Jalál, 09 ʻAẓamat (Grandeur), 182 B.E.
Social Action: Underlying Concepts and Principles
Quotes for Reflection:
The harder they strive to widen the scope of their knowledge, the better and more gratifying will be the result. Let the loved ones of God, whether young or old, whether male or female, each according to his capabilities, bestir themselves and spare no efforts to acquire the various current branches of knowledge, both spiritual and secular, and of the arts. Whensoever they gather in their meetings let their conversation be confined to learned subjects and to information on the knowledge of the day. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 1
Question for Consideration
How would individuals and groups apply currently available technologies to follow ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s counsel and acquire knowledge?
Perplexity Pro Response 2
‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s exhortation to “spare no efforts to acquire the various current branches of knowledge, both spiritual and secular, and of the arts” [1] finds profound resonance in today’s technological landscape. Individuals and groups can harness a wide array of contemporary tools and platforms to fulfill this guidance, integrating both spiritual and material dimensions of learning.
Digital Access to Knowledge
Online Courses and Platforms
Individuals can utilize platforms such as Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy to access courses on sciences, arts, humanities, and spiritual studies, making high-quality education widely accessible regardless of geography or economic status.
E-books and Digital Libraries
The proliferation of digital libraries and e-books enables access to vast repositories of knowledge, including sacred texts, scholarly works, and current research, supporting both individual study and group discussion.
Collaborative Learning and Consultation
Virtual Meetings and Webinars
Technologies like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet allow for regular gatherings focused on “learned subjects and information on the knowledge of the day,” as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá advised [1]. These tools facilitate consultation, a central Bahá’í principle, enabling diverse groups to share insights and collectively advance understanding.
Online Forums and Communities
Platforms such as Reddit, Stack Exchange, and specialized online forums foster communities of inquiry, where individuals can ask questions, share resources, and engage in meaningful discourse on both secular and spiritual topics.
Systematic Action and Capacity Building
Learning Management Systems (LMS)
Tools like Moodle or Canvas help groups organize systematic study circles, training programs, and collaborative projects, supporting the kind of “systematic learning” and “capacity building” emphasized in Bahá’í guidance [1].
Project Management Software
Applications such as Trello and Asana can be used by groups to coordinate educational initiatives, community service projects, and social action, ensuring that knowledge is applied for the “welfare of the people” and the advancement of society [1].
Integration of Spiritual and Material Knowledge
Interdisciplinary Platforms
Technologies that bridge science and spirituality—such as podcasts, YouTube channels, and digital publications—enable exploration of the harmony between religion and science, a core Bahá’í tenet [1].
Digital Devotional Tools
Apps for scripture study, meditation, and prayer can be integrated into daily routines, supporting the acquisition of spiritual knowledge alongside material learning.
Social Action and Community Development
Data Collection and Analysis
Mobile apps and cloud services allow communities to gather and analyze data on local needs—be it in education, health, or social welfare—enabling informed action and the application of knowledge to real-world challenges [1].
Open-Source Educational Resources Collaborative platforms like Wikipedia and Creative Commons repositories democratize knowledge creation and dissemination, aligning with the Bahá’í principle that “access to knowledge is the right of every human being” [1].
Youth Empowerment and Intergenerational Learning
Youth-Led Digital Initiatives
Social media, vlogging, and collaborative digital projects empower youth to take leadership in learning and service, fostering a culture where “youth are empowered to take responsibility for the development of those around them”[1].
Intergenerational Online Activities
Digital storytelling, virtual mentorship, and online intergenerational discussions promote the sharing of wisdom and experience, ensuring that learning is inclusive of all ages.
Conclusion
By embracing current technologies, individuals and groups can systematically widen the scope of their knowledge, as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá counseled. The use of digital tools for study, consultation, and action not only facilitates personal and collective growth but also enables the application of knowledge for the betterment of society. This approach embodies the Bahá’í vision of integrating material and spiritual progress, fostering unity, and building an ever-advancing civilization [1].
Citations:
Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity
- How can I use digital platforms to deepen my spiritual and secular knowledge?
- What online tools can help me stay updated on current arts and sciences?
- How might I organize virtual meetings focused on learned subjects and current knowledge?
- In what ways can I leverage social media to share insights from spiritual and worldly learning?
- How can I incorporate educational apps to enhance my understanding of arts, sciences, and faith?
- Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020. https://www.bahai.org/r/118263076. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “Applying Current Technologies to Acquire Knowledge in Light of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Counsel.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. May 23, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/the-harder-they-strive-to-wide-0EWeoOFhRHeNP2JR5YsSaw. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 