Istijlál, 12 Jamál (Beauty), 182 B.E.
Social Action: Underlying Concepts and Principles
Quotes for Reflection:
Though loyal to their respective governments, though profoundly interested in anything that affects their security and welfare, though anxious to share in whatever promotes their best interests, the Faith with which the followers of Bahá’u’lláh stand identified is one which they firmly believe God has raised high above the storms, the divisions, and controversies of the political arena. Their Faith they conceive to be essentially non-political, supra-national in character, rigidly non-partisan, and entirely dissociated from nationalistic ambitions, pursuits, and purposes. Such a Faith knows no division of class or of party. It subordinates, without hesitation or equivocation, every particularistic interest, be it personal, regional, or national, to the paramount interests of humanity, firmly convinced that in a world of inter-dependent peoples and nations the advantage of the part is best to be reached by the advantage of the whole, and that no abiding benefit can be conferred upon the component parts if the general interests of the entity itself are ignored or neglected. — Shoghi Effendi 1 2
Question for Consideration
What behaviors characterize acting in the “paramount interests of humanity” under the belief that in “a world of inter-dependent peoples and nations the advantage of the part is best to be reached by the advantage of the whole?”
Perplexity Pro Response 3
Behaviors That Characterize Acting in the “Paramount Interests of Humanity”
Subordinating Particular Interests to the Common Good
- Individuals and communities act in ways that prioritize the well-being of all humanity over personal, regional, or national interests, firmly convinced that the best interests of any part are realized through the advantage of the whole [1].
- This means avoiding actions or policies that benefit one group at the expense of others and instead seeking solutions that uplift everyone.
Practicing Justice and Impartiality
- Justice is described as “the light of men,” essential for unity and the establishment of order and tranquility in the world [1].
- Acting justly means having “no regard for one’s own personal benefits and selfish advantages,” and considering the welfare of the community as one’s own [1].
- In practical terms, this includes supporting fair systems, upholding human rights, and ensuring that all people have access to opportunities and resources.
Building Unity and Rejecting Prejudice
- The oneness of humanity is the “pivot” of Bahá’í teachings, calling for the rejection of all forms of prejudice-racial, religious, national, or otherwise-and fostering genuine unity in diversity [1].
- This involves actively seeking to include and uplift marginalized groups and promoting collaboration across all divides.
Engaging in Service and Social Action
- Service to others, especially through education, health, and social development, is a hallmark of acting in the interests of humanity [1].
- Bahá’ís are encouraged to participate in humanitarian projects, support universal education, and contribute to the betterment of society through both spiritual and material means.
Harmonizing Material and Spiritual Progress
- True prosperity is seen as a dynamic coherence between material and spiritual requirements of life [1].
- Efforts should aim to advance both scientific/technological progress and moral/spiritual development, ensuring that material achievements serve the higher purpose of human well-being and unity.
Embracing World Citizenship and Global Solidarity
- Loyalty to one’s country is not excluded, but it is subsumed under a wider loyalty to humanity as a whole [1].
- This includes cultivating a sense of world citizenship, supporting international cooperation, and addressing global challenges-such as poverty, environmental crises, and conflict-through collective action.
Promoting Knowledge, Education, and Capacity Building
- Access to knowledge is a right and a responsibility; education is vital for individual and collective progress [1].
- Individuals are encouraged to acquire knowledge that serves humanity, to promote universal education, and to help others develop their capacities to contribute meaningfully to society.
Avoiding Partisanship and Political Contention
- The Faith is described as non-political and supra-national, avoiding entanglement in partisan struggles or nationalistic ambitions [1].
- Instead, efforts are directed toward constructive, consultative, and collaborative approaches to social issues.
Summary Table
| Principle/Behavior | Description |
|---|---|
| Justice and Impartiality | Prioritizing fairness and the common good over self-interest |
| Unity and Oneness of Humanity | Rejecting prejudice, fostering inclusivity, and valuing diversity within unity |
| Service and Social Action | Engaging in practical efforts to uplift and assist all people |
| Harmonizing Material & Spiritual | Advancing both scientific/technological and moral/spiritual progress |
| World Citizenship | Cultivating global solidarity and supporting international cooperation |
| Promotion of Knowledge & Education | Ensuring access to education and capacity-building for all |
| Non-partisanship | Avoiding divisive political or ideological conflicts, focusing on collaboration and consultation |
These behaviors reflect a worldview in which humanity is seen as an interconnected whole, and the prosperity of each part is inseparable from the well-being of all [1].
Citations:
Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity
- How can individuals align themselves with the process of integration in their daily lives?
- What are some practical ways to promote the paramount interests of humanity in a local community?
- How does the concept of unity among diverse groups manifest in modern societal structures?
- What role does justice play in achieving unity and harmony among nations?
- How can the principles of non-partisanship and supra-nationalism be applied in political decision-making?
- 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#596242625. ↩
- Effendi, Shoghi. The World Order of Baháʾuʾlláh: Selected Letters. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed May 7, 2025. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/shoghi-effendi/world-order-bahaullah/11#690641123. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “Behaviors That Characterize Acting in the Paramount Interests of Humanity.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. May 7, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/though-loyal-to-their-respecti-NPR_gXA3QS2RDalpBfIvJQ. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 