Kamál, 18 ʻAẓamat (Grandeur), 182 B.E.
Social Action: The Nature of Bahá’í Social and Economic Development
Quotes for Reflection:
The traditions and sayings that bear direct reference to Our theme are divers and manifold; We have refrained from quoting them for the sake of brevity. Nay, whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth is a direct evidence of the revelation within it of the attributes and names of God, inasmuch as within every atom are enshrined the signs that bear eloquent testimony to the revelation of that most great Light. Methinks, but for the potency of that revelation, no being could ever exist. How resplendent the luminaries of knowledge that shine in an atom, and how vast the oceans of wisdom that surge within a drop! To a supreme degree is this true of man, who, among all created things, hath been invested with the robe of such gifts, and hath been singled out for the glory of such distinction. For in him are potentially revealed all the attributes and names of God to a degree that no other created being hath excelled or surpassed. All these names and attributes are applicable to him. Even as He hath said: “Man is My mystery, and I am his mystery.” Manifold are the verses that have been repeatedly revealed in all the heavenly Books and the holy Scriptures, expressive of this most subtle and lofty theme. Even as He hath revealed: “We will surely show them Our signs in the world and within themselves.” (Qur’án 41:53) Again He saith: “And also in your own selves: will ye not then behold the signs of God?” (Qur’án 51:21) And yet again He revealeth: “And be ye not like those who forget God, and whom He hath therefore caused to forget their own selves.” (Qur’án 59:19) In this connection, He Who is the eternal King—may the souls of all that dwell within the mystic Tabernacle be a sacrifice unto Him—hath spoken: “He hath known God who hath known himself.” — Bahá’u’lláh 1 2
Question for Consideration
What is the significance for humanity by having all the attributes and names of God potentially revealed in everyone to a degree that no other created being hath excelled or surpassed?
Perplexity Pro Response 3
The Unique Station of Humanity
Bahá’u’lláh’s statement that “in [man] are potentially revealed all the attributes and names of God to a degree that no other created being hath excelled or surpassed” highlights the unique spiritual station of human beings. This means that every person possesses, in potential, the full range of divine qualities—such as love, justice, knowledge, mercy, and creativity—more fully than any other creature. This potential is the foundation of human dignity and the capacity for spiritual and material advancement [1].
Purpose and Responsibility
Because humans are endowed with these divine attributes, they are called to reflect them in their lives and actions. The Bahá’í Writings explain that the purpose of every Revelation is to effect a transformation in the whole character of mankind, both inwardly and outwardly [1]. This transformation is not only personal but also collective, leading to the advancement of civilization and the betterment of society. The realization of these attributes in human conduct is seen as the sovereign remedy for the world’s ills, enabling the elevation, education, and prosperity of all peoples [1].
The Oneness and Interconnectedness of Humanity
The potential for every person to reflect all divine attributes underpins the Bahá’í principle of the oneness of humanity. Since all people share this divine endowment, distinctions of race, nationality, or class are secondary to the essential unity and nobility of the human soul. This recognition is the pivot of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings and the basis for a just, peaceful, and unified world order [1].
The Manifestation of Divine Qualities in Civilization
The Writings emphasize that the progress of civilization—arts, sciences, knowledge, justice, and peace—is a direct result of humanity’s capacity to manifest divine attributes. Every advance in knowledge or social progress is seen as an expression of these inner qualities. The more individuals and communities strive to reflect attributes such as justice, compassion, and wisdom, the more society as a whole advances in both material and spiritual terms [1].
The Role of Education and Social Action
Education is described as the means by which the latent capacities within each person are developed and brought to fruition. Just as a mine rich in gems needs to be mined to reveal its treasures, so too must the potential within each soul be cultivated through education and training [1]. This process enables individuals to contribute to the well-being and advancement of humanity, making service to others the highest expression of one’s divine potential.
Implications for Social Transformation
The recognition that every person is a repository of divine attributes leads to a vision of social transformation rooted in justice, unity, and the common good. It calls for:
- The elimination of prejudice and the affirmation of equality.
- The pursuit of knowledge and the application of science and religion in harmony.
- The development of institutions and communities that nurture the spiritual and material capacities of all.
- The understanding that true happiness and fulfillment are found in serving others and advancing civilization [1].
The Ultimate Goal: An Ever-Advancing Civilization
Ultimately, the significance of this teaching is that humanity is collectively called to “carry forward an ever-advancing civilization.” The full realization of the divine attributes within every individual is both the means and the goal of this process, leading to the flourishing of human potential and the establishment of a just and unified world [1].
Summary Table: Key Implications
| Aspect | Significance for Humanity |
|---|---|
| Human Dignity | Every person is endowed with the full range of divine attributes in potential |
| Purpose | To reflect these attributes in personal and collective life |
| Oneness | Foundation for the unity and equality of all people |
| Civilization | Progress depends on manifesting divine qualities in society |
| Education | Essential for unlocking and developing human potential |
| Social Action | Service to humanity is the highest expression of divine attributes |
| Transformation | Leads to justice, peace, and the advancement of civilization |
Conclusion
The teaching that all the attributes and names of God are potentially revealed in every person is a profound affirmation of human nobility and capacity. It provides the spiritual foundation for individual growth, social transformation, and the building of a unified, just, and flourishing world civilization [1].
Citations:
Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity
- How does the potential revelation of God’s attributes in everyone influence human dignity and purpose?
- In what ways can recognizing divine qualities in ourselves deepen our spiritual growth?
- Why is the awareness of God’s signs within us essential for understanding our true nature?
- How might this belief impact our responsibility towards others and society at large?
- What role does self-awareness play in uncovering the divine mysteries within each person?
- Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020. https://www.bahai.org/r/845489383. ↩
- Bahá’u’lláh. The Kitáb-i-Íqán: The Book of Certitude. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. 1st pocket-size Ed. 1950. Reprint, Wilmette, Ill: Baháʾí Publishing Trust, 1983, 100-102. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/kitab-i-iqan/5#349669438. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “Significance for Humanity: The Potential Revelation of All Divine Attributes in Every Person.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. June 1, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/the-traditions-and-sayings-tha-QkSskXytRmCqnLpGwbogBw. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 