Jalál, 02 ʻAẓamat (Grandeur), 182 B.E.
Social Action: Underlying Concepts and Principles
Quotes for Reflection:
The third Tajallí is concerning arts, crafts and sciences. Knowledge is as wings to man’s life, and a ladder for his ascent. Its acquisition is incumbent upon everyone. The knowledge of such sciences, however, should be acquired as can profit the peoples of the earth, and not those which begin with words and end with words. Great indeed is the claim of scientists and craftsmen on the peoples of the world. Unto this beareth witness the Mother Book on the day of His return. Happy are those possessed of a hearing ear. In truth, knowledge is a veritable treasure for man, and a source of glory, of bounty, of joy, of exaltation, of cheer and gladness unto him. Thus hath the Tongue of Grandeur spoken in this Most Great Prison. — Bahá’u’lláh 1 2
Question for Consideration
What is the significance of knowledge for humanity?
Perplexity Pro Response 3
Centrality of Knowledge to Human Progress
From a Bahá’í perspective, knowledge holds a central, transformative role in both the life of the individual and the progress of civilization. Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í Faith, describes knowledge as “wings to man’s life, and a ladder for his ascent,” emphasizing that its acquisition is “incumbent upon everyone” [3] [4]. Knowledge is not only a means of personal advancement but is also “a veritable treasure for man, and a source of glory, of bounty, of joy, of exaltation, of cheer and gladness unto him” [3] [4].
Purposeful Knowledge: Benefit to Humanity
The Bahá’í teachings stress that the pursuit of knowledge should be purposeful and oriented toward the betterment of humanity. Bahá’u’lláh counsels that “the knowledge of such sciences, however, should be acquired as can profit the peoples of the earth, and not those which begin with words and end with words” [3] [4]. This principle calls for practical, beneficial knowledge-arts, crafts, and sciences that uplift society and contribute to its material and spiritual advancement.
Dual Dimensions: Material and Spiritual
Bahá’í teachings distinguish between material and spiritual knowledge, asserting that both are essential and must work in harmony. Material knowledge, gained through science, allows humanity to understand and harness the physical world, while spiritual knowledge, derived from religion, provides purpose, ethical guidance, and a vision for human life [2] [5]. The harmony of science and religion is described as a foundational principle: “Religion induces spiritual knowledge. Science produces material knowledge. If the two work together, they deliver ideal results” [2] [5].
Knowledge as a Social Good
Knowledge, in the Bahá’í view, is not a private possession but a social trust. Its highest expression is found in service to others and in contributing to the advancement of civilization. The Bahá’í writings state that “the highest goal of the individual is to be a source of social good” and that civilization itself is propelled by the generation and application of knowledge [5] [1]. This extends to the collective level: “All men have been created to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization” [1].
Justice, Unity, and Knowledge
Justice is closely linked to knowledge in the Bahá’í teachings. True knowledge enables people to “see with thine own eyes and not through the eyes of others, and shalt know of thine own knowledge and not through the knowledge of thy neighbor” [4]. The purpose of justice, in turn, is “the appearance of unity among men” [4]. Thus, knowledge is seen as a means to foster justice, unity, and the resolution of human conflict.
Universal Participation and Access
The Bahá’í Faith asserts that access to knowledge is the right of every human being, and that participation in its generation, application, and diffusion is a responsibility shared by all [1]. The perpetuation of ignorance is regarded as a grievous form of oppression, reinforcing barriers to the realization of the oneness of humanity [1].
Knowledge as a Divine Trust and Human Duty
Ultimately, knowledge is viewed as a divine gift and a human duty. It is “the greatest bestowal of God,” “light, life, felicity, perfection, and beauty,” and “the greatest human virtue and the noblest human perfection” [1] [2]. To oppose knowledge is considered “pure ignorance” [1]. The Bahá’í writings encourage the pursuit of both “useful sciences and crafts” and the application of knowledge for the common good [1].
Summary Table: Key Bahá’í Principles on Knowledge
| Principle | Description |
|---|---|
| Knowledge as a Treasure | Source of joy, advancement, and spiritual ascent for individuals and society [3] [4]. |
| Purposeful Acquisition | Should benefit humanity, not be idle or self-serving [3] [4]. |
| Harmony of Science & Religion | Both are essential and must work together for true progress [2] [5]. |
| Social Good & Service | Knowledge’s highest use is in service to others and the advancement of civilization [1] [5]. |
| Justice and Unity | Knowledge enables justice and unity, essential for peace and social harmony [4]. |
| Universal Right and Duty | Access to knowledge is a right; generating and sharing it is a duty for all [1]. |
In essence, the Bahá’í perspective holds that knowledge is both a divine gift and a practical necessity, central to the flourishing of individuals and the collective advancement of civilization. Its pursuit is a moral imperative, and its application must always be guided by the principle of service to humanity and the promotion of justice and unity.
Citations
[2] Genius, Knowledge and Universal Enlightenment – BahaiTeachings.org
[3] Character and Conduct: Love and Knowledge – The Bahá’í Faith
[4] Bahá’u’lláh on Knowledge – Michael Curtotti’s Author Website
[6] Psychology and Knowledge of Self – Bahá’í Library Online
[7] Human Knowledge and the Advancement of Society (PDF) – The Journal of Bahá’í Studies
[8] Knowledge and Civilization: Implications for the Community and the Individual – The Bahá’í World
[9] 4 Ways of Knowing According to the Baha’i Teachings – BahaiTeachings.org
[10] Knowledge – Bahá’í Quotes
[11] What is ‘Positive Knowledge’? – Reddit
Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity
- How does Bahá’í teachings emphasize the importance of knowledge in personal development?
- What role does knowledge play in achieving social and economic development according to Bahá’í principles?
- How can knowledge be used to promote the well-being and prosperity of all people?
- What are some examples of sciences and arts that are considered beneficial by Bahá’í teachings?
- How does Bahá’í teachings view the relationship between knowledge and spiritual growth?
- 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#123273604. ↩
- Bahá’u’lláh. Tablets of Baháʾ’u’ʾlláh, Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. Translated by Habib Taherzadeh. 1st ed. Haifa: Bahá’í World Centre, 1978, 163-164. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/tablets-bahaullah/2#545757614. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “The Significance of Knowledge for Humanity in the Bahá’í Perspective.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. May 16, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/the-third-tajalli-is-concernin-p8J.f9JSSAqcmjZSVwy4LA. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 