Daily Frameworks for 30 January 2025

Istijlál, 13 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 181 B.E.

Walking Together on a Path of Service

Quotes for Reflection

Difference of capacity in human individuals is fundamental. It is impossible for all to be alike, all to be equal, all to be wise. Bahá’u’lláh has revealed principles and laws which will accomplish the adjustment of varying human capacities. He has said that whatsoever is possible of accomplishment in human government will be effected through these principles. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ¹

Justice is not limited, it is a universal quality. Its operation must be carried out in all classes, from the highest to the lowest. Justice must be sacred, and the rights of all the people must be considered. Desire for others only that which you desire for yourselves. Then shall we rejoice in the Sun of Justice, which shines from the Horizon of God. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ²

Although the body politic is one family, yet, because of lack of harmonious relations some members are comfortable and some in direst misery; some members are satisfied and some are hungry; some members are clothed in most costly garments and some families are in need of food and shelter. Why? Because this family lacks the necessary reciprocity and symmetry. This household is not well arranged. This household is not living under a perfect law. All the laws which are legislated do not ensure happiness. They do not provide comfort. Therefore, a law must be given to this family by means of which all the members of this family will enjoy equal well-being and happiness. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ³

In the conduct of life, man is actuated by two main motives: “The Hope for Reward” and “The Fear of Punishment.”
This hope and this fear must consequently be greatly taken into account by those in authority who have important posts under Government. Their business in life is to consult together for the framing of laws, and to provide for their just administration.
The tent of the order of the world is raised and established on the two pillars of “Reward and Retribution.”
In despotic Governments carried on by men without Divine faith, where no fear of spiritual retribution exists, the execution of the laws is tyrannical and unjust.
There is no greater prevention of oppression than these two sentiments, hope and fear. They have both political and spiritual consequences. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ⁴

Question for Consideration

Section 7 of the second unit, “Uplifting Conversations,” in Book 2 Arising to Serve concerns justice based, in part, on the writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá quoted above. ⁵ How can one draw on His explanations to better understand the significance and implications of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings and feel encouraged to initiate and sustain meaningful and uplifting conversations with others about society governed by the principle of justice? ⁶

Perplexity Pro Response ⁷

The teachings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on justice offer a comprehensive framework for creating a more equitable society, emphasizing universal application, recognition of human diversity, and the balance of reward and punishment as foundational principles for meaningful conversations about social transformation.

Universal Application of Justice

Justice, as expounded by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, transcends social boundaries and must be applied equally across all strata of society. This universal quality demands that the rights of all people, from the highest to the lowest classes, be considered sacred and protected. By emphasizing the need to “desire for others only that which you desire for yourselves,” ‘Abdu’l-Bahá establishes a foundation for empathy and fairness in social interactions, encouraging individuals to view justice as a unifying force that emanates from the “Horizon of God”.

Human Diversity and Justice

While justice is universal, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá acknowledges the fundamental differences in human capacities. This recognition forms the basis for Bahá’u’lláh’s principles and laws, which aim to adjust and harmonize these varying capabilities within society. Such an approach encourages nuanced discussions on creating just systems that account for individual differences while ensuring equal rights and opportunities. It challenges us to develop governance models that can accommodate diversity while upholding the sacred nature of justice for all members of the human family.

Economic Justice in Society

‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s analogy of society as a family vividly illustrates the need for economic justice. He points out that in a household lacking “necessary reciprocity and symmetry,” some members live in comfort while others endure misery, hunger, and poverty. This imbalance, he argues, stems from imperfect laws that fail to ensure happiness and comfort for all. To address this, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá calls for the establishment of laws that promote equal well-being and happiness across all societal members, emphasizing the importance of economic policies that foster equitable distribution of resources and opportunities.

Spiritual Dimension of Justice

The spiritual dimension of justice, as elucidated by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, adds a profound moral layer to the concept of social order. He emphasizes that in governments lacking Divine faith, where fear of spiritual retribution is absent, laws are often executed tyrannically and unjustly. This perspective encourages individuals to consider the ethical implications of their actions beyond mere legal consequences, fostering a deeper sense of responsibility and accountability in society.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá identifies hope for reward and fear of punishment as the two main motives driving human conduct, asserting that these sentiments have both political and spiritual consequences. This dual nature of motivation underscores the importance of integrating spiritual principles into legal and social systems, potentially leading to more just governance and a society where individuals are intrinsically motivated to uphold justice, rather than solely relying on external enforcement.

Citations:

[1] Book 2: Arising to Serve (PDF) – Ruhi Institute

[2] Justice: The Best Beloved of All Things – Bahá’í Library Online

[3] Justice – BAHAIPEDIA

Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity

• How can we apply the principles of justice in our daily interactions?
• What are some practical ways to promote harmony within communities?
• How can we use the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh to foster more equitable societies?
• What role does reciprocity play in achieving social justice?
• How can we balance the principles of reward and retribution in governance?
• How does the spiritual dimension of justice influence personal behavior?
• What role does compassion play in the spiritual dimension of justice?
• How can spiritual practices enhance a sense of justice?
• What are the spiritual implications of economic injustice?
• How does the Bahá’í concept of justice relate to personal spiritual growth?

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, 217. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/promulgation-universal-peace/16#828752876. ↩
2. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Paris Talks: Addresses given by ʻAbduʼl-Bahá in Paris in 1911-1912. 11th British Ed. 1912. Reprint, London, England: Baháʼí Publishing Trust, 1972, 159-160. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/paris-talks/6#326422444. ↩
3. ’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. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/promulgation-universal-peace/22#697627256. ↩
4. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Paris Talks: Addresses given by ʻAbduʼl-Bahá in Paris in 1911-1912. 11th British Ed. 1912. Reprint, London, England: Baháʼí Publishing Trust, 1972, 157. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/paris-talks/6#179784280. ↩
5. 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, v, 24-25. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#AS. ↩
6. Ruhi Institute. Walking Together on a Path of Service. 2.1.1.PE February 2024. Vol. Book 7. 14 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Foundation, 2024, 70-72. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#WLK. ↩
7. Perplexity Pro. “Justice in Bahá’í Teachings” Edited by Steve Bosserman. January 28, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/difference-of-capacity-in-huma-7iEXkcKiT1OoLlBsDUQRXQ. ↩