Istijlál, 15 Bahá (Splendor), 182 B.E.
Social Action: Underlying Concepts and Principles
Quote for Reflection:
O people of God! Give ear unto that which, if heeded, will ensure the freedom, well-being, tranquility, exaltation and advancement of all men. Certain laws and principles are necessary and indispensable for Persia. However, it is fitting that these measures should be adopted in conformity with the considered views of His Majesty—may God aid him through His grace—and of the learned divines and of the high-ranking rulers. Subject to their approval a place should be fixed where they would meet. There they should hold fast to the cord of consultation and adopt and enforce that which is conducive to the security, prosperity, wealth and tranquility of the people. For were any measure other than this to be adopted, it could not but result in chaos and commotion. — Bahá’u’lláh 1 2
Question for Consideration
What is the significance of consultation in determining which measures—laws and principles—governance should adopt to ensure the freedom, well-being, tranquility, exaltation and advancement of all?
Perplexity Pro Response 3
Consultation holds profound significance in governance, as emphasized in Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings, because it serves as a mechanism for ensuring the freedom, well-being, tranquility, and advancement of all people. This process is rooted in principles of justice, unity, and collective wisdom, and its application is seen as essential for achieving societal harmony and progress.
Key Significance of Consultation
Source of Guidance and Understanding
Bahá’u’lláh described consultation as “the lamp of guidance” and “the bestower of understanding,” emphasizing its role in illuminating the path forward and fostering clarity in decision-making [1] [5]. It transforms conjecture into certainty and enables individuals and groups to arrive at mature, well-considered decisions [5] [6].
Foundation of Justice and Unity
Consultation is intertwined with justice and unity, which are prerequisites for societal well-being. Bahá’u’lláh stated that no one can attain their true station without justice, no power can exist without unity, and no welfare can be achieved without consultation [1] [5]. This underscores its role in building cohesive communities where diverse perspectives contribute to collective progress.
Avoidance of Chaos and Conflict
By fostering collective decision-making through consultation, governance avoids the pitfalls of authoritarianism or individualistic approaches that could lead to chaos and commotion. Bahá’u’lláh advocated for consultation among rulers, divines, and learned individuals to ensure that measures adopted serve the security and prosperity of society [3] [5].
Inclusivity and Egalitarianism
Consultation promotes inclusivity by encouraging all participants to express their views freely while maintaining humility and detachment from personal biases. This process ensures that decisions reflect collective wisdom rather than individual authority or dominance [4] [6].
Practical Framework for Governance
In the Bahá’í Faith, consultation is not just a spiritual principle but also a practical tool for administration. It is used at all levels—local, national, and global—to ensure that governance reflects the collective will and addresses the needs of the community effectively [3] [7].
Process of Consultation
The process involves:
- Investigating truth with sincerity.
- Weighing opinions calmly and objectively.
- Striving for consensus but deferring to majority decisions when unanimity cannot be achieved.
- Ensuring discussions are free from ill feelings or discord [4] [6].
Outcomes
Through consultation, governance achieves:
- Greater awareness and understanding.
- Decisions that are more likely to be just, effective, and widely accepted.
- A foundation for societal advancement based on cooperation rather than conflict [1] [6] [7].
In summary, consultation is vital for governance because it aligns decision-making with principles of justice, unity, inclusivity, and collective wisdom. It provides a framework for adopting laws and principles conducive to societal well-being while avoiding chaos or authoritarianism.
Citations
[1] Significance of Bahá’í Consultation – Uplifting Words
[2] Lights of Guidance, Governments and Civil Authorities – Bahai.works
[3] Bahá’í Consultation and the Transformation of Society (PDF) – The ‘Irfán Colloquium
[4] What is Baha’i Consultation? – BahaiTeachings.org
[5] Consultation: A Compilation – Bahá’í Reference Library
[6] Consultation – The Bahá’í Faith
[7] Consultation: A Perspective – Baha’i Blog
Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity
- How does Bahá’í consultation differ from other decision-making processes?
- What are the key principles of Bahá’í consultation?
- How has the importance of consultation evolved in the Bahá’í Faith?
- Can you provide examples of how consultation has been implemented in Bahá’í communities?
- What role does consultation play in achieving unity and justice?
- Bahá’u’lláh. Tablets of Baháʾ’u’ʾlláh, Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. Translated by Habib Taherzadeh. 1st ed. Haifa: Bahá’í World Centre, 1978, 92-93. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/tablets-bahaullah/3#979523164. ↩
- 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#807370257. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “Consultation and Governance.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. April 2, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/o-people-of-god-give-ear-unto-LsjIytFET0CsEiH.N4bWDQ?0=d. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 