’Idál, 13 Qawl (Speech), 181 B.E.
Teaching the Cause
Quotes for Reflection
In brief, what is right and true in this day and acceptable before His Throne is that which was mentioned at the outset. All men have been called into being for the betterment of the world. It behoveth every soul to arise and serve his brethren for the sake of God. Should a brother of his embrace the truth, he should rejoice that the latter hath attained unto everlasting favour. Otherwise he should implore God to guide him without manifesting the least trace of animosity or ill-feeling towards him. The reins of command are in the grasp of God. He doeth what He willeth and ordaineth as He pleaseth. He, verily, is the Almighty, the All-Praised. — Bahá’u’lláh 1
I implore Thee, by this very word that hath shone forth above the horizon of Thy will, to enable me to drink deep of the living waters through which Thou hast vivified the hearts of Thy chosen ones and quickened the souls of them that love Thee, that I may, at all times and under all conditions, turn my face wholly towards Thee. — Bahá’u’lláh 2
In their efforts to present the essentials of the Faith plainly and unequivocally, the believers have benefited greatly from the illustrative example in Book 6 of the Ruhi Institute. Where the logic underlying that presentation is appreciated, and the urge to convert it into a formula overcome, it gives rise to a conversation between two souls—a conversation distinguished by the depth of understanding achieved and the nature of the relationship established. To the extent that the conversation continues beyond the initial encounter and veritable friendships are formed, a direct teaching effort of this kind can become a catalyst for an enduring process of spiritual transformation. Whether the first contact with such newly found friends elicits an invitation for them to enrol in the Bahá’í community or to participate in one of its activities is not an overwhelming concern. More important is that every soul feel welcome to join the community in contributing to the betterment of society, commencing a path of service to humanity on which, at the outset or further along, formal enrolment can occur. — Universal House of Justice 3
The accomplishments of the previous series of Plans—particularly the last Five Year Plan—could not have occurred without a tremendous advance in the teaching work. An important dimension of this work is the capacity to engage in conversations on spiritual themes, a capacity which was explored in our message to your 2015 conference, where we described how it is developed through participation in institute courses and by gaining practical experience. It is evident that the pattern of activity unfolding at the grassroots opens up a variety of settings in which receptive souls—sometimes whole families or peer groups—can take part in meaningful conversations which awaken interest in the vision of the Faith and the Person of Bahá’u’lláh. Over time, many such souls begin to identify themselves with the Bahá’í community, especially as they gain the confidence to participate in community life through service. Of course, the community welcomes any degree of association that a person would like to maintain, great or small. Yet to recognize Bahá’u’lláh as a Manifestation of God and accept the privileges and responsibilities that are uniquely associated with membership in the Bahá’í community is a singular moment in a person’s spiritual development, quite distinct from regular involvement in Bahá’í activities or voicing support for Bahá’í principles. Experience has shown that the environment created by community-building endeavours in a locality enables anyone who wishes to take this step to do so with relative ease. Wherever these endeavours are under way, it is important for the friends to remain mindful that the doors of the Faith are wide open and to give encouragement to those who stand at the threshold. And in areas where such endeavours have been well established for some time, many believers are discovering that a vibrant, expanding pattern of activity can naturally lead to families, groups of friends, and even clusters of households being ready to enter the Cause. For in spaces where the possibility of joining the community can be discussed openly and inclusively among those who share a sense of collective identity, souls can more easily feel emboldened to take this step together. Bahá’í institutions, especially Local Spiritual Assemblies, must adopt a mindset that allows for such developments, and ensure that any obstacles are removed. — Universal House of Justice 4
Question for Consideration
Based on the quotes above, how can one help “every soul feel welcome to join the Bahá’í community in contributing to the betterment of society?” 5
Perplexity Pro Response 6
The Bahá’í Faith emphasizes creating an inclusive environment where every individual feels welcome to contribute to society’s betterment, regardless of their formal affiliation with the community. This approach, rooted in the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, focuses on fostering meaningful conversations, encouraging service, and cultivating a welcoming mindset that recognizes the inherent nobility of all souls.
Fostering Meaningful Conversations
Engaging in profound spiritual dialogues is pivotal for fostering a welcoming atmosphere. These conversations should be characterized by a focus on spiritual themes that spark interest in Bahá’u’lláh’s Teachings and the significance of His Covenant with all humanity, as well as by the development of genuine friendships that extend beyond initial interactions. It’s important to resist the temptation to turn these dialogues into formulaic presentations, allowing for natural and heartfelt exchanges instead. Such meaningful conversations can serve as catalysts for spiritual transformation, encouraging individuals to embark on a path of service and community involvement without the immediate pressure of formal enrollment.
Creating Inclusive Environments
The Bahá’í community strives to create welcoming spaces where individuals feel comfortable openly discussing the possibility of joining and contributing to society’s betterment. These environments foster a sense of collective identity, encouraging groups to take steps together in their spiritual journey. Local Spiritual Assemblies and other Bahá’í institutions play a crucial role in identifying and removing any obstacles to participation, ensuring that the community remains open and accessible. In areas where community-building endeavors are well-established, this inclusive approach has led to families, groups of friends, and even clusters of households feeling empowered to enter the Cause together, reflecting the community’s commitment to unity and collective transformation.
Emphasizing Service and Contribution
The Bahá’í approach to community engagement emphasizes service and contribution over formal enrollment. Individuals are encouraged to participate in community-building activities and service projects, with the understanding that formal membership can occur at any point along their spiritual journey. This inclusive philosophy welcomes any degree of association a person wishes to maintain with the community, recognizing that the path to spiritual growth and societal contribution is unique for each individual. By focusing on service to humanity and the betterment of society, the Bahá’í community creates opportunities for meaningful involvement that transcend traditional boundaries of religious affiliation.
Adopting a Welcoming Mindset
Central to creating a welcoming Bahá’í community is cultivating an attitude that recognizes the divine purpose in every individual. This mindset is rooted in Bahá’u’lláh’s teaching that all souls are “called into being for the betterment of the world.” Bahá’ís are encouraged to:
- Rejoice when others embrace spiritual truths, without harboring animosity towards those who don’t.
- Remain mindful that “the doors of the Faith are wide open” and offer encouragement to those exploring its teachings.
- Implore divine guidance for others without manifesting “the least trace of animosity or ill-feeling.”
This approach fosters an environment of spiritual growth and mutual respect, where individuals feel valued and empowered to contribute to society’s progress, regardless of their formal association with the Faith.
Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity
- What are some practical ways to engage in conversations on spiritual themes?
- How can local Spiritual Assemblies remove obstacles for potential new members?
- What role do institute courses play in developing the capacity for spiritual conversations?
- How can community-building endeavours be effectively established in a locality?
- What are some examples of meaningful conversations that can awaken interest in the Bahá’í Faith?
- Bahá’u’lláh. The Tabernacle of Unity. Haifa: Bahá’í World Centre, 2006. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/tabernacle-unity/4#011233891. ↩
- Bahá’u’lláh. Prayers and Meditations by Baháʼuʼlláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. 1938. Reprint, Wilmette, IL: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1974, 6. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/prayers-meditations/2#304335383. ↩
- Universal House of Justice. “Riḍván 2010 – To the Bahá’ís of the World.” Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed December 2, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/20100421_001/1#835957139. ↩
- Universal House of Justice. “30 December 2021 – To the Conference of the Continental Boards of Counsellors.” Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed December 2, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/20211230_001/1#758524483. ↩
- Ruhi Institute. Teaching the Cause. 2.1.1.PE April 2023. Vol. Book 6. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Foundation, 2023, 107. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#TCH. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “How can one help “every soul feel welcome to join the Bahá’í community in contributing to the betterment of society?”” Edited by Steve Bosserman. December 2, 2024. https://www.perplexity.ai/page/how-can-one-help-every-soul-fe-uZ0lAXIfTwOG4XggIk5EEQ. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 