Istijlál, 02 Núr (Light), 182 B.E.
Social Action: The Nature of Bahá’í Social and Economic Development
Quotes for Reflection:
And among the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh is that although material civilization is one of the means for the progress of the world of mankind, yet until it becomes combined with Divine civilization, the desired result, which is the felicity of mankind, will not be attained. Consider! These battleships that reduce a city to ruins within the space of an hour are the result of material civilization; likewise the Krupp guns, the Mauser rifles, dynamite, submarines, torpedo boats, armed aircraft and bombers—all these weapons of war are the malignant fruits of material civilization. Had material civilization been combined with Divine civilization, these fiery weapons would never have been invented. Nay, rather, human energy would have been wholly devoted to useful inventions and would have been concentrated on praiseworthy discoveries. Material civilization is like a lamp-glass. Divine civilization is the lamp itself and the glass without the light is dark. Material civilization is like the body. No matter how infinitely graceful, elegant and beautiful it may be, it is dead. Divine civilization is like the spirit, and the body gets its life from the spirit, otherwise it becomes a corpse. It has thus been made evident that the world of mankind is in need of the breaths of the Holy Spirit. Without the spirit the world of mankind is lifeless, and without this light the world of mankind is in utter darkness. For the world of nature is an animal world. Until man is born again from the world of nature, that is to say, becomes detached from the world of nature, he is essentially an animal, and it is the teachings of God which convert this animal into a human soul. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 1 2
Question for Consideration
How does material civilization combine with Divine civilization to attain the desired result, which is the felicity of mankind?
Perplexity Pro Response 3
Material civilization refers to humanity’s achievements in science, technology, industry, and the organization of society—everything from infrastructure and medicine to economic systems and education. Divine civilization, as taught by Bahá’u’lláh and explained by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, encompasses spiritual values, moral principles, and the transformative power of religion that uplifts and ennobles individual and collective life. The Bahá’í teachings assert that true human happiness—the felicity of mankind—can only be achieved when these two dimensions are harmoniously integrated [1].
The Need for Both Dimensions
- Material civilization alone, while enabling extraordinary progress and prosperity, also produces the means for destruction and suffering when not guided by spiritual values—such as weapons of war, exploitation, and social inequalities [1].
- Divine civilization, on the other hand, provides the ethical and spiritual framework necessary to direct material achievements towards the betterment of all humanity, fostering justice, unity, and peace [1].
‘Abdu’l-Bahá uses powerful metaphors
“Material civilization is like a lamp-glass. Divine civilization is the lamp itself and the glass without the light is dark. Material civilization is like the body. No matter how infinitely graceful, elegant and beautiful it may be, it is dead. Divine civilization is like the spirit, and the body gets its life from the spirit, otherwise it becomes a corpse [1]
The Method of Combination
Harmonizing Science and Religion
- The Bahá’í writings emphasize that religion and science are two complementary systems of knowledge and practice essential for civilization’s advancement. Science without spiritual guidance can become the tool of materialism and destruction; religion without science can devolve into superstition [1].
- True progress requires that scientific and technological advances be guided by moral purpose, ensuring they serve humanity’s collective well-being rather than narrow interests [1].
Social and Economic Development Rooted in Spiritual Principles
- The Bahá’í approach to social action and economic development insists on the integration of spiritual principles—such as justice, equity, compassion, and service—into all aspects of community life, governance, and economic activity [1].
- For example, economic arrangements should eliminate extremes of wealth and poverty, ensure education for all, and encourage voluntary sharing and philanthropy, not just the pursuit of profit [1].
Education for Both Material and Spiritual Excellence
- Education is seen as the primary means for unlocking human potential—both materially (through sciences and arts) and spiritually (through character development and moral training) [1].
- Schools and learning institutions should foster both intellectual achievement and ethical conduct, ensuring that knowledge is used for constructive, not destructive, purposes [1].
Service and Unity as Central Values
- The Bahá’í teachings call for individuals to dedicate themselves to the service of humanity, viewing their talents and resources as trusts for the benefit of all [1].
- The principle of the oneness of humanity underpins all efforts, directing material means towards unity, peace, and the elimination of prejudice [1].
The Desired Result: Felicity of Mankind
When material civilization is combined with divine civilization:
- Material means (science, technology, wealth) become instruments for promoting justice, eliminating poverty, advancing education, and fostering health and well-being [1].
- Spiritual values (love, justice, compassion, unity) ensure that material progress leads to peace, happiness, and the flourishing of all people, rather than conflict and inequality [1].
- Humanity moves from an “animal” state—driven by self-interest and competition—to a “human soul” animated by higher purpose and collective advancement [1].
‘Abdu’l-Bahá summarizes:
“If the moral precepts and foundations of divine civilization become united with the material advancement of man, there is no doubt that the happiness of the human world will be attained… Then humankind will achieve extraordinary progress, the sphere of human intelligence will be immeasurably enlarged, wonderful inventions will appear, and the spirit of God will reveal itself; all men will consort in joy and fragrance, and eternal life will be conferred upon the children of the Kingdom [1]
Conclusion
The combination of material and divine civilization is not merely a philosophical ideal but a practical necessity for the well-being and happiness of humanity. Only through their integration can the full potential of civilization be realized—ushering in an age of justice, unity, and true prosperity for all [1].
Citations:
Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity
- How can material and Divine civilization work together to promote human happiness?
- What role does spiritual development play in transforming material progress into true felicity?
- In what ways does divine civilization elevate the purpose of technological advancements?
- How might combining spiritual values with scientific progress prevent destructive weapons from being invented?
- Why is human energy more beneficially directed toward praiseworthy discoveries when aligned with divine principles?
- Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020. https://www.bahai.org/r/264702180. ↩
- ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Selections from the Writings of ʻAbduʼl-Bahá. Translated by Marzieh Gail. Reprint. Wilmette, Illinois: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1996, 303-304. https://www.bahai.org/r/916728220. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “How Material Civilization Combines with Divine Civilization to Attain the Felicity of Mankind.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. June 4, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/and-among-the-teachings-of-bah-kW4AFJLERU66vhbxO7qqCA. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 