Jalál, 17 Bahá (Splendor), 182 B.E.
Social Action: Underlying Concepts and Principles
Quote for Reflection:
The purpose of religion as revealed from the heaven of God’s holy Will is to establish unity and concord amongst the peoples of the world; make it not the cause of dissension and strife. The religion of God and His divine law are the most potent instruments and the surest of all means for the dawning of the light of unity amongst men. The progress of the world, the development of nations, the tranquility of peoples, and the peace of all who dwell on earth are among the principles and ordinances of God. Religion bestoweth upon man the most precious of all gifts, offereth the cup of prosperity, imparteth eternal life, and showereth imperishable benefits upon mankind. It behooveth the chiefs and rulers of the world, and in particular the Trustees of God’s House of Justice, to endeavor to the utmost of their power to safeguard its position, promote its interests and exalt its station in the eyes of the world. In like manner it is incumbent upon them to inquire into the conditions of their subjects and to acquaint themselves with the affairs and activities of the divers communities in their dominions. We call upon the manifestations of the power of God—the sovereigns and rulers on earth—to bestir themselves and do all in their power that haply they may banish discord from this world and illumine it with the light of concord. — Bahá’u’lláh 1 2
Question for Consideration
What is the purpose of religion and how does it pertain to humanity?
Perplexity Pro Response 3
According to Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í Faith, the purpose of religion is to establish unity and concord among the peoples of the world. Religion is described as a divine instrument for fostering harmony, ensuring peace, and advancing the progress and prosperity of humanity. It is not meant to be a source of division or conflict but rather a means to bring people together under shared principles and values.
Key Points on the Purpose of Religion
- Unity and Concord: Religion is intended to unite humanity, promoting harmony and preventing dissension or strife.
- Progress and Prosperity: It serves as a foundation for the development of nations, the tranquility of societies, and global peace.
- Spiritual Gifts: Religion bestows precious gifts upon humanity, such as eternal life, prosperity, and imperishable benefits.
- Guidance for Leaders: Leaders and rulers are called upon to safeguard religion’s role in society, promote its interests, and use it as a means to illuminate the world with peace and concord.
In essence, religion is portrayed as a transformative force that elevates humanity by fostering collective well-being, moral development, and spiritual enlightenment. It calls upon individuals and leaders alike to work toward unity and ensure that religion fulfills its divine purpose of benefiting all mankind.
Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity
- How can religion be used to promote unity and concord among different cultures?
- What role do leaders play in safeguarding the position of religion?
- How does religion contribute to the progress and development of nations?
- What are the imperishable benefits that religion bestows upon mankind?
- How can the principles of God’s divine law help in achieving global peace?
- 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, 129-130. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/tablets-bahaullah/4#694735299. ↩
- 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#807370255. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “The Purpose of Religion.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. April 4, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/the-purpose-of-religion-as-rev-al.MhEw7RBe3yuaPgaVArQ. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 