Daily Frameworks for 23 June 2025

Kamál, 01 Raḥmat (Mercy), 182 B.E.

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

Quotes for Reflection:

In all the prophetic Dispensations, philanthropic affairs were confined to their respective peoples only—with the exception of small matters, such as charity, which it was permissible to extend to others. But in this wonderful Dispensation, philanthropic undertakings are for all humanity, without any exception, because this is the manifestation of the mercifulness of God. Therefore, every universal matter—that is, one that belongs to all the world of humanity—is divine, and every matter that is sectarian and private is not universal in character—that is, it is limited. Therefore, my hope is that the friends of God, every one of them, may become as the mercy of God to all mankind. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ^{1 2}

Question for Consideration

What endeavors could demonstrate that “philanthropic undertakings are for all humanity, without any exception, because this is the manifestation of the mercifulness of God?”

Perplexity Pro Response ³

‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s statement highlights a profound shift: whereas previous religious dispensations often limited philanthropic activities to their own communities, the Bahá’í era calls for philanthropic undertakings that embrace all humanity, reflecting the universal mercifulness of God [1]. To manifest this principle, endeavors must transcend boundaries of nation, race, religion, or class, and aim to serve the collective good of humankind.

Types of Endeavors That Demonstrate Universal Philanthropy

Social and Economic Development Projects Open to All

• Bahá’í-inspired development efforts are not restricted to Bahá’ís but are intended for the benefit of entire populations, regardless of background [2].
• Examples include community schools, health clinics, agricultural cooperatives, and literacy programs that serve all local residents, not just Bahá’ís.
  

Grassroots Community Building Activities

• Activities such as children’s classes, junior youth empowerment groups, study circles, and devotional gatherings are open to everyone and foster unity, justice, and participation across all segments of society [2].
• These initiatives build capacity within communities to address both spiritual and material needs, empowering all members to contribute to societal advancement [2].
  

Promotion of Universal Principles

• Advocating for the oneness of humanity, elimination of all forms of prejudice, equality of women and men, universal education, and the abolition of extremes of wealth and poverty are central Bahá’í principles that have universal application and benefit [3].
• Efforts to establish peace, justice, and unity at local, national, and global levels—such as interfaith dialogue, anti-racism initiatives, and support for international cooperation—are concrete expressions of this ethos.
  

Charitable Institutions and Services

• Establishing and supporting orphanages, hospitals, schools, and other charitable institutions that serve the poor and needy, regardless of their faith or background, exemplifies this universal approach to philanthropy [4].
• Bahá’í communities are encouraged to ensure the welfare of all poor and needy in their locality, not just among their own members [4].
  

Capacity Building and Empowerment

• Rather than imposing solutions, Bahá’í social action emphasizes building the capacity of local populations to identify and address their own needs, fostering sustainable and inclusive development [2].
• This approach ensures that all, regardless of origin, can participate in and benefit from collective progress.
  

Infusing Professional and Civic Life with Universal Values

• Bahá’ís are encouraged to participate in worthy endeavors outside the Bahá’í community, influencing their fields and societies with principles of justice, unity, and service to all [2].
• This includes involvement in public health, education, environmental sustainability, and human rights initiatives that benefit the broader society.
  

Underlying Principles

Oneness of Humanity

Every philanthropic act should be motivated by the recognition that all people are “leaves of one tree, flowers of one garden”[3].

Justice and Equity

True philanthropy seeks the well-being of all, not just a select group, and works to eliminate barriers to participation and opportunity [2].

Universal Participation

All are invited to contribute and benefit, regardless of their background [2].

Integration of Material and Spiritual

Service to humanity must address both material needs and spiritual upliftment, as both are essential for true progress [2].

Conclusion

Endeavors that demonstrate that “philanthropic undertakings are for all humanity, without any exception” include any sustained effort—whether large or small, local or global—that seeks the upliftment, well-being, and empowerment of all people, without distinction. Such actions are not only expressions of compassion but are seen as the practical manifestation of the mercifulness of God in this new era [1] [2].

Citations

[1] A talk of ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá – Bahá’í Reference Library

[2] Social Action-A Compilation Prepared by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice August 2020 – Bahá’í Reference Library

[3] List of Bahá’í principles – Bahaipedia

[4] Lights of Guidance: Charity is the Very Essence of the Teachings – Bahai.works

[5] Bahá’í Funds and Contributions: A Compilation Prepared by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice – Bahá’í Reference Library

[6] SPIRITUAL IMPORTANCE OF THE FUND INDIVIDUAL – The Office of the Treasurer

[7] Divine Mercy 101: St. Thomas Aquinas on the Virtue of Mercy – The Divine Mercy

[8] Lights of Guidance: Distinguishing Features of the Cause of God – Bahai.works

[9] Information on Huququ’llah – reddit

[10] Manifesting the Kindness of God – The Way Magazine

Follow-Up Approaches Proposed by Perplexity

• Identify global projects that promote unity and justice for all.
• Explore ways to integrate spiritual and material development worldwide.
• Suggest initiatives that foster education and health across nations.
• Recommend collaborative efforts addressing poverty universally.
• Propose arts and media campaigns to inspire global humanitarianism.

1. Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020. https://www.bahai.org/r/916370218. ↩
2. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Additional Tablets, Extracts and Talks. Haifa: Bahá’í World Centre, 2018. https://www.bahai.org/r/817480170. ↩
3. Perplexity Pro. “Demonstrating Philanthropy for All Humanity in the Bahá’í Dispensation.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. June 22, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/in-all-the-prophetic-dispensat-QMqTVFCORdK0aQkB6OPR_Q. ↩