Daily Frameworks for 20 June 2025

Istiqlál, 17 Núr (Light), 182 B.E.

Social Action: The Nature of Bahá’í Social and Economic Development

Quotes for Reflection:

As the place from which spiritual forces are to radiate, the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár is the focal point for dependencies to be raised up for the well-being of humanity and is the expression of a common will and eagerness to serve. These dependencies—centres of education and scientific learning as well as cultural and humanitarian endeavour—embody the ideals of social and spiritual progress to be achieved through the application of knowledge, and demonstrate how, when religion and science are in harmony, they elevate the station of the human being and lead to the flourishing of civilization. As your lives amply demonstrate, worship, though essential to the inner life of the human being and vital to spiritual development, must also lead to deeds that give outward expression to that inner transformation. This concept of worship—inseparable from service—is promulgated by the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár. — Universal House of Justice ^{1 2}

Question for Consideration

What benefits arise when the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár is the focal point for dependencies to be raised up for the well-being of humanity and is the expression of a common will and eagerness to serve?

Perplexity Pro Response ³

When the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár (Bahá’í House of Worship) serves as the focal point for the development of dependencies—institutions dedicated to education, health, science, culture, and humanitarian service—it generates a range of profound benefits for both the Bahá’í community and the broader society. These benefits arise from the unique integration of worship and service, the harmonization of spiritual and material progress, and the fostering of unity and collective will.

Integration of Worship and Service

• The Mashriqu’l-Adhkár embodies the inseparability of worship and service. Worship is not viewed as an isolated, inward act but as a force that inspires outward deeds for the betterment of humanity. This dual focus ensures that spiritual development is expressed through practical action, transforming individual and collective lives [1] [2].
• Communal worship at the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár cultivates a devotional spirit that naturally leads to service-oriented activities, such as education, healthcare, and social welfare, thereby fostering a vibrant pattern of community life [1] [3].
  

Channeling Spiritual Forces for Social Regeneration

• The Mashriqu’l-Adhkár acts as a channel for spiritual powers that contribute to social regeneration. Its influence extends beyond the spiritual upliftment of individuals to the transformation of society itself, addressing both the inner and outer dimensions of human existence [4] [5].
• The dependencies—such as schools, hospitals, and cultural centers—are not mere adjuncts but essential components that allow spiritual principles to be translated into tangible benefits for all people, regardless of background [3] [6].
  

Harmonizing Material and Spiritual Civilization

• The Mashriqu’l-Adhkár and its dependencies exemplify the Bahá’í principle that true progress requires the harmonious advancement of both material and spiritual civilization. Material institutions are infused with spiritual purpose, ensuring that scientific and educational endeavors are guided by ethical and moral values [2] [6].
• This dynamic coherence between the spiritual and practical requirements of life is seen as essential for the flourishing of civilization and the elevation of the human condition [1] [2].
  

Fostering Unity and Collective Will

• The Mashriqu’l-Adhkár is the expression of a common will and eagerness to serve, uniting people of diverse backgrounds in shared acts of worship and service. It is open to all, fostering inclusivity and the oneness of humanity [4] [5].
• The collective participation in building and supporting the dependencies strengthens bonds of cooperation, mutual aid, and solidarity within the community and with the wider society [2] [1].
  

Building Capacity for Social and Economic Development

• By serving as a hub for educational, scientific, and humanitarian initiatives, the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár builds the community’s capacity to address social and economic challenges. It encourages the application of knowledge for the well-being of all, promoting literacy, health, and social justice [2] [3].
• The process is organic and participatory, involving the local population in identifying needs, making decisions, and carrying out projects, which leads to sustainable development and a sense of ownership among all participants [2].
  

Providing a Model for Community Building

• The Mashriqu’l-Adhkár offers a model of community life where spiritual and material pursuits are integrated, and where service to others is seen as the highest expression of worship. This model inspires individuals and communities to strive for higher standards of justice, compassion, and cooperation [1] [7].
• The historical example of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in ‘Ishqábád, with its associated schools, clinic, and social services, demonstrates the transformative impact such an institution can have on the prosperity, unity, and intellectual advancement of a population [1].
  

Addressing the Ills of Humanity

• The direct and constant interaction between the spiritual forces radiating from the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár and the energies devoted to service is described as a necessary agency for removing the longstanding ills afflicting humanity. It is through this synergy that the regeneration and salvation of society are made possible [1] [8].
  

Conclusion

When the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár is the focal point for dependencies raised for the well-being of humanity and the expression of a collective will to serve, it unleashes spiritual and material forces that:

• Inspire and sustain service to humanity,
• Foster unity and inclusivity,
• Harmonize science and religion,
• Build capacity for social progress,
• Provide a model for holistic community development, and
• Address the root causes of social ills, leading to the flourishing of civilization [2] [1] [4] [3].
  

Citations

[1] The Institution of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár-A Statement and Compilation Prepared by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice – Bahá’í Reference Library

[2] Social Action-A Compilation Prepared by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice August 2020

[3] The Mashriqu’l-Adhkár: Bahá’í Houses of Worship – The Bahá’í Faith

[4] The Bahá’í World, Volume 14, III: The Institution of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár – Bahai.works

[5] What is a Mashriqu’l-Adhkár – Baha’i House of Worship – Uplifting Words

[6] Kitáb-i-Aqdas. 4. Worship and Daily Life – Github

[7] The Bahá’í World, Volume 4: The Mashriqu’l-Adhkár – Bahai.works

[8] Functions and Importance of Haziratu’l-Quds and Mashriqu’l-Adhkar – Bahá’í Library Online

[9] Mashriqu’l-Adhkar – Bahá’í Library Online

[10] 18 December 2014 – To the Bahá’ís of Iran – Bahá’í Reference Library

[11] The Importance of Devotional Gatherings – Bahá’ís of Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio

Follow-Up Approaches Proposed by Perplexity

• Explore how dependencies foster community education and culture.
• Identify ways worship inspires practical service in society.
• Examine the role of harmony between religion and science here.
• Investigate examples of social progress linked to these centers.
• Analyze how collective will enhances humanitarian efforts.

1. Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020. https://www.bahai.org/r/390017452. ↩
2. Universal House of Justice. “18 December 2014 – To the Bahá’ís of Iran.” Bahá’í Reference Library, Accessed June 19, 2025. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/20141218_001/1#509732689. ↩
3. Perplexity Pro. “Benefits of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár as the Focal Point for Dependencies and Collective Service.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. June 19, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/as-the-place-from-which-spirit-yyahey0USuapYQ_0OXVu9A. ↩