Istijlál, 17 Jalál (Glory), 182 B.E.
Social Action: Underlying Concepts and Principles
Quotes for Reflection:
O namesake of the Chaste One! (i.e., Yaḥyá, the Arabic name of John the Baptist, who was titled “the Chaste”. See Qur’án 3:39.) The sea of bounty hath surged so high as to flood the shores of existence with the waters of infinite grace. The world of being hath therefore been set in wondrous motion and hath been revived and blessed. Minds have soared to new heights, understanding hath increased, movement hath become rapid, and progress hath become powerfully evident in all aspects of life. Thus, great discoveries have been made, mighty enterprises have been established, wonderful inventions have appeared, and the mysteries of the universe have stepped forth from the invisible plane into the realm of the visible. Wherefore must the friends, one and all, exhibit a signal effort to create a new invention, discover a new science, engage in a great enterprise, or manifest a power or a bestowal in the human world. I beseech God that thou mayest be assisted and confirmed under all conditions. The Glory of Glories rest upon thee. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 1
Question for Consideration
What is the impact of “The world of being hath therefore been set in wondrous motion and hath been revived and blessed,” and what behaviors does it elicit?
Perplexity Pro Response 2
Impact of “The world of being hath therefore been set in wondrous motion and hath been revived and blessed”
The phrase “The world of being hath therefore been set in wondrous motion and hath been revived and blessed” expresses a profound spiritual and social transformation taking place in the world. According to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, this transformation is the result of an outpouring of divine bounty and grace, which has energized all aspects of existence. The effects are described as minds soaring to new heights, increased understanding, rapid movement, and evident progress in every sphere of life. This has led to significant advancements: great discoveries, the establishment of mighty enterprises, the appearance of wonderful inventions, and the unveiling of the universe’s mysteries [1].
This revival is not merely metaphorical; it is observed in the tangible acceleration of civilization—scientific, technological, social, and moral progress—marking a new stage in humanity’s collective development. The Bahá’í writings often refer to this as the age of humanity’s maturity, where the latent capacities of individuals and society are being awakened and directed toward constructive ends [1].
Behaviors and Responses Elicited
This new motion and blessing upon the world of being call for a corresponding response from individuals and communities. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá explicitly states that “the friends, one and all, [must] exhibit a signal effort to create a new invention, discover a new science, engage in a great enterprise, or manifest a power or a bestowal in the human world.” This is a call to action, urging people to:
- Strive for creativity and innovation, contributing new inventions and discoveries.
- Engage in scientific and intellectual pursuits that benefit humanity.
- Undertake great enterprises—social, economic, educational, or technological—that serve the common good.
- Manifest spiritual powers and bestowals, such as virtues, moral leadership, and acts of service [1].
The broader Bahá’í teachings reinforce these behaviors, emphasizing that:
- Every person should dedicate themselves to the service of humanity, seeking the betterment of the world [1].
- Individuals are encouraged to acquire knowledge, develop skills, and apply them for the advancement of civilization [1].
- Communities should foster education, promote unity, and participate in social and economic development [1].
- The pursuit of both material and spiritual progress is seen as an act of worship and a fulfillment of one’s purpose [1].
In summary
The impact of this “wondrous motion” is a revitalization of human potential and society, and it elicits behaviors characterized by creativity, service, the pursuit of knowledge, and the advancement of civilization. Individuals are called to respond actively—through innovation, discovery, and service—to contribute to the ongoing transformation and upliftment of the world [1].
Citations
Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity
- How does the concept of social and economic development influence individual actions?
- What role does collective maturity play in advancing civilization?
- How can the principles of justice and oneness be applied in modern society?
- What are some examples of great enterprises or inventions inspired by these teachings?
- How does the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh promote the advancement of arts and sciences?
- 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#180873840. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “The World of Being Set in Wondrous Motion.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. April 23, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/o-namesake-of-the-chaste-one-i-oKD3wsFWQEuC9g0Tt0Tjtw. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 