Daily Frameworks for 02 February 2024

Istiqlál, 15 Sulțán (Sovereignty), 180 B.E.

Arising to Serve

Quote for Reflection:

THIS is the Day in which God’s most excellent favors have been poured out upon men, the Day in which His most mighty grace hath been infused into all created things. It is incumbent upon all the peoples of the world to reconcile their differences, and, with perfect unity and peace, abide beneath the shadow of the Tree of His care and loving-kindness. It behooveth them to cleave to whatsoever will, in this Day, be conducive to the exaltation of their stations, and to the promotion of their best interests. Happy are those whom the all-glorious Pen was moved to remember, and blessed are those men whose names, by virtue of Our inscrutable decree, We have preferred to conceal.

Beseech ye the one true God to grant that all men may be graciously assisted to fulfill that which is acceptable in Our sight. Soon will the present-day order be rolled up, and a new one spread out in its stead. Verily, thy Lord speaketh the truth, and is the Knower of things unseen. — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

Question for Consideration:

What does Bahá’u’lláh ask the peoples of the world to do? ²

Google Bard Response:

In the quoted passage, Bahá’u’lláh calls upon the peoples of the world to embrace several key actions:

• Reconcile differences and achieve unity: He emphasizes overcoming differences and striving for “perfect unity and peace.” This is seen as a universal responsibility, requiring people to set aside their individual and group conflicts and embrace collective harmony.
  
• Abide under the divine umbrella: The passage encourages everyone to seek refuge and guidance under the “shadow of the Tree of His care and loving-kindness.” This signifies accepting God’s grace and aligning oneself with divine principles.
  
• Pursue personal and collective progress: People are urged to embrace whatever leads to the “exaltation of their stations” and the “promotion of their best interests.” This suggests personal and collective growth toward spiritual maturity and prosperity.
  
• Embrace change and prepare for a new order: The passage states that a new world order will replace the current one. While not explicitly described, this new order is implied to be based on the principles of unity, peace, and justice. Therefore, people are asked to be open to positive change and contribute to building a better future.
  
• Seek divine assistance: The importance of seeking God’s help in fulfilling these aspirations is highlighted through a call to “beseech ye the one true God” for assistance. This emphasizes recognizing dependence on divine grace and seeking guidance in aligning actions with God’s will.
  

Beyond these specific actions, the passage carries a broader message:

• Recognition of a new era: It announces a momentous shift in humanity’s journey, with the potential for profound transformation.
• Universal call to action: It extends its message to all people, regardless of background or belief, inviting them to participate in building a better world.
• Hope and optimism: The uplifting tone emphasizes the possibility of achieving unity, peace, and progress through collective effort and divinely assisted endeavors.
  

It’s important to note that interpretations of this passage may vary within the Bahá’í community. However, the central message of unity, reconciliation, and striving for a better future through aligning with divine principles remains a core theme for all who engage with Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings.

1. Bahá’u’lláh. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed February 1, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/gleanings-writings-bahaullah/2#053948477. ↩
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, 40. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#AS. ↩