Jamál, 13 Jalál (Glory), 182 B.E.
Social Action: Underlying Concepts and Principles
Quotes for Reflection:
The term “politics” can have a broad meaning, and therefore it is important to distinguish between partisan political activity and the discourse and action intended to bring about constructive social change. While the former is proscribed, the latter is enjoined; indeed, a central purpose of the Bahá’í community is social transformation. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s treatise The Secret of Divine Civilization amply demonstrates the Faith’s commitment to promoting social change without entering into the arena of partisan politics. So too, innumerable passages in the Bahá’í Writings encourage the believers to contribute to the betterment of the world. “Be anxiously concerned with the needs of the age ye live in,” Bahá’u’lláh states, “and center your deliberations on its exigencies and requirements.” ‘Abdu’l-Bahá urges the friends to “become distinguished in all the virtues of the human world—for faithfulness and sincerity, for justice and fidelity, for firmness and steadfastness, for philanthropic deeds and service to the human world, for love toward every human being, for unity and accord with all people, for removing prejudices and promoting international peace.” Further, in a letter written on his behalf, Shoghi Effendi explains that “much as the friends must guard against in any way seeming to identify themselves or the Cause with any political party, they must also guard against the other extreme of never taking part, with other progressive groups, in conferences or committees designed to promote some activity in entire accord with our teachings”. In another letter written on his behalf in 1948, when racial inequality was enshrined in the laws of many states in the United States, he indicates that there is “no objection at all to the students taking part in something so obviously akin to the spirit of our teachings as a campus demonstration against race prejudice.” Bahá’ís must, therefore, be tireless in addressing, through word and deed, a range of social issues. — Universal House of Justice 1 2
Question for Consideration
From a Bahá’í perspective, how can one avoid engaging in partisan political activity yet participate in discourse and action intended to bring about constructive social change?
Perplexity Pro Response 3
From the Bahá’í perspective, the distinction between partisan political activity and constructive social action is fundamental. Bahá’ís are called to be active agents of social transformation, yet are explicitly prohibited from engaging in partisan politics. The following principles and practical approaches, drawn from authoritative Bahá’í texts and guidance, clarify how Bahá’ís can participate in social change while avoiding partisanship.
Key Principles
Prohibition on Partisan Politics
Bahá’ís must not identify themselves or the Faith with any political party or partisan cause. This includes refraining from joining political parties, campaigning for candidates, or participating in activities that could be construed as aligning the Faith with a particular political agenda [1].
Encouragement of Social Action
While abstaining from partisanship, Bahá’ís are enjoined to be “anxiously concerned with the needs of the age ye live in, and center your deliberations on its exigencies and requirements.” They are encouraged to be “distinguished in all the virtues of the human world… for philanthropic deeds and service to the human world, for love toward every human being, for unity and accord with all people, for removing prejudices and promoting international peace ” [1].
Participation in Non-Partisan Social Movements
Bahá’ís may collaborate with other groups and participate in activities—such as conferences, committees, or demonstrations—that promote causes in full accord with Bahá’í principles, provided these are not partisan in nature. For instance, participation in a campus demonstration against racial prejudice was explicitly permitted by Shoghi Effendi [1].
How Bahá’ís Engage in Social Change Without Partisanship
Focus on Principles, Not Parties
Bahá’ís address social issues by promoting universal principles—such as justice, the oneness of humanity, equality of women and men, elimination of prejudice, and education for all—rather than advocating for specific political parties or candidates [1].
Collaboration Without Compromise
Bahá’ís are encouraged to work with progressive groups and organizations on issues aligned with Bahá’í teachings, but must avoid any appearance of affiliation with partisan interests. Collaboration should be based on shared values and mutual respect, not on political alignment [1].
Community Building and Social Action
Bahá’í social action typically begins at the grassroots and is sustained by local resources. Activities include educational programs, health initiatives, environmental projects, and efforts to promote unity and upliftment in neighborhoods and villages. These efforts are guided by consultation, systematic learning, and a commitment to both material and spiritual advancement [1].
Participation in the Discourses of Society
Bahá’ís are called to participate in public discourse on issues of social concern. This involves contributing insights from Bahá’í teachings to discussions on topics like race unity, economic justice, and peace, without promoting a partisan agenda or seeking to impose religious views [1].
Upholding Unity and Non-Contention
In all social action, Bahá’ís avoid contention, divisiveness, or adversarial approaches. Change is pursued through consultation, mutual respect, and efforts to build consensus and unity. Bahá’ís seek to rise above “the divisive ways of a partisan mindset” and foster environments where diverse perspectives can be explored constructively [1].
Systematic Learning and Reflection
Bahá’í engagement in social change is characterized by an ongoing process of action, reflection, consultation, and study. This ensures that efforts remain principled, effective, and aligned with both Bahá’í teachings and the evolving needs of society [1].
Practical Examples
| Activity Type | Partisan? | Permissible for Bahá’ís? | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campaigning for a party | Yes | No | Endorsing a political candidate |
| Non-partisan demonstration | No | Yes | Campus protest against racial prejudice |
| Community development | No | Yes | Local literacy classes, health campaigns, environmental projects |
| Interfaith dialogue | No | Yes | Participation in conferences on peace or social justice |
| Public policy advocacy (issue-based, non-partisan) | No | Yes | Advocacy for education reform, elimination of prejudice |
Summary
Bahá’ís avoid partisan political activity by:
- Not affiliating with political parties or partisan causes
- Focusing on universal principles and social issues
- Collaborating with like-minded groups in non-partisan efforts
- Engaging in community-building and social action at the grassroots
- Participating in public discourse, always upholding unity and avoiding contention
- Ensuring all efforts are guided by systematic learning and consultation
In this way, Bahá’ís strive to contribute to the betterment of society and the advancement of civilization, while maintaining the integrity and unity of their community and the Faith [1].
Citations
Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity
- How can Bahá’ís balance their involvement in social issues without being seen as partisan?
- What are some examples of constructive social change initiatives encouraged by the Bahá’í community?
- How does the Bahá’í teachings address the role of individuals in promoting social justice?
- What are the key principles outlined in ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s treatise The Secret of Divine Civilization?
- How can Bahá’ís participate in conferences or committees aimed at promoting social change without compromising their principles?
- Universal House of Justice. “23 December 2008 – [To an individual].” Bahá’í Reference Library, Accessed April 19, 2025. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/20081223_001/1#883189035. ↩
- 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#261115975. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “Bahá’í Approach to Social Change and Avoidance of Partisan Politics.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. April 19, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/the-term-politics-can-have-a-b-cZDnqNYjQ16O4oJhMlt12Q. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 