Kamál, 12 Bahá (Splendor), 182 B.E.
Social Action: Underlying Concepts and Principles
Quote for Reflection:
Promote ye the development of the cities of God and His countries, and glorify Him therein in the joyous accents of His well-favored ones. In truth, the hearts of men are edified through the power of the tongue, even as houses and cities are built up by the hand and other means. We have assigned to every end a means for its accomplishment; avail yourselves thereof, and place your trust and confidence in God, the Omniscient, the All-Wise. — Bahá’u’lláh 1 2
Question for Consideration
What underlying concepts and principles about social action does the above quote suggest?
Perplexity Pro Response 3
The quote by Bahá’u’lláh suggests several underlying concepts and principles about social action, particularly in the context of building communities and fostering spiritual and material progress. These principles include:
The Duality of Spiritual and Material Development
The quote emphasizes the importance of both spiritual and material progress. The “cities of God” symbolize not only physical spaces but also communities built on divine virtues and principles. Social action, therefore, involves creating environments where both material well-being and spiritual values are cultivated.
The Power of Words and Communication
The statement highlights the transformative power of the tongue in “edifying the hearts of men.” This underscores the role of communication, consultation, and encouragement in inspiring individuals and communities to take meaningful action. Social progress begins with uplifting speech that motivates and unites people.
Purposeful Action Through Assigned Means
The quote states that “We have assigned to every end a means for its accomplishment,” suggesting that effective social action requires deliberate use of appropriate tools, methods, and resources. It implies that achieving goals involves understanding the means provided by God (such as talents, knowledge, or opportunities) and using them wisely.
Trust in Divine Guidance
While emphasizing human effort, the quote also calls for trust in God’s wisdom (“place your trust and confidence in God”). This principle encourages individuals to act with faith, recognizing that their efforts are part of a larger divine plan.
Joyful Participation in Community Building
The phrase “glorify Him therein in the joyous accents” suggests that social action should be undertaken with joy, enthusiasm, and a sense of purpose. Building communities is not merely a duty but a source of spiritual fulfillment.
Collective Responsibility
The reference to “the cities of God and His countries” implies a collective responsibility to contribute to the well-being of society at large. Social action is framed as a shared endeavor aimed at uplifting humanity as a whole.
In summary, this quote advocates for purposeful, spiritually grounded social action that combines material development with moral upliftment, emphasizes the power of communication, relies on appropriate means for achieving goals, and is carried out with trust in divine guidance and joyful commitment.
Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity
- How can the quote inspire community development initiatives?
- What role does language play in building and edifying communities according to the quote?
- How does the quote emphasize the importance of trust and confidence in God?
- What are some practical means mentioned in the quote for achieving social ends?
- How can the quote be applied to modern urban planning and development?
- Bahá’u’lláh. The Kitáb-i-Aqdas. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed March 30, 2025. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/kitab-i-aqdas/7#894221775. ↩
- 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/2#807370250. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “Promote ye the development of the cities of God.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. March 30, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/promote-ye-the-development-of-VuRePCgySrWhTZ7AWc6AUQ. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 