Kamál, 14 Jalál (Glory), 182 B.E.
Social Action: Underlying Concepts and Principles
Quotes for Reflection:
All men have been created to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization. 1 The Almighty beareth Me witness: To act like the beasts of the field is unworthy of man. Those virtues that befit his dignity are forbearance, mercy, compassion and loving-kindness towards all the peoples and kindreds of the earth. Say: O friends! Drink your fill from this crystal stream that floweth through the heavenly grace of Him Who is the Lord of Names. Let others partake of its waters in My name, that the leaders of men in every land may fully recognize the purpose for which the Eternal Truth hath been revealed, and the reason for which they themselves have been created. — Bahá’u’lláh 2
Question for Consideration
How might the leaders in every land behave if they fully recognized “the purpose for which the Eternal Truth hath been revealed, and the reason for which they themselves have been created” and the implications of those behaviors for the people they lead?
Perplexity Pro Response 3
Transformative Leadership Rooted in Spiritual Principles
If the leaders of every land fully recognized “the purpose for which the Eternal Truth hath been revealed, and the reason for which they themselves have been created,” their behavior would fundamentally shift from self-interest, partisanship, or narrow nationalism to a model of leadership grounded in the oneness of humanity, justice, and service to all peoples [1]. This recognition would be anchored in the understanding that all people are created to “carry forward an ever-advancing civilization,” and that virtues such as forbearance, mercy, compassion, and loving-kindness are essential to human dignity.
Key Behaviors Leaders Would Exhibit
Promotion of Unity and Justice
Leaders would strive to eliminate all forms of prejudice and division, recognizing the interconnectedness of humanity. They would enact policies and foster attitudes that promote the well-being and tranquility of all peoples, seeing the world as “one country, and mankind its citizens” [1].
Service to All, Not Just the Few
Leadership would be defined by selfless service, seeking the welfare and advancement of every segment of society, especially the marginalized and vulnerable. The honor of leadership would lie in being “a source of social good” and “the cause of peace and well-being, of happiness and advantage to [their] fellow men” [1].
Consultation and Collaboration
Decision-making would be characterized by genuine consultation, inclusivity, and collaboration, both within nations and internationally. Leaders would “converse, on behalf of God’s servants, upon the affairs and interests of all,” considering the needs of the age and centering deliberations on current exigencies [1].
Integration of Material and Spiritual Progress
Recognizing that material civilization alone is insufficient, leaders would ensure that economic, scientific, and technological advancements are guided by spiritual and ethical principles. They would work to harmonize the material and spiritual dimensions of society, understanding that “material civilization is like a lamp-glass” and “divine civilization is the lamp itself” [1].
Commitment to Justice and Equity
Justice would be the “light of men” and the foundation of all policies. Leaders would reject oppression and tyranny, seeking to establish systems that ensure the equitable distribution of resources, opportunities, and responsibilities. They would work to eliminate extremes of wealth and poverty, ensuring that “the poor of the world will be rewarded and assisted fully, and there will be a readjustment in the economic conditions of mankind” [1].
Fostering Education and Knowledge
Leaders would prioritize universal education, the acquisition of useful knowledge, and the advancement of science and the arts for the benefit of all. They would see knowledge as “wings to man’s life, and a ladder for his ascent,” and strive to make its fruits accessible to every person [1].
Promotion of Peace
Recognizing the destructiveness of war and the constructive nature of peace, leaders would seek peaceful solutions to conflicts, promote disarmament, and foster international cooperation [1].
Empowerment of Women and Minorities
Leaders would ensure the equality of men and women, and the full participation of all groups in the life of society, recognizing that “the happiness of mankind lieth in the unity and the harmony of the human race” [1].
Implications for the People They Lead
| Current Paradigm | If Leaders Recognize the True Purpose |
|---|---|
| Policies driven by self-interest or partisanship | Policies driven by justice, unity, and service |
| Social and economic inequality | Progressive elimination of extremes of wealth/poverty |
| Prejudice and division | Promotion of oneness, diversity, and inclusion |
| Material progress without spiritual foundation | Integration of material and spiritual advancement |
| Conflict and competition | Consultation, collaboration, and peace |
| Limited access to education and opportunity | Universal education and empowerment |
| Marginalization of women and minorities | Full equality and participation for all |
The people would experience:
- Increased social cohesion, trust, and collective purpose.
- Greater material prosperity balanced with spiritual fulfillment.
- More equitable opportunities and reduced poverty and suffering.
- A culture of peace, consultation, and respect for diversity.
- Empowerment to contribute to the advancement of civilization.
Conclusion
The Bahá’í vision, as articulated by Bahá’u’lláh and elaborated in the Bahá’í writings, calls for a radical transformation of leadership and society. If leaders fully internalized the divine purpose of revelation and their own roles as servants of humanity, the result would be a just, united, and ever-advancing civilization, where the prosperity of each is inseparable from the well-being of all [1].
Citations
Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity
- How can leaders embody the virtues of forbearance, mercy, compassion, and loving-kindness in their decision-making?
- What specific actions can leaders take to promote the advancement of civilization?
- How might recognizing the purpose of the Eternal Truth influence international relations and global cooperation?
- What role does education play in the development of a civilization according to Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings?
- How can leaders balance material and spiritual development to benefit their people?
- 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#261115973. ↩
- Bahá’u’lláh. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library, 1935. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/gleanings-writings-bahaullah/6#994085186. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “If Leaders Recognized the True Purpose of Revelation and Their Own Creation.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. April 20, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/all-men-have-been-created-to-c-Y3YLgCZsRF69_hwWlkrkJg. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 