosts,” so that pleasing God (or one’s highest principles) outweighs any material gain. [1]
• Practice contentment and detachment from wealth, resolving that even if surrounded by “cities of silver and gold” your heart will not be “seduced by its allure.” [1]
• Reflect regularly on death and the transience of status and riches, remembering that “palaces, citadels and thrones” of the corrupt all vanished, while only character and service endure. [1]

Practical boundaries in work

• Before accepting a role, especially in government or public service, decide that you will be “content with [your] allotted remuneration” and will not seek illicit benefits, commissions, or gifts. [1]
• Refuse any gift, favor, or “small” side‑payment that is tied to using your position for someone’s private gain; even “so much as a single penny” misappropriated is described as sullying the whole community. [1]
• Keep financial dealings simple, documented, and transparent; in business, make “fairness and equity” your criterion so that others are astonished at your truthfulness and trustworthiness. [1]
• If a work environment normalizes corrupt practices, either work patiently to change those norms or, if that proves impossible, be ready to leave that position rather than bend your principles. [1]

Choosing environments and roles

• Prefer employment whose benefits “accrue to the nation as a whole,” not schemes that enrich “a small circle of high officials and a few select individuals.” [1]
• Avoid posts and networks that exist primarily for “extortion, embezzlement and corruption practised at the expense of an exploited populace.” [1]
• Seek colleagues and institutions that value probity, “rectitude of conduct,” and service to the common good, as these make it easier to resist pressure and harder for others to approach you with bribes.[1]

Daily habits that build resistance

• Begin and end the day with prayer or reflection specifically asking to be “clothed in the robe of justice” and illumined by “the light of trustworthiness,” turning your heart consciously away from greed. [1]
• Regularly consult trusted family, friends, or spiritual companions about ethical dilemmas, so you are not isolated when facing subtle or escalating corrupt offers. [1]
• Practise small acts of honesty and sacrifice—repaying debts promptly, refusing to exploit loopholes, being scrupulous in small sums—because these habits train the will to stand firm in greater tests. [1]
• When you make a mistake, admit it quickly, make amends, and strengthen safeguards, so that secrecy and self‑justification do not become a gateway to larger betrayals. [1]

Attitude toward public service

• If called to serve the state, resolve to “apply [yourself] to [your] work with heart and soul,” with “perfect honesty, trustworthiness and godliness,” seeing the role as service to God and humanity, not as a path to personal enrichment. [1]
• Remember that one who contaminates public service with “bribery, corruption and perfidy towards the state” is described as lower than “the vermin of the earth,” whereas one who serves with integrity, even with “a single loaf of bread,” is “the prince of mortals.” [1]​

​Citations

1. Trustworthiness: A Cardinal Bahá’í Virtue. Compiled by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice, Revised August 1990 – Bahá’í Reference Library

Footnotes

1. Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Trustworthiness: A Cardinal Bahá’í Virtue.” Bahá’í Reference Library, Revised August 1990. https://www.bahai.org/r/804965486 ↩︎
2. Perplexity Pro. “Protection from Defilement.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. February 4, 2026. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/how-foolish-and-ignorant-must-sLgqYdFvQ167VxNczB3hAw#0 ↩︎

‘Idál, 18 Sulțán (Sovereignty), 182 B.E.

Quotes for Reflection

Let them perform their services with complete sanctity and detachment, and on no account defile themselves by receiving bribes, harbouring unseemly motives, or engaging in noxious practices. Let them be content with their wages, and seek distinction in truthfulness, straightforwardness, and the pursuit of virtue and excellence; for vanity in riches is worthy of none but the base, and pride in possessions beseemeth only the foolish. To attain to true glory and honour, man should exercise justice and equity, forbear to act in an oppressive manner, render service to his government, and work for the good of his fellow-citizens. Were he to seek after aught else but this he would indeed be in manifest loss. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ¹

Question for Consideration

How can one behave with complete sanctity and detachment in the face of a social system that turns a blind eye to bribery, unseemly motives, noxious practices, and promotes vanity in riches and pride in possessions?

Perplexity Pro Response ²

Behaving with complete sanctity and detachment means upholding unwavering integrity, purity of motive, and non-attachment to material gain, even amid widespread corruption. Bahá’í teachings emphasize that true honor arises from justice, equity, service to society, and contentment with one’s earnings, regardless of societal norms. This approach not only safeguards personal virtue but also exemplifies a higher standard that can gradually inspire change. [1]​ [2] [3]

Core Principles

Sanctity involves performing duties with consecration, avoiding bribes, fraud, or self-interest entirely. Detachment requires independence from worldly temptations, viewing service as worship rather than a path to riches. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá instructs public servants to content themselves with wages and prioritize truthfulness and virtue over vanity in wealth. [1] [4]

Practical Strategies

• Maintain rectitude: Act with honesty in all dealings, even if it disadvantages you, as this mirrors divine attributes and attracts confirmation. [1]
• Cultivate inner purity: Approach work with self-discipline, forbearance, and reliance on God, shunning oppressive or noxious practices. [1]
• Serve selflessly: Focus on benefiting fellow citizens and government, not personal gain, to attain lasting glory. [2]

Long-Term Impact

By refusing corruption, individuals build moral capacity in themselves and communities, countering systemic ills through example rather than confrontation. Bahá’í writings note that such probity distinguishes believers, fostering trust and potentially reforming institutions over time. This steadfastness ensures one avoids “manifest loss” while contributing to societal progress. [1] [2] [3] [5]

Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity

• What is the full context of Abdu’l-Bahá’s advice on government service?
• What does The Secret of Divine Civilization say about corruption?
• What Bahá’í principles concern public officials, in particular, and integrity, in general?
• How do Bahá’í teachings combat bribery in society?
• What are similar Bahá’í quotes on trustworthiness and detachment?

​Citations

1. Trustworthiness: A Cardinal Bahá’í Virtue. Compiled by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice, Revised August 1990 – Bahá’í Reference Library
2. Bribery | Bahá’í Quotes
3. Overcoming Corruption and Safeguarding Integrity in Public Institutions: A Baha’i Perspective | Bahá’í International Community
4. Government – Employees | Bahá’í Quotes
5. How Do We Really End Corruption? | BahaiTeachings.org

Footnotes

1. Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Trustworthiness: A Cardinal Bahá’í Virtue.” Bahá’í Reference Library, Revised August 1990.  https://www.bahai.org/r/316925550 ↩︎
2. Perplexity Pro. “With Complete Sanctity and Detachment.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. February 3, 2026. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/let-them-perform-their-service-HAUdtGztQ9uhWXwbaSEJTg#0 ↩︎

Fidál, 17 Sulțán (Sovereignty),, 182 B.E.

Quotes for Reflection

All government employees, whether of high or low rank, should, with perfect integrity, probity and rectitude, content themselves with the modest stipends and allowances that are theirs. They should keep their hands unsullied and preserve their fair name from blemish…. If a man deal faithlessly with a just government he shall have dealt faithlessly with God; and if he render it faithful service he shall have rendered that service to God. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ¹

Question for Consideration

Given ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s counsel, how should government employees behave in order to “keep their hands unsullied and preserve their fair name from blemish” and what are the spiritual consequences for failing to do so?

Perplexity Pro Response ²

Government employees should be rigorously honest, content with their lawful pay, and treat their work as a form of worshipful service to a just government and thus to God. If they instead betray the public trust through corruption or self‑seeking, they spiritually distance themselves from divine grace and incur God’s displeasure. [1]

How they should behave

‘Abdu’l-Bahá states that anyone in government “should show forth in all his deeds and actions the highest degree of rectitude and honesty, of temperance and self-discipline, of purity and sanctity, of justice and equity.” This means they must be trustworthy in every aspect of their work, never misusing their position, time, or resources. [1]

They are told to “content themselves with the modest stipends and allowances that are theirs” and “keep their hands unsullied and preserve their fair name from blemish,” explicitly shunning bribery, extortion, embezzlement, and all “venality and corruption.” Even small dishonest gains are condemned; to “misappropriate so much as a single penny” is said to sully the honour of the entire community. [1]

Such servants should seek distinction not in wealth but in “integrity and independence of spirit,” making their occupation “a means of drawing nearer to the divine Threshold” by probity, justice, and service to the people. If they do so, they become “the very essence of spotless virtue,” and their reputation becomes a testimony to God’s Cause. [1]

Spiritual consequences of failure

The same passage you quoted warns that if a man “deal faithlessly with a just government he shall have dealt faithlessly with God,” while faithful service to such a government is service to God. Thus corruption or betrayal in public office is not only a civic wrong but a direct infidelity toward God Himself. [1]

‘Abdu’l-Bahá states that a government servant who commits “the least breach of trust” or exploits the populace “shall be deprived of the outpourings of God’s grace.” One who abuses a high office through “corrupt or mercenary behaviour” will be “held in detestation at the Threshold of Grandeur” and “forsaken by the one true God and all who adore Him.” [1]

Those who defile themselves with “bribery, corruption and perfidy towards the state” are described as so degraded that “the vermin of the earth are to be preferred to such people.” By contrast, even a poor official who is content with “a single loaf of bread” yet acts with justice and integrity “will be the prince of mortals” and attain “everlasting honour” in this world and the next. [1]​

​Citations

1. Trustworthiness: A Cardinal Bahá’í Virtue. Compiled by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice, Revised August 1990 – Bahá’í Reference Library

Footnotes

1. Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Trustworthiness: A Cardinal Bahá’í Virtue.” Bahá’í Reference Library, Revised August 1990. https://www.bahai.org/r/154271854 ↩︎
2. Perplexity Pro. “Render Faithful Service to God.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. February 1, 2026. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/all-government-employees-wheth-8hIdh.USS5qm8iVPkTW.fw#0 ↩︎