Daily Frameworks for 09 March 2024

Jalál, 09 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness), 180 B.E

Arising to Serve

Quote for Reflection:

The future civilization envisaged by Bahá’u’lláh is a prosperous one, in which the vast resources of the world will be directed towards humanity’s elevation and regeneration, not its debasement and destruction. The act of contributing to the Fund, then, is imbued with profound meaning: it is a practical way of hastening the advent of that civilization, and a necessary one, for as Bahá’u’lláh Himself has explained, “He Who is the Eternal Truth—exalted be His glory—hath made the fulfilment of every undertaking on earth dependent on material means.” ¹ Bahá’ís conduct their lives in the midst of a society acutely disordered in its material affairs. The process of community building they are advancing in their clusters cultivates a set of attitudes towards wealth and possessions very different from those holding sway in the world. The habit of regularly giving to the Funds of the Faith—including in-kind contributions particularly in certain places—arises from and reinforces a sense of personal concern for the welfare of the community and the progress of the Cause. The duty to contribute, just like the duty to teach, is a fundamental aspect of Bahá’í identity which strengthens faith. The sacrificial and generous contributions of the individual believer, the collective consciousness promoted by the community of the needs of the Fund, and the careful stewardship of financial resources exercised by the institutions of the Faith can be regarded as expressions of the love that binds these three actors more closely together. And ultimately, voluntary giving fosters an awareness that managing one’s financial affairs in accordance with spiritual principles is an indispensable dimension of a life lived coherently. It is a matter of conscience, a way in which commitment to the betterment of the world is translated into practice. — Universal House of Justice ²

Question for Consideration:

Why is contributing to the Fund necessary? ³

Google Gemini Response:

The passage from the Universal House of Justice outlines several reasons why contributing to the Bahá’í Fund is considered necessary:

• Hastening the arrival of a prosperous future: Contributions are seen as a way to invest in building the future envisioned by Bahá’u’lláh, one focused on “humanity’s elevation and regeneration.” Resources will be used for the betterment of society, not destruction.
• Practical necessity for progress: Material resources are needed to support the growth and advancement of the Faith. Bahá’u’lláh Himself emphasizes this by stating that “…the fulfilment of every undertaking on earth [is] dependent on material means.”
• Cultivating a different attitude towards wealth: Contributing to the Fund goes beyond mere finances. It fosters a sense of detachment from material possessions and prioritizes the collective good over personal gain.
• Personal responsibility and community well-being: Regular giving reflects a sense of personal responsibility for the welfare of the community and the progress of the Faith. It demonstrates commitment and strengthens the believer’s identity within the Bahá’í community.
• Expression of love and unity: Contributing expresses love for the Faith, the community, and ultimately God. It strengthens the bonds between individual believers, the community, and the institutions of the Faith.
• Living a life aligned with spiritual principles: Voluntary giving encourages managing finances according to spiritual principles, not just worldly desires. It translates commitment to a better world into concrete action.
• Matter of conscience and action: Contributing is a matter of conscience, a way to actively participate in making the world a better place. It’s not just about belief but translating that belief into action.
  

Key points to remember

• Contributing is not just a financial obligation but a way of demonstrating your commitment to the core values and goals of the Bahá’í faith.
• Giving, regardless of the amount, strengthens one’s connection to the community and the progress of the Faith.
• Responsible financial stewardship ensures that contributions are used effectively to advance the goals of the Faith.
  

This is one interpretation within the Bahá’í faith. Ultimately, the decision to contribute and the amount are personal choices guided by individual circumstances and devotion to the Faith.

Microsoft Copilot Response:

Contributing to the Fund in the Bahá’í Faith holds profound significance. Let us explore the reasons behind its necessity:

Advancing the Vision of a Prosperous Civilization

• Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í Faith, envisions a future civilization characterized by prosperity, where the world’s abundant resources are directed toward humanity’s elevation and regeneration.

Contributing to the Fund is a practical means of hastening the advent of this envisioned civilization. It aligns with the purpose of using material means to make a positive transformation.

Material Means as a Prerequisite

• Bahá’u’lláh Himself emphasized that the fulfillment of every undertaking on Earth is dependent on material resources.
• By contributing to the Fund, Bahá’ís actively participate in materializing spiritual ideals. Their actions translate into tangible progress for the betterment of society.
  

Context of Disordered Material Affairs

• Bahá’ís live amidst a society where material affairs are often disordered and misaligned with spiritual principles.
• Community building within Bahá’í clusters cultivates attitudes toward wealth and possessions that diverge from prevailing norms.
  

Personal Concern and Community Welfare

• Regularly giving to the Funds of the Faith reflects personal concern for the welfare of the community and the advancement of the Bahá’í Cause.
• In-kind contributions reinforce this sense of responsibility, especially in specific places.
  

Strengthening Bahá’í Identity and Faith

• Contributing to the Fund is akin to the duty to teach—it is fundamental to Bahá’í identity.
• Sacrificial and generous contributions from individual believers strengthen their faith and commitment.
  

Collective Consciousness and Stewardship

• The community collectively becomes conscious of the needs of the Fund.
• Institutions of the Faith exercise careful stewardship over financial resources, ensuring their effective utilization.
  

Voluntary Giving and Spiritual Awareness

• Voluntary giving fosters an awareness that managing financial affairs in alignment with spiritual principles is essential.
• It becomes a matter of conscience—a way to translate commitment to global betterment into practical action.
  

Contributing to the Fund is not merely a financial transaction; it is an expression of love, a binding force among believers, and an integral aspect of a coherent life dedicated to service and progress. 🌟

1. “In this day it is incumbent upon everyone to serve the Cause of God, while He Who is the Eternal Truth—exalted be His glory—hath made the fulfilment of every undertaking on earth dependent on material means.” — Bahá’u’lláh
   Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/compilations/social-action/4#300964810. ↩
2. Universal House of Justice. “29 December 2015 – To the Conference of the Continental Boards of Counsellors.” Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed March 8, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/compilations/national-spiritual-assembly/3#013934032. ↩
3. 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, 65. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#AS. ↩