Daily Frameworks for 04 May 2025

Jamál, 08 Jamál (Beauty), 182 B.E.

Social Action: Underlying Concepts and Principles

Quotes for Reflection:

The second attribute of perfection is justice and impartiality. This means to have no regard for one’s own personal benefits and selfish advantages, and to carry out the laws of God without the slightest concern for anything else. It means to see one’s self as only one of the servants of God, the All-Possessing, and except for aspiring to spiritual distinction, never attempting to be singled out from the others. It means to consider the welfare of the community as one’s own. It means, in brief, to regard humanity as a single individual, and one’s own self as a member of that corporeal form, and to know of a certainty that if pain or injury afflicts any member of that body, it must inevitably result in suffering for all the rest. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ^{1 2}

Question for Consideration

How does justice and impartiality influence one’s regard and behavior toward others?

Perplexity Pro Response ³

Justice and impartiality, as described by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, are not merely abstract virtues but foundational attributes that shape how individuals perceive themselves and act toward others. Their influence is profound and transformative, affecting both personal attitudes and social conduct.

Key Aspects of Justice and Impartiality

Selflessness and Detachment from Personal Gain
Justice and impartiality require individuals to set aside personal interests and selfish advantages, acting instead according to higher principles and the laws of God [1]. This means not seeking special treatment or distinction except in striving for spiritual excellence, and never attempting to be singled out above others [1].

Seeing Oneself as Part of a Greater Whole
One is to view oneself as merely one among the servants of God, recognizing that the welfare of the community is as important as one’s own [1]. This perspective leads to a sense of solidarity with all humanity, as if humanity were a single body and each person a member of that body. Any harm to one part is understood to affect the whole [1].

Prioritizing the Common Good
Justice compels individuals to consider the welfare of the community as their own, fostering a commitment to the collective well-being rather than narrow self-interest [1]. This orientation encourages actions that benefit all, rather than favoring particular groups, classes, or individuals.

Active Resistance to Oppression and Prejudice
Justice is not passive. It involves an active resistance to oppression and a commitment to fairness and equity in all dealings [3]. It means purging one’s heart of biases-whether of love or hate-that might cloud judgment, ensuring decisions and actions are guided by truth and fairness [3].

Impartiality in Judgment and Relationships
Impartiality means judging others and situations without favoritism, personal bias, or prejudice [2] [5]. This mirrors the divine attribute of God, who is described as just and impartial, showing no favoritism and judging all people equally [4]. For individuals, this means treating everyone with equal respect and consideration, regardless of background, status, or relationship.

Practical Effects on Behavior

Promoting Unity and Harmony
Justice and impartiality are essential for establishing unity among people. By shutting one’s eyes to estrangement and focusing on unity, individuals help to create harmony and peace in society [1].

Serving Others and the Community
Those who embody justice dedicate themselves to the service of the entire human race, extending help to the poor, sick, and marginalized without discrimination [1]. This service is not limited by considerations of color, caste, or creed.

Upholding Human Dignity and Rights
Justice leads to the protection and elevation of human dignity. It requires that the rights and needs of all be considered, not just those of the powerful or privileged [1].

Avoiding Prejudice and Partisanship
Justice and impartiality demand the rejection of prejudices and the avoidance of partisanship. This ensures that decisions are made based on principle, not on loyalty to particular groups or ideologies [1].

Summary Table: Effects of Justice and Impartiality

Attribute	Influence on Regard for Others	Influence on Behavior Toward Others
Selflessness	Sees others’ welfare as own	Acts for the common good
Impartiality	Views all as equal members of one body	Judges and treats all fairly, without bias
Active Justice	Sensitive to suffering and injustice	Works to alleviate oppression and prejudice
Unity	Regards humanity as one	Promotes harmony and cooperation
Service	Recognizes dignity in all	Offers help without discrimination

Conclusion

Justice and impartiality, as described by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, fundamentally reshape one’s attitudes and actions toward others. They foster a deep sense of unity, selfless service, and fair-mindedness, leading individuals to act not for personal gain but for the advancement and well-being of all humanity. By embodying these virtues, one contributes to a just, harmonious, and unified society [1] [4].

Citations

[1] Social Action-A Compilation Prepared by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice August 2020 (PDF)

[2] The Wisdom of Impartiality – Gentler Information

[3] Justice, Fairness and the Meekness of God – Bahá’í Library Online

[4] Justice Matters to God – Stand to Reason

[5] God’s Impartial Justice – Bible Hub

[6] Mirror, Mirror, On the Wall—Biased Impartiality, Appearances, and the Need for Recusal Reform – PennState Dickinson Law

[7] Equality before the Law – Bahá’ís of the United States

[8] Spiritual Justice – Deepak Chopra

[9] How does impartiality work when judges are selected because of their real and perceived biases? – Daily Journal

[10] Justice: The Best Beloved of All Things – Bahá’í Library Online

[11] What does it mean to judge impartially? – eBible

[12] Impartiality – Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy

[13] Selected Baha’i Writings on Justice – Ohio Baha’i

[14] Justice – Bible Project

[15] Justice and Fairness – Markkua Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University

[16] Justice, Compassion and Forgiveness in Baha’i Law – BahaiTeachings.org

[17] Justice is the Lord’s delight. – citylight church

[18] The Impartiality of God – Countryside Bible Church

[19] Is ‘impartiality’ the heart of the gospel? – Psephizo

[20] God Demands Impartiality in Judging – Belcher Foundation

[21] Impartiality in Judicial Ethics: A Jurisprudential Analysis (PDF) – University of Notre Dame The Law School

Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity

• How can one cultivate justice and impartiality in their daily interactions?
• What are some practical examples of justice and impartiality in community settings?
• How does justice and impartiality impact decision-making in leadership roles?
• Can justice and impartiality influence conflict resolution and mediation?
• How do cultural differences affect the perception and practice of justice and impartiality?

1. 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#596242629. ↩
2. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. The Secret of Divine Civilization. Translated by Marzieh Gail. 2nd Edition | Reprint. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʾí Publishing Trust, 1975, 45–46. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/secret-divine-civilization/2#548811769. ↩
3. Perplexity Pro. “The Influence of Justice and Impartiality on One’s Regard and Behavior Toward Others.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. May 3, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/the-second-attribute-of-perfec-_cf4El9MSAq6duFIioRFQg. ↩