Fidál, 05 ʻAẓamat (Grandeur), 182 B.E.
Social Action: Underlying Concepts and Principles
Quotes for Reflection:
Strain every nerve to acquire both inner and outer perfections, for the fruit of the human tree hath ever been and will ever be perfections both within and without. It is not desirable that a man be left without knowledge or skills, for he is then but a barren tree. Then, so much as capacity and capability allow, ye needs must deck the tree of being with fruits such as knowledge, wisdom, spiritual perception and eloquent speech. — Bahá’u’lláh 1
Question for Consideration
What qualities and behaviors exemplify the “fruit of the human tree hath ever been and will ever be perfections both within and without?”
Perplexity Pro Response 2
Bahá’u’lláh’s exhortation to “strain every nerve to acquire both inner and outer perfections, for the fruit of the human tree hath ever been and will ever be perfections both within and without” highlights a holistic vision of human excellence. This encompasses both spiritual (inner) and material or practical (outer) dimensions. The Bahá’í writings and authoritative interpretations elaborate these perfections as follows:
Inner Perfections (Spiritual Attributes and Virtues)
Spiritual perception and wisdom
Cultivating insight, discernment, and understanding of spiritual realities [1] [2].
Love for God and humanity
Developing a heart filled with love, compassion, and kindness towards all people [5] [2].
Moral character and ethical conduct
Embodying virtues such as justice, honesty, humility, patience, forbearance, and trustworthiness [1] [3] [5].
Purity and refinement
Maintaining purity of heart, motives, and actions; striving for cleanliness and refinement in daily life, which uplifts both the individual and society [3].
Unity and selflessness
Recognizing the oneness of humanity, subordinating personal interests to the common good, and fostering unity and harmony among all people [1] [5] [6].
Resolution and courage
Persevering in the pursuit of noble goals, showing steadfastness and courage in adversity [3].
Sincerity and humility
Acting with genuine intent, free from hypocrisy or pride [3].
Spiritual service
Engaging in acts of service to others as an expression of devotion to God [5] [1].
Outer Perfections (Knowledge, Skills, and Deeds)
Acquisition of knowledge and skills
Pursuing both spiritual and material education, mastering sciences, arts, crafts, and professions that benefit humanity [1] [2].
Eloquent speech and effective communication
Developing the ability to communicate truthfully, wisely, and with kindness, using speech as a tool for upliftment and unity [1] [4].
Service to humanity
Applying knowledge and skills in ways that advance civilization, promote justice, and contribute to the well-being of all [1] [5].
Participation in social and economic development
Engaging in constructive activities that foster collective prosperity, such as education, agriculture, industry, and social action [1].
Promotion of justice and equity
Working to ensure fairness, uphold the rights of others, and eliminate oppression and prejudice [1] [3].
Contribution to unity and peace
Actively working to build bridges of understanding, promote peace, and dissolve barriers of estrangement and division [1] [6].
Continuous self-improvement
Striving for excellence in all endeavors, seeking to refine one’s abilities and character throughout life [1] [2].
The “Fruit” of the Human Tree: An Integrated Standard
The “fruit” Bahá’u’lláh describes is not merely personal accomplishment or spiritual attainment in isolation. Rather, it is the harmonious integration of inner virtues and outer actions-each reinforcing the other. A person who develops spiritual qualities but neglects practical skills, or vice versa, is compared to a “barren tree” [1] [2]. True human fulfillment is found when knowledge, wisdom, spiritual perception, eloquent speech, and service are united in the individual and expressed for the benefit of all.
“The real fruit of the human tree is everlasting, and that is the love for God, that is the knowledge of God, that is service to the world of humanity, that is kindness to all mankind, and that is endeavoring and striving for the material and spiritual-or ideal-development of the world of man. This is the everlasting fruit. This is the divine effulgence. This is the divine bestowal. This is the everlasting life.” [5]
Summary Table: Inner and Outer Perfections
| Inner Perfections (Virtues) | Outer Perfections (Actions/Skills) |
|---|---|
| Spiritual perception and wisdom | Acquisition of knowledge and skills |
| Love, compassion, kindness | Service to humanity |
| Moral character, justice, honesty | Social/economic development efforts |
| Purity, refinement | Eloquent and wise speech |
| Unity, selflessness | Promotion of justice and equity |
| Resolution, courage | Contribution to unity and peace |
| Sincerity, humility | Continuous self-improvement |
Conclusion
To “deck the tree of being with fruits such as knowledge, wisdom, spiritual perception and eloquent speech” is to strive for a balanced, integrated life where spiritual virtues and practical abilities are cultivated together and expressed in service to others and the advancement of civilization. This is the enduring fruit and perfection to which Bahá’u’lláh calls every individual [1] [2] [5].
Citations
[3] Compilation on the “Inner Reality” – Bahá’í Library Online
[4] When God Speaks—Eloquently – BahaiTeachings.org
[5] Man Must be a Blessed Tree Bearing Eternal Fruits – ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in America
[6] One Human Family: Quotations – The Bahá’í Faith
[7] The Month of Kamál/Perfection (Excellence) – Reflections on the Bahai Writings
[8] Education and the Supreme Talisman in the Kitáb-i-Íqán – Bahá’í Library Online
[9] The Deepest Human Reality: The Spirit – BahaiTeachings.org
[10] Excellence in All Things – Bahá’í Reference Library
[11] The Baha’i Approach to Trees and Forest – International Environment Forum (IEF)
Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity
- How can one balance inner and outer perfections in daily life?
- What are some practical ways to acquire spiritual perception?
- How does Bahá’u’lláh define the role of knowledge in personal development?
- What are the key qualities of a “barren tree” according to Bahá’u’lláh?
- How can eloquent speech contribute to one’s inner and outer perfections?
- 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#123273601. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “Qualities and Behaviors Exemplifying “Perfections Both Within and Without”.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. May 19, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/strain-every-nerve-to-acquire-T.Lao_ntQba2OH2vuwSaUA. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 