Daily Frameworks for 20 January 2024

Jalál, 02 Sulțán (Sovereignty), 180 B.E.

Arising to Serve

Quote for Reflection:

In proclaiming the oneness of mankind He taught that men and women are equal in the sight of God and that there is no distinction to be made between them. The only difference between them now is due to lack of education and training. If woman is given equal opportunity of education, distinction and estimate of inferiority will disappear. The world of humanity has two wings, as it were: One is the female; the other is the male. If one wing be defective, the strong perfect wing will not be capable of flight. The world of humanity has two hands. If one be imperfect, the capable hand is restricted and unable to perform its duties. God is the Creator of mankind. He has endowed both sexes with perfections and intelligence, given them physical members and organs of sense, without differentiation or distinction as to superiority; therefore, why should woman be considered inferior? This is not according to the plan and justice of God. He has created them equal; in His estimate there is no question of sex. The one whose heart is purest, whose deeds are most perfect, is acceptable to God, male or female. Often in history women have been the pride of humanity—for example, Mary, the mother of Jesus. She was the glory of mankind. Mary Magdalene, Ásíyih, daughter of Pharaoh, Sarah, wife of Abraham, and innumerable others have glorified the human race by their excellences. In this day there are women among the Bahá’ís who far outshine men. They are wise, talented, well-informed, progressive, most intelligent and the light of men. They surpass men in courage. When they speak in meetings, the men listen with great respect. Furthermore, the education of women is of greater importance than the education of men, for they are the mothers of the race, and mothers rear the children. The first teachers of children are the mothers. Therefore, they must be capably trained in order to educate both sons and daughters. There are many provisions in the words of Bahá’u’lláh in regard to this. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ¹

Question for Consideration:

What issues under discussion by a group would benefit from the insights in the quote above? ²

Google Bard Response:

The quote by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá offers profound insights that can benefit numerous discussions, both at individual and community levels. Here are some examples:

Gender equality and feminism:

• Challenging gender stereotypes: The quote explicitly rejects the notion of inherent differences between men and women, emphasizing equal potential and the need for equal opportunities. This can inform discussions about deconstructing harmful stereotypes and promoting equitable access to education, employment, and leadership positions.
• Addressing historical marginalization: Examining the historic power imbalances that led to the perception of female inferiority can spark conversations about reparations, affirmative action, and ongoing struggles for women’s rights globally.
• Redefining roles and relationships: The metaphor of humanity having two wings and two hands encourages discussions about dismantling traditional gender roles and promoting partnerships based on mutual respect and shared responsibilities.
  

Education and child development:

• Investing in girls’ education: The emphasis on the crucial role of mothers in child development highlights the importance of prioritizing girls’ education as a foundation for strong families and communities. This can encourage advocacy for universal access to quality education for all, particularly girls in underserved areas.
• Early childhood development: Recognizing mothers as “first teachers” can inform discussions about early childhood development programs, parental education, and creating supportive environments for nurturing future generations.
• Breaking the cycle of inequality: Ensuring equal access to education for both boys and girls can contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty and inequality perpetuated by gender disparities in educational attainment and social mobility.
  

Spiritual perspectives on gender:

• Divine equality and inclusivity: The quote’s foundation in the principle of God’s universal love and the equal creation of humankind can fuel discussions about inclusivity and acceptance within religious communities. It challenges religious justifications for gender discrimination and advocates for theological interpretations that promote gender equality.
• Role models and historical exemplars: Highlighting figures like Mary and other remarkable women throughout history can inspire and challenge assumptions about female capacity and leadership within faith communities.
• Promoting interfaith dialogue: The common ground provided by a shared belief in God’s justice and the dignity of all individuals can facilitate interfaith dialogue on gender issues, leading to cross-cultural understanding and collaboration towards equality.
  

Leadership and social change:

• Empowering women as changemakers: Recognizing the potential of women as “lights of men” and agents of social progress can inspire discussions about fostering women’s leadership in various fields, from politics and business to activism and the arts.
• Building inclusive communities: The metaphor of humanity with two wings emphasizes the need for both men and women to participate in building a just and harmonious society. This can spark conversations about addressing gender-based violence, creating safe spaces for women, and promoting collective action for social change.
• Challenging existing power structures: The call for education and empowerment of women inherently challenges traditional power structures based on gender inequality. This can lead to discussions about dismantling patriarchal systems and creating alternative models of governance that prioritize inclusivity and equal representation.
  

Remember, the insights in the quote can be applied to various topics beyond those listed above. Its central message of human unity, equal potential, and the essential role of women in society can serve as a valuable resource for any conversation seeking to foster justice, inclusivity, and progress.

It’s critical to approach these discussions with an open mind, respect for diverse perspectives, and a genuine commitment to understanding and addressing the complex issues surrounding gender equality. By engaging in constructive dialogue and learning from different voices, we can move towards a future where both men and women can thrive and contribute their unique strengths to building a better world for all.

1. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by ʻAbduʼl-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912. Edited by Howard MacNutt. 2nd ed. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʼí Publishing Trust, 1982, 174-175. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/promulgation-universal-peace/13#052772015. ↩
2. Ruhi Institute. Arising to Serve. 2.1.1.PE September 2020. Vol. Book 2. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Foundation, 2020, 28-29. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#AS. ↩