Jamál, 10 ʻAẓamat (Grandeur), 182 B.E.
Social Action: Underlying Concepts and Principles
Quotes for Reflection:
It is clear that learning is the greatest bestowal of God; that knowledge and the acquirement thereof is a blessing from Heaven. Thus is it incumbent upon the friends of God to exert such an effort and strive with such eagerness to promote divine knowledge, culture and the sciences, that erelong those who are schoolchildren today will become the most erudite of all the fraternity of the wise. This is a service rendered unto God Himself, and it is one of His inescapable commandments. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 1 2
Question for Consideration
In what ways can we “exert such an effort and strive with such eagerness to promote divine knowledge, culture and the sciences, that erelong those who are schoolchildren today will become the most erudite of all the fraternity of the wise?”
Perplexity Pro Response 3
‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s exhortation to “exert such an effort and strive with such eagerness to promote divine knowledge, culture and the sciences” points to a holistic and purposeful approach to education and social progress. Drawing from the Bahá’í Writings and guidance, several practical and spiritual avenues emerge for individuals and communities to fulfill this charge.
Foster a Dual Emphasis on Material and Spiritual Education
- Encourage the acquisition of both spiritual and material knowledge, recognizing that true advancement requires the harmonious development of both dimensions. “Material and spiritual science are the two wings of human uplift and attainment. Both are necessary—one the natural, the other supernatural; one material, the other divine” [1].
- Ensure that curricula and educational activities emphasize not only academic excellence but also moral and ethical training, as “good behaviour and high moral character must come first, for unless the character be trained, acquiring knowledge will only prove injurious” [1].
Make Education Universal and Inclusive
- Work towards universal access to education, with special attention to the education of girls and marginalized groups, as “the education of girls is of far greater consequence than that of boys. This fact is extremely important, and the matter must be seen to with the greatest energy and dedication” [1].
- Establish and support schools and educational institutions that provide both secular and spiritual education, and “encourage the people in every possible way to have their children learn to read and write. If necessary, education should even be made compulsory” [1].
Cultivate a Culture of Learning and Inquiry
- Promote a community environment where learning is valued, and “let their conversation be confined to learned subjects and to information on the knowledge of the day” [1].
- Encourage independent investigation of truth and critical thinking, equipping individuals to “distinguish truth from falsehood, which is so essential if prejudices, superstitious beliefs, and outworn traditions that impede unity are to be eliminated” [1].
Integrate Science and Religion
- Uphold the principle that science and religion are complementary systems of knowledge: “If religious beliefs and opinions are found contrary to the standards of science, they are mere superstitions and imaginations… there must be agreement between true religion and science” [1].
- Encourage Bahá’ís engaged in various disciplines to reflect on the implications of spiritual principles for their professional and academic work, ensuring that scientific progress is guided by ethical and spiritual values [1].
Engage in Social Action and Service
- Translate knowledge into action by engaging in social and economic development, such as improving agriculture, health, industry, and the arts, as “the friends must engage in the work of developing Persia, that is, they must exert great efforts in the promotion of agriculture, industry, trade, education, arts, and sciences” [1].
- View occupations and the pursuit of knowledge as acts of worship and service to humanity: “Commerce, agriculture and industry should not, in truth, be a bar to service of the one true God. Indeed, such occupations are most potent instruments and clear proofs for the manifestation of the evidences of one’s piety, of one’s trustworthiness and of the virtues of the All-Merciful Lord” [1].
Build Capacity Through Systematic Effort
- Participate in capacity-building activities—study circles, children’s classes, junior youth groups, and other educational initiatives—that systematically develop the ability of individuals and communities to contribute to the betterment of society [1].
- Encourage the generation, application, and diffusion of knowledge as a shared responsibility: “Access to knowledge is the right of every human being, and participation in its generation, application and diffusion a responsibility that all must shoulder in the great enterprise of building a prosperous world civilization—each individual according to his or her talents and abilities” [1].
Promote Unity and the Oneness of Humanity
- Recognize that the ultimate aim of education and knowledge is to foster unity and the well-being of all: “The principle of the Oneness of Mankind—the pivot round which all the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh revolve—is no mere outburst of ignorant emotionalism or an expression of vague and pious hope… It calls for no less than the reconstruction and the demilitarization of the whole civilized world—a world organically unified in all the essential aspects of its life” [1].
- Strive to eliminate prejudices and barriers that hinder the full participation of all in the advancement of knowledge and civilization [1].
Summary Table: Key Actions to Promote Divine Knowledge, Culture, and Sciences
| Action Area | Practical Steps |
|---|---|
| Material & Spiritual Education | Integrate moral education with academic learning; prioritize character development |
| Universal Access | Support compulsory, inclusive education; focus on girls’ and marginalized groups’ access |
| Culture of Learning | Foster environments for inquiry, discussion, and independent investigation of truth |
| Science & Religion | Harmonize scientific and spiritual perspectives; apply ethical principles in all fields |
| Social Action & Service | Engage in community development, professions, and arts as acts of worship and service |
| Capacity Building | Participate in systematic educational and community-building activities |
| Unity & Oneness | Promote unity, eliminate prejudice, and work for the collective advancement of humanity |
Conclusion
To “exert such an effort and strive with such eagerness” means to make the promotion of knowledge and culture a central, deliberate, and sustained endeavor—one that is spiritual, practical, inclusive, and oriented toward the service and unity of all humanity. This is not only a personal responsibility but a collective undertaking, “a service rendered unto God Himself, and… one of His inescapable commandments” [1].
Citations:
Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity
- How can I actively promote divine knowledge and sciences among youth?
- What practical steps can I take to foster a culture of learning and wisdom in my community?
- In what ways can I integrate spiritual principles into educational efforts for children?
- How might I collaborate with others to create opportunities for erudition and cultural growth?
- What personal qualities should I develop to better serve the goal of cultivating wise future generations?
- Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020. https://www.bahai.org/r/118263075. ↩
- ’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/245320942/1#755318580. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “Ways to Strive for the Promotion of Divine Knowledge, Culture, and the Sciences.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. May 24, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/it-is-clear-that-learning-is-t-o5ScKg72TbKYzefquJvq.Q. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 