Daily Frameworks for 22 May 2025

Istijlál, 07 ʻAẓamat (Grandeur), 182 B.E.

Social Action: Underlying Concepts and Principles

Quotes for Reflection:

Make every effort to acquire the advanced knowledge of the day, and strain every nerve to carry forward the divine civilization. Establish schools that are well organized, and promote the fundamentals of instruction in the various branches of knowledge through teachers who are pure and sanctified, distinguished for their high standards of conduct and general excellence, and strong in faith—scholars and educators with a thorough knowledge of sciences and arts. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ^{1 2}

Question for Consideration

What behaviors reflect acquiring advanced knowledge of the day and carrying forward the divine civilization?

Perplexity Pro Response ³

Drawing from the Bahá’í writings and guidance, the behaviors that fulfill ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s exhortation to “make every effort to acquire the advanced knowledge of the day, and strain every nerve to carry forward the divine civilization” can be grouped into several interrelated domains. These behaviors are both individual and collective, and they bridge material and spiritual advancement.

Pursuit of Useful and Advanced Knowledge

• Actively seek knowledge in both spiritual and material sciences, especially those branches that benefit humanity and contribute to social progress [1].
• Engage in continuous education, striving to master current sciences, arts, and technologies, and encouraging others—especially children and youth—to do the same [1].
• Participate in research, investigation, and the application of knowledge to solve contemporary problems, always with a view to the welfare of all [1].
  

Integration of Material and Spiritual Civilization

• Harmonize scientific and technological progress with spiritual principles such as justice, compassion, and service [1].
• Ensure that material achievements are guided and uplifted by spiritual values, so that advancements serve the common good and not merely individual or partisan interests [1].
• Recognize that true civilization requires both “the lamp” (material progress) and “the light” (spiritual virtues), and work to unite these in all endeavors [1].
  

Establishment and Support of Education

• Establish, support, and improve schools and educational institutions that are well-organized and promote excellence in all branches of knowledge [1].
• Encourage curricula that balance academic rigor with moral and character training, aiming to produce individuals who are both knowledgeable and virtuous [1].
• Ensure universal access to education, with special emphasis on the education of girls and marginalized groups, recognizing education as a foundation for human excellence and societal prosperity [1].
  

Exemplary Conduct and Service

• Exhibit high moral standards, integrity, and purity of motive in all pursuits, recognizing that knowledge without virtue can be harmful [1].
• Serve as a role model—whether as a teacher, professional, or community member—by demonstrating selfless service, humility, and a commitment to the well-being of all [1].
• Engage in professions, trades, and crafts as acts of worship and service to humanity, striving for excellence and trustworthiness in all work [1].
  

Promotion of Unity and Justice

• Foster unity and cooperation across all human relationships, working to eliminate prejudice, promote justice, and advance the oneness of humanity [1].
• Participate in efforts that build social cohesion, such as community development, social action, and the creation of institutions that serve collective needs [1].
• Subordinate personal, regional, or national interests to the greater good of humanity, always seeking to advance the prosperity and tranquility of all peoples [1].
  

Participation in Social and Economic Development

• Contribute to social and economic development initiatives that are rooted in the needs and participation of local communities, aiming for sustainability and self-sufficiency [1].
• Engage in collaborative projects—such as literacy programs, health initiatives, environmental conservation, and the advancement of women—that uplift society and reflect Bahá’í principles [1].
• Apply knowledge systematically through consultation, action, and reflection, learning from experience and adapting approaches for greater impact [1].
  

Independent Investigation and Critical Thinking

• Cultivate independent investigation of reality, distinguishing truth from falsehood and freeing oneself from prejudice and imitation [1].
• Encourage open, respectful dialogue and consultation on issues of importance, seeking consensus and collective wisdom [1].
• Remain open to new insights and methods, recognizing that the advancement of civilization is a gradual, organic process requiring flexibility and learning [1].
  

Summary Table

Behavior Domain	Key Actions and Attitudes
Pursuit of Knowledge	Study sciences/arts, master current knowledge, encourage research and learning for all
Material & Spiritual Integration	Harmonize science with spiritual values, ensure advancements serve humanity
Education	Establish/support schools, universal access, balance academics with moral training
Exemplary Conduct	High moral standards, service, humility, integrity in all pursuits
Unity & Justice	Promote oneness, justice, cooperation, subordinate self-interest to common good
Social Development	Participate in community projects, sustainable development, apply knowledge for social betterment
Independent Investigation	Critical thinking, consultative decision-making, openness to learning

Conclusion

Behaviors that demonstrate acquiring advanced knowledge and carrying forward divine civilization are characterized by an ongoing, purposeful effort to learn, apply, and share knowledge for the betterment of all, always guided by spiritual principles and a commitment to unity, justice, and service. This encompasses striving for excellence in both material and spiritual domains, supporting universal education, modeling virtuous conduct, and actively participating in the construction of a just and unified global society[1].

Citations:

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

Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity

• How can individuals align themselves with the process of integration?
• What role do educators play in promoting the divine civilization?
• How can schools be organized to foster advanced knowledge and high standards of conduct?
• What are the key characteristics of teachers who are pure and sanctified?
• How does the acquisition of advanced knowledge contribute to the well-being of humanity?

1. Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020. https://www.bahai.org/r/118263079. ↩
2. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Additional Tablets, Extracts and Talks. Haifa: Bahá’í World Centre, 2018. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/additional-tablets-extracts-talks/619489382/1#444819363. ↩
3. Perplexity Pro. “Behaviors That Demonstrate Acquiring Advanced Knowledge and Carrying Forward Divine Civilization.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. May 21, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/make-every-effort-to-acquire-t-wq_k0Ha5QU68bfOdWRxD1g. ↩